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The healthiest cornflakes and the ones to avoid
The healthiest cornflakes and the ones to avoid

Yahoo

time5 hours ago

  • Health
  • Yahoo

The healthiest cornflakes and the ones to avoid

Back in 1969, Neil Armstrong's one small step for man was fuelled by one big bowl of cornflakes, according to Kellogg's, who sent cubes of their cereal into orbit for his Apollo 11 trip to the moon. The cereal was already a favourite back on firmer ground in Britain, having been a staple on supermarket shelves since 1922 – and it's still going strong today. Around 60 million boxes are produced in the UK every year – and that's for Kellogg's alone. Despite the rise of smashed avocado on toast and fancy Greek yogurt and berries, a bowl of simple cereal remains the go-to breakfast for around a quarter of the population, providing around half of fibre intake for the average adult, according to the latest National Diet and Nutrition Survey. But how healthy is the perennially popular breakfast? 'Cornflakes are generally low in fat and calories and often fortified with vitamins and minerals, such as iron and B vitamins, which is a positive,' says Nichola Ludlam-Raine, a nutritionist and author of How Not to Eat Ultra-Processed (£16.99, Telegraph Books). 'However, they are also fairly low in fibre and protein, and some versions contain added sugars.' Plus not all cornflakes are equal, so it's important to choose your box wisely. It's for this reason that we gathered the nutritional information and ingredients for 10 different types of cornflakes – from the classic Kellogg's to an 88p box from Aldi – and asked our nutritionist to rate them based on their nutritional values. Although each box has near identical calorie counts (from 111 to 118 per 30g portion), as well as fat and protein levels, Ludlam-Raine sifted through the sugar, fibre and salt content to unpick the best from the worst. Skip to: Nestlé Sainsbury's M&S Kellogg's Tesco (Free From) Waitrose Aldi Asda Tesco Lidl The main ingredient in cornflakes is, unsurprisingly, corn, but they also contain barley, which is a source of gluten. This gluten-free option, made without barley, is high in sugar, with 2.6g per 30g portion, making them more sugary than Kellogg's. 'These have the highest sugar content on the list, still fortified and gluten-free, but worth noting if keeping sugar intake low is a priority,' Ludlam-Raine says. The original Kellogg's cornflakes is not the healthiest as it contains 2.4g of sugar per 30g portion (0.7g more than the top-ranked cornflakes). 'It's higher in sugar than supermarket own brands, though well fortified,' Ludlam-Raine notes. It is also one of the highest in salt, with 0.34g per 30g portion. This organic cereal from Sainsbury's contains 0.6g of sugar per 30g portion, around a third of the sugar found in most other own-brand cornflakes. However, as it is organic, it is not fortified, Ludlam-Raine notes. It's a good option if you're trying to reduce your sugar intake but it won't offer the vitamins and minerals that many people are lacking in, such as vitamin D, adds Alison Clark, a registered dietitian and spokesperson for the British Dietetic Association. Part of the M&S range made with few ingredients, the one-ingredient cornflakes contain only corn and naturally-occurring sugars. As a result, they are the lowest sugar cornflakes from major supermarkets, with 0.2g per 30g portion. However, their ranking has been nudged down because they are not fortified. 'This option is good if you're specifically looking to avoid sugar, but lacks the micronutrient benefits of fortified options,' Ludlam-Raine says. This gluten-free option from Tesco has a similar calorie and fat level to standard cornflakes but is higher in sugar (2g per 30g) than most other options. However, it is also higher in fibre (1.2g) and lower in salt (0.08g) than other cornflakes. 'This is a good gluten-free option with moderate sugar content and full fortification – a strong choice for those with dietary needs,' Ludlam-Raine says. Waitrose Essential cornflakes contain slightly higher sugar than the option from Aldi (2g per 30g) but have a bit more fibre (0.8g per 30g). 'It is still a reasonable choice with fortification,' she says. The cornflakes from Aldi contain a slightly higher amount of sugar (1.9g per 30g) and they're also lower in fibre, with 0.5g compared to the 0.8g found in most of the other supermarket own brand versions. 'But the sugar level is still low overall and the cereal is fully fortified,' Ludlame-Raine notes. 