SUSAN McCULLOUGH

“Susan McCullough is an oil painter, painting plein air landscapes as well as large studio paintings. Her plein air landscapes are representational while her studio landscapes are more contemporary, reflecting a heightened sense of color and focus on design. Susan has a passion for painting and solid technique to build an exemplary body of work.

“Plein air painting is the ultimate artistic experience for me as an artist,” says Susan, “this genre of painting is the ultimate learning experience; increasing the skills of drawing, color, design and paint application. In the field, one has to be quick because of the changing light patterns and it is a test of the artist’s painting and drawing skills.”

Susan uses her plein air landscapes to embark on a studio painting adventure, using inspiration from the small paintings to push color and design into large studio paintings. “I use the plein air paintings or ‘studies’ to translate the ideas into large studio works by sketching different scenarios into design sketches, choosing the best elements to produce the desired look for the painting.”

A Colorado native, Susan McCullough has the passion and determination to paint outdoors in all seasons and conditions. She has a superb eye for color, form and light in nature, sharpened by years of observation and painting outdoors. Her deep awareness of the natural world, combined with a sensitive handling of paint, from delicately touched passages to bold strokes with thick paint, results in paintings of depth and inspiration.

Susan belongs to the Plein Air Painters of New Mexico , Plein Air Artists Colorado, and Oil Painters of America. She is represented by Wilder Nightingale in Taos, New Mexico, Art Matters Gallery in Salida, Colorado and Wild Spirit Gallery in Pagosa Springs, Colorado.”

Image by Susan McCullough

HERE

Il libro del giorno: DI ME DIRANNO DI LUCA BENASSI (CFR)

Nelle grandi iconografie tradizionali, riprese dai presepi natalizi, la scena è più o meno quella di un bambinello, quasi sempre sorridente, non certo un neonato ma già con una florida capigliatura e le braccine tese, l’espressione del viso a volte non proprio infantile e sorridente ma piuttosto ieratica, adorato da una madre in preghiera e da un uomo di età indefinita, inginocchiati e piegati su di lui; sullo sfondo un bue e un asino, come sta scritto nei Vangeli.

La scena è edificante ma immobile, astratta, irreale - o forse è la proiezione di una nostalgia collettiva per l’innocenza che viene perduta pian piano nel tempo. Nella vita non accade così e, soprattutto, in quella realtà, descritta dai Vangeli. Non esiste che la puerpera Maria se ne stia tutta beata e serafica dopo i dolori del parto: è una grande ingiustizia verso la sua corporeità, che è dolore – come dicono i testi sacri – lavoro, fatica, fughe, strazio...

La poesia, intensa, di Benassi, sconvolge questi schemi. L’elemento che sovverte quella scenografia tradizionale, con prepotenza, è infatti la fisicità, con la nota insistente del dolore fisico e psichico che, nell’iconografia tradizionale, è totalmente assente. Entra in gioco, in questa sorta di poesia della storia, anche una nota fortissima di de-mistificazione, di presa di distanza da una teologia tutta assorta nei significati trascendentali, dimenticandosi spesso che proprio il corpo è l’unico tramite col divino, tant’è che proprio nell’incarnazione si realizza il principio di ogni teologia (in senso cristiano) e proprio nel parto è il significato primo di ogni eucaristia, perché proprio Maria è la prima sacerdotessa che porta e consacra dentro di sé l’Eucaristia.

Entra in scena anche l’elemento della storia, non tanto come atti o fatti, ma come orizzonte o sce-nografia entro la quale viene collocato il poemetto. È  la storia degli umili, dei semplici, degli ultimi, così che la natività di Cristo, da avvenimento teologico-sacrale, diventa paradigma di ogni natività povera e sconosciuta.

(dalla prefazione di G. Lucini)

THE CAT’S TABLE By Michael Ondaatje (Alfred A. Knopf)

“In the early 1950s, an 11-year-old boy in Colombo boards a ship bound for England. At mealtimes he is seated at the “cat’s table”—as far from the Captain’s Table as can be—with a ragtag group of “insignificant” adults and two other boys, Cassius and Ramadhin. As the ship makes its way across the Indian Ocean, through the Suez Canal, into the Mediterranean, the boys tumble from one adventure to another, bursting all over the place like freed mercury. But there are other diversions as well: One man talks with them about jazz and women, another opens the door to the world of literature. The narrator’s elusive, beautiful cousin Emily becomes his confidante, allowing him to see himself “with a distant eye” for the first time, and to feel the first stirring of desire. Another cat’s table denizen, the shadowy Miss Lasqueti, is perhaps more than what she seems. And very late every night, the boys spy on a shackled prisoner, his crime and his fate a galvanizing mystery that will haunt them forever. As the narrative moves between the decks and holds of the ship and the boy’s adult years, it tells a spellbinding story—by turns poignant and electrifying—about the magical, often forbidden discoveries of childhood and a lifelong journey that begins unexpectedly with a spectacular sea voyage.”

