Latest news with #Mauro
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Science
- Yahoo
Lost and found: Peru unveils sacred city of Caral hidden for nearly 4,000 years
The site of Caral, one of Peru's most important archaeological areas, has a new jewel in its crown after eight years of excavations, intense research and conservation work. It is called Peñico, and experts consider it to be a "city of social integration" because of its strategic location, which connected the populations of the Supe and Huaura valleys, but also because of the large number of homes, public buildings and ceremonial spaces it housed. On Saturday 12 July, the Caral Archaeological Zone will organise the first Peñico Raymi, a replica of a traditional Andean festival, to inaugurate the new archaeological site. Although the Caral culture developed mainly between 3000 and 1800 BC (which, given its antiquity, places it in a society with a development and chronology comparable to Ancient Egypt), it's understood the city of Peñico began to develop a little later, around 1800 and 1500 BC. The Caral are considered the oldest of the pre-Hispanic civilisations in the Americans, which went into steep decline around 1800 BC. It is possible that the prestige achieved by Peñico society in the valley, coupled with its role as a hub in the exchange network, was linked to the extraction and circulation of hematite. This mineral, used to make a red pigment, had great symbolic importance within Andean cosmology. Among the 18 constructions discovered during the excavations and now on display to the public, a ceremonial hall stands out: "We don't know its exact limits," explained Mauro Ordóñez, head of the Penico archaeological site. "This building continues to extend from east to west. The most interesting thing is the composition of several antechambers: one of them stands out for having on its sides the representation, in friezes, of pututus". Pututus are objects also known as churus (the Quechua word for a mollusc, shell or snail). They are wind instruments originally made from a seashell that was large enough to emit a powerful sound. Ordóñez considers this to be evidence of close relations with other pre-Columbian groups in northern Peru. The sacred city of Caral-Supe, located less than 200 kilometres north of Lima, the Peruvian capital, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Peñico, in particular, was built 600 metres above sea level on a geological terrace parallel to the Supe River and surrounded by hills that reach a height of 1,000 metres. Its Caralan builders chose this strategic location for multiple purposes: to enhance the monumentality of their buildings, to protect themselves from floods or landslides and, as evidenced by findings such as the representation of musical instruments, and to promote interaction and exchange with other civilisations.
07-07-2025
- Business
Ontario architect's seal forged by remote worker believed to be North Korean fraudster
An imposter, believed to be North Korean, forged the official seal of an Ontario architect, an investigation by The Fifth Estate has found. The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) has in recent years engaged thousands of remote workers whose purpose is to generate revenue for the regime, according to an international advisory issued by the U.S. government (new window) . Their exploits have been detailed in indictments (new window) from the U.S. Department of Justice and reporting (new window) from around the world (new window) . While they are best-known for high-value cryptocurrency hacks (new window) , these workers will also take real jobs at real companies under false identities. According to an FBI bulletin (new window) from January, this employment sometimes ends with the worker stealing proprietary information or holding data and code hostage for ransom. "The threat posed by DPRK operatives is both real and immediate," U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley said in an announcement (new window) on June 30. Thousands of North Korean cyber operatives have been trained and deployed by the regime to blend into the global digital workforce. They also masquerade as licensed professionals on freelance websites offering to do things like reviewing and approving engineering or architectural plans with forged stamps. According to the Association of Architects of Ontario (new window) , an architect's stamp — otherwise known as a seal — is a representation to the public that the professional is taking responsibility for the document and that it was prepared by them or under their supervision and direction. In Ontario, seals are issued by self-regulated bodies created and governed by specific legislation. For instance, Professional Engineers Ontario (new window) operates under the authority of the Professional Engineers Act (new window) . In mid-May, a pseudonymous online researcher known only as Cookie Connoisseur (new window) posted (new window) a series of professional stamps on X bearing the names of engineers across the United States. Cookie Connoisseur claimed they were being used by North Korean remote workers. Among them was the professional seal of Canadian architect Stephen Mauro, who is based in the Greater Toronto Area. His stamp appeared on a blueprint for a boutique studio designed by a company called Global Creative Consultant Engineers (GCCE). Speaking with The Fifth Estate , Mauro stated he had never heard of GCCE, had never seen the drawing before and did not stamp it. He also pointed out that the signature on the seal did not resemble his, and that the stamp itself contained minor differences from his official seal. The biggest thing is to find out where these are being submitted in Ontario, Mauro