A recipe for yogurt and philosophy for “Living Richly”

By Alain Romero

This is a recipe as part of a book I am writing entitled “The Art of Living Richly”. While I will not get into the book at this time, I will provide a general notion for what I mean by living richly. Will also attempt to describe what art and living have to do with each other in my mind.

I consider art and the arts to be the maximum expression of human life experience. Like with sculpting, painting, drawing, or whatever the art form in question, I also consider the act of living an art form. I am an economist and as such, I tend to see the world from a classic supply and demand, risk and reward perspective. At the same time, unlike the classic theories, I consider that resources are not finite, but rather infinite just as the number of possibilities we have available at any time in the unfoldment of our life.

You can best describe me as a new thought economist if this makes sense.

The economics I tend to be most passionate about are in the area of applied economics. Specifically, micro economic applications that have an impact in the day to day life of an individual. I like to grow certain vegetables, make my own yogurt, and sprout my own beans for salads. This not only contributes to my health, but to my pocket. Needless to say, I like to cook at home. Italian food is my favorite! Italian recipes to come…

So it happens that yogurt in the morning became a ritual for me. Yogurt happens to have beneficial properties not only because of its protein content but because nutritionists recommend it as it enhances the digestive system. As a side note, maintaining my health is a big part of “living richly”. My typical morning mix with my family, includes not only yogurt, but whatever fruit we have at the time, bee pollen, brewer's yeast and flax seed. We like to combine this mix along with a cup of green tea.

And now the recipe for making yogurt (Bulgarian style).

1. Boil the milk!

2. Let it cool down.

3. Add yogurt

4. Put in containers

5. Let sit for a few hours

6. Place in the refrigerator and…you’re done!


I am using plain organic yogurt and milk.


1 gallon of milk (1%, 2% or whole milk)
1 lb. plain yogurt (make sure that the (1lb = 16 Oz)
label says "with active/live cultures"- Lactobacillus )

Pour milk into a large saucepan and heat it over medium heat till boiling. Set the milk aside and let cool for about 35-45 min. You can check the milk with small finger – the milk should be warm. If you wish, you may use a thermometer: 43-45 C. Beat yogurt in a bowl.

Add 1 cup warm milk, mix well. Little by little pour the yogurt-milk mixture to the rest of the milk. Mix again. Pour milk into glass jars or ceramic bowls with lids.

Set the jars on a flat surface. Cover with something that will keep them warm like a folded blanket or a sleeping bag. I am using a sleeping bag. Let it stay for 2 hours and 30 min. Consistency will be semi liquid, somewhere between yogurt and Kefir. Leave it uncovered at room temperature for 30 min. Put in the refrigerator for 3-4 hours.

Enjoy the results!

Note: Makes 8 lb. Do not forget to save 1 lb. to make next portion.

Flynn´s Arcade and Tron app for Iphone and Ipod Touch

More regarding the events taking place and new launches on Comic Con 2010 in San Diego

By: Karla Vadillo

Last night followers of the “Flynn Lives” movement uncovered Flynn’s Arcade and the exclusive END OF LINE CLUB in San Diego at Comic-Con International.

DISNEY LAUNCHES TRON FOR THE IPHONE AND IPOD TOUCH AT COMIC-CON SERVING AS FANS' 'GOLDEN TICKET' TO DISNEY'S COMITRON OFFSITE EVENT


The TRON app will update with additional games, video, music and more as
the December launch of the film - TRON: Legacy - draws near


With "ComiTRON" in full swing at the San Diego Comic-Con International Convention, Disney Interactive Media Group's newly launched TRON app (www.itunes.com/app/tron) for the iPhone(r) and iPod(r) touch is a must-have for attendees.

By downloading the TRON app, attendees can "Enter the Grid" by checking in at the show via the phone's GPS system, which also updates the user's Facebook status. Starting today,
anyone who has checked in at ComiTRON (located on aisle #3712) and opens us
the app will receive an exclusive "golden ticket" to the Studio's offsite
ComiTRON event, revealing information about the event's location and
timing.