THE AYURVEDA CAFE IN NEW YORK

“Ayurveda is the science of life, a 5,000-year-old traditional holistic system of well-being from India. 'ayur' means 'of life' and Veda' means 'knowledge'. Ayurveda is the knowledge of longevity which offers healing, rejuvenation and self-realization through balanced food, herbs, yoga, massage, aroma, and meditation. Ayurveda teaches us to pay attention to how and what we eat, and to take responsibility for our health. Ayurveda is very clear when it comes to food. Sattvic (pure) food is needed to heal and maintain good health and must incorporate six tastes in every meal: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, astringent and pungent. Modern medical science also recommends a vegetarian diet for good health and prevention of stress-related , health problems. Ayurveda cafe can help you beat stress, increase energy and look great.”.

HERE

OGGI MANGIO DA … 82: CANLIS RESTAURANT

“In March of 1909, President Teddy Roosevelt stayed at the Mena while preparing for his celebrated one-year African safari. Roosevelt needed to hire 200 cooks, stewards, and translators for his adventure. And, in Roosevelt's time of need, Nicholas found his gift. Nicholas could cook. He could steward. He spoke fluent Arabic. He would see Africa, and then perhaps the rest of the world. Roosevelt hired him on; clearly, this was the opportunity of a lifetime. Eventually, he reached Ellis Island with an Egyptian passport. The K in Kanlis was changed to a C—the Canlis name had arrived in America. Eventually, Nicholas Canlis moved west and married a young immigrant beauty, Susan, whose natural affinity for the flavors and aromas of the old country were embraced by her new husband. Together, they opened the first-generation Canlis restaurant in Stockton, California. Mama ran the front and Papa ran the back. Nick's eldest son, Peter, became their reluctant apprentice. In the late 1930s, Peter Canlis struck out on his own, heading to Hawaii to sell dry goods. During World War II, his knowledge of food and his shrewd purchasing skills led to an offer to manage the United Services Organization's Honolulu food service operations. Soon everyone on Oahu knew that the best meal to be had in Hawaii was at the USO. After the war, Peter remained in Hawaii and opened his first restaurant, The Broiler, a ten-table sidewalk restaurant in Waikiki. In 1950, Peter Canlis moved to Seattle and opened the restaurant that was to put his mark on the nation's fine dining scene. He chose a magnificent view location just three miles north of the city center, and, with characteristic vision, hired up-and-coming architect Roland Terry to make his vision a reality. Terry is now widely known as the father of Northwest architecture; his sweeping and timeless design—marked by a great stone fireplace, a span of angled windows to capture the views, and a glistening copper charcoal broiler placed in the middle of the dining room—continues to impress guests today with its alluring mix of stunning outlooks and elegantly tranquil spaces. Even the kitchen was intentionally left exposed to the dining room, a daring and cutting-edge design choice that visually launched Canlis ahead of its time. Among many firsts, Peter Canlis is credited with being the first restaurateur to utilize team-style service in his dining room; his influence in the kitchen also made him a pioneer in the field of what is now called Northwest cuisine. And instead of employing waiters in customary tuxedos, he employed graceful kimono-clad waitresses who transformed customer service into an art form. The result of these ingenious decisions was a very popular restaurant indeed; "in the know" Seattleites, along with movie stars and wealthy international travelers, became Canlis regulars, just as discerning diners at the forefront of modern cuisine frequent the restaurant today. Sixty years later, Peter Canlis's architectural and culinary jewel is marvelously run by the next generation of family restaurateurs, Mark and Brian, who were preceded by their parents, Chris and Alice. Together, the family has preserved the traditions of this famous landmark while adding their creativity and energy to the vision of Canlis that has been a constant source of inspiration since the restaurant's storied beginnings.

(And if you're wondering about the third son in these photographs, it's the oldest brother Matt—a minister in Scotland, a father of four, and the restaurant's official Chaplain and Whiskey Consultant.)”

HERE

BLEEDING COOL

“Welcome to BleedingCool.com – the new blogsite written by Rich Johnston and friends. This site will not so much pull back the curtains of the comic book industry, as give you a series of upskirt shots. But as well as news, rumours and gossip, there will be reviews, previews, features, interviews, videos, columns and a place for comic book readers to call their own. Whatever your tastes from mini comics by Sean Appozardi to blockbuster events by Geoff Johns, from the Guardianista middle class commentary of Posy Simmonds to the righteous right hook of Chuck Dixon, from Rob Liefeld’s cankles to Robert Crumb’s thighs, from Frank Quitely’s OctoMumLips to Frank Cho’s shapely hips, you’re welcome here. More than that, I need you. I can’t be everywhere all the time. Hell, I’m stuck in the outskirts of London for a start. But, en masse, you can be. Keep your eyes and ears open. Point out any loose threads and I’ll start pulling. Because everyone in comics knows something, whether found in the dark online, corners, overheard in a comic shop, shared over drinks at a comic convention or found in the dumpsters at 1700 Broadway, that other comic readers would love to know. And here is where you can share it all. Those that do will get points, kudos, and special credentials on the forum. And the knowledge of a job well done.

So please, be my Little Bleeders. Register for the forum, bookmark the site, start making a difference. This is our medium, let’s have some fun with it.

After all, isn’t that what comics are for?

