THE LEFT LANE
'Monologues' on HBO

ENSLER: wrote 'Vagina Monologues'

The special spotlights Ensler's solo performance that won an Obie Award, and features the playwright in new interviews.

HBO repeats the special at 9:15 p.m. Feb. 18 (Channel 611); 11:15 p.m. Feb. 18 (Channels 46 and 200); 1:20 a.m. Feb. 27 (Channel 611); and 3:20 a.m. Feb. 27 (Channels 46 and 200). It also airs on HBO Plus at 8 p.m. Feb.15 (Channel 611) and 10 p.m. Feb. 15 (Channels 46 and 200).

Doctors in the 16th and 17th centuries used the shape and color of plants as a clue to their healing potential.

Plants with yellow sap were used to treat jaundice; butterfly-shaped flowers were used for insect bites. Crack open a walnut and you might be struck by its heart shape — and sure enough, doctors way back then used to prescribe the wrinkly nuts to treat heart ailments.

These days, science has shown there may be something to that premise. Walnuts are self-contained packages of protein, fiber, carbohydrates, key vitamins and minerals.

What's more, they are packed with polyunsaturated fats that reduce cholesterol and the risk of heart disease.