said, to notify the municipalities that it's not an actual architect submitting these. Remote freelance work Searching online, The Fifth Estate was able to locate a Facebook page for GCCE, which included an email address and phone number for a man named Faisal Hussain. When contacted by CBC, Hussain said he was based in Pakistan and confirmed the drawings were his. Début du widget Twitter. Passer le widget ? Fin du widget Twitter. Retourner au début du widget ? When asked about his relationship with Mauro, Hussain initially stated he is working with me as teammate. In a subsequent video call, Hussain said he had hired Mauro via an online freelancing platform and had never seen his face or heard his voice. He's been working with me for two years and I didn't get any issue from the city, Hussain said. He did not respond to questions about which city he was referring to. Faisal Hussain's LinkedIn profile states he is a 'USA CITY PERMIT EXPERT,' but contains no mention of Global Creative Consultant Engineers. (Faisal Hussain / LinkedIn) Photo: (Faisal Hussain / LinkedIn) According to a 2022 U.S. government advisory on North Korean IT workers, they most commonly obtain freelance jobs through various online platforms. The sentiment is echoed by cybersecurity expert Michael Barnhart, who works for the risk management firm DTEX Systems. Whatever the popular thing in the host nation is what they're going for, Barnhart said, adding that he's seen logs of conversations where North Korean remote workers are asking an AI platform for lists of popular freelance websites in Canada and Japan. Are the documents real? In an attempt to highlight North Korean remote workers' activities, Cookie Connoisseur, as well as a number (new window) of other (new window) accounts, regularly post files — videos, photos, chat logs — that they claim originate from North Korean actors. Asked if they would be interviewed for this story, Cookie Connoisseur referred The Fifth Estate to Barnhart, the cybersecurity expert. He said he acts as the public face of this loose collective of online researchers. The U.S.-based Barnhart, who formerly led North Korea threat-hunting operations for a Google subsidiary called Mandiant, told The Fifth Estate that the members of the collective work regular jobs and do this research in their spare time. Barnhart would not disclose how the collective obtained the blueprint bearing the Ontario architect Mauro's seal. In an email to CBC, he said the information had been corroborated by multiple researchers in the industry who had been tracking this particular North Korean operator. He also noted that North Korean operatives read news articles about their work, and that as a result, providing too much information could divulge the researcher's methods. Alongside freelancing websites, North Korean remote workers also engage in what Barnhart called spray-and-pray job applications for positions at companies hiring remote workers. They apply for hundreds of jobs a day, and hope that with such a high volume, they will get at least some responses. If you're a Fortune 500 company, then I can easily say you've at least been targeted, Barnhart said. Whether you've hired them, that's a different story. Matthew Pierce (new window) · CBC News
The Age
16-06-2025
- Business
- The Age
‘Know your skills and value': How small businesses can face up to tax time with confidence
It's often said that no one becomes a small-business owner to actually run a business. It is, after all, a world that few enter into with a blueprint for success. Yet, some 2.6 million Australians have taken the leap into entrepreneurship, many of whom rely on advisers, loved ones, the internet and all manner of support systems to learn as they go. What can hold some back, however? It's the fear of asking 'silly questions' — a phrase most of us have uttered in some form or another throughout our lives. Kelsie Gaffey is one such entrepreneur in the early stages of building a business. The young South Australian opened Gracie's Wine Room, a buzzy hotspot in Melbourne's East, earlier this year. 'Entrepreneurship has always been something I've aspired to, but I've never really thought I had the time, experience or money,' she says. 'But I knew in my heart that I didn't have a passion for the nine-to-five grind, so about a year ago, I started taking steps to build something of my own, and that's how Gracie's came to be.' Gaffey is slowly but surely learning the ropes. And with tax time on the horizon — her first being self-employed — she's leaning into the idea that there's no such thing as a silly question in small business. Uncovering tax-time trepidation To spotlight some of the complexities of end of financial year (EOFY), Xero surveyed 1000 everyday Australians, including small-business owners. The research found that almost three-quarters of people (73 per cent) feel worried or stressed around June 30, and nearly a quarter (22 per cent) have avoided asking a tax-related question out of fear it might seem silly. Gaffey can relate to this. 'My skills are centred around marketing and creativity, but not so much the financial side of running a business,' she explains. 'So, honestly, I'm feeling a little nervous about EOFY.' Accountant Julian Mauro from Melbourne-based advisory firm Mauro sees this all too often. 'Our clients constantly say, 'Why wasn't this taught in school?' And it's true, especially for small-business owners. They simply don't know what they don't know,' he says. In particular, tax deductions leave one in two people (51 per cent) confused. 'We've pretty much had people ask us everything under the sun in terms of what they can claim on tax. But unless you're taught, you can't be expected to know,' Mauro says.