The TRON app is free to download and fans can immediately play an all-new
version of the classic Tanks game from the Tron Arcade, view a trailer of
TRON: Legacy and receive pre-sale order information for the TRON Evolution
video game from Disney Interactive Studios. The app will also update as the
premiere of the TRON: Legacy film in December draws closer and include
additional video, music, and free and premium games.

"We are excited to provide a unique and continually evolving mobile
experience that will provide fans the opportunity to dive into the world of
TRON in anticipation of the film's premiere in December," said Stephen
Saiz, director of marketing, Disney Interactive Studios. "Comic-Con is the
perfect place to launch the new TRON app, which was created specifically
for enthusiastic fans as a way for them to jump into the ComiTRON action."

For more information and to download the TRON app, please visit:

www.itunes.com/app/tron.

THE WALT DISNEY STUDIOS AND GUILLERMO DEL TORO DEVELOPING DISNEY’S HAUNTED MANSION

By: Karla Vadillo

Del Toro Set to Write and Produce Film for Disney

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – July 22, 2010 –Guillermo del Toro (Cronos, Hellboy, Rudo y Cursi) surprised the 6,500 fans gathered today at Comic-Con with the announcement that he is currently developing a new film for The Walt Disney Studios based on the classic Disney theme park attraction: The Haunted Mansion.

“Dark imagery is an integral part of the Walt Disney legacy. After all, Disney himself was the father of some really chilling moments and characters - think Chernabog from Fantasia or Maleficent as the Dragon or the Evil Queen in Snow White,” said del Toro. “I couldn't be more excited to be a part of my own adaptation of the original theme park attraction Walt envisioned and that remains- for me- the most desirable piece of real estate in the whole world!"

“Millions of people from around the world visit The Haunted Mansion each year, but no one has ever had a tour guide like Guillermo del Toro,” said Rich Ross, Chairman of The Walt Disney Studios. “Guillermo is one of the most gifted and innovative filmmakers working today and he is going to take audiences on a visually-thrilling journey like they’ve never experienced before.”

Since August 1969, foolish mortals have dared to trespass on the macabre grounds of Disney’s Haunted Mansion. A hallowed landmark in Disneyland’s New Orleans square, it’s the dwelling place of 999 happy haunts dying to meet new visitors each day. The plantation-style of the mansion’s facade is a sweet deception for visitors. Inside, ghostly doom buggies line the hallways. Since its construction, the mysteries of the mansion have transcended the attraction with stories surfacing about horrifying encounters with the supernatural. Versions of the daunting edifice have been built at other Disney theme parks in Orlando, Tokyo and Paris.

For those -few- still not familiar with Guillermo, he was born in Guadalajara in October 1964, was raised by his Catholic grandmother and developed an interest in filmmaking since his early teens. Cronos made 9 academy awards (Ariel) in Mexico and gave him a big break to do his next film, Mimic, with Mira Sorvino in the cast. Del Toro returned to Mexico and formed his own production company and after 3 more movies, he made another successful film insipired in a comic book: Hellboy starring one of his favorite actors, Ron Perlman.

His trademarks: often uses insect or insects imagery, uses religious artifacts and relics, archangels, symbols and other religious items. Many of his movies have scenes based in underground areas such as subway systems, sewers or large basements. He likes casting Ron Perlman, Doug Jones and Federico Luppi. He is friends with Alejandro González Iñárritu and Alfonso Cuarón who are also successful directors and formed an independent film production company with them.

More of Comic Con 2010...later

Walt Disney Studios at Comic Con 2010 in San Diego: ComiTRON & Pirates of the Caribbean: On Strange Tides surprise

By: Karla Vadillo

ComiTRON” TOOK OVER COMIC-CON INTERNATIONAL 2010

Returning for a consecutive third year to the Convention that “started it all,” Walt Disney Pictures is pleased to present a very special, insider look at its upcoming “TRON: Legacy” at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con International Convention.