Rich Johnston

8 Robin Hood Lane, Kingston Vale, London SW15 3PU, United Kingdom

07801350982, 011447801350982, richjohnston@gmail.com

Twitter: RichJohnston, AIM: TwistRich, Down the pub on a Thursday night.”

HERE

LABNA – AMORE IN CUCINA

“Manuel - Sono Manuel, non sono cuoco, ma tutti hanno una cucina in casa e penso (spero) che tutti l’abbiano usata almeno una volta! Ho deciso di fare un blog di cucina per me e per tutte le persone a cui piace usare i fornelli, per quelli che hanno fantasia in cucina, per tutti quelli che pensano che il cibo sia almeno uno dei primi tre piaceri della vita!

Una volta una persona mi ha detto: “molte persone impiegano le loro energie lavorando duro e poi usano i loro soldi per mangiare fuori, dove c’è uno che consuma la sua energia cucinando per gli altri… poca gente usa la propria energia per preparare qualche cosa che tornerà a lui stesso”.

A parte queste considerazioni da santone della montagna, penso che sia molto bello cucinare per se stessi: quando mangi sai che ti stai facendo una coccola, e non c’è niente di più bello che sentirsi coccolati sinceramente! Viviamo la cucina e la cucina ci premierà: nessuno è nato “imparato”, ma l’esperienza insegna!

Jasmine - Se Manuel non è un cuoco, tanto meno potrei vantarmi di esserlo io: molto di quello che so fare l’ho imparato da lui.  Tuttavia, sono qui a scrivere perchè credo profondamente nell’idea dello Chef Gusteau nel film Ratatuille (Pixar 2007): tout le monde peut cuisiner. Sono convinta che non ci sia ostacolo che non si possa superare con un po’ di buona volontà e di passione per il proprio obiettivo: io, per esempio, ho bruciato pentolini di caramello infinite volte, ma continuerò a tentare fino a quando non riuscirò nel mio intento, o fino a quando non finirà lo zucchero.

Sono una lettrice di food blogs da quando i primi pazzi foodies americani si sono lanciati in Rete per mostrare i più svariati intrugli, le più astruse ricette alla blogosfera: ora sarò in grado, mi domando, di passare dall’altra parte dello schermo, di essere insomma quella che scrive invece di quella che legge?  Lo spero proprio.

Garantisco che ce la metterò tutta, perchè come diceva non so quale scrittrice la cucina è come l’amore: devi farlo con tutto te stesso o rinunciare; il che poi, in parole più povere, è il principio di labna.it: l’amore in cucina..”

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LAURIE JUSTUS PACE

“As splintering light fractions into thousands of colors, Laurie’s journey in life has encompassed many careers from runway model to graphic artist, from musician to singer, from teacher to artist. She believes the greatest influence in her life is the beauty God provides daily. A degree in Art, eight years with an advertising agency, and twenty-five years teaching art has come full circle to top honors yearly at international art shows in oil, watercolor and photography. Viewing a Laurie Justus Pace painting is a rich experience that drips with color and emotion.  Her passionate works are alive with movement, boldly created with a wide brush and a palette knife.  She loves working with oils, dramatically carving out the paint and transferring her energy to the canvas and ultimately on to the viewer. Pareidolia is the name for what happens when Ms. Pace gazes at her thickly applied strokes of oil paint and begins to visualize equine forms.  It's the same term used to describe the phenomena of seeing animals in clouds or faces in the moon.

Laurie is a co-founder of four working groups of artists, Contemporary Fine Art International, Artists of Texas, Daily Painters of Texas and the Five Graces.  She is an associate member of WAOW and the Oil Painters of America, The American Watercolor Society, Daily Painters, International Equine Artists and Professional Published Fine Artists. She is a listed artist on askart.com and artprice.com. She has exhibited and showed through out the world. Private collectors, senators, ambassadors and large corporations select her work to decorate their homes and offices.

Her artwork has been published and featured in numerous magazines, newspapers and books. She has been a featured artist in Western Art Collector, Appaloosa Journal, American Art Collector, the HITS on the Hudson Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix and in Cowboys and Indians. Her work has been published on the covers of Appaloosa Journal, The Appaloosa Mountain Directory, and The Sight Hound Magazine as well as several yearbooks, publications and CD music covers.

You can find her paintings in The Rare Gallery, Jackson Hole, Wyoming; The Dutch Art Gallery, Dallas, Texas; Earthworks Art Gallery, New York; SR Gallery, Hong Kong; Our House Gallery, California; and Mirada Fine Art, Denver, Colorado.

Pace resides in Mt Vernon, Texas with her husband Terry, and two Kerry Blue Terriers Annie and Paddy.”

Read more

A LOOK IN A CREATIVE MIND BY TJLUBRANO

“Who am I? Why did I start this blog? Who am I?...oh wait. I already asked that. Let's us start with that one, it's a persistent question indeed.

First Question: Who is TJ?

Tadaa! That is me! Yes. that was pretty obvious.

The very first ‘About me’ page started with this: "So, at the moment I'm a Master Sociology student with many hobbies (hopefully I can edit this soon in GRADUATED!)."...