Forbes
11-06-2025
- Forbes
Autumn In Piedmont's Langhe Hills: Fine Wines, Food And Stunning Landscapes
Rows of the colorful autumnal vineyards on the hills of Langhe in Piedmont, Italy. The autumn harvest season is one of the best times to visit the Langhe Hills of Piedmont. Visitors can enjoy the region's bounty of fine wines and cuisine amidst breathtaking views of vineyards, rolling hills, and woodlands, swathed in vibrant shades of red, orange, gold and brown. Located in northwestern Italy (in the southern part of the Piedmont region), the Langhe Hills are framed by the Maritime Alps and the Ligurian Apennines. Eleven small villages (communes), including the town of Barolo, are spread over this hilly area, which comprises the official Barolo DOCG wine production zone. Nebbiolo Grapes Located northeast of Alba, the Langhe Hills are the exclusive home to Barolo and Barbaresco, two of Italy's most prestigious red wines. The wines are named after these two tiny villages. Both wines are made from 100% Nebbiolo grapes and are favorites among wine enthusiasts. Often described as siblings, Barolo is known as the "King," and Barbaresco as the "Queen." However, the region produces other high-quality reds and whites, including Barbera, Pinot Nero, and Chardonnay. The Piedmont Langhe/Monferrato wine region was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014 for its stunning vineyard landscapes and rich winemaking traditions. (The only other Italian wine region to achieve this status is the Conegliano and Valdobbiadene wine region, which produces Prosecco.) Italian white truffles at the Truffle Fair in Alba, Piedmont (Italy), the most important international truffle market in the world. The regional cuisine of Piedmont is also legendary among food lovers, perhaps only second to Emilia Romagna. The town of Alba is the epicenter of white truffles, known for its yearly International White Truffle Fair. The fair's 95th edition will be in October. Steeped in agricultural and culinary traditions, the Langhe Hills are known for their regional pastas (tagliarini, tajarin and agnolotti), risotto, polenta, and cheeses. Meat lovers enjoy the uniquely lean, tender Fassona beef, from a breed of cattle native to the region. The area is also famous for Piedmont IGP hazelnuts, which are valued by chefs and chocolatiers worldwide. In Turin, the nuts are used to craft gianduia (a chocolate-hazelnut confectionery). Alba is home to Nutella, the popular spread that is considered a descendant of the candy. Mauro and Giovanni Manzone in the wine cellar A consortium, Consorzio Di Tutela Barolo Barbaresco Alba Langhe E Dogliani, oversees the strict procedural guidelines for its 500 members that govern the production of Barolo and Barbaresco as well as other denominations like Dolcetto di Dogliani, Barbera d'Alba and Langhe DOC. Only vineyards located on the slopes of the hills, with the best sun exposure and an altitude between 170 and 540 meters above sea level, are allowed to produce Nebbiolo grapes for Barolo. Grape quantity is also capped to guarantee high quality. Most wineries in this region are small, family-owned, and produce site-specific wines. Each village (commune) has distinct soil types, altitudes, exposures and microclimates. Giovanni Manzone Winery is located in Monforte d'Alba, one of the 11 communes in the province of Cuneo. The winery's namesake inherited a house and farm from his father, Stefano, located in what is now called the Castelletto MGA (Menzione Geografica Aggiuntiva), a recognized Cru (single-vineyard designation) within the Barolo DOCG. The steep, stony ground made cultivation challenging. But through perseverance and hard work, he began to produce wine and bottled his first Barolo Ciabot del Preve in 1961. Following long-standing tradition, his Barolos were and still are aged in large oak barrels with long maceration times. In the 70s, the family acquired another plot of land in Gramolere, now considered a Menzione Geografica Aggiuntiva (MGA) or Cru within the Barolo DOCG, which has been known historically for grapes that produce wines of incredible structure. At the end of the 1980s, Marc de Grazia, an influential American wine importer who promoted Barolo wines, recognized the quality of Manzone wines, leading to their fame worldwide. This was the start of a 23-year successful partnership with the importer. A fifth generation of the Manzone family, Mauro and Mirella, now oversee operations of their 14.3 hectares of land. About 8.5 hectares are used to produce Rossese Bianco, Dolcetto, Barbera, and Nebbiolo wines within the Barolo appellation. The grapes are hand-harvested and the winery follows a Colderetti protocol to ensure environmental sustainability. Manzone Famiglia Manzone Winery welcomes visitors for guided tastings and tours of the cellar and vineyards. 'We can't compete with the marketing of large, commercial wineries,' says Mauro over a Zoom call. 'The best way to show our work is through tastings of our wines.' The Manzone tasting room offers expansive views of the Barolo region. Mauro compares the small villages dotting the Langhe Hills to 'small jewels,' each with its own charm, characteristics, and customs. Plans are underway to renovate the farmhouse to host overnight stays. Visitors meandering the cobblestone streets of the well-preserved medieval centers will find historic castles, churches, markets and museums (including a Barolo wine museum and a corkscrew museum). More active wine tourists can book popular e-bike tours, plan walks, or run beside the photogenic hills and vineyards. 