'This option from Asda is comparable to other supermarket own-brand offerings, low in sugar (1.8g per 30g) and fully fortified – a good choice,' Ludlam-Raine says. The cornflakes from Tesco contain slightly more sugar (1.8g per 30g) than the top-ranked cornflakes, but less than most options on this list, with 1.8g per 30g serving. 'This is a good low-sugar option from Tesco, with full fortification,' Ludlam-Raine says. It's the Crownfield Corn Flakes from Lidl that come out on top, according to Ludlam-Raine. They are low in sugar, containing 1.7g per 30g portion, she notes. This is the lowest out of all other options, apart from M&S Only 1 Ingredient cornflakes, which are not fortified. As these are fortified with vitamins, they are the best choice. The portion size listed on the box of cornflakes, and other cereals, is 30g. But pour out your usual bowl and weigh it for a shock on how little 30g is. 'In reality, many adults naturally pour a larger portion (closer to 40–50g),' Ludlam-Raine confirms. Rather than greed, most adults will need more than a 30g portion to not only keep them full but provide enough nutrients, as cornflakes are low in fibre and protein, she explains. 'If you want a larger portion, that's OK, especially if you're quite active – but be mindful of balancing it by adding protein fibre, and healthy fats.' Obviously, milk is the first addition to start with. Around 150ml to 250ml is a good guide, as it's enough to moisten and cover the flakes, but the exact amount you choose to add depends on preference and if you are drinking more milk later in the day, she notes. Choosing semi-skimmed or whole milk will provide protein and fat to support fullness, or you could try combining your flakes with Greek yoghurt or kefir (a fermented milk drink) for extra protein and gut-friendly probiotics, Ludlam-Raine says. 'Unsweetened fortified plant-based milks (such as soya or pea milk) can also be good options, as they provide protein and contain added calcium and vitamin D (note that organic versions do not have nutrients added),' she says. 'We use fortified oat milk at home.' For toppings, she recommends fresh fruit such as berries, sliced banana or grated apple and pear for extra minerals, fibre and natural sweetness. A small handful of nuts or seeds, for example chia seeds, flaxseeds or almonds, will add even more healthy fat, protein and fibre. It will benefit your health to add these top-up ingredients if you're regularly having cornflakes for breakfast, as, on its own, cornflakes are too low in protein and fibre to keep us sufficiently fuelled for the morning. 'It can be fine as part of a more complete breakfast if you add other foods for example fruit, nuts and kefir,' Ludlam-Raine adds. Cornflakes are low in calories and fat, making them healthier than many other types of cereal, like sugar-coated Frosties (which are one-third sugar, containing 11g per serving, compared to the 0.2g to 2.6g in cornflakes) or granola, which despite appearing healthy, are often very high in calories, fat and sugar, Ludlam-Raine says. Saying that, there are healthier cereals. Shredded wheat, for example, has no added sugar and is high in fibre, Ludlam-Raine notes. 'Weetabix too is good as it's high in fibre and fortified with nutrients,' she says. 'These are cereals which can be added to easily too – from different milks to fruits and nuts too.' For a healthier everyday breakfast that isn't cereal, she recommends porridge oats with milk, fruit and seeds; wholegrain toast with nut butter and fruit; Greek yoghurt with fruit, seeds and muesli; and wholegrain cereals with a good fibre content, mixed with fruit and seeds. 'These options provide more lasting energy, better support blood sugar control and help meet your fibre needs, which many people (over 90 per cent) in the UK fall short on,' Ludlam-Raine says. 'Cornflakes can form part of a healthy breakfast, but on their own they aren't the most balanced choice,' Ludlam-Raine says. 'They are low in fibre and protein, meaning they may not keep you full for very long, which can lead to impulse or excessive snacking later in the morning.' Clark agrees. 'I wouldn't recommend cornflakes as a healthy cereal due to the low fibre content,' she says. While most options are fortified with vitamins, this is the case for most cereals so it doesn't make cornflakes especially healthy, she adds. 'If you enjoy cornflakes, choose those that are fortified with added nutrients,' Ludlam-Raine adds. 'Pair them with a protein source (such as milk or kefir, yoghurt and nuts) and fibre (fruit and seeds),' for an extra health boost. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.

