Vermouth… the centuries-old, aromatized wine, mostly from Italy, has had a revival!
The new category of Italian vermouths is “Vermouth di Torino,” from the northwest region of Piedmont. Although some of these vermouths made been for hundreds of years, in 2019, it was officially recognized as a geographical designation I.G.P. (Indicazione Geografica Protetta) that protects and guarantees its providence and quality.
The vermouth must use only Italian grapes and be produced and bottled in Piedmont. The superiore designation requires that at least 50% of the grapes must be from Piedmont. Also, wormwood must be used besides other botanicals. Currently there are 35 producers making Vermouth di Torino.
I recently tasted several vermouths from this new category and here are my notes…
Cocchi Rosso Vermouth di Torino, from Asti, Piedmont. The brand which was created in 1891 by Giulio Cocchi is still produced according to the original recipe. It is amber colored with a perfumed bouquet reminiscent of a “spice cake.” Rich, exotic flavors of bitter orange, cocoa, clove, rosemary, and balsam, with an aftertaste of citrus and a touch of bitterness. It is excellent mixed with equal parts of Campari, a splash of sparkling mineral water, and a slice of orange.
The below two wines come in an attractive, painted bottle sporting a “T-cork” versus the typical screwcap. And both are made using 27 different botanicals and spices. The inspiration was a journey through Dante’s Divine Comedy: Represented in 9 di DANTE vermouths as herbs and spices identified with each of the famous nine circles of hell as chronicled in Dante’s poem.
9 di DANTE Purgatorio Extra Dry Vermouth di Torino “Superiore,” from Alba, Piedmont. Made from 100% Arneis grapes. The bouquet has overtones of wintergreen, clove, orange peel, and herbs. Off-dry in the mouth with rich flavors of chocolate, mint, citrus, and spicy pears with a touch of bitterness. Although you could try it in a martini, it’s great served chilled with a slice of orange or lemon; ice if you prefer.
9 di DANTE Inferno Rosso Vermouth di Torino “Superiore,” from Alba, Piedmont. Made from 50% Dolcetto and 50% Cortese grapes. Bright ruby red with a full bouquet of spicy black cherries, oranges, and wild berries. Semisweet with a syrupy flavor of cherries, herbs, citrus, and vanilla. Well balanced with a lingering aftertaste of bitter almonds. If you like a Manhattan, Rob Roy, or Negroni, look no further.
Bob Lipinski is the author of 10 books, including “101: Everything You Need To Know About Whiskey” and “Italian Wine & Cheese Made Simple” (available on Amazon.com). He consults and conducts training seminars on Wine, Spirits, and Food and is available for speaking engagements. He can be reached at www.boblipinski.com OR [email protected].
Find this recipe for Shrimp, Broccoli and Potato Skewers below.
Photo courtesy of Family Features
Offer a mouthwatering arrayof fruits and veggies with your bbq choices
By David Dunaief, M.D.
Dr. David Dunaief
Independence Day makes me think of fireworks and summer barbecues and picnics. What if you could launch yourself on a journey to better health during these celebratory moments?
I have written about the dangers of processed meats, which are barbecue and picnic staples, and their roles in prompting chronic diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease and stroke. What if there were appetizing, healthier alternatives?
Green leafy vegetables, fruit, nuts and seeds, beans and legumes, whole grains and small amounts of fish and olive oil are the foundations of the Mediterranean-style diet. The options are far from tasteless.
I love a family barbecue, and I always strive to have an array of succulent choices. Three-bean salad, mandarin orange salad with mixed greens and a light raspberry vinaigrette, ratatouille with eggplant and zucchini, salmon fillets baked with mustard and slivered almonds, roasted corn on the cob, roasted vegetable shish kebobs, and large bowl of melons and berries. These drool-worthy buffet items help me keep my health journey on the right path. Let’s look at the scientific evidence that explains why these foods help us.
Preventing cancer
One systematic review provides a comprehensive look at the results of studies that weigh the effects of to a Mediterranean-type diet on cancer risk and progression (1, 2). The authors found an inverse relationship between cancer mortality risk and high adherence to the diet. This means that the more compliant participants were, the lower their risk of cancer mortality.
When comparing the results of high adherence and low adherence to the diet from studies of specific cancers, they identified risk reductions for colorectal, prostate, gastric, and liver cancers (1). Further study also found high adherence reduced the risks of breast, head and neck, gallbladder, and biliary tract cancers (2).
