June 19, 2009 Archives

June 19, 2009 4:31 PM

White Pillar.JPG

Jane Delaney's show at Spectrum Art Gallery is called "Traces," and I love the title. Delaney is fascinated by the passage of time and what it does to human constructs, whether they be old buildings, vehicles or road signs. She has an acute sensitivity to the way things age, from the streaks of rust on a piece of playground equipment to the slow rot of an abandoned wooden porch. Whereas most of us likely absorb such images with boredom or even irritation -- "look at that rundown house," we might sniff -- I suspect that Delaney is just a little bit awe-struck at the inexorable way in which nature eventually breaks down everything that humans create. It might take hundreds of years, or thousands, or perhaps even a million, for the most durable items created by humanity to fade away, but in the end, all will succumb to nature.

There's a special event this weekend for those who might want to check out Delaney's show: The artist will be on hand for a discussion 3-4 p.m. Saturday.

Above: Delaney's vivid "White Pillar."

Donald Munro

June 19, 2009 12:42 PM

nestle.jpgRemember salmonella in pistachios and spices?


Well, here are more products to toss. Nestlé has recalled its Toll House refrigerated cookie dough products because of an E. coli investigation. Here's the company's press release, and here's the Food and Drug Administration's advice.

Check your fridges, everyone.

[photo source: U.S. FDA]

Joan Obra

June 19, 2009 12:23 PM

ryanscott.JPGOh, Ryan Scott. Methinks you should hit a few tailgate parties before telling local sports fans what to cook.


Fans of the Bravo series Top Chef will remember him from season four. Scott, a graduate of Los Banos High School, was booted off the show for missing the mark at a Chicago Bears tailgate party.

On her blog, Top Chef judge Gail Simmons told us why he went home: "Ryan's Bread Salad with Marinated Chicken, Poached Pear & Brandy Cocoa was a little absurd for the scenario. A plate of bread salad with a chicken thigh on top, when all we had was a plastic fork to cut it, made for some tricky maneuvering. On top of that, the poached pear in its own separate bowl was too large to be eaten in one bite and also could not be cut easily."

Scott admitted that he wasn't really a sports fan (at 1:50 in this video). So why would George Takata make him the featured chef on Valley Sports Pulse, his web site that's all about local sports?

Check out Scott's recipes. I can't picture the average sports fan cooking quinoa and making white balsamic vinaigrette for a "sungold tomato and sweet corn succotash salad." Or hunting for fresh fava beans for the "spring panzanella salad."

Maybe sports fans would make the "Blue Moon beer and wild mushroom soup," or the "all year Thanksgiving sandwich." Or maybe ribs and burgers are more your style.

What do you think? If any of you are sports fans, tell us what you eat at game time.

[photo source: Bravo]

Joan Obra

June 19, 2009 11:44 AM

You know how it is when you find something you love and instantly you want everyone you know to love it, too? Here is a list of things the Beehive is into at this very moment. We invite you to share your obsession in the comments.

mortal.jpg

Kathy: I'm obsessed with Cassandra Clare's "The Mortal Instruments" trilogy. I was just half way through the second book last weekend, but I had to go out and buy the third book. I'm just a couple chapters into book 3 (but I think lounging around the pool with this book and a cocktail are in the plans this weekend). The series is reminiscent of Joss Wedon's demon world in "Buffy The Vampire Slayer" (though not as witty). I've been good so far about avoiding spoilers, but my will power is slipping.

Boom_Blox_Bash_Party.jpg

Mike Oz: Right now I'm lovin' "Boom Blox: Bash Party" for the Wii. The past two weekends we've had people over and ended up playing this game. It's a cool block and puzzle game, put together by EA and Steven Spielberg and it's great game for gatherings. Sometimes it's like Jenga, sometimes it's like "Duck Hunt" and sometimes you gotta get your Tim Lincecum on. Be careful, though, not only is it addicting, but there's a good chance that you'll be sore the next day from hurling bowling balls.

Joan: I'm obsessed with a long European vacation. More of my friends are moving to Europe, and I have standing invitations to crash with them in the U.K., Spain, France and Germany. My husband and I hope to fit all of these countries into one trip. If you know of a web site with cheap international flights, tell me in the comments!

Kathy Mahan

June 19, 2009 11:05 AM

While you welcome Summer into your life.

1. PARTY WITH PATRICK: If you haven't yet heard about the big Patrick Contreras CD release party/block party, then you must have just gotten the Internet today. (Welcome!) Fresno's rock violinist not only has the biggest show of the weekend, but he's also the cover boy in today's issue of 7. Go here for my Q & A with Patrick.

pcontreastower.jpg

Mike Oz

June 19, 2009 9:37 AM

Welcome to another week of Post No Bills. I'm actually off work today, so what you're getting is a mini-sized portion of Fresno event fliers. I'm giving you this weekend, next week and next weekend.

We'll be back with the full helping of fliers next Friday. Truth be told: There's so much going on this weekend that you don't need to focus your energy much further anyway.

As always, we welcome contributions from bands, artists, venues, promoters and regular joes. Send links to mosegueda@fresnobee.com.

Mike Oz

June 19, 2009 8:29 AM

Fresno's Jason Glover had a scare last night on the results show for Week 2 of "So You Think You Can Dance" -- but he ended up sailing through to the next round. In fact, he got such high praise from the judges that he seems in an even stronger position than before.

Jason and his partner, Caitlin Kinney, were sent to the Bottom 3 after the nationwide vote, which meant both had to perform solos for the judges. Jason had to compete against Max Kapitannikov and Kupono Aweau for the right to stay on the show. When the results were announced, judge Nigel Lythgoe offered glowing reviews for Jason's performance, calling his athletic and lyrical contemporary routine -- performed to Robin Thicke's "Superman" with soaring leaps, fantastic extensions and a fiercely controlled sense of power and tension -- one of the best solos seen on the show.

For the Bottom 3 women, Caitlin was an easy survivor as well -- though she didn't receive the same accolades. (Jason seemed amazed when the judges gushed about him.) Kayla Radomski got to stay, while Ashley Valerio went home.

Donald Munro



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