DAILY DIRT: Was Kansas City’s Super Bowl win pre-ordained in some strange way?

The numbers, as they say, do not lie … Welcome to today’s three thoughts that make up Vol. 863 of The Daily Dirt.

1. Was there any way the Kansas City Chiefs could lose the Super Bowl with Taylor Swift on their side?

Consider the following: 

Much has been made of the No. 13 and its significance when tied to Taylor Swift. whose boyfriend is Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce.

She has long said 13 has always been her favorite number.

“I was born on the 13th (of December 1989). I turned 13 on Friday the 13th. My first album went gold in 13 weeks. My first No. 1 song had a 13-second intro,” she told today.com. “Every time I’ve won an award I’ve been seated in either the 13th seat, the 13th row, the 13th section or row M, which is the 13th letter.”

OK, you kind of get the idea. Now consider these items:

• Earlier this month, Swift won her 13th Grammy.
• Her debut album went platinum in 13 weeks.
• Sunday was the 13th Chiefs game she has attended this year.
• To get to the Super Bowl from a concert in Tokyo, her flight was 13 hours.
• Sunday’s Super Bowl was No. 58 (do the math — 5 plus 8 equals … 13).
• The Super Bowl date was Feb. 11 (February is the second month of the year and Sunday was 11th day of that month — 2 plus 11 equals … 13).
• San Francisco was a No. 1 playoff seed, Kansas City a No. 3 seed (another 13 combination).
• What’s San Francisco’s nickname? The 49ers. (4 plus 9 equals … 13).

Kind of wacky. Kind of strange. But also quite interesting.

2. The familyandpets.com website has released what it says are the most popular sandwiches in all 50 states.

Here’s what the No. 1 picks are in our region of the world:

Illinois: The horseshoe. “Illinois has fallen in love with an open-faced sandwich referred to as the “horseshoe,’” writes Shelly Grinfeld. “The name of the sandwich comes from the original shape of the cut of the ham first used when this sandwich was created. The sandwich is made with toasted bread cut thickly and any type of meat of your preference. Although the toppings on this sandwich we think is what makes it so special. The horseshoe is then topped with french fries and extra secret cheese sauce. With cheese and french fries in a sandwich, it can’t help, but capture everyone’s attention — and heart as well.”

Missouri: Hot salami.“Missouri’s hot salami sandwich is the sandwich to beat in this state,” Grinfeld said. “It is simple, but the perfect balance to everything you love about a sandwich. They aren’t shy about the salami slices on this sandwich in addition to the cheese, lettuce and tomato. When you try it, you’ll understand.”

Iowa: Loose meat.  “Getting ‘loose’ with your meat is popular in Iowa, but not for the reason you think,” Grinfeld says. “Iowa isn’t playing with its food, but rather plating it in the best way possible with its most popular ‘loose meat sandwich’. This sandwich is made with a bun filled with a mixture of ground beef, it’s unseasoned meat, but it’s still filled with flavor because of the sautéed and caramelized onions. Do not be confused with the ‘Sloppy Joe,’ because there is no tomato sauce here. Some Iowans also love to top their ‘loose meat’ sandwich with pickles, mustard, and/or ketchup.” 

3. The most expensive liquid in the world is scorpion venom, which brings about $39 million per gallon.

The venom has been found to beneficial in treating certain types of cancers and diseases.

Steve Thought O’ The Day — Everyone take a deep breath. Football season is over. MLB pitchers and catchers begin reporting Wednesday.

Steve Eighinger writes daily for Muddy River News. Enjoy your winnings from the game if you took our advice.