The authors note that, while it’s improbable that any single component of the diet led to these effects, they were able to demonstrate significant inverse correlations between specific food groups and overall cancer risk. For example, the higher the regular consumption of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, the lower the risk. All three of these fit right in at a summer feast.
Looking closely at specific cancers, another study found that increased consumption of fruits and vegetables may help prevent pancreatic cancer. This is crucial, pancreatic cancer often spreads to other organs before there are symptoms (3). In another study, cooked vegetables showed a 43 percent reduction and non-citrus fruits showed an even more impressive 59 percent reduction in risk of pancreatic cancer (4). Interestingly, cooked vegetables, not just raw ones, had a substantial effect.
Preventing and treating diabetes
Fish might play an important role in reducing the risk of diabetes. In a large prospective study that followed Japanese men for five years, those in the highest quartile of fish and seafood intake had a substantial decrease in risk of type 2 diabetes (5). Smaller fish, such as mackerel and sardines, had a slightly greater effect than large fish and seafood. Therefore, there is nothing wrong with some grilled fish to help protect you from developing diabetes.
Nuts are beneficial in diabetes treatment. In a randomized control trial, mixed nuts led to a substantial reduction of hemoglobin A1C, a very important biomarker for sugar levels for the previous three months (6). They also significantly reduced LDL, bad cholesterol, which reduced the risk of cardiovascular disease.
The nuts used in the study were raw almonds, pistachios, pecans, peanuts, cashews, hazelnuts, walnuts and macadamias. How easy is it to grab a small handful of unsalted raw nuts, about 2 ounces, daily to help treat diabetes?
Preventing a stroke
The Three City study showed that olive oil may have a substantial, protective effect against stroke. There was a 41 percent reduction in stroke events in those who used olive oil (7). Study participants, who were followed for a mean of 5.2 years, did not have a history of stroke at the start of the trial.
Though these are promising results, I caution you to use no more than one tablespoon of olive oil per day, since it’s calorically dense. Overindulging can lead to other health problems.
It’s easy to substitute a beneficial Mediterranean-style diet for processed meats, or at least add them to the selection you offer. This plant-rich diet can help you prevent many chronic diseases.
This Independence Day and beyond, plan to include some delicious, healthy choices for your celebrations.
Dr. David Dunaief is a speaker, author and local lifestyle medicine physician focusing on the integration of medicine, nutrition, fitness and stress management. For further information, visit www.medicalcompassmd.com or consult your personal physician.
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Shrimp, Broccoli and Potato Skewers
Shrimp, Broccoli and Potato Skewers Photo courtesy of Family Features
1 pound bagged Little Potatoes
1 bunch broccoli
12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 1/2 lemons, juice only
3 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
salt, to taste
pepper, to taste
Directions:
In large, microwave-safe bowl, microwave potatoes on high 5 minutes. Chop broccoli into large pieces. Add broccoli and shrimp to bowl once potatoes are steamed. Add lemon juice, thyme and olive oil; evenly coat potatoes, shrimp and broccoli. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Build skewers and grill 10-15 minutes on medium-high heat, until shrimp is cooked through.
Our senses are such an exquisite gift, at any time of the year.
During the summer on Long Island, we can close our eyes, which is home to our most dominant sense, and breathe in the other stimuli.
For me, the sounds of summer form a symphony, with notes coming from nearly every part of my imagined orchestra.
First, the water and everything on and around it reminds us of the pageantry of the island.
The regular horn from the Port Jefferson/ Bridgeport Ferry warns other boats of its movements even as the horn carries great distances.
The summer surf, which can be so variable, can offer a calming, rhythmic shushing sound, as the water laps on the shore or slowly feels its way up the rocks.
With stronger winds or a storm brewing in the Atlantic, those same waves can crash down more violently, as if someone put an amplifier along the beach. Instead of offering a peaceful shush, they provide more of a vibrating symbol, announcing their presence on shore, pulling rocks and sand back out to the ocean amid a more violent undertow.
Then, of course, there is the welcome sound of merriment coming from the water, with children squealing with delight as they play “Marco Polo,” race back and forth in a pool, splash each other, or have chicken fights.
Often at the beaches, the slow progression of an ice cream truck, playing “The Entertainer” or some other redundant musical variant, calls to parents and adults, luring us with cold sweets to offset hot days.