The healthiest cornflakes (and the ones to avoid)
The healthiest cornflakes (and the ones to avoid)

Telegraph

time10 hours ago

  • Health
  • Telegraph

The healthiest cornflakes (and the ones to avoid)

Back in 1969, Neil Armstrong's one small step for man was fuelled by one big bowl of cornflakes, according to Kellogg's, who sent cubes of their cereal into orbit for his Apollo 11 trip to the moon. The cereal was already a favourite back on firmer ground in Britain, having been a staple on supermarket shelves since 1922 – and it's still going strong today. Around 60 million boxes are produced in the UK every year – and that's for Kellogg's alone. Despite the rise of smashed avocado on toast and fancy Greek yogurt and berries, a bowl of simple cereal remains the go-to breakfast for around a quarter of the population, providing around half of fibre intake for the average adult, according to the latest National Diet and Nutrition Survey. But how healthy is the perennially popular breakfast? 'Cornflakes are generally low in fat and calories and often fortified with vitamins and minerals, such as iron and B vitamins, which is a positive,' says Nichola Ludlam-Raine, a nutritionist and author of How Not to Eat Ultra-Processed (£16.99, Telegraph Books). 'However, they are also fairly low in fibre and protein, and some versions contain added sugars.' Plus not all cornflakes are equal, so it's important to choose your box wisely. It's for this reason that we gathered the nutritional information and ingredients for 10 different types of cornflakes – from the classic Kellogg's to an 88p box from Aldi – and asked our nutritionist to rate them based on their nutritional values. Although each box has near identical calorie counts (from 111 to 118 per 30g portion), as well as fat and protein levels, Ludlam-Raine sifted through the sugar, fibre and salt content to unpick the best from the worst. Skip to: Nestlé Sainsbury's M&S Kellogg's Tesco (Free From) Waitrose Aldi Asda Tesco Lidl 10) Nestlé GoFree Cornflakes The main ingredient in cornflakes is, unsurprisingly, corn, but they also contain barley, which is a source of gluten. This gluten-free option, made without barley, is high in sugar, with 2.6g per 30g portion, making them more sugary than Kellogg's. 'These have the highest sugar content on the list, still fortified and gluten-free, but worth noting if keeping sugar intake low is a priority,' Ludlam-Raine says. 9) Kellogg's The original Kellogg's cornflakes is not the healthiest as it contains 2.4g of sugar per 30g portion (0.7g more than the top-ranked cornflakes). 'It's higher in sugar than supermarket own brands, though well fortified,' Ludlam-Raine notes. It is also one of the highest in salt, with 0.34g per 30g portion. This organic cereal from Sainsbury's contains 0.6g of sugar per 30g portion, around a third of the sugar found in most other own-brand cornflakes. However, as it is organic, it is not fortified, Ludlam-Raine notes. It's a good option if you're trying to reduce your sugar intake but it won't offer the vitamins and minerals that many people are lacking in, such as vitamin D, adds Alison Clark, a registered dietitian and spokesperson for the British Dietetic Association. 7) M&S Only 1 Ingredient Corn Flakes Part of the M&S range made with few ingredients, the one-ingredient cornflakes contain only corn and naturally-occurring sugars. As a result, they are the lowest sugar cornflakes from major supermarkets, with 0.2g per 30g portion. However, their ranking has been nudged down because they are not fortified. 'This option is good if you're specifically looking to avoid sugar, but lacks the micronutrient benefits of fortified options,' Ludlam-Raine says. 6) Tesco Free From Cornflakes This gluten-free option from Tesco has a similar calorie and fat level to standard cornflakes but is higher in sugar (2g per 30g) than most other options. However, it is also higher in fibre (1.2g) and lower in salt (0.08g) than other cornflakes. 'This is a good gluten-free option with moderate sugar content and full fortification – a strong choice for those with dietary needs,' Ludlam-Raine says. 5) Waitrose Waitrose Essential cornflakes contain slightly higher sugar than the option from Aldi (2g per 30g) but have a bit more fibre (0.8g per 30g). 'It is still a reasonable choice with fortification,' she says. 4) Aldi The cornflakes from Aldi contain a slightly higher amount of sugar (1.9g per 30g) and they're also lower in fibre, with 0.5g compared to the 0.8g found in most of the other supermarket own brand versions. 'But the sugar level is still low overall and the cereal is fully fortified,' Ludlame-Raine notes. 