Yeah, when I wrote this page for the first time, back in 2009, I was a Master Sociology student. Things happened and decision had to be made. I'm someone who usually pulls through even though things may get difficult. So when I felt that it was time to end my studies, I just didn't have the courage to do so. But I kept hitting my head on a rock and even though it was a very difficult decision, it was the right one to make! If you’re interested to know more, do have a read: Time For A Change. Other than that nothing has really changed though. I still love being creative and to cook & bake things. I'm still drawing, writing and making sketches. Only change now is that I can call myself an artist, an illustrator. I am chasing my dreams and doing the best I can to fulfill them. I am truly grateful for this!

Second question: Why did I start this blog?

Truth is...it was a random action on a random day. I did write a post about it...somewhere in the past. You can find it here. But I didn't have a plan in mind nor did I know what I would do with it. I only had this vague idea that I would post some occasional doodles on it. The occasional doodles became permanent from the start hehe. I can't imagine a post without a quick sketch and I guess that is the only thing consistent on my blog. I like to tell stories and random observations from my life. In other words...I ramble about a lot of things. I hope you will enjoy it!

Have to say, blogging gave me so many new opportunities and chances. It gave me new perspective and the courage to pursue what I love the most and that is illustrating. In a short amount of time, I got to know a lot of cool and sweet people! I only hope this will continue and I will do my best to keep my blog entertaining and interesting. I also got featured and interviewed, to read them just stroll to the Testimonial page.

Third question: What is your drawing style?

The drawing style I use for most illustrations is called a chibi style. It’s a word used for a Japanese drawing style and in general it means cute little people. I tend to transform people I know into chibi's and throughout the blog you will see a bunch of friends transformed into one (e.g. the Happy Birthday posts in October 2009). I transformed myself and my siblings in one as well. Every now and then I will post drawings in slightly more...ehm what shall I call it...a 'mature' drawing style. The characters are more mature and well I have to use more drawing techniques.

You can read several posts to get to know more about me. If you want that is, no pressure (read...read it all...read I say...)

Let's continue.

To get to know a bit more about the subject of my Master thesis, I suggest to have a look at the following post. I didn’t finish it, but the subject was quite interesting:

What's my thesis about?

To get to know more about my love for art, have a look at this:

Why I didn't choose Arts when I was younger.

Just Keep Doodling

To have a sneak peek at my desk, have a look at this post (I need to update this as my desk changed over time!):

My Desk, a natural mess.

Last but not least, I answered a couple of questions from quizzes and told a bunch of random things about myself. These posts can be found here, here and here.

Since my content varies so much, I can only suggest to browse through my blog and read whatever appeals to you. Or just look at the drawings haha. You can also go to my Flickrstream for this.

Feel free to leave comments on older posts and if you have questions, I suggest you have a look at the given comments. Maybe I already answered a few questions. If not, you can leave a comment. I reply to all my comments. And if you're still worried that I won't reply to them...just send me an email tjlubrano@live.com ^_^.”

HERE

Il libro del giorno: Gli occhi di mia figlia di Vittoria Coppola (Lupo editore). Consigliato da Gianluca Pasca

Quale ruolo gioca il destino nello svolgersi della nostra esistenza? E quanto di “nostro” c’è invece nell’imboccare strade sbagliate che porteranno inevitabilmente all’infelicità?

In questa storia di “non detti”, in cui egoismi e fragilità vanno a comporre un perfetto, perverso incastro, è rappresentato il misterioso e contraddittorio universo dei sentimenti umani: non basta essere genitori per saper comprendere i propri figli ed amarli come meritano; non basta essere giovani e di cuore aperto per essere pronti ad affrontare la vita, né essere innamorati per non farsi complici della propria ed altrui sofferenza.

Dana, pur nei privilegi di ragazza circondata da benessere e raffinatezza, è soffocata dalla coltre iperprotettiva di una madre che ha deciso il suo futuro, ma la sua passione per André, fascinoso pittore di donne senza sguardo, si rivela una fuga più grande della sua acerba giovinezza, incapace di reggere all’infrangersi di un sogno. Armando, l’uomo che le offre un amore devoto e remissivo, nasconde un segreto destinato ad esplodere in modo bruciante.

Eppure esistono legami che sopravvivono al tempo e sono pronti a riservare luminose sorprese, nei giochi del caso e nel risveglio di coscienze troppo a lungo sopite.

Una storia di solitudini e di scelte, nella quale regge sovrana la solidità dell’amicizia, l’unica che non tradisce.

VITTORIA COPPOLA - Ha 26 anni, vive a Taviano (Le). Laureata in Lingue e Letterature Straniere, Comunicazione Linguistica Interculturale  (Università del Salento, luglio 2010). Attualmente lavora come receptionist presso un albergo di Gallipoli (Le). La passione assoluta che muove le sue giornate è la scrittura. Di questo dice: “Lo scopo che mi prefiggo nel momento in cui inizio a riempire pagine di parole e sentimenti, è quello di emozionare, regalando a chi mi privilegia “leggendomi,” attimi personalissimi di evasione dalla realtà, ma anche, perché no, arricchimento della stessa. Confido sempre nella bellezza dei sentimenti e perciò, quando qualcuno reputa banale il parlare d’amore, io sorrido, e vado avanti per la mia strada”.

