In an effort to help EDSBS readers maximize their dollar in these hard economic times, we now present the latest installment of EDSBS Home Economics Tips.

Today, we cover spoilage. Food can last longer than you think, but it is important to know the proper shelf lives of your goods before taking a risk. Please note: your instincts are your best tool in determining whether or not a piece of food is ift to eat. As a rule: if it's going south, it shouldn't go in your mouth!

A list of common goods in the college football fan's pantry follows.

1. Kidney beans. Ten years on the shelf unrefrigerated.

2. Whole Wheat. 5-10 years on the shelf, but mind the mold and rodent consumption.

3. Sweet White Corn: Up to seven years in cool, dry storage.

4. Country Ham: Up to ten years! Mmm, ham.

5. Todd Graham: your properly refrigerated Todd Graham will last about 311 days under good conditions.