In life, one may come across a person that has such extraordinary talent it absolutely takes your breath away.  Dick Zimmerman is one of those people.  In the world of famous painters, we have Leonardo Da Vinci, Pablo Picasso, Claude Monet, Rembrandt Van Rijn and Dick Zimmerman the Rembrandt of the 20th century.

At the young age of seven, Dick Zimmerman painted his first portrait of his most important inspiration in life, his father.  He shared his first painting with his teacher at school not knowing what it would bring.  As he walked down the hall wondering why there was a crowd of students gathered around the glass showcase, there it was his painting of his father.  At that moment, he knew what he wanted to be in life.  His father introduced him to classical music and explored fine art museums where he learned about some the greatest painters of all times.

A native of New York, Mr. Zimmerman went on to study at New York University where he received a bachelor degree in art. He commissioned portraits during his studies as he mastered his craft which paid for his education. This gave him the opportunity to study for five years with the legendary Soyer Brothers, Raphael and Moses Soyer, at the Brooklyn Museum.  

Mr. Zimmerman's studies continued at The School of Visual Arts and Parsons School of Design. He went on to become the youngest Art Director for McCall's and seven other publications.  Throughout the 60's, he was considered the "Wiz Kid" of editorial design. His studies and career in the visual arts allowed him to explore several career paths as an Art Director, Editorial Design, Photographer and Portrait Artist Painter.

At the age of twenty-one, he became a professional photographer, but this was not his true love.  He traveled throughout Europe perfecting his technique as a professional photographer and artist.  He lived in Paris for six years surrounding himself with the culture and art world in Paris.  After taking photos for twenty years, he knew that he had to return to his true love of painting.

His special techniques of using colors that most portrait artists don't use gives his painting a more realistic look.  When painting, he becomes very invested in the moment creating a masterpiece for his clients.  It is not about just creating a painting.  It is about giving each client more than they ever expected by creating a family heirloom that they can past on generation after generation. So, he returned to Los Angeles and Florida where he returned to his true love of painting.

Mr. Zimmerman has painted the who's who of Hollywood such as Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman, Priscilla and Lisa Presley, Jane Seymour, John Travolta & Kelly Preston, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and many, many more.  He is also the mastermind behind the Michael Jackson's "Thriller" cover.  He has appeared on such shows as NBC's The Today Show, NBC's Daytime, NBC's Entertainment Tonight, Access Hollywood, Eye on LA and many more. 

One of Mr. Zimmerman's most memorable moments was when he was commissioned to paint the wedding portrait of Salvador Dali and his wife Gala for their fiftieth wedding anniversary.  At the tender age of five, his father took him to the Metropolitan Museum in New York where he was mesmerized by Salvador Dali's "Crucifixion".  He was so fascinated with the "Crucifixion" until he refused to leave.  The "Crucifixion" became a big inspiration to him.  As a teenager, he would visit the museum and sit and stare at the painting for hours.  So, in 1973 when he was commissioned to paint the wedding portrait of Salvador Dali and his wife Gala for their fiftieth wedding anniversary, he did not hesitate.

When asked if he had the opportunity to paint anyone dead or alive, he did not hesitate to say "Rembrandt".  Mr. Zimmerman explained that there was no better artist than Rembrandt.  So, he is honored when he is compared to his idol, Rembrandt and is called the Rembrandt of the 20^th century.  Like Rembrandt, Mr. Zimmerman focus on making each painting come alive by capturing the true essence of each person.  He makes each person feel comfortable and confidence by bring out the pureness and canceling all other expressions that he doesn't feel captures who they really are.

Dick Zimmerman is one of the greatest contemporary portrait artists of all times. His passion for his craft is reflected in his beautiful breathtaking portraits.  One article is not enough to tell the full story of the man behind the portraits.  There are so many fascinating stories within a story.  It would take a book to share it all. 

Mr. Zimmerman, you are an amazing contemporary portrait artists with such a humble spirit and I’m honored that you took the time to share a part of your life with me.

Dick Zimmerman ~ www.dickzimmerman.com

 To learn more, please click here.

To view video, please click here.

Jane Seymour

John Travolta & Kelly Preston

Priscilla Presley

Over the holidays, I was introduced to the smooth and refreshing vodka, Firestarter.  I shared Firestarter at various holiday gatherings and we compared it with other vodkas on the market.  Everyone who experienced Firestarter was not only captivated by its unique packaging, but was surprised by the smooth taste. The state of the art platinum filtration system is an exceptional technique used in the perfection of this fine vodka.