3) Asda ' This option from Asda is comparable to other supermarket own-brand offerings, low in sugar (1.8g per 30g) and fully fortified – a good choice,' Ludlam-Raine says. 2) Tesco The cornflakes from Tesco contain slightly more sugar (1.8g per 30g) than the top-ranked cornflakes, but less than most options on this list, with 1.8g per 30g serving. 'This is a good low-sugar option from Tesco, with full fortification,' Ludlam-Raine says. Best overall for health: 1. Lidl It's the Crownfield Corn Flakes from Lidl that come out on top, according to Ludlam-Raine. They are low in sugar, containing 1.7g per 30g portion, she notes. This is the lowest out of all other options, apart from M&S Only 1 Ingredient cornflakes, which are not fortified. As these are fortified with vitamins, they are the best choice. How much should you eat? The portion size listed on the box of cornflakes, and other cereals, is 30g. But pour out your usual bowl and weigh it for a shock about how little 30g is. 'In reality, many adults naturally pour a larger portion (closer to 40–50g),' Ludlam-Raine confirms. In fact, most adults will need more than a 30g portion to not only keep them full but provide enough nutrients, as cornflakes are low in fibre and protein, she explains. 'If you want a larger portion, that's OK, especially if you're quite active – but be mindful of balancing it by adding protein fibre, and healthy fats.' How to boost the healthiness of your cornflakes Obviously, milk is the first addition to start with. Around 150ml to 250ml is a good guide, as it's enough to moisten and cover the flakes, but the exact amount you choose to add depends on preference and if you are drinking more milk later in the day, she notes. Choosing semi-skimmed or whole milk will provide protein and fat to support fullness, or you could try combining your flakes with Greek yoghurt or kefir (a fermented milk drink) for extra protein and gut-friendly probiotics, Ludlam-Raine says. 'Unsweetened fortified plant-based milks (such as soya or pea milk) can also be good options, as they provide protein and contain added calcium and vitamin D (note that organic versions do not have nutrients added),' she says. 'We use fortified oat milk at home.' For toppings, she recommends fresh fruit such as berries, sliced banana or grated apple and pear for extra minerals, fibre and natural sweetness. A small handful of nuts or seeds, for example chia seeds, flaxseeds or almonds, will add even more healthy fat, protein and fibre. It will benefit your health to add these top-up ingredients if you're regularly having cornflakes for breakfast, as, on its own, cornflakes are too low in protein and fibre to keep us sufficiently fuelled for the morning. 'It can be fine as part of a more complete breakfast if you add other foods for example fruit, nuts and kefir,' Ludlam-Raine adds. How do cornflakes compare to other breakfasts? Cornflakes are low in calories and fat, making them healthier than many other types of cereal, like sugar-coated Frosties (which are one-third sugar, containing 11g per serving, compared to the 0.2g to 2.6g in cornflakes) or granola, which despite appearing healthy, are often very high in calories, fat and sugar, Ludlam-Raine says. Saying that, there are healthier cereals. Shredded wheat, for example, has no added sugar and is high in fibre, Ludlam-Raine notes. 'Weetabix too is good as it's high in fibre and fortified with nutrients,' she says. 'These are cereals which can be added to easily too – from different milks to fruits and nuts too.' For a healthier everyday breakfast that isn't cereal, she recommends porridge oats with milk, fruit and seeds; wholegrain toast with nut butter and fruit; Greek yoghurt with fruit, seeds and muesli; and wholegrain cereals with a good fibre content, mixed with fruit and seeds. 'These options provide more lasting energy, better support blood sugar control and help meet your fibre needs, which many people (over 90 per cent) in the UK fall short on,' Ludlam-Raine says. Verdict: Are cornflakes healthy? 'Cornflakes can form part of a healthy breakfast, but on their own they aren't the most balanced choice,' Ludlam-Raine says. 'They are low in fibre and protein, meaning they may not keep you full for very long, which can lead to impulse or excessive snacking later in the morning.' Clark agrees. 'I wouldn't recommend cornflakes as a healthy cereal due to the low fibre content,' she says. While most options are fortified with vitamins, this is the case for most cereals so it doesn't make cornflakes especially healthy, she adds. 'If you enjoy cornflakes, choose those that are fortified with added nutrients,' Ludlam-Raine adds. 'Pair them with a protein source (such as milk or kefir, yoghurt and nuts) and fibre (fruit and seeds),' for an extra health boost.

