Jacques Pepin, one of the world's best-known chefs, food columnists, and cooking teachers, is host of the television series, "Today's Gourmet." Pepin, originally from Bourg-en-Bresse, France, was the personal chef to three French heads of state and now serves as Dean of Special Programs at The French Culinary Institute in New York City.

Ute Lemper was born in Munster, Germany, and completed her studies at The Dance Academy in Cologne and the Max Reinhardt Seminary Drama School in Vienna. She starred on Broadway as Velma Kelly in the hit musical Chicago and is best known for her bold interpretations of works by composer Kurt Weill in cabarets around the world. She has also appeared in feature films and was named Billboard Magazine's "Crossover Artist of the Year."

Ruben Blades is an actor, singer, musician, and composer. Born in Panama, he was educated at the University of Panama, where he earned a degree in Law and Political Science, and at Harvard University, where he earned his L.L.M. He entered show business in 1975 and soon emerged as a popular songwriter, vocalist, and bandleader. Blades first sang with the Ray Barretto Orchestra, joining Willie Colon's band in the mid 1970s. He starred in the film "Crossover Dreams," was the subject of the documentary "The Return of Ruben Blades" (1987), and most recently co-starred in the television drama "Gideon's Crossing."

Ryuichi Sakamoto has made a career of crossing musical and technological boundaries. He began studying music composition under Professor Matsumoto at Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music. In 1978, Sakamoto released his first solo album and formed Yellow Magic Orchestra. The group's second album sold well over a million copies. Sakamoto won an Academy Award for the best original soundtrack for Bernardo Bertolucci's film, "The Last Emperor," as well as a Grammy, a Golden Globe, and awards from the New York, Los Angeles and British Film Critics Association.

Sonia Braga catapulted to international fame in "Donna Flor and Her Two Husbands," followed by the critically praised "Kiss of the Spider Woman," for which she received a Golden Globe nomination. Brazilian actress Braga has a recurring role on the current season of the HBO comedy, "Sex and the City."

Alberto Angela is an anchorman and special correspondent for RAI-Channel 1 in Italy. He covers a vast range of scientific topics, from astronomy to paleontology. Along with his father, internationally renowned science journalist Piero Angela, he has written several books on science.