CANTI By Giacomo Leopardi. Translated and annotated by Jonathan Galassi (Farrar, Straus and Giroux)

“Giacomo Leopardi is Italy’s greatest modern poet, the first European writer to portray and examine the self in a way that feels familiar to us today. A great classical scholar and patriot, he explored metaphysical loneliness in entirely original ways. Though he died young, his influence was enormous, and it is no exaggeration to say that all modern poetry, not only in Italian, derives in some way from his work. Leopardi’s poetry is notoriously difficult to translate, and he has been less well known to English-language readers than his central significance for his own culture might suggest. Now Jonathan Galassi, whose translations of Eugenio Montale have been widely acclaimed, has produced a strong, fresh, direct version of this great poet that offers English-language readers a new approach to Leopardi. Galassi has contributed an informative introduction and notes that provide a sense of Leopardi’s sources and ideas. This is an essential book for anyone who wants to understand the roots of modern lyric poetry…”

LA ZARZA RESTO LOUNGE

“La Zarza Resto Lounge, a lively, sophisticated tavern in New York's perennially hip East Village is a destination that intertwines indigenous Argentinean and Spanish cuisine and culture and offers guests a rare combination of eclectic food, global sounds and cosmopolitan style.

The multifaceted menu pairs unexpected and unique flavors, colors and textures to develop truly contemporary yet authentic Argentinean and Spanish specialties. Featuring small and large plates, the menu showcases a wide range of ingredients and flavors to satisfy any palate, now offering also organic, vegetarian and very healthy options. Signature appetizers include the Almond Stuffed Dates wrapped with Argentinean Smoked Bacon, Costillas de Cordero(lamb ribs in Chimichurri sauce), Carpaccio de Bife(with baby arugula, capers, shaved pecorino, lemon and extra virgin olive oil), Pastelitos de cangrejo(Crispy crab cakes, with jicama slaw, and avocado mousse) and super fresh Ceviches. As a fresh and cool touch for the hot season, the menu features amazing exotic options, as the Salmon Tartar served with Black Sesame ice cream or the Watermelon Salad(Organic baby spinach, watermelon, fennel, pecans, honey white wine vinaigrette).

No homage to Argentinean cuisine would be complete without slow cooked steaks like the Entrana Gaucha (Grilled Skirt Steak) or a Parrillada (Assortment of grilled chorizo, morcilla, skirt steak, lamb rib, sweetbreads). Signature Spanish dishes include the Paella de la Zarza (Valencian dish, Calasparra rice, lobster, shrimps, clams, mussels, scallops, calamari, chicken, pork), The Gambas con Ajo(Sautéed shrimps, garlic, parsley and chili peppers) and the entire Tapas menu offered at the bar every day until 9pm. 

As a contrast to the rich and savory flavors of the appetizers and entrees, the dessert menu offers sweet indulgences like the Panqueques (caramelized Dulce Del Leche crepes finished with juicy blackberries), a favorite Argentinean pastry, Alfajores de Maizena (Homemade cookies filled with delicious caramel, dulce de leche, rolled in coconut), Molten Cake(Warm chocolate cake with caramelized peaches and vanilla ice cream topped with Godiva White Chocolate Liquor (add $4) and the Churros(A classic from Spain and from La Zarza, golden brown and crispy fried dough filled with warm chocolate and coated with a cinnamon sugar)

A unique customized sangria menu offers guests the combination of wine and seasonal fresh fruit mixtures. Seasonal fruits and purees are blended with different varietals to create unique sangria and clericos that complement the distinctive flavors of the cuisine. Proud of been pioneers on the make your own sangria style. The extensive wine list is a compilation of smooth reds and crisp whites from Argentina and Spain, carefully selected to further enrich the culinary adventure.

For this hot summer we now offer Pitchers of Mojito and Margarita for just $45!

The harmonious combination of cultures is housed in a candle-lit, rustic space with chocolate brown walls, and Spanish inspired decor, accompanied  by sweet and sexy tunes in the background.”.

HERE

OGGI MANGIO DA … 81: RISTORANTE LA BARRIQUE (TORINO)

“Nel 1999 si è avverato un sogno con l’apertura del Ristorante “La Barrique”, finalmente la possibilità per Stefano ed Ester di fare ristorazione.

Fino ad ora un percorso appassionato di continua e assidua crescita, concretizzata nella conquista nell’autunno 2004 della Stella Michelin.

 Il ristorante si trova nel quartiere semicentrale del Valentino sull’asse che dalla stazione di Porta Nuova, distante pochi minuti, porta al Lingotto Fiere.

 Il locale è stato recentemente ristrutturato in modo particolare e personalizzato con cura nei dettagli in maniera elegante e raffinata.