Scarlett Johansson, costar Jonathan Bailey kiss on lips: See photo
Scarlett Johansson, costar Jonathan Bailey kiss on lips: See photo

USA Today

time3 days ago

  • Entertainment
  • USA Today

Scarlett Johansson, costar Jonathan Bailey kiss on lips: See photo

Scarlett Johansson, costar Jonathan Bailey kiss on lips: See photo Show Caption Hide Caption Scarlett Johansson fakes the moon landing in her new movie Scarlett Johansson and Channing Tatum are begrudging coworkers in "Fly Me to the Moon," a romantic comedy that reimagines the Apollo 11 space mission. Scarlett Johansson is raising eyebrows after locking lips with a costar. The "Jurassic World Rebirth" actress and two-time Oscar nominee shared a smooch with Jonathan Bailey, who stars opposite the "Her" star in the movie, on the red carpet at the film's June 17 world premiere in London. For the premiere, Johansson wore a sparkling pink strapless Vivienne Westwood gown which she paired with diamond earrings. Bailey dressed down in a casual look which featured white jeans, a blue denim button-down shirt, a dark brown blazer and baseball hat. Despite buzz about the pair, Johansson is married to "Saturday Night Live" comedian Colin Jost while Bailey is openly gay. The friendly duo star in "Rebirth" alongside Rupert Friend and Academy Award winner Mahershala Ali. Celebrities tell all about aging, marriage and Beyoncé in these 10 bingeable memoirs The movie features new leading faces after actors Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard starred in the previous three Jurassic World entries. "The planet's ecology has proven largely inhospitable to dinosaurs," the movie's summary says. "Those remaining exist in isolated equatorial environments with climates resembling the one in which they once thrived. The three most colossal creatures within that tropical biosphere hold the key to a drug that will bring miraculous life-saving benefits to humankind." In the new film, Johansson is set to play a skilled covert operations expert named Zora Bennett in the film and is hired to lead the team extracting DNA from the "three most gargantuan dinosaur species left alive." Ali plays Zora's partner, Duncan Kincaid, while Bailey plays a paleontologist named Dr. Henry Loomis. Universal Pictures shared a first look at the much-anticipated film, delighting fans, late last August. 'Jurassic World Rebirth' release date The film is scheduled to hit theaters July 2. Contributing: Jonathan Limehouse

Cat Footwear & Louis Vuitton Get Boots On The Ground With Epic New Collections
Cat Footwear & Louis Vuitton Get Boots On The Ground With Epic New Collections