Depending on where you walk, drive, or bicycle, you might also hear the sound of a well struck tennis ball or the disappointed grunt or unprintable word that follows a missed volley, a double fault, or a backhand that sailed long.
Growing up, I was part of a sailing family. In addition to the constant chewing sound that came from the nonstop floating meals, we also heard the fluttering and unfurling of a sail, the regular crashing and splashing of the boat on the waves, and the sudden and frantic maneuvers of passengers on a boat that’s heading into shallow water or towards another vessel.
All manner of birds call to each other from the trees, with the familiar tweet, tweet, screeeeech coming from red-winged blackbirds who always seem to be trying to one-up each other with their aggressive squawking.
Our noses also become more active during the summer, as we can smell the salt water even before we round that last turn on the way to the beach. We can also enjoy the scent of mouth-watering Fourth of July barbecues or, perhaps, the smell of late night s’mores.
Those of us fascinated and delighted by the weather also might catch the scent of an approaching rain storm before the first drops arrive, as the sudden change in humidity or cooler air serves as a preamble for approaching precipitation.
Speaking of cooler, our skin, which we, of course, should protect during the brighter and longer days of summer, can also partake in a wide range of experiences.
For starters, we can cool off during the unbearably hot days by diving into a cool pool or running through the surf and plunging below the surface.
After we take long walks along a hot path, we can enter a heavily air conditioned room, where we might consider grabbing a long-sleeved tee shirt or a light sweatshirt despite the searing outdoor heat.
The tastes of summer also sweeten the season, with fresh fruit and pies serving as the finale to a satisfying meal.
Even without looking at the fireworks, we can appreciate the percussive cadence of these exploding colors. We can hear the long whistle of fireworks hissing their way against gravity, until they explode into a shower of sparklers. As the fireworks celebrations build, we can hear the more rapid explosions, which typically conclude with loud, rapid sounds whose echoes sometimes interfere or amplify the boom from the next set of entertaining sights and sounds.
Then, of course, we can enjoy the wide range of colorful light that uses our homes and neighborhoods as a posterboard, enabling even mundane speed limit signs to irradiate with oranges, yellows and reds.
My parents married for the second time on July 4th. That was 99 years ago, and it was the religious wedding. Three years earlier, they were married in a civil ceremony during their lunch hour in New York’s City Hall. How did that come about?
I will tell you the story.
When my dad was 13, he was told by his father that he was now a man and should go off to the city and start his own life. So he left the dairy farm in the Catskill Mountains, where he was raised, and joined his older brother in Brooklyn at a boarding house. It was the beginning of the 20th century, and that was where renters, usually men, slept and got their meals.
One day, his brother told him he had gotten engaged and asked if my dad would like to join him for a visit to his fiancée’s home in Queens. The two of them entered the house just as the fiancée’s younger sister was coming downstairs. To hear my dad tell it, he looked up, saw this beautiful young lady in a red dress descending the stairs and instantly fell madly in love. I can vouch for the fact that he stayed that way for all the rest of his life. She became his wife and he adored her always.
But I get ahead of myself.
They both worked in the Wall Street area, and my father would contrive to have lunch with my mother as often as possible. One day, when she was 15 and he 17, he suggested they walk over to City Hall and get married.
Now my father was clearly a romantic. My mother, by contrast, was a clear-headed, practical woman. She, too, must have been in love because she agreed on the spot. They overcame the obstacle of not having any witnesses by asking men who were getting their shaves in the barbershop on the block to help. Two men gallantly agreed, threw off their bibs, wiped their faces and proceeded to swear that my parents were 18 and therefore of age to marry. Their signatures on my parents’ wedding license has forever endeared them to me, though they were total strangers.
Not knowing what to do next, they went back to their jobs and then to their respective abodes.
When my mother returned home that night, she encountered a raging father. He had been reading the local evening newspaper, in which those who married that day were listed, and he was both furious and terribly hurt. Head hanging, she acknowledged her deed. When he finally calmed down, her father laid down the law.
My father, his new son-in-law, would move into their home but two floors separately from my mother. He would join the family at meals and in every other non-marital activity, and if they all agreed, there would be a “proper” religious ceremony to consecrate the marriage when my mother turned 18.
So it was decreed and so it happened. The extended family, who all lived in the three story house, came to love my father during those ensuing years, especially my mother’s aunt. She shared memories with him about the “old country” and the family that was left behind when they immigrated to America a decade earlier. He said they would sit together in front of the coal stove, in the parlor, until late in the evening, as she told her stories. That is what I am lucky enough to know about the family’s history, for he in turn enjoyed telling me.