At 11:15 a.m. on Thursday, July 22, 2010, the panel presentation was held in Hall H of the San Diego Convention Center. Filmmakers and talent from the film, including director Joe Kosinski, producers Sean Bailey and Steven Lisberger as wells as cast members Jeff Bridges, Garrett Hedlund, Olivia Wilde, Michael Sheen and Bruce Boxleitner were there. The panel discussion was moderated by Patton Oswalt, included exclusive glimpses of the film, as well as a Q & A involving all panel participants, along with special surprise guests.





It was at the 2008 Convention that the vision of a 21st century TRON was born whether you saw the 80´s Tron movie or not, the concept is very good and totally capable of getting its way into the now. When VFX test footage was shown to a packed hall of incredibly surprised convention attendees, it was met with such an overwhelmingly positive response—becoming the “it” moment of the Convention—that the studio gave the film an enthusiastic green light. In 2009 “TRON: Legacy” returned to Comic-Con with an expanded presence and this year, the filmmakers and cast are back with never before seen visuals and teasers for the Convention fans who have been such an instrumental part of the story of “TRON: Legacy.”

Director Joe Kosinski comments: “When we made the teaser, we envisioned it as a sneak peek at the potential of this project. We set out to stay true to the characters, the vehicles, and the world established in the first film—then shows its evolution. When it took off with the fans, we knew we were in the right place. Because they’ve been key to getting this story told, we’re back to keep them involved, and excited to finally present actual footage from the film to the audience that made it all possible.”

“TRON: Legacy” is a 3D action-packed adventure set in a digital world unlike anything captured on the big screen. Sam Flynn (Garrett Hedlund), a rebellious 27-year-old, is haunted by the mysterious disappearance of his father Kevin Flynn (Oscar® and Golden Globe® winner Jeff Bridges), a man once known as the world’s leading video-game developer. When Sam investigates a strange signal sent from the abandoned Flynn’s Arcade—that could have only come from his father—he finds himself pulled into a world where Kevin has been trapped for 20 years. With the help of the fearless warrior Quorra (Olivia Wilde), father and son embark on a life-or-death journey across a visually stunning universe—created by Kevin Himself—which has become far more advanced with never-before-imagined vehicles, weapons and landscapes, and a ruthless villain who will stop at nothing to prevent their escape.

Presented in Disney Digital 3D™ and scored by Grammy Award®–winning electronic music duo Daft Punk, “TRON: Legacy” arrives in theaters December 17, 2010.















During the Walt Disney Studios Panel, a surprise greeting from Jack Sparrow from the set of PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES, was shown.

PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES (In Disney Digital 3D™)
WALT DISNEY PICTURES/JERRY BRUCKHEIMER FILMS
Website and Mobile site: Disney.com/Pirates
Like us on Facebook: Facebook.com/PiratesoftheCaribbean
Follow us on Twitter: Twitter.com/DisneyPictures

Genre: Comedy-Adventure
U.S. Release Date: May 20, 2011
Director: Rob Marshall
Producer: Jerry Bruckheimer
Executive Producers: Mike Stenson, Chad Oman, Barry Waldman, Ted Elliott, Terry Rossio, John
DeLuca
Writers: Ted Elliott & Terry Rossio

Produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and directed by Rob Marshall, “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” captures the fun, adventure and humor that ignited the hit franchise—this time in Disney Digital 3D™.

Johnny Depp returns to his iconic role of Captain Jack Sparrow in an action-packed tale of truth, betrayal, youth and demise. When Jack crosses paths with a woman from his past (Penelope Cruz), he’s not sure if it’s love—or if she’s a ruthless con artist who’s using him to find the fabled Fountain of Youth. When she forces him aboard the Queen Anne’s Revenge, the ship of the formidable pirate Blackbeard (Ian McShane), Jack finds himself on an unexpected adventure in which he doesn’t know who to fear more: Blackbeard or the woman from his past.