Hype Malaysia

time4 days ago

  • Entertainment
  • Hype Malaysia

Cat Footwear & Louis Vuitton Get Boots On The Ground With Epic New Collections

Boots are easily the most versatile yet fashionable footwear out there. Whether you're carrying heavy loads and are simply looking for the best way to protect your feet, or strutting down the runway with chunky but comfortable kicks like a boss, boots in any shape or form, are everyone's best friend. Whether you're in for the function or the form, these boots from Cat Footwear and Louis Vuitton have you covered! Cat Footwear Centennial Collection Cat Footwear is celebrating 100 years of Caterpillar Inc. with a new limited-edition collection that includes three boots that honour the significant engineering milestones the company has contributed to. The footwear brand continues to whimsically reimagine the technical portfolio for the Centennial Collection, drawing inspiration from Caterpillar Inc.'s original hardwearing boots. Inspired by the construction of the iconic landmark, the Golden Gate Bridge boot alters the iconic Colorado silhouette by incorporating a wraparound cable system. While a grey perforated midsole lends the boot an additional industrial appearance, gold-toned hardware is used along the edges as a decorative substitute for conventional eyelets. The second model in the collection, Apollo 11, is named after the moon landing in 1969 and is based on a technical moon boot with a dusty white colourway, platformed sole, and toe cap. The cuffed boot is perfect for the slopes during ski season because, despite its chunky silhouette, it is remarkably lightweight. The Channel Tunnel shoe, on the other hand, substitutes a tongue torch and a light-up midsole for the conventional Chelsea boot to aid hikers in the dark. Additionally, it features a central zip fastening and heat-sealed seams to enhance functionality in a stylish manner. 'Caterpillar Inc. has shaped the infrastructure of our world – building bridges that define cities, digging tunnels that unite nations, and enabling space-age communications. Each boot is crafted as a tribute to the monumental feats that have shaped our world. 'They represent more than just Caterpillar's legacy; they symbolise enduring commitment to building connections and breaking new ground,' said Thomas Kennedy, President of Wolverine Work Group. If you'd like to check out the collection, head over to Cat Footwear's official website. Louis Vuitton's LV BUTTERSOFT Sneaker Collection The highly-anticipated LV BUTTERSOFT sneaker has finally arrived, and Louis Vuitton has debuted a versatile collection of 24 colourways, including monogrammed pairs. Pharrell's most recent footwear design pays homage to the hip-hop scene of the 2000s by fusing the comfortable silhouette of a vintage sneaker with the opulent craftsmanship of a dress shoe. The shoe's main design elements, such as the LV emblem on the side panel and the embossed 'Phriendship silhouette' of Pharrell's face at the tongue, are highlighted in the special campaign, which stars British actor Callum Turner. Additionally, an embossed lobster on the shoe's back is an Easter egg detail that references Pharrell and Nigo's working relationship. The 'buttery' leather, which is crafted by Italian artisans, gives the shoe a pillow-like feel. Luxury rivals like Miu Miu and Loewe offer flat-soled footwear trends, which are contrasted with the elevated platform soles. The design, which has a silhouette that almost looks cartoonish, is reminiscent of the pixelated motifs from Pharrell's previous collections for the Maison, which were inspired by Minecraft. There is a style for everyone and every occasion thanks to the expansive selection of colourways. The monochrome and duo-tone options are available for US$1,690 (~RM7,166), while the monogram colourways retail for US$2,010 (~RM8,523). Pre-order a pair or check out the full collection at Louis Vuitton's official website. What's your Reaction? +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0

Michael Peregrine: A look back at the Blackhawks' streak when Chicago was a true championship city
Michael Peregrine: A look back at the Blackhawks' streak when Chicago was a true championship city

Chicago Tribune

time4 days ago

  • Sport
  • Chicago Tribune

Michael Peregrine: A look back at the Blackhawks' streak when Chicago was a true championship city

