Giants (Greek mythology)

In Greek mythology, the Giants or Gigantes (Greek: Γίγαντες, Gigantes, singular Gigas) were a race of great strength and aggression, though not necessarily of great size, known for the Gigantomachy (Gigantomachia), their battle with the Olympian gods. According to Hesiod, the Giants were the offspring of Gaia (Earth), born from the blood that fell when Uranus (Sky) was castrated by their Titan son Cronus.

Archaic and Classical representations show Gigantes as man-sized hoplites (heavily-armed ancient Greek foot soldiers) fully human in form. Later representations (after c. 380 BC) show Gigantes with snakes for legs. In later traditions, the Giants were often confused with other opponents of the Olympians, particularly the Titans, an earlier generation of large and powerful children of Gaia and Uranus.

The vanquished Giants were said to be buried under volcanos, and to be the cause of volcanic eruptions and earthquakes.

Origins

Gigandes plaki

Gigandes plaki, also spelled gigantes or yigandes (Greek γίγαντες πλακί pronounced [ˈʝiɣa(n)des plaˈci]) is a Greek dish known in English as giant baked beans. The name Gigantes comes from the Greek word for giants, hence giant beans. Gigandes plaki is a vegetarian meze dish that consists of large dried white runner beans (gigantes) cooked in a tomato-based sauce.

Cooking methods

The dish is made with dried giant white beans (fasolia gigandes), tomatoes, onions, olive oil, parsley, and sugar. When fasolia gigandes cannot be obtained, large lima beans are suitable substitutes. Other vegetables such as garlic, carrots, and celery are sometimes used, and some recipes add sausages.

As with many beans, the fasolia gigandes turn out better if soaked overnight in cold water. Then the beans are boiled until tender and drained, and the rest of ingredients are added. The aromatics are sautéed to make a sofrito and mixed with the beans. Then the beans are baked until the top layer of the dish is browned. The beans are garnished with parsley and Greek feta, and served with bread.

Jerry Tuite

Michael Jerome "Jerry" Tuite (December 27, 1966 – December 6, 2003) was an American professional wrestler. He was best known for his appearances with World Championship Wrestling from 1999 to 2001 under the ring names The Wall and Sgt. A.W.O.L., as well as his appearances with Total Nonstop Action Wrestling in 2002 and 2003 as Malice.

Professional wrestling career

Early career (1994-1999)

Born in Ocean Grove, New Jersey, Tuite broke into the wrestling business in 1994 after learning the ropes under veteran Mike Sharpe at his training school in New Jersey. Tuite trained at the WCW Power Plant before he wrestled full-time as The Wall in WCW. He was also a protégé of Bam Bam Bigelow.

World Championship Wrestling (1999-2001)

The Wall (1999-2000)

Tuite debuted in World Championship Wrestling in 1999 as a bodyguard for Berlyn, then later moved to the singles division. The Wall and Berlyn had a feud with Vampiro and Jerry Only of the Misfits. The feud led to WCW Mayhem where Berlyn and Vampiro fought in a chain match, which Berlyn lost after The Wall walked out.