Firestarter Vodka comes from the proud Moldovan distillers using only the best winter wheat from the beautiful rolling Moldova's hills adjacent to the Black Sea.  After 200 years of Russian rule, Moldovan distillers continue to perfect some of the world's finest vodka.  Using a 19^th century recipe, Firestarter is a premium, ultra smooth vodka that wraps around the taste buds of any vodka lover.

The fire extinguisher packaging set Firestarter apart from all other vodkas.  You may ask why such unique packaging.  Not only is Firestarter a premium vodka, but a percentage of the sales from Firestarter goes directly to help the Fire Fighters of America.  Firestarter is one of the only liquor companies that give back.  A Fire Fighter Fund was set up that contributes 2% of all sales to help the fire fighters. 

So, the next time you have a taste for vodka... You have to experience Firestarter...  The vodka that gives back...

For more information regarding Firestarter, click here.

The rain did not put a damper on the evening when it came to honoring one of the most prolific actors in the movie industry, Harrison Ford.

As part of the 2010 Santa Barbara Film Festival, Kirk Douglas honored Harrison Ford with the Award for Excellent in Film.  Throughout his career, Ford has captivated audiences with each performance, becoming one of the most influential and widely celebrated actors in the history of Hollywood. He has consistently given diverse and compelling performances, mastering the challenges of both comedy and drama: sometimes within the span of a single scene. His ability to bring the audience along with him to the outer reaches of the universe with expert guidance has garnered him loyalty among his audience as well as his peers.

Ford's impressive body of work contains 43 feature films, 12 of which have each grossed over $100 million, as well as an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.  With all of Ford's accolades, he is still one of the most humbled and down-to-earth actors I have ever met.  As he entered the red carpet, he took a moment to speak with each reporter and answered their questions.

Courtney Dawn was able to capture this memorable moment with her photography as Harrison Ford walked the red carpet in a dashing black tux with a rich burgundy handkerchief in his upper pocket which coordinated with Calista Flockhart simply elegant burgundy sequins dress.  They were absolutely stunning together. 

The award gala was in a cozy setting in the Coral Casino Ballroom at The Four Seasons Biltmore in Santa Barbara, California attended by the who's who of Hollywood. They all were there to pay respect to Mr. Harrison Ford.   The gala started with a tribute to Harrison Ford followed by clips from his movies expanding over his impressive film career.  In between the walk down memory lane of Ford's movies, a gourmet dinner was served ending with a combination of delicate desserts.   The evening ended with the legendary Kirk Douglas honoring Harrison Ford with this prestigious award.

During my interview with Harrison Ford, I asked him "Out of all of the movies to your credit which one is your favorite?"  He replied "I have five kids and I do not have a favorite.  They are all different."  Harrison Ford makes acting look so effortless and natural.  It’s hard to choose a favorite.  I have to agree with Harrison Ford.  All of his movies are wonderful...

Congratulations!!! Mr. Harrison Ford on being honored with the Kirk Douglas Award for Excellence in Film.  There is no other actor who deserves this award more than you...

Santa Barbara, CA - In recognition of his contributions to the world of film, the Santa Barbara International Film Festival is honored to present the fifth annual KIRK DOUGLAS AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN FILM to the legendary Academy Award-nominated actor/producer Harrison Ford. The black-tie Gala dinner, which serves as a fundraiser for SBIFF, will take place at The Four Seasons Biltmore in Santa Barbara on Friday, November 19, 2010. The evening is sponsored by Chopin Vodka.

"I'm delighted to give this award to Harrison Ford," commented Kirk Douglas. "It's always a pleasure to honor these young actors who do so well."

Ford's impressive body of work contains 43 feature films, 12 of which have each grossed over $100 million, as well as an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.

Throughout his career, Ford has captivated audiences with each performance, becoming one of the most influential and widely celebrated actors in the history of Hollywood. He has consistently given diverse and compelling performances, mastering the challenges of both comedy and drama: sometimes within the span of a single scene. His ability to bring the audience along with him to the outer reaches of the universe with expert guidance has garnered him loyalty among his audience as well as his peers.

Ford first turned heads playing Bob Falfa in George Lucas', American Graffiti (1973). A few years later Lucas cast him as the cocky rebel starship pilot Han Solo in Star Wars. The film shattered all box office records and made Ford a household name. After starring in a few more films such as Hanover Street (1978) and The Frisco Kid (1979), as well as a cameo in Apocalypse Now (1979), he donned the famous fedora as Indiana Jones in Steven Spielberg's Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981).

