Today, January 19^th, is the 172nd birthday of Paul Cezanne, a French artist and Post-Impressionist painter. His work set in motion the transition from the nineteenth century art conception to the dramatically changed twentieth century art world, and ties together the late nineteenth century “impressionism” and the twentieth century “cubism.”

The statement that Cezanne “is the father of us all,” which is connected to both Matisse and Picasso, is considered a fine description of Cezanne’s contribution to the art world.

In Cezanne’s work, it is apparent that the painter had complete control over his design, colors, tone and composition. His brushstrokes can be identified immediately, as they are uniquely small, repetitive and sensitive. His finished paintings project both a direct, accurate impression of the subjects, as well as a more abstract sensation if examined more closely. As he developed his art form, Cezanne increasingly shifted his focus in the direction of the relationship and dynamic tension between geometric figures.

Steve Jobs will be taking a leave of absence from his responsibilities as CEO of Apple, the computer giant, in order to focus more time on his health. Monday’s announcement comes as a surprise to many, but especially to investors in Apple, as Alexander Peterc, an equity analyst at Exane explained.

“It wasn’t expected. This will come as a surprise to Apple investors and definitely take some shine off the Apple stock.”

It is almost exactly two years since Steve Jobs’ announcement that he was taking a 6 month break in order to have a liver transplant.

Daniel Ernst, analyst for Hudson Square Research speculated that “This time around you have to question his ability to bounce back.”

Jobs himself said in an email to Apple employees: “I have great confidence that Tim (Cook, COO of Apple) and the rest of the executive management team will do a terrific job executing the exciting plans we have in place for 2011. I love Apple so much and hope to be back as soon as I can,” Jobs wrote.

We’ve all grown up hearing that phrase, but how often do we stop to consider the real implications? Apples, in fact, are incredibly healthy. Here are a few things that regular apple-eating can do for your body:

• Boron and phloridzin, a type of flavanoid, are both found in apples. These substances strengthen bones and increase their density. Studies have shown that phloridzin, which is found only in this fruit, may protect post-menopausal women from osteoporosis.
• Various studies have shown that the regular consumption of apples may lower the risk of or impact of asthma in children.
• Quercetin, which is found in apples, is believed to protect brain cells from the type of damage that causes Alzheimer’s disease.
• The pectin in apples lowers the “bad” (LDL) cholesterol levels in the body. Eating two apples per day can lower the level by up to sixteen percent.
• The risks of developing lung, breast, colon and liver cancer are all lowered with regular apple consumption.
• The pectin in apples may help manage diabetes, because it provides galacturonic acids which lowers the need for insulin.
• Apples help with weight loss. Studies have shown that women who ate apples while dieting lost more weight than those who did not.

This is a versatile soup which can be made in several ways. For a traditional chicken soup experience, use rice. For something a bit more daring, try bulgur or quinoa. Want a stew-type soup, use all the shredded chicken suggested. For something soupier, add less. If you prepare the broth the day before you can skim the fat and make this already healthy dish even more so. The lemony flavor gives this offering a unique, lively taste. 

3 pounds chicken

cut up 2 medium carrots

sliced 1 medium onion

quartered 6 large garlic cloves

4 peeled and crushed

2 minced or sliced

A bouquet garni made with 1 bay leaf, a couple of sprigs of thyme and a couple of sprigs of parsley

2 1/2 quarts water

10 peppercorns

Salt to taste

1 pound leeks (3 medium or 2 large),white and light green parts only, cleaned and sliced thin

2/3 cup bulgur

Juice of 2 large lemons

3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley, tarragon, chives or cilantro

If you can prepare the broth the day before you want to serve the soup that will allow you to skim off the fat, and make this soup’s preparation faster the next day.

1. Add together chicken, carrots, onion, crushed garlic cloves, bouquet garni, water and peppercorns in a large soup pot or Dutch oven. Let simmer. Take off foam that may form, add salt, cover and continue simmering for an additional ½ hour at a low heat. Remove the chicken wings and breasts carefully (don’t get scalded.) Let thighs and legs simmer 10 additional minutes then remove from soup. When the chicken is cool enough to handle, remove the meat, throw away the skin, and return the bones to the pot. Continue simmering with the bones another 30 minutes. Shred the chicken and place in a covered bowl in the refrigerator.

2. Pour the finished broth through cheesecloth into a larger pot. Refrigerate overnight and the next day skim off the layer of fat which has formed on the surface of the liquid and throw away.

3. Return the broth to the soup pot. Add the remaining ingredients of garlic and leeks, bulgur and salt to taste. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat, cover and simmer for 20 minutes until the grains are tender and soft. Taste, adjust for salt. Right before serving time add as much of the chicken as you like, and any remaining chicken can be used in salads. Lastly, add the lemon juice, and herbs, stir well and serve. Yummy!

Chief executive of General Motors, Daniel F. Akerson said on Tuesday that his company is planning to introduce two more plug-in hybrid cars whose design will be based on the Chevrolet Volt, their first offering of this new technology, which was introduced at the end of last year.

According to comments made by Mr. Akerson at an industry conference not far from the Detroit auto show, G.M. is ready to build a minimum of 25,000 Volts this coming year, which is more than twice the original goal.

Mr. Akerman expects that the Volt will become profitable within three years, as it moves into its second generation design which is being developed now. The Volt went to the market this past December and was designated as the North American Car of the Year at the Auto show’s media preview.

“The Volt is not the ultimate solution,” Mr. Akerson said at the Automotive News World Congress. “It’s a glimpse at what is possible.”