At the assigned time, my parents married and moved out of the house to start their own family. A couple of years later, my brother was born. My parents are gone now, and with remarkable coincidence, my brother joined them, dying 64 years later on July 4th.
Wherever they are now, they must be having a great party.
Soy may reduce breast cancer recurrance. METRO photo
By David Dunaief, M.D.
Dr. David Dunaief
A common question in my practice revolves around soy. Should you consumed or avoid it, especially for women who have breast cancer risk factors? It is a valid question, and the medical research has begun to debunk the myth that soy is detrimental. The form of soy is important; soy from food seems to be safe, but soy in high supplement form has shown mixed results.
Why are patients worried? Soy contains phytoestrogens (plant estrogens). The thought is that phytoestrogens have similar effects as estrogen produced by humans or other animals. However, the story is complex: soy may actually help prevent breast cancer and its recurrence. It may also have other positive health effects. In some cellular and animal studies, high doses of isoflavones or isolated soy protein stimulate cancer growth (1).
Further research shows that these findings don’t translate to humans, most likely because humans metabolize these differently.
Breast Cancer
The Shanghai Breast Cancer Survival Study, an over 5,000 patient observational trial that followed patients for a median of 3.9 years, has had resounding effects on the way we think of soy in relation to breast cancer. The population consisted of women who had already had one occurrence of breast cancer that was in remission. The women who consumed the most soy from food, measured as soy isoflavones or soy proteins, had a 32 percent reduction in a second occurrence of breast cancer and a 29 percent reduction in breast cancer mortality, compared to those who consumed the least (2).
This inverse relationship was seen in both estrogen receptor-positive and estrogen receptor-negative women. It is more difficult to treat estrogen receptor-negative women; therefore, making these results even more impressive.
One prospective study followed over 6,000 women in the U.S. and Canada. It found that women who ate the highest amounts of soy isoflavones had a 21 percent lower risk of death compared with women with the lowest intakes (3). The Shanghai Women’s Health Study followed 73,223 Chinese women for more than 7 years and was the largest study of soy and breast cancer risk in a population with high soy consumption (4). It found that women who ate the most soy had a 59 percent lower risk of premenopausal breast cancer compared with those who ate the lowest amounts of soy. There was no association with postmenopausal breast cancer.
The study authors published a follow-up analysis from the same cohort seven years later to evaluate any association between soy foods and specific types of breast cancer, breaking out the results by type (5). In all cases, risk was lower with higher soy intakes.
Menopause
Soy and soy isoflavones may help improve cognitive function in postmenopausal women. This effect was seen only in women who increased their soy intake before age 65. There may be a “critical window” of therapeutic opportunity in early stages of post-menopause where soy has the greatest impact on cognitive function (6).
Soy is not the food with the greatest phytoestrogens, flaxseed is. In a randomized control trial, a daily flaxseed bar did no better at reducing vasomotor symptoms in postmenopausal women, such as hot flashes, than a fiber placebo bar. This took the study’s authors by surprise; preliminary studies had suggested the opposite (7). Reinforcing these results, another randomized controlled trial failed to show any beneficial effect of soy isoflavones on menopausal symptoms or on preventing bone loss (8).
Lung Cancer
Soy isoflavones help to boost the effect of radiation on cancer cells by blocking DNA repair in these cells (9). They also protect surrounding healthy cells with an antioxidant effect. Soybeans contain three powerful components, genistein, daidzein and glycitein, that provide this effect. Pretreating lung cancer patients may promote better outcomes.
The risk of lung cancer was also shown to be reduced 23 percent in one meta-analysis of 11 trials (10). In subset data, when analysis was restricted to the five highest quality studies, there was an even greater reduction: 30 percent.
Cholesterol Levels
Soy may have modest effects in reducing cholesterol levels. Interestingly, people who convert a soy enzyme to a substance called equol, an estrogen-like compound, during digestion were considered the only ones to benefit; however, one study showed that equol non-producers also benefited with a reduction in LDL “bad” cholesterol (11). The equol producers maintained their HDL “good” cholesterol whereas the non-producers saw a decline.