Lo Chef Stefano Gallo - Nato nel 1961 a Torino, Stefano Gallo ha da sempre un'infinita passione per il cibo e l'ospitalità. Terminati gli studi affronta un lungo apprendistato presso il ristorante Vecchia Lanterna di Torino dello Chef Armando Zanetti. In seguito entra nell'attività paterna di gastronomia nata nel 1956, continuando ad apprendere l'arte del gusto e della scelta delle materie prime. Seguono esperienze presso chefs e ristoranti famosi quali Roger Vergè di Mougins, Enoteca Pinchiorri di Firenze, Alain Ducasse presso il ristorante Louis XV a Montecarlo. Inoltre affianca affermati chefs piemontesi in percorsi professionali all'estero in importanti città europee, in sud America ed in Giappone. Nel 1999 apre il ristorante La Barrique e nell'autunno 2004 arriva la Stella Michelin. Nel 2005 entra a far parte delle Stelle del Piemonte, team creato con il patrocinio della Regione Piemonte. Partecipa alla preparazione insieme ai colleghi Top Chefs Piemontesi al Galà Paralympics Night di Dusseldorf nell'ottobre 2005. Nei giochi olimpici invernali di Torino del 2006 con le Stelle del Piemonte contribuisce ai numerosi eventi dello spazio P Food and Wine creato dalla Regione Piemonte. Il 2007 è un anno ricco di eventi: con il team Stelle del Piemonte ed i rappresentanti delle massime istituzioni del Piemonte e dell'Italia presenta al Palazzo di Vetro dell'ONU a New York ad ambasciatori e delegati delle Nazioni  Unite: il Piemonte, Torino, la sua gastronomia e l'alta ristorazione. Nell'autunno del 2007 presenta in Olanda ad Amsterdam la Regione Piemonte con serata di gala. Nello stesso anno la cucina di Stefano e di scena in Corea, per una settimana cura personalmente il menù e i suoi piatti nel ristorante Cornestone del Park Hyatt di Seoul riscuotendo un enorme successo. Nel 2008 partecipa a numerose giornate con le Stelle del Piemonte al festival del Cinema di Stresa del Grinzane Cavour con l'interpretazione di ricette ispirate ad importanti films. A settembre 2009 performances al festival “Les Etoiles de Mougins” in Costa Azzurra.

La cucina - Una cucina personale con piatti nati sulla traccia della tradizione piemontese, senza trascurare i colori ed i profumi di altre regioni italiane. Una cucina che coniuga tradizione e innovazione di cui grande protagonista è l'ingrediente. La materia prima viene sempre valorizzata nella creatività degli abbinamenti e nell'uso delle tecniche. Creazioni di alta cucina che si esprimono nella raffinatezza della presentazione e nella ricerca della qualità. Piatti pensati per avere un connubio di gusto, un equilibrio di sapori e un suo stile di originalità, senza dimenticare l'armonia e la semplicità che sono lo stile e la vera filosofia di Stefano.”

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UBERGIZMO

“We love gadgets and the technologies that make the gadgets go. We are geeks to the core, but we also talk electronics in a way that our grandparents can understand. We take everything into consideration from design, to user interface to practicality, pricing and competition.We make lists to help you decide what gadgets you need (or don’t). And we deliver live coverage at conferences like CES, E3, Mobile World Congress, CTIA, DEMO and GDC, so our readers can feel like they are there with us. If it’s cool, we are covering it. And our hard work is paying off: We are a Webby Award Honoree, have been nominees at the Bloggies and voted in the top 100 blogs for PC Magazine and the Hot Site on USA Today. But most importantly, we are reaching out to electronics lovers around the world. Currently Ubergizmo is distributed in 3 languages and read in 212 countries. Check us out!

Co-Founders & Editors

Eliane Fiolet, co-founderEliane Fiolet is the co-founder and editor of Ubergizmo.com where she writes about mobile applications, tablets, design and usability. In her parallel life, she owns a Corporate ID design business that helps companies create great brands. Prior to opening her own agency, Eliane worked for a top design firm, Minale Tattersfield Design Strategy, where she created brands for Fortune 500 companies. She also worked in the video game industry as a designer for an award-winning adventure game. Eliane holds a master degree in visual communication from the “Art Decoratifs” college and majored in mathematics and physics in high school.

Hubert Nguyen - Hubert Nguyen is the co-founder and editor of Ubergizmo.com. He is a retired engineer who programmed special-effects demos such as “Nalu” or “Vulcan. Hubert also managed the developer education program and edited the GPU Gems 3 book. Before joining NVIDIA, Hubert was at 3dfx interactive. Prior to that, he worked on assembler-code 3D-Engines in various video games. Hubert started to program 3D graphics in 1991 when he was involved in the underground European DemoScene.

Edwin Kee - Edwin Loves dabbling with new technology, and subsists on a minimal amount of food with gaming as his main diet. He is currently in love with his Ice Blue DS Lite. He gets his gadget news on Ubergizmo for mobiles – news bytes served in minuscule chunks over a smartphone.

Associate Editors

George Wong: When he’s not too busy getting his soul sucked out of him sitting in front of the computer, he finds the time to play the guitar, write songs, and draw terrible comics. Though usually harmless, nobody should mess with his MP3 collection- he needs his music to stop him from turning into a ferocious green monster.

Tyler Lee is a former wireless carrier employee. He loves technology and all the possibilities have always fascinated him. He spends spend too much time in front of the computer, blames World of Warcraft for that. He is huge fan of music and has been known to play at least four instruments to date, although that number might increase in the future. Fight Club is his favorite movie because of the awesome one-liners. He’s a foodie who thought of becoming a chef, but the ultimately preferred tech life.