The international cast includes franchise vets Geoffrey Rush as the vengeful Captain Hector Barbossa, and Kevin R. McNally as Captain Jack’s longtime comrade Joshamee Gibbs, plus Sam Claflin as a stalwart missionary and Astrid Berges-Frisbey as a mysterious mermaid. In theaters, Memorial Day weekend in 2011.

Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) finds himself on an unexpected journey to the fabled Fountain of Youth when a woman from his past (Penelope Cruz) forces him aboard the Queen Anne’s Revenge, the ship of the formidable pirate Blackbeard (Ian McShane).




More on Comic Con...later

Are you ready to take the best job in town?

By Karla Vadillo

On July 14th Walt Disney Pictures and Jerry Bruckheimer Films proudly released the action-adventure “THE SORCERER’S APPRENTICE” directed by Jon Turteltaub and starring Nicolas Cage, Jay Baruchel, Alfred Molina, Teresa Palmer, Monica Bellucci and Toby Kebbell.

Dave (Jay Baruchel) is just an average college student, or so it appears, until the sorcerer Balthazar Blake (Nicolas Cage) recruits him as his reluctant protégé and gives him a crash course in the art and science of magic. As he prepares for a battle against the forces of darkness in modern-day Manhattan, Dave finds it is going to take all of the courage he can muster to survive his training, save the city and get the girl as he becomes THE SORCERER’S APPRENTICE.

This movie is the seventh time that Jerry Bruckheimer and Nicolas Cage team up for working. Some of the titles of their films together include: “National Treasure”, “National Treasure: the Book of Secrets”, “Con Air”, “Gone in 60 seconds”, “G-Force” and “The Rock”.

Here are some fun facts about the movie:

• Balthazar’s Blake (Nicolas Cage) favorite automobile is an original Rolls-Royce Phantom 1935. His engine is known as Merlin and was used in the British planes called Spitfire that helped Great Britain win Second World War. For the stunt sequences an exact replica of the real Phantom was used. During the filming of this movie in the streets for New York, the Phantom became a sensational attraction for tourists.

• The four royal wolves that Maxim Horvath (Alfred Molina) brings to hunt down David S. (Jay Baruchel) are called: Bandit, Sierra, Samson and Takoda. They live in a farm in New Jersey.

• The eagle gargoyle on top of the Chrysler building comes to life in two ways: the first one is with its original size mounted on top of a platform and controlled by a computer and built by the special effects coordinator and winner of the Academy Award ® John Frazier. The second one is a computer generated version created by the special effects supervisor, John Nelson with the help of Asylum Visual Effects co.

• The book of spells weighed over 50 pounds and for the movie, other versions of this book were created. Including a replica of only 2 pounds approximately and another, water resistance one (that also floated) for a sequence in particular. For the pages to looked middle age from…experts aged them with methods that included: rub them with sand paper and submerge them in tea.

Nicolas Cage (Balthazar Blake) is one of the most versatile actors of all times. He is able to pull of the most moving performance portraying an angel or bring you to tears while acting on Leaving Las Vegas. He will soon co star two Lionsgate movies to be released soon: Seasons of the Witch and Kick Ass, this last one produced by Mathew Vaughn. For this film he is a sorcerer who finally found his apprentice.

Jon Turteltaub feels regarding this movie that the grace of it resides in the sense that sorcerers and witches are alive and safe in our times. If witches and sorcerers existed in times of King Arthur with Merlin…why not today?

In theatres starting this Friday July 16th “Sorcerer´s Apprentice.” Enjoy a great ride, filled with amazing special effects, great performances and tons of action and adventure.