What does all of this tell us? Soy is most likely beneficial for men and women alike, even in those with a risk of breast cancer. It does not mean we should eat a soy-based diet, but rather have soy in moderation – on a daily basis, perhaps. It is best to eat whole soy, not soy isolates. Also, soy supplements are not the same as foods that contain soy, so it is best to consume soy in food form.
References:
(1) Cancer Research. 2001 Jul 1;61(13):5045-50. (2) JAMA. 2009;302(22):2437-2443. (3) Cancer. 2017 Jun 1;123(11):2070-9. (4) Am J Clin Nutr. 2009 Apr 29;89(6):1920-6. (5) Int J of Cancer. 2016 Aug 15;139(4):742-8. (6) Obstet Gynecol. 2011;18:732-753. (7) Menopause. 2012 Jan;19(1):48-53. (8) Arch Intern Med. 2011;171:1363-1369. (9) J Thorac Oncol. 6(4):688-698, April 2011. (10) Am J Clin Nutr. 2011 Dec;94(6):1575-83. (11) Am J Clin Nutr. March 2012 vol. 95 no. 3 564-571.
Dr. David Dunaief is a speaker, author and local lifestyle medicine physician focusing on the integration of medicine, nutrition, fitness and stress management. For further information, visit www.medicalcompassmd.com or consult your personal physician.
'Nick's Law'. Photo from Senator Dean Murray Facebook
In recent months, our community has witnessed a surge in hit-and-run incidents, leaving families heartbroken and raising serious concerns about road safety. The tragic incident in March 2023, when 25-year-old Nicholas Puzio of Farmingville was struck and left to die by two separate vehicles, and the hit-and-run incident that recently killed 22-year-old firefighter Christopher Hlavaty of East Patchogue underscore the need for action. This rise in hit-and-runs not only devastates families but also places a heavy burden on law enforcement and emergency services.
Hit-and-run incidents, defined as collisions where drivers flee the scene without providing aid or information, are a growing menace. Current penalties for these offenses, such as a Class D felony and a fine of up to $5,000, are insufficient deterrents. In response, elected officials have introduced “Nick’s Law,” which proposes to elevate the crime to a Class B felony with a fine of $30,000. This legislation aims to ensure that those who commit these acts face more appropriate consequences.
One significant factor contributing to the increase in hit-and-run incidents is distracted driving. Drivers today face numerous distractions that can divert their attention from the road, including texting, making phone calls and using apps as well as many other potential factors such as interacting with infotainment systems, consuming food or beverages, engaging in conversations or attending to children or pets; billboards, roadside activities and other incidents can divert a driver’s attention.
While legislative action such as “Nick’s Law” is crucial, it is equally important for pedestrians to take proactive steps to ensure their safety. Here are some measures pedestrians can adopt:
● Wear bright or reflective clothing, especially at night or in low-light conditions.
● Always cross at designated crosswalks and obey pedestrian signals.
● Avoid using headphones or mobile devices while walking near traffic.
● Ensure drivers see you before you cross the street.
● Where there are no sidewalks, walk on the side of the road facing oncoming traffic.
● Just like drivers, pedestrians should avoid walking near roadways while impaired.
As a community, we must work together to address the dangers of distracted driving and the rise in hit-and-run incidents. Drivers need to minimize distractions, stay vigilant and prioritize safety. Pedestrians must take precautions to protect themselves and remain aware of their surroundings.
The push for “Nick’s Law” is a reflection of the collective demand for justice and safer roads. However, it will take a concerted effort from both drivers and pedestrians to make our roads safer for everyone. As we honor the memories of those we have lost, such as Puzio and Hlavaty, we must commit to safer practices on our roads and support legislation that holds reckless drivers accountable.
Together, we can combat the rise in hit-and-run incidents, ensure justice for victims and create a safer community.
Clockwise from top left, Musankwa sanyatiensis leg bones as they were discovered in the ground on Spurwing Island, Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe. Image courtesy of Paul Barrett; Musankwa sanyatiensis fossil bones in situ, after mechanical preparation, and after CT scanning. Image courtesy of Paul Barrett; and an artist reconstruction of Musankwa sanyatiensis showing position of fossil bones (in blue). Rendering by Atashni Moopen
By Daniel Dunaief
The dinosaur family tree has few members in Zimbabwe, as only four fossils have been found in the region.
Kimberley Chapelle
Recently, researchers from several universities, including Kimberley “Kimi” Chapelle, Assistant Professor in the Department of Anatomical Sciences in the Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, described a new species of dinosaur from a 210 million year-old fossilized hind leg in the journal Acta Palaeontologica Polonica.