Contributing Editors

Raymond Wong: Ray, as he likes to be called, is what people (also) call a gadget freak. If there’s new hardware, he knows about it. Want a gadget recommendation? He’ll give you 10. If you happen to find him without a camera, it’ll probably be that he’s sleeping. Website, Twitter

Stewart Wolpin: Stewart has been writing about consumer electronics for more than 25 years. In addition to reporting, reviewing and analyzing new products and technologies, he’s also an elector for the Consumer Electronics Hall of Fame and is the unofficial historian for the industry. He’s also written two books, neither dealing with technology: “Bums No More: The Championship Season the 1955 Brooklyn Dodgers,” and “The Rules of Neighborhood Poker According to Hoyle.”

Karsten Lemm - Karsten is a veteran journalist currently working for Stern Magazine. He is also a great photographer and occasionally contributes to Ubergizmo.

Ravit Lichtenberg: Ravit is the founder of Ustrategy, a consulting firm that turns technology into desirable products. Ravit has over 15 years of experience, and has consulted to a variety of executives, start-ups, and Fortune 50 corporations. Before launching Ustrategy, she worked as a Customer Experience Strategist at Hewlett-Packard Co.

Liliane Nguyen (FR): After graduating law school, Liliane worked as an account manager for a high-profile company. A self-taught computer geek and web site creator, Liliane decided to launch her own web design business. She loves gadgets and technology, so when she had the opportunity to edit Ubergizmo France, she jumped right in.

Raul Estrada Franco - Raul Estrada Franco (ES): Raul is a Software Engineer turned journalist who spends his days writing about technology and video games. Also, he plays guitar in a heavy metal band, loves soccer, and his health problems starts when he’s away from the internet. Right now, he leads the Spanish version of Ubergizmo.

Luis Miranda (ES): Luis is a Graphic Designer who has a weakness for buying all kinds of Japanese stuff online, from stylish headphones to fancy and bizarre video games. Luis also takes an active role in the gaming community by designing levels. He aspires to work in the game industry in the near future. Fortunately, he finds the time to translate Ubergizmo to Spanish.

System Administrator

Michael Nguyen is our system administrator, which means that he saves the day when the server goes haywire (hopefully from a traffic spike). He holds a degree in computer sciences with a major in databases. In a previous life, Michael wrote hardware reviews for a computer magazine. He is based in Tennessee. Email me”

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PIER FERDINANDO CASINI

“Pier Ferdinando Casini è nato a Bologna il 3 dicembre 1955. E’ laureato in giurisprudenza. Ha quattro figli: Maria Carolina, Benedetta, Caterina e Francesco. E’ sposato con Azzurra Caltagirone.

1. Attività politica e istituzionale

Consigliere comunale di Bologna dal 1980, dal 1983 ad oggi è deputato della Repubblica italiana. E’ stato presidente del Centro Cristiano Democratico. E’ stato Presidente della Camera nella XIV Legislatura. Nel corso della sua attività di deputato, è stato a lungo componente – tra le altre – delle Commissioni Affari Esteri e Comunitari e Difesa. E’ stato anche Vicepresidente della Commissione parlamentare di inchiesta sul terrorismo in Italia.

2. Parlamento europeo

E’ stato deputato europeo dal 1994 al 1999 (IV legislatura) e dal 1999 al 2001 (V legislatura).

Al Parlamento europeo è stato iscritto al Gruppo del Partito Popolare Europeo ed ha fatto parte della Commissione per le relazioni economiche esterne (IV legislatura) e della Commissione per lo sviluppo e la cooperazione (V legislatura).

3. Attività internazionale

E’ stato eletto Presidente dell’Unione Interparlamentare il 19 ottobre 2005 (a larga maggioranza con 230 voti su 337 voti validi) per il triennio 2005-2008. E’ Presidente dell’IDC (Internazionale Democratica di Centro) dal 29 gennaio 2006. Oltre a centinaia di incontri internazionali ed alle numerose visite ufficiali all’estero, Pier Ferdinando Casini ha promosso, in qualità di Presidente delle Camera, numerose iniziative internazionali, svoltesi a Roma alla Camera. Se ne ricordano le principali:

Giornata parlamentare Italia-Africa, con la partecipazione dei presidenti dei parlamenti africani (22-23 maggio 2002); Conferenza internazionale “Le donne in Afghanistan. Un impegno per la ricostruzione e lo sviluppo” (28 novembre 2002); Giornata parlamentare per gli Ambasciatori dell’America latina (10 ottobre 2003); Giornata parlamentare per gli Ambasciatori arabi (22 dicembre 2003); Forum Parlamentare sullo sviluppo dell’Africa – AWEPA (29-30 gennaio 2004); Conferenza mondiale delle donne parlamentari per la tutela dell’infanzia e dell’adolescenza (17-18 ottobre 2004).

Su temi di rilievo europeo, si ricordano: il convegno “Per l’avvenire dell’Europa” (30 novembre 2001); il convegno “L’Europa possibile” (28 marzo 2003); la seconda Assise degli studenti europei (3 luglio 2003).