A decade ago this month, the Chicago Blackhawks completed an amazing streak of three Stanley Cup victories in five years. A well-coached, well-constructed team dominated a sport. Chicago was once again a true championship city — and proud of it. Ten years later, it's fun to remember. The Blackhawks' extraordinary success captivated not only their fan base, but also the city. And while those emotions have laid dormant over the intervening years, Chicago's great spirit suggests that they can be readily rekindled. The 2010 championship was the byproduct of the maturing Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane, strong goaltending from Antti Niemi and the acquisition of Marian Hossa — all of which propelled the Blackhawks to a second-place finish in the overall standings. The team cut through the playoffs to win the Stanley Cup finals over the Philadelphia Flyers in six breathtakingly exciting games. Three years later, the Blackhawks were back at it. In a strike-shortened season, stalwarts Kane and Toews combined with goalie Corey Crawford to lead the team to an overall first place finish. The Blackhawks prevailed through a brutal playoff schedule, including a full seven-game series against the Detroit Red Wings, to win the Stanley Cup in a six-game finals over the Boston Bruins. The band got back together one more time in 2015. A team led again by Toews, Hossa and Duncan Keith escaped a hard-fought Western Conference Finals with the Anaheim Ducks to win the championship in six games over the Tampa Bay Lightning. So with three Stanley Cup championships in five years, Chicago was justifiably the hockey capital of the world. That was vividly underscored by the amazing turnout for each of the Blackhawks victory parades, which proceeded through the Loop to end in Grant Park. Attendance at each of the three Blackhawks victory celebrations was estimated at 2 million. That's way more than the attendance at many of Chicago's most famous outdoor events. According to the Tribune, they rank in the top five highest-attended parades in Chicago, exceeded by the Apollo 11 rally, Gen. Douglas MacArthur's 1951 visit and, of course, the Cubs' 2016 World Series parade. That's pretty surprising, given the relatively low national profile of hockey. Yet the numbers — estimated as they were — tell a story about civic pride and support. Yes, Blackhawks fans have always been a rabid bunch — the Standbys Club being a perfect example. But as recently as the three years before the streak began, the team averaged fewer than 13,000 fans per game. So it's fair to ask where the 2 million parade attendees came from each year. That's a lot of people, and it's a safe bet that a large percentage of them weren't dyed-in-the-wool Blackhawks fans. It's a similarly safe bet that most of those in the parade crowds had never even been to a Blackhawks game (understandable, given the average ticket price). To many of them, the 'blue line' was the 'L' route to O'Hare airport, not a stripe separating the zones on a hockey rink. The 'crease' was the ridge in Dad's suit pants, not the semicircular zone in front the net. And the 'penalty box' was a Forest Park tavern, not the bench where players wait out their infractions. Sure, 'Kaner' was from Buffalo, New York, 'Tazer' was from Manitoba and 'Seabs' was from British Columbia. But to the 2 million, no matter; the Blackhawks were winners, and they were Chicago's own. And that's probably the real story of the championship streak. It sparked an explosive extension of that extraordinary local culture that summons Chicagoans to support their city in all of its activities. That includes a team composed of players from all over the globe, playing a sport subject to arcane rules that's super hard to watch on television. It's a unique spirit, reflecting the 'I will' attitude that arose from the determination to rebuild the city after the Great Chicago Fire. It's a spirit reflected in Daniel Burnham's 'make no small plans' ambitions. It's a spirit that leaps from Carl Sandburg's description of Chicago as a 'city with lifted head singing so proud to be alive and coarse and strong and cunning.' None of this is meant to ignore the ignominy of the 2010 off-ice scandal that still taints the team. There is individual pain that will last a lifetime. But it should be noted in fairness that some who were implicated have served a heavy penance and have earned their recent redemption. Chicagoans are proud, spirited and resolute. As Burnham observed, they 'make big plans and aim high in hope and work.' So Chicagoans can be excused when they celebrate — sometimes outrageously — the city's championship successes, whether they be athletic or academic, economic or engineering, scientific or social. It's the most fun to do so. And they're ready to do it again. Michael Peregrine is a Chicago lawyer and lasting fan of 'the Scooter Line.'

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