Reconstructing the entire dinosaur from the bones they discovered in Lake Kariba, the scientists, led by Paul Barrett from the Natural History Museum of London, estimated that this plant-eating sauropodomorph weighed about 850 pounds and was among the larger dinosaurs in the late Triassic period.
The first new dinosaur species described in the Mid-Zambezi Basin of Northern Zimbabwe in more than 50 years, the sauropodomorph survived a mass extinction event that wiped out about 76 percent of all terrestrial and marine creatures. The sauropodomoprh group includes animals like the enormous Brontosaurus, which came later in the evolution of the lineage. Chapelle was on the field expedition in 2017 when Barrett noticed the fossil sticking out of the ground.
The discovery was “extremely exciting, as there was a high chance it was going to be something new,” said Chapelle. “It was well-preserved in articulation and we knew the bones came from the same individual.” She participated in the lengthy process that involved excavating the rare find, creating a reconstruction, isolating the bones to look at the structure, describing the fossil and comparing it to other, closely-related dinosaurs to determine where it sits on the family tree.
The researchers named this species Musankwa sanyatiensis, using the name of the houseboat Musankwa on which they lived and worked as they searched for fossils during the dry seasons around the man-made Lake Kariba.
“Musankwa is cool because it’s one of only a handful of dinosaurs from Zimbabwe, a country with amazing fossil resources that have yet to be fully discovered,” explained Jonah Choiniere, a Professor in the Evolutionary Studies Institute at the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg South Africa, who served as Chapelle’s PhD advisor. “Because we don’t have any specimens of Musankwa in similar-age rocks in South Africa, it tells us that during the Triassic period there might have been slightly different species groups of dinosaurs in the two countries.”
The Earth looked considerably different when this long-necked dinosaur was searching for its plant meal, as the land masses of the planet were combined in one supercontinent called Pangaea. In that time, Musankwa’s predators likely included meat-eating therapods and crocodile-like reptiles, which are ancestors of modern crocodiles.
Keep your head up
Hunting for fossils in Zimbabwe, which presented an opportunity for this kind of discovery, came with some challenges.
Kimberley Chapelle with Jonah Choiniere at Lake Kariba. Photo from Jonah Choiniere.
For starters, researchers lived aboard the houseboat Munsankwa, whose name in the Tongan dialect means “boy close to marriage.” Lake Kariba, which was created between 1958 and 1963 and is the largest artificial lake and reservoir by volume, gets “really hot in the summer and all you want to do is swim,” said Chapelle.
That, however, is ill-advised, as modern crocodiles roam the waters of the lake so regularly that people stay far from the shoreline.
To combat the heat, Chapelle drank plenty of water, applied regular sunscreen and wore large hats and long sleeves to keep the strong rays of the sun off her skin. Additionally, the researchers worked between morning and afternoon. The scientific expedition had an armed game ranger with them, to keep scientists safe.
“When you’re looking at fossils, you are always looking at the ground,” Chapelle said. At one point, she looked up and saw a hippo about 50 feet from her. “You have to remember to be aware of your surroundings,” shesaid.
Field experience
Choiniere, who inspired his former student to consider entering the field when he first arrived at the University of Witwatersrand, saw Chapelle in action when she first did some field work.
Chapelle’s scientific curiosity never faltered, despite some significant field misadventures that included staying in a rotten old farmhouse without plumbing, sleeping in tents in the freezing cold in the backyard of a rural pub, hiking through brambles over the side of a mountain, and touring around Germany eating nothing but stewed cabbage and pork in brown sauce, and staying three to a hostel room to save money.
“In [Chapelle’s] case, there was never any doubt — she loved the field from day one and has never looked back,” Choiniere explained.
Choiniere believes Chapelle has a “unique skillset among paleontologists,” as her talents include math, observations of shape and structure, histology, three-dimensional data processing and field work. Beyond her diverse skills, Choiniere appreciated Chapelle’s time management skills and her pleasant demeanor, which enabled her to greet him with a smile even when he delivered his part later than she anticipated.
A promising LI start
Chapelle, who started working at Stony Brook at the end of January, is enjoying a return to New York. A native of Johannesburg, South Africa, shehad done a postdoctoral fellowship at the American Museum of Natural History in 2021.