'Wine and food show their best together,' says Mauro. The Langhe Hills do that in spades. Local trattorie, osterie and ristoranti offer food enthusiasts opportunities to savor authentic farm-to-table regional Piedmontese cuisine paired with exquisite wines. One of the most convenient ways to explore the region is by car, allowing stops at wineries, wine shops and other attractions in the scenic villages. Unlike more trafficked wine regions, visitors appreciate the authenticity of the small hotels, agriturismi, and guest houses in the Langhe Hills. The passionate winemakers of the Langhe Hills are warm and welcoming. They are rightly proud of their terroir, which offers tourists a perfect mix of gastronomical, historical, and cultural treasures. Manzone Wines The Nebbiolo grapes of this complex and balanced wine come from vineyards with the Castelletto MGA. A traditional single-vineyard Barolo made from older grapes in the Gramolere MGA, full-bodied and well-structured with excellent aging potential A just-released special edition Barolo from the 2009 vintage, offering depth, structure and elegance, celebrating the winery's 100th anniversary A delicate, juicy red wine from a new vineyard planted in 2020 Barolo village road sign, Piedmont, Italy Before visiting any winery, check its website for its offerings, opening hours, and cost. It is always prudent to make reservations in advance. These wineries are proud of their history and heritage and are happy to share their stories with visitors. Located close to the center of the village of Barolo, this family-owned winery was established in 1972 by Aldo Vajra, who inherited parcels of land from his grandfather. The estate emphasizes sustainability and focuses on the unique characteristics of its Barolo Cru vineyards. The winery offers tastings and guided tours. Considered one of the region's oldest wineries, Coppo cellars date back to 1892. Located in Canelli in Monferrato, the winery's tours and tastings offer valuable insights into Piedmont grape varieties, vineyard management and winemaking methods. The cellars (known as 'Underground Cathedrals') include 5000 square meters of tunnels with vaulted ceilings and natural Canelli tufa rock that are recognized as part of the Piedmont UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ceretto, based in Alba, is considered a leader in the single-vineyard Barolo movement. Known for its commitment to sustainability, it has implemented various organic and biodynamic practices in its vineyards. The winery offers private tours, Cru tastings of Barolo and Barbaresco, and vertical tastings. Located in the village of La Morra, about 9 miles from Alba, Renato Ratti offers guided tours of the cellars, special visits, and Barolo tastings. The property rents rooms and suites in the family estate at Costigliole d'Asti in the Monferrato hills, with a restaurant and wellness area. The winery plans to open a museum in 2025. This fifth-generation family-owned winery is located in Alba's historical center, built on the city's 2000-year-old walls. The vineyards are in multiple communes in the Barolo and Barbaresco appellations. Tours and tastings are by appointment. Information about the Langhe Hills from the Italian Tourist Board
Time Out
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Chicago sandwich king debuts new Italian beef collab at Time Out Market
Acclaimed Hulu series The Bear continues to put spotlight on Chicago and its iconic Italian beef sandwich, catapulting our culinary scene to new heights and creating lots of copycats. But Chicagoans know there's nothing better than the real deal — which is why we're thankful for Windy City native Jeff Mauro, and his latest creation for Stefani's Bottega Italiana at Time Out Market Chicago. The new Mauro Beef Sandwich layers slow-roasted, thin-sliced prime beef with hot peppers and tangy giardiniera relish, served with gravy. Find it at Stefani's, which opened at Time Out Market in the West Loop back in February. The Italian icon typically slings Roman-style pizzas, pastas, and schiacciata sandwiches, but we have a feeling this big, beefy number might just outdo its predecessors. Born and raised in Oak Park, chef Jeff Mauro is considered the Sandwich King on Food Network's The Kitchen, and for good reason. For years, Mauro has been on a mission to make the best version of the beloved Chicago-style Italian beef. Only now has he finally achieved his goal with what he calls 'the best Italian beef for purchase,' featuring Turano bread, gravy, and an original recipe for giardiniera. (Pro tip from chef: Don't say the 'a' at the end of giardiniera when you order.) ' It's the greatest beef that you will ever taste,' Mauro told WBBM. 'And I guarantee that. It's USDA choice or prime whole muscle chuck roll. It's not filled with anything, it's like rubbed and roasted old school, sliced paper thin.' The Food Network star's collaboration with Stefani Restaurant Group includes a plan to ship this truly famous beef across the country, giving restaurants along the East Coast a taste of Chicago. Apparently, Mauro's father grew up with Phil Stefani, making this partnership a 'super special' personal and professional experience. And if you're looking for a high-quality beef sandwich outside the immediate area, Mauro recommends looking for high-turnover locales to guarantee fresh ingredients. 'The secret key is you got to wrap that sandwich,' he said. 'Throw it in a greasy paper bag.'
