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Timmy From Lassie Unveils The Untold Secrets Of TV’s Most Iconic Dog

For almost two decades, countless viewers were captivated by the charming escapades of one of television’s most beloved dogs – Lassie. This remarkable Rough Collie and her human companions graced the screens for an impressive 17 seasons, running from 1954 to 1973, becoming a fixture in American households. The series even bridged the transition from black-and-white to color in the 1960s, a testament to its enduring appeal.

One of the most unforgettable characters who joined the show was a young boy named Timmy Martin, who became an essential part of the Lassie legacy. Timmy, played by a then-7-year-old Jon Provost, first appeared in the show’s fourth season when his on-screen family adopted Lassie. Now, years later, Jon Provost has celebrated his 74th birthday, looking back fondly on his time spent filming alongside his loyal four-legged companion.

Jon Provost’s journey to stardom began much earlier than his iconic role on Lassie. Born in Los Angeles, Jon was just 3 years old when he was thrust into the world of Hollywood, quite by accident. His mother, an ardent fan of actress Jane Wyman, took him to an audition for a movie Wyman was starring in, simply in hopes of obtaining the star’s autograph. But out of over 200 children auditioning for a role, it was young Jon who unexpectedly landed the part. This would mark the start of a remarkable career.

Despite this early foray into acting, nothing about Jon’s upbringing hinted at a future in the entertainment industry. His father, far removed from the glitz of Hollywood, worked as an aeronautical engineer. “My parents weren’t Hollywood people,” Jon reflected. “My father came from Alabama, and my mother was from Texas.” Nevertheless, by the age of 4, Jon was already working on his second movie, this time alongside legendary stars Grace Kelly and Bing Crosby.

With his growing résumé, Jon found himself securing roles in a number of films before he eventually found his way onto Lassie. “I didn’t have an agent at the time,” Jon revealed in an interview with Fox News. “But one thing led to another, and soon I was cast in movies like The Country Girl with Bing Crosby and Grace Kelly.” By the time he joined Lassie, Jon had already appeared in approximately 12 films, a remarkable feat for someone so young.
As for Lassie, Jon formed a close bond with the three different male dogs who each portrayed the famous female dog. While each of these canine actors left an impression, Jon had a special connection with the last dog to play Lassie, with whom he spent the most time on set. “I did the show for seven years, across 249 episodes,” Jon reminisced. “I worked with three different Lassies, but the last one I spent five years with. We practically grew up together, seeing each other five days a week, sometimes even on weekends.”
According to Jon, the dogs who played Lassie were consummate professionals, often more reliable than their human counterparts. “The actors made more mistakes than the dogs,” Jon humorously noted. “They were more of a problem than Lassie ever was!”
At the age of 14, after his long tenure on Lassie, Jon Provost left the show and moved on to new opportunities. He worked with notable actors like Natalie Wood and Kurt Russell, but he managed to avoid many of the pitfalls that have troubled other child stars. Jon credits his parents for allowing him the freedom to make his own choices. “My parents let me pretty much do what I wanted,” he said. “They didn’t push me into acting, and I didn’t feel like I had to take any job just to stay relevant.”
After stepping away from Hollywood, Jon embraced a quieter life. Reflecting on his decision to leave show business, he remarked, “I thought it was a good thing that I left Hollywood when I did.” Though he no longer seeks the spotlight, Jon still cherishes the memories of his time on Lassie and continues to receive fan mail from devoted viewers who grew up watching the iconic show.

In 1994, Jon Provost was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a testament to his enduring impact on the world of television. Meanwhile, the character of Lassie achieved such fame that she was featured in her own radio series, further cementing her status as one of the most famous dogs in entertainment history.
While Jon’s professional life was marked by success, his personal life also experienced its share of changes. In 1979, Jon married Sandy Goosens, with whom he had two children, Ryan and Katie. However, after 14 years of marriage, the couple divorced in December 1993. Six years later, in 1999, Jon found love again and married Laurie Jacobson, an accomplished researcher and author. Laurie’s work in the entertainment industry, particularly her interest in Hollywood history, complemented Jon’s own experiences, making them a well-matched pair.
For those who followed the adventures of Lassie and her human companions, the show remains a nostalgic reminder of a simpler time. Each episode carried a moral lesson, making it an ideal program for children and families. The bond between Timmy and Lassie embodied the essence of loyalty and friendship, values that resonated deeply with audiences.
Today, Jon Provost enjoys life away from the hustle and bustle of Hollywood. Residing in Northern California, he continues to engage with fans through events and public appearances, often reflecting on his cherished memories from his time on Lassie. Despite the years that have passed, the show and its lessons remain timeless. As Jon looks back on his journey, both on-screen and off, it is clear that his contribution to the legacy of Lassie will never be forgotten.
Jon Provost’s career and personal story serve as an inspiring reminder of how one can navigate early fame and emerge with lasting positivity. Though the cameras have long since stopped rolling, his impact on television and the hearts of Lassie fans endures to this day.