4. Onorificenze conferite

E’ stato insignito di onorificenze da parte dei seguenti Stati: Austria, Brasile, Bulgaria, Cile, Città del Vaticano, Germania, Grecia, Lettonia, Lituania, Lussemburgo, Malaysia, Malta, Norvegia, Perù, Polonia, Portogallo, Romania, San Marino, Spagna, Ungheria, Uruguay e dall’Ordine di Malta.”

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LESLEY SPANOS

“In the absence of the sun, my night scenes are filled with decorative lights. I love colored lights almost as much as I love sunlight, and if some of my paintings have a theatrical look, it's because I briefly considered a career in theatrical lighting. Because I often depict moving subjects like animals and people, my paintings usually begin through the lens of a camera. But I don't trust photos. They lie, or at best tell partial truths. So, as I'm shooting, I'm also trying to memorize the elements that won't be visible in a photo. If I have time, I'll do some sketching. My goal in the studio is not to copy a photo, but to use photographs to jog my memory so I can reconstruct a living scene in my mind. When it plays in my brain like a movie, so real I can hear it, touch it, and even smell it, I'm ready to paint. Whether I'm using oils, acrylics, or gouache, my paintings are built using layers of color. I start by covering the entire working surface with loose strokes and bright color, then slowly refine the image and add detail until it's done. My current project is called State Fair, USA. This series of paintings - and eventual book - are a tribute to the traditions of the American agricultural fair. I'm painting everything from carnival rides to livestock, and everything in between. Deep fried Twinkie, anyone?”

Image: Original portrait painting of a woman by Lesley Spanos

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Il libro del giorno: “L'addestratore” di Jeffery Deaver: siamo veramente ciò che sembriamo? Intervento di Roberto Martalò

Si può avere una vita doppia, caratterizzata da 2 identità diverse e apparentemente inconciliabili?Come reagireste se veniste a sapere che una delle persone a voi più care svolge in realtà un mestiere totalmente diverso da quello che pensate? E se fosse per il bene del Paese e per la sicurezza di altre persone? Azione, avventura, ritmo, suspence, colpi di scena: Jeffery Deaver, uno dei maestri del trhiller americano, autore di libri cult come “Il collezionista di ossa”, ritorna nelle librerie italiane con il suo ultimo lavoro dal titolo “L'addestratore”.

L'agente Corte deve difendere la famiglia di Ryan Kessler, poliziotto inquieto e nevrotico, dal cacciatore di informazioni segrete più pericoloso sul territorio americano, Henry Loving. Cinico e spietato ai limiti del sadismo, interessato solo a raggiungere il proprio obiettivo, il “lifter” è stato assunto da una misteriosa Fonte per avere delle informazioni preziose. Il problema sarà non solo scoprire quali saranno le mosse di Loving ma anche capire chi nella famiglia Kessler sia l'obiettivo e perché. Infine bisognerà scoprire l'identità della fonte per poter considerare conclusa l'operazione. Saranno le indagini dell'agente Kessler a disturbare qualcuno? O i tormenti d'amore di uno psicopatico ex di Maree, sorella della moglie di Ryan? E se ci fosse un altro motivo?

Inoltre, c'è una vecchia storia in sospeso tra Corte e Loving che rischia di far diventare questa missione una partita a scacchi dove la posta in palio sarà la vita dei Kessler.

Per l'ennesima volta, Deaver dimostra tutte le proprie capacità di scrittore: dall'ideazione fino alla costruzione di un intreccio che ti costringe a continuare a leggere e che ti coglie spesso di sorpresa. A questo, Deaver aggiunge una meticolosa preparazione: tutte le ipotesi dell'agente Corte a proposito della teoria dei giochi sono frutto di letture di articoli e di studi che l'autore ha fatto per dare alle azioni e alle scelte di Corte una cornice razionale in grado di interessare ancor di più il lettore. Un ottimo romanzo, consigliabile non solo agli appassionati del genere, con un preciso messaggio: nella vita, non possiamo mai sapere con chi abbiamo a che fare.

L'addestratore di Jeffery Deaver

Rizzoli, 612 pag, 21€

THE BUDDHA IN THE ATTIC by Julie Otsuka (Alfred A. Knopf)

“Julie Otsuka’s long awaited follow-up to When the Emperor Was Divine (“To watch Emperor catching on with teachers and students in vast numbers is to grasp what must have happened at the outset for novels like Lord of the Flies and To Kill a Mockingbird” —The New York Times) is a tour de force of economy and precision, a novel that tells the story of a group of young women brought over from Japan to San Francisco as ‘picture brides’ nearly a century ago. In eight incantatory sections, The Buddha in the Attic traces their extraordinary lives, from their arduous journey by boat, where they exchange photographs of their husbands, imagining uncertain futures in an unknown land; to their arrival in San Francisco and their tremulous first nights as new wives; to their backbreaking work picking fruit in the fields and scrubbing the floors of white women; to their struggles to master a new language and a new culture; to their experiences in childbirth, and then as mothers, raising children who will ultimately reject their heritage and their history; to the deracinating arrival of war. In language that has the force and the fury of poetry, Julie Otsuka has written a singularly spellbinding novel about the American dream.”