A current resident of Rocky Point, Chapelle lives close to the beach. She and her husband Dominic Stratford, an Adjunct Professor at Stony Brook and Archaeologist and Associate Professor at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, brought their Australian Shepherd named Shango with them.
A runner who recently completed the Shelter Island 10K and who loves taking pictures, Chapelle, who is the daughter of a doctor, originally thought she’d want to become a veterinarian. When she took a course in her third year of college with Choiniere, she was hooked by the link between evolution and anatomy.
As for the recent paper, Chapelle is pleased that people can read about this newly discovered dinosaur.
“This is years and years of work that gets put into this,” she said. “It also gives us a push to keep finding new things and publishing.”
The United States Supreme Court recently issued a landmark decision in the case of Connelly vs. IRS. This ruling has significant implications for buy-sell agreements and corporate redemptions. The Court’s decision addresses key issues related to the tax treatment and enforceability of these agreements, which are critical for estate planning, business succession, and corporate governance.
For estate tax planning, the importance of this case is that it affirms that the death benefit of life insurance is an asset that raises the value of the business. In particular, it indicates that the value of the business will include the insurance proceeds that the company holds on the life of the shareholder, even though those payments have to be made to the estate of the shareholder in order to re-purchase the deceased shareholders interest in the corporation.The liability to purchase shares from the estate cannot be applied to reduce the fair market value of the business for estate tax purposes.
Traditionally, in a redemption buy-sell agreement, the company will own a life insurance policy on the life of shareholders to be used to buy out the decedent’s shares held by the estate.This ensures that the remaining business owner(s) can stay in control and run the business without being partners with the estate of the deceased owner. In Connelly, two brothers were shareholders of a business. They had a buy-sell agreement backed by life insurance owned by the company. One brother died and the business was valued without the death benefit of the life insurance. The taxpayer’s estate argued that business valuation which included the value of the insurance proceeds should be reduced by the obligation to purchase the shares of the decedent.
The IRS disagreed and the Supreme Court affirmed that, regardless of the fact that they had the obligation to buy the shares back from the decedent’s estate, the value of the business, for tax purposes was the full valuation plus the insurance proceeds that were realized at the decedent’s death. That inclusion could significantly increase the value of the estate and, in many instances, will increase the amount of estate tax due.
Among other things, the Supreme Court also affirmed in this decision that the valuation method stipulated in buy-sell agreements will generally be respected for tax purposes, provided it meets certain criteria. This includes the necessity for the valuation to be conducted in good faith, and it must reflect fair market value.
The decision underscored the importance of having clear, well-drafted buy-sell agreements. The Court emphasized that these agreements must be binding and enforceable under state law to ensure their effectiveness for tax purposes. It highlighted the necessity for proper documentation and adherence to tax regulations to avoid adverse tax consequences.
The Supreme Court’s decision in Connelly vs. IRS provides clarity on the tax treatment and enforceability of buy-sell agreements and corporate redemptions. By proactively addressing these changes, we can ensure compliance and optimize the tax outcomes for business owners.
Business owners must maintain meticulous documentation supporting the valuation and terms of buy-sell agreements and corporate redemptions to substantiate tax positions. In light of this decision, it is crucial to engage with an attorney to review, and potentially revise, existing buy-sell agreements and corporate redemption plans to ensure compliance with the clarified standards.
Nancy Burner, Esq. is the Founding Partner of Burner Prudenti Law, P.C. focusing her practice areas on Estate Planning and Trusts and Estates. Burner Prudenti Law, P.C. serves clients from New York City to the east end of Long Island with offices located in East Setauket, Westhampton Beach, Manhattan and East Hampton.
Welcome to the 30th edition of Paw Prints, a monthly column for animal lovers dedicated to helping shelter pets find their furever home.
Walter
Meet Walter
A retired accountant, this fourteen- year-old Poodle mix is Walter. He’s been busy crunching the numbers (and a few treats!), estimating his chances of finding a forever home before the dog days of summer. With assets worth barking about, Walter has good leadership skills along with years of experience as a best friend and loyal confidant. Noble and wise, he offers sound advice and high yield dividends as well as some pretty sweet canine kisses! Stop by Little Shelter and you’ll see that Walter (and his balance sheet) adds up to a great choice and a reminder that adopting will always land you in the “plus” column! 631-368-8770, ext. 21
Grandma
Meet Grandma
”A Grandma is a hug waiting to happen.” This fourteen year old Terrier mix at Little Shelter in Huntington is a little bit teacher, and a little bit best friend, emphasizing the importance of living life to the fullest while sharing it with someone special. With all the best qualities of a family matriarch, namely patience, generosity and unconditional love, she would be a great addition to most households.