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Whiten Your Teeth – Home Remedy with Ginger & Salt

Want instantly brighter teeth? This quick and natural ginger and salt remedy lifts stains, eliminates bacteria, and enhances your smile

Why Ginger & Salt Work for Whitening Teeth

✔ Removes Yellow Stains – Salt works as a natural exfoliant to cleanse and polish the enamel.
✔ K-ills Bacteria & Plaque – Ginger is packed with antibacterial properties to fight bad breath
✔ Strengthens Gums – Helps to reduce gum inflammation and sensitivity
✔ Fast & Effective – Works in just one use for a brighter smile

How to Make & Use the Ginger & Salt Whitening Treatment

Ingredients:

½ teaspoon fresh ginger (grated or powdered)
¼ teaspoon salt (fine sea salt or Himalayan salt)
A few drops of water (to form a paste)

Instructions:

– Step 1: Grate fresh ginger or use powdered ginger.
– Step 2: Mix it with salt in a small bowl.
– Step 3: Add a few drops of water to create a thick paste.
– Step 4; Apply the paste to your toothbrush and gently brush for 2 minutes.
– Step 5: Rinse well with warm water and enjoy your whiter teeth!

💡 Use this method only 2-3 times a week to avoid enamel damage.

Extra Tips for Brighter Teeth

✔ for extra whitening power, Brush with baking soda once a week
✔ Rinse with coconut oil (oil pulling) for deep cleaning and freshness
✔ Eat crunchy fruits like apples and carrots to naturally clean enamel
✔ Avoid tea, coffee, and smoking, which stain teeth over time

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Inside the hectic life of Australia’s biggest family

When Jeni first met her husband Ray, she was certain of one thing — she never wanted children.

“Ray wanted at least four kids. I thought that was crazy. Like, who has that many children?” Jeni told Mamamia.

Now, over three decades later, they are the proud parents of 16 children.

$600 every week on groceries

If you’re from Australia, you might have heard of them, but for me, it was a real shock when I first started reading about The Bonell Family.

Life for the Bonell family, who are raising 16 kids in Australia, is anything but ordinary. From feeding their large brood to coordinating the chaos of daily life, Jeni and Ray Bonell have mastered the art of juggling it all — and with a healthy dose of humor, too.

The Bonell family, from Queensland’s Toowoomba, is made up of nine boys and seven girls – Jesse, 35, Brooke, 34, Claire, 31, Natalie, 30, Karl, 28, Samuel, 26, Cameron, 25, Sabrina, 24, Tim, 22, Brandon, 20, Eve, 19, Nate, 17, Rachel, 16, Eric, 15, Damian, 14 and Katelyn, 10.

Comedian Jim Gaffigan once joked, “You know what it’s like having a fourth kid? Imagine you’re drowning, then someone hands you a baby.” So what’s it like to have sixteen kids?

Jeni, the mother at the helm, spends a staggering $600 every week on groceries just to keep their pantry stocked. With inflation hitting hard, that budget has crept up by $50. For a family of 18 (with 8 kids still living at home), it takes a lot to keep everyone well-fed.

The weekly grocery list is nothing short of impressive: 17 three-litre bottles of milk, 14 boxes of cereal, 45 tubs of yogurt, and a whopping four dozen eggs.

“We go through 50 litres of milk each week and one to two loaves of bread every day,” says Jeni.

Getting a good family photo is difficult

It’s a logistical nightmare for anyone, but for the Bonells, it’s all part of the rhythm of life. The Bonell family’s home life is a carefully choreographed routine.

“Getting a good family photo is difficult,” says Jeni, laughing. “You need an extra-wide lens, and there’s always someone looking away, pulling a funny face, or with their eyes closed. But we enjoy those little quirks in the photos. They’re not picture perfect, but that’s part of the fun.”

With 16 kids, it’s not just about taking photos — it’s about keeping up with the whirlwind of daily life.

Imagine having 16 kids, a full-time job, part-time jobs, and a household to run. That’s the reality for Jeni and Ray.

“I used to think life was busy with little kids,” says Jeni, “but I’m certainly busier these days with older children.” Between coordinating three different schools, sporting activities, part-time jobs, and the older kids’ studies, it’s a juggling act. And yet, Jeni wouldn’t have it any other way. “Life is very hectic – but it’s good.”

The evening routine in their home is a perfect reflection of the Bonell family dynamic. “Take an average-sized family and multiply it by eight, and that’s what our evening routine is like,” Jeni laughs.

Stretching every dollar

Some nights it’s total chaos; other nights, everything falls into place like a well-oiled machine. But regardless of how the evening unfolds, one thing is always consistent: dinner time. “Dinner is always great,” Jeni explains. “Some nights we have eight people at the table, other nights we have more than 20!”

The Bonells are pros at stretching every dollar. Jeni is known for her budget-friendly meals that cost between $2 and $10. She often shares her grocery trips on YouTube to help others manage their food costs.

