Are their healthy smokers out there? This study says 'Maybe'
By Ariana Eunjung Cha September 10, 2015
Edited by Jack Krug

(Matt Rourke/AP)

Jeanne Calment, the French doyenne believed to be oldest person in the world when she died at the extreme age of 122, was known for three things: her quick wit, her fondness for bicycling around the small city where she grew up -- and the fact that she was a daily smoker.
Before her death in 1997, Calment was often asked the secret to her good health. She would respond with a laugh and describe how she would frequently consume two pounds of chocolate a week, drank generous amounts of port wine and became a smoker at age 21.
At a time when public health messages emphasize just how important it is to carefully balance diets and fitness regimes in order to live long lives, Calment is a reminder of that no matter what we do there may always be a part of our health that is beyond our control.

The Sea

Eternal Father, Strong to Save

She is our mother. We all came from here, and sooner or later, we all return. It's why my blood pressure lowers when my feet touch the surf; it's why I grow philosophical, and think deep thoughts. It's why I could never live in Colorado.

Baseball Uniforms -- Incontrovertible Truth

  Home uniforms are white, with the team name, preferably in script, across the front. There's a wide latitude for artistic creativity. Teams may opt for an initial (W, D) instead of a full name, or artwork can embellish the identity.
 

Away uniforms are always gray, with the identifying city (not the team name) in plain block letters. Away uniforms should be purposefully nondescript.

Pinstriped home uniforms were created by the New York Yankees. Other teams can copy this style, but they should be aware of how jejune that choice is. 

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Any uniform that does not conform to the above regulations is stupid and created solely to make money for the team owners. 

Awning at the Colosseum

History, Facts and Information about Awning at the Colosseum
The content of this article provides interesting history, facts and information about the awning at the Colosseum.

What was the Velarium?What was the Velarium? Definition: The Velarium was the Latin name given for the retractable, panelled, awning at the Roman Colosseum. Its purpose was to provide shade for the spectators who watched the gladiatorial games in the blistering sun and heat of Ancient Rome.

Description of the Velarium or Awning at the Colosseum
The awning, or velarium, consisted of Roman shades made sailcloth, in either canvas, linen or cotton, attached to spokes of rope. The velarium or awning at the Colosseum could be extended or retracted with ropes and pulleys according to the position of the sun - the original Roma shades. Awnings were a common feature of all Roman theatres and amphitheatres as the pampered audiences demanded comfortable surroundings. Two hundred and forty mast corbels were positioned around the top of the Colosseum which supported the retractable awning, or velarium. (A corbel was the bracket projecting from the face of a wall which was used to support the awning.) The sockets where they stood can still be seen. The velarium or awning covered over one third of the arena of the Colosseum, and sloped down towards the center. The panels of cloth that the awning consisted of would have been tapered - wider atthe top and narrower at the bottom to enable ease of retraction for these ancient Roman shades.

Purpose of the Velarium or Awning at the Colosseum
The purpose of the awning, or velarium, at the Colosseum was to provide shade to the spectators. It covered just over one third of the inside of the arena because of the limited length of the post supporting it. It was not necessary to cover the whole of the Colosseum with a canvas because the walls were high and as the sun moved around it cast additional shadow and provided naturally shaded areas. There is no evidence to suggest that the awning was used to shield the spectators from either wind or rain. The velarium was a Roman sun-shade. In inclement weather the spectators were protected by wide brimmed hats and umbrellas according to the Roman writer Cassius Dio.

Why You Should Fry Your Grilled Cheese in Mayonnaise!

It's time for a grilled cheese tip from Blood, Bones and Butter author Gabrielle Hamilton, as revealed in the Holiday issue of Canal House Cooking. Her unusual grilled cheese method? Spreading the outsides of the bread with mayonnaise instead of butter before frying. Really!

First, let me say this: I know some people might be unsure about 'hot mayonnaise' but using a store-bought brand (nothing but Hellman's/Best Foods) is perfectly safe. While it's somewhat unusual, I have used mayo in hot dishes before (such as in hot dips) with no problems and excellent results.

Ms. Hamilton instructs us to spread the outsides of the sandwich with mayo (she, too, is a Hellman's fan) and fry it up in a non-stick skillet over lowish heat. I gave it a try in my trusty cast-iron pan with a simple whole grain bread and good old old, run-of-the-mill white American. (No red dye #3, please, in spite of the pic!) The results? Yowza! The mayo browned nicely into a delicious crust and offered a rich, slightly tangy flavor. And it didn't stick to the pan, either.

This will be my go-to method for grilled cheese from now on.


Gabrielle Hamilton (whose sister Melissa Hamilton is co-author of the Canal House Cooking series) served her grilled cheese sandwiches to company at Christmastime, along with glasses of chilled, crisp champagne. Besides the usual cheddar with mustard, she also made a blue cheese and bacon on pumpernickel and cheddar with mango and jalapeno. Yum!


(lightly edited from the original)


(Images: Dana Velden)