Seniors are fascinating storytellers and invaluable sources of wisdom, who also act as confidants and sounding boards for all your thoughts and ideas. If you’re looking for a good listener, as well as a loyal companion, we have the perfect answer. Life doesn’t come with a manual, it comes with a Grandma! 631-368-8770, ext. 2
Bowie
Meet Bowie
This handsome 1-year-old Siberian husky is up for adoption at the Brookhaven Animal Shelter. Charming, and handsome with two different colored eyes, Bowie is a head-turner! He adores meeting new people and pups! While he’s a bundle of joy, Bowie could benefit from some basic manners training to help him become the amazing gentleman he’s destined to be. He’s ready to join you on all your adventures, whether it’s hiking, jogging, or playing fetch in the backyard. He’s looking for a family who shares his enthusiasm for life and can provide him with plenty of mental and physical stimulation. Bowie would do well with children 14 and up, and potentially other female dogs with a meet and greet. He is neutered, vaccinated and microchipped ready to step into his new life.Will that be with you? 631-451-6953
Bonnie Luna
Meet Bonnie Luna
Hi, I am Bonnie Luna! I came from the Bahamas, so I am considered a Potcake! I have been at Kent Animal Shelterfor a long time. I get a little nervous and uneasy around new people, so it’s going to take a little while for you and I to become best friends and trust each other. I can become a very loyal furbaby if you give me a chance. Just ask the kennel workers about me and they will tell you once the bond of trust is there, it will be wonderful. It will take a little while for that to happen so you would have to come visit me regularly first, but I promise it will happen if you give me a chance. Thank you for learning a little bit about me. I hope to see you soon. 631-727-5731, ext. 1
Midnight
Meet Midnight
This beautiful nine-year-old boy was surrended to the Smithtown Animal Shelter on May 24 due to a change in the living situation for his pet parent. He is a little shy at first, but very sweet and low-key and would do best in a quiet home. He has lived with a large breed dog and is declawed. 631-360-757
Free adoptions event
Town of Brookhaven Animal Shelter, 300 Horseblock Road, Brookhaven offers free adoptions on July 1, 2 and 3 as part of its “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Adoptions: Let their freedom ring” promotion. Adoptions include free neuter or spay, vaccinations, microchip, and FIV/FELV test. For more information, call 631-451-6950
Rescue is a lifestyle. Adopt, don’t shop.
Check out the next Paw Prints in the issue of July 25.
Paw Prints is generously sponsored by Mark T. Freeley, Esq
Celebrate America with sweet dessert favorites that don’t call for wasting a sunny day in the kitchen. Single-serve solutions like Peanut Butter Cookie Banana Pudding and Peanut Butter Ice Cream Sandwiches are perfect for sharing with guests, whether you’re hosting a pool party or calling over loved ones for a backyard barbecue on the Fourth of July.
In large measuring cup, whisk pudding mix and milk until thoroughly combined. Set aside to soft set, about 5 minutes. Cut or break six cookies in half and set aside. Pour remainder of package in 1-gallon bag, seal it and use rolling pin to crush cookies.
Spoon layer of cookie crumbs in bottom of each jar, reserving some for topping. Top with layer of vanilla pudding. Cut one banana in half lengthwise and slice. Put layer of bananas on top of pudding. Top bananas with another layer of pudding. Repeat with remaining ingredients. Refrigerate until ready to serve. To serve, top with whipped topping and sprinkle with crushed cookies. Serve each with broken cookie half.
Note: Twelve 1/4-pint canning jars fit into disposable foil lasagna pan with clear lid for easy refrigeration and transportation.
24fresh baked chocolate chip cookies (about 3 inches in diameter), cooled
1 1/2 cups creamy or crunchy peanut butter
1 1/2 quarts vanilla ice cream, slightly softened
chopped peanuts, for topping
mini chocolate chips, for topping
toasted coconut, for topping
DIRECTIONS:
On 12 cookies, top sides down, spread layer of peanut butter. Add one scoop of ice cream to each. Create sandwiches by topping with remaining cookies. Roll edges of ice cream in chopped peanuts, mini chocolate chips or toasted coconut, if desired. Place on baking sheet in freezer and freeze until firm. Serve slightly frozen.
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