“It’s a struggle for everyone at the moment,” says Jeni, “We’re all feeling that pinch with the budget.” To stay organized, Jeni uses a chore chart to divide household responsibilities, making sure everyone from age eight upwards pitches in. The kids are also taught to cook from a young age. “Our 12-year-old can put a roast dinner on for 20 people with almost no supervision,” Jeni says with pride.

The laundry load in a house like theirs is equally immense. Jeni does three full loads of laundry every day, which amounts to about six average-sized loads. And when it comes to grocery shopping, Jeni fills up two trolleys each week. “I always need one of the kids to help with the load,” she says.

The Bonell Family religion

When it comes to their finances, the Bonells have learned to make sacrifices. While they pay off their home mortgage, the financial pressures are still real. “It’s expensive and you definitely have to make sacrifices with your budget,” says Jeni. “But we all work, and our family doesn’t live off the taxpayer. However, we do get a lot of criticism for having so many kids.”

Although the Bonells are deeply religious and regularly attend church, Jeni insists that their large family isn’t solely the result of their strong faith.

“God has a funny sense of humour,” says Jeni. They have no regrets, though. ”It just feels right for us,” says Ray, who works as an electrician. ”People have to do what’s right for them. Having 16 kids is not for everyone, but it’s what works for us.”

Despite their busy lives, Jeni and Ray find moments for themselves. “Do I get alone time with my wife? Of course, I do. We make time for each other,” says Ray with a smile. “It’s important to look after each other.”

Their two older children have now left home and are married, adding to the family dynamic as Jeni and Ray become grandparents to two grandchildren. It’s proof that the Bonell family just keeps growing. But with each addition, the love, laughter, and sense of togetherness only deepen.

Inside their roster system

In a family where organization is key, the Bonells have developed a solid routine. From prepping school uniforms and lunches the night before to creating a rotation system for chores, the Bonells make it work.

“We have a roster system, so when a kid turns eight, they get put on the roster,” says Jeni. “They rotate through chores like sweeping, mopping the floor, packing up the table, and helping with meal prep.”

When it comes to snacks, Jeni has a few favorites she shares with fans on YouTube, including air fryer egg cups and air fryer pizza bites. Both snacks are simple to prepare, freeze well, and are perfect for school lunches.

For the Bonells, it’s all about creating a system that allows everyone to pitch in and contribute. And despite the chaos of managing a household of 16, it’s clear that love, teamwork, and humor keep the Bonell family thriving.

Whether it’s feeding the kids, running a household, or finding time for a quick coffee date, the Bonells make it all work — and they do it with a smile.

At the end of the day, the Bonell family proves that with a little creativity, a lot of organization, and plenty of love, you can make just about anything work. Sure, raising 16 kids isn’t easy, but for Jeni and Ray, it’s all part of the adventure.

Whether it’s sharing tips on how to feed a crowd on a budget, keeping up with the endless laundry, or just enjoying the chaos of family life, the Bonells know how to make it happen. And through it all, they’re creating a home full of memories, laughter, and endless love. If there’s one thing we can all take away from this, it’s that family, no matter how big, is always worth it.

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Tiger Woods posts an emotional message on social media announcing the death of his mother, Kultida, saying, “My Mom Was Force Of Nature

In a heartfelt social media statement, Tiger Woods revealed that his mother, Kultida Woods, has passed away at the age of 78. She is his “biggest fan” and a “force of nature,” according to the 15-time major champion.

“I want to share with you my deepest sorrow that my beloved mother, Kultida Woods, passed away early this morning,” Tiger wrote in his touching letter. My mother’s spirit was just indisputable; she was a force of nature all her own.

She laughed and used the needle quickly. “She was my biggest supporter and fan, and without her, none of my personal accomplishments would have been possible,” he continued. Her two grandsons, Sam and Charlie, adored her more than anyone else. I appreciate everyone’s prayers, support, and privacy at this trying time for my family and myself. I adore you, Mom.

Kultida, who is originally from Thailand, met Tiger’s father, Earl Woods, in the late 1960s when he was serving with the US military in Bangkok, according to Fox News. After being married in 1969, the pair moved to Brooklyn, New York, and finally settled in Cypress, California, where their only child, Tiger-born Eldrick Woods, was born.

Eldrick was given his parents’ names, K for Kultida and E for Earl. Tiger Phong, his father’s lost companion in Vietnam, inspired the golf champion’s nickname. At the age of 74, Earl passed away in 2006.

During one of the golfer’s darkest moments, Kultida supported her son. In a widely reported news appearance in 2010, he admitted to having several extramarital affairs. Tiger’s mother, who was seated in the front row of the public confession, acknowledged that he had “stopped living by the core values” that his parents had taught him and that his behaviour was unacceptable.

penultimate year, Tiger Woods said on The Tonight Show that his mother was the reason he was able to don the now-famous red and black ensemble that he donned on the penultimate day of golf competitions. Published at 10:45 AM IST on Wednesday, February 5, 2025

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