Tacos de bistec / Beef Tacos with green sauce

By: Karla Vadillo


After Mexico won the match against France during this World Cup, I offered @thewinehub to publish a mexican tacos recipe. Here it is! Hope you all like it, it is a very easy and delicious way of savouring tacos.

Servings: 2

Main ingredients:

500 grms of beef (arrachera, vampire or prime rib)
Corn tortillas (the soft, round ones)
Pinch of salt
Olive oil
One onion chopped in thin slices

Salsa/sauce:
5 green tomatoes
1 avocado
Coriander
¼ of onion
Salt
Serrano chile, the amount varies if you like it hotter or less hot.
All goes into the blender with a very small amount of water or no water -if your blender can handle it- and mix, you can place the core of the avocado in the salsa to avoid browning (just remember to take it out before serving) or use some lemon to prevent quick oxidation.

Steps:

Set a pan on the stove, pour a little olive oil, and place the slices of onion in the pan.

Caramelize the onion (brown & caramel like after some minutes) take the beef and place it on the pan on top of the onions. Let it cook with a pinch of salt on every thin steak.

When the beef is brown, you turn it on the other side.

Note: you can either slice the beef before going into the pan or do it once it is cooked.

When ready -all cooked to the term you prefer- place 2 big tortillas or 3 small ones on a plate. I prefer corn but you can use flour ones even, whole grain ones. Separate the beef into 80-100 grams portions, depending on the size of the tortillas, and place each one on a tortilla.

Pour a bit of sauce on top or set it on a bowl aside for guests to choose how much amount of sauce they want in their tacos. If you and your guests love avocado, avoid it on the sauce and slice it on top of each taco.

Enjoy!!

Jonah Hex: the Comic Book Legend…Brought to the Screen

By Karla Vadillo



In the action-packed adventure thriller “Jonah Hex,” Josh Brolin brings the tough Civil War veteran and bounty hunter to life with a bad-ass attitude and wry humor. A man who has gone to hell and back and has the scars to prove it, Jonah Hex is not a typical hero. In his quest for revenge, he will take down any villain with a price on his head to rid the Earth of all the evil he has witnessed. According to Josh Brolin, the character is an absolute loner from every point of view, tortured, full of rage and guilt. He adds that his journey in this movie is personal: he wants reveange.

Megan Fox ("Transformers", "Jennifer´s Body") plays Lilah, the beautiful yet tough courtesan at a New Orleans brothel who becomes partner in crime of Johan Hex. Lilah joins forces with Jonah to bring down Quentin Turnbull, played by John Malkovich ("Being John Malkovich", "Dangerous Liaisons", "Con Air"), a former colonel in the Confederate army. The motive is clear: Turnbull killed his family so Johan will stop at nothing to see him dead too.



“‘Jonah Hex’ is a classic reveange tale with the future of the union hanging in the balance,” says producer Akiva Goldsman. “Jonah Hex has access to the netherworld. He can talk to the dead and is unstoppable, possibly even unkillable, though Turnbull will try. Jonah is a unique hero.”

“There is a spiritual element that follows Jonah everywhere he travels,” Brolin adds, “and no one really knows how he got that way. What is the truth? What’s not the truth? Half of his whole background is lore.”

The roots of DC Comics’ popular and long-running Jonah Hex comic book series trace back to the 1970s. Originated as a purely Western tough, the character has crossed boundaries and genres that steeped him in elements of the supernatural. It has been enriched while decades pass.


Based on the legendary character from the comic book series from DC Comics, Jonah Hex is an epic action adventure about one man’s personal quest for redemption against the canvas of the battle between good and evil.

The film stars Academy Award® nominee Josh Brolin (“No Country for Old Men”), two-time Academy Award® nominee John Malkovich. Megan Fox, Michael Fassbender (Inglourious Basterds), Will Arnett (“Blades of Glory”) and Aidan Quinn (“Legends of the Fall”).

Released today, I highly recommend this movie for people who love this comic, the story, westerns with a twist and Megan Fox.