Between the Star Wars sequels, The Empire Strikes Back (1980) and Return of the Jedi (1983), and the Raiders sequels Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984), Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989), and Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008), Ford took on many other roles which enabled him to demonstrate immense range as an actor. He delivered a gritty performance as a cop in the nihilistic future LA in Blade Runner (1982); he received an Academy Award nomination for his role as a cop on the lam hiding out in Amish country in Witness (1985); he portrayed an eccentric idealistic inventor in The Mosquito Coast (1986); he portrayed a Hitchcock protagonist in Frantic (1988) before showing his flair for romantic comedy in Mike Nichols' Working Girl (1988). He portrayed a lawyer accused of murder in Presumed Innocent (1990); a doctor wrongly convicted of murder in Andy Davis' The Fugitive (1993); he was President in Air Force One (1997), a NY City cop in The Devil's Own (1997) and, of course, brought Tom Clancy's novel character Jack Ryan to the silver screen in, Patriot Games (1992) and Clear and Present Danger (1994).

Ford's upcoming film Morning Glory is slated to be released November 12, 2010. Set in the hilarious and dysfunctional world of morning television, Ford plays legendary TV anchor Mike Pomeroy, who is brought on to save a failing news show where he comes into conflict with his co-anchor Colleen Peck (Diane Keaton). Ford will also star alongside Daniel Craig in the upcoming film Cowboys and Aliens, directed by Jon Favreau. 

The 26th Santa Barbara International Film Festival, set to run January 27 through February 6, 2011, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching local culture and raising consciousness of film as an art form. SBIFF presents quality American Independent, Spanish and Latin American, European, World and Documentary cinema, as well as nature and surfing films, all within the beautiful setting of downtown Santa Barbara, a perfect backdrop and premier tourist destination in its own right. SBIFF is also committed to education through its 10-10-10 Student Filmmaking and Screenwriting Competitions, Field Trip to the Movies, and educational seminars. With a projected audience of over 60,000 viewing more than 200 films over its eleven day run, the SBIFF attracts an eclectic and diverse consumer base, both locally and nationally, while maintaining strong ties with the entertainment industry in nearby Los Angeles.

For ticket information, contact the SBIFF office, 805-963-0023 or visit www.sbfilmfestival.org.

Paul Wayne Gregory has taken many years perfecting the world of chocolates in England.  Using the finest natural ingredients, he has created mouth watering chocolates fit for the Queen.  His passion for chocolates is a reflection of his work making him a master at what he does.

The "Salted Caramel Truffles" are just the right blend of soft creamy caramel with a hint of salt and sweetened with just the right amount of chocolate.  Then there are the "Real Champagne Truffles" made with velvety real champagne filling dusted with pure cocoa.  Who needs a glass of champagne when you can have the best of both worlds with real French vintage champagne combined with pure chocolate in Paul's "Real Champagne Truffles".

"Indulgence is everything" says it all.  Paul Wayne Gregory's "Indulgence is everything" takes you around the world in one box of decadent chocolates.  The coconut and passion fruit is absolutely tropical where as the mint has just enough to relax you and satisfy your chocolate needs.  Then you have the blue mountain coffee that gives you that little kick to keep you going.  Regardless of the flavor, you will find it in "Indulgence is everything" assorted chocolates.  Each chocolate is more exciting than the other.

One article isn't enough to capture all that Paul Wayne Gregory's chocolates have to offer.  So, stay tuned for articles exploring other sides of Paul Wayne Gregory's world of chocolates.

To learn more regarding Paul Wayne Gregory, click Paul...

When it comes to relaxing, there is nothing like a hot bath.   

Innocent organic bath salts are made with pure organic ingredients to help pamper and relax the body. 

Pure aroma therapeutic essential oils, detoxifying clays and energizing mineral crystals unite in harmony to melt away the day's aches and inhibitions.  Unlike sea salt soaks, Innocent's unique epsom salt blend helps increase energy and vitality by providing two key minerals necessary to good health - Magnesium and Sulfate.  

This pure time tested mineral compound has hundreds of beauty and health uses including increased energy, muscle pain relief, stress relief and more!

Revitalize both mind and body!

To learn more about Innocent Organic Bath Salts, click salts.

Each truffle is handmade from rich Belgian chocolate with such thick and creamy textures which is crafted by whipping no air into the process nor are any molds used.  The flavor in each truffle is so intense it takes you on a journey with unforgettable taste.  The creme de menthe has a deep minty flavor that is cool and refreshing with the most mint I have ever experienced.  The Spicy Mama made with habaneras is like biting into this superior rich creamy chocolate with the habaneras knocking you completely off your feet with this powerful spicy heat which is so great.  If you need an aphrodisiac, the Aphroedsia has just the right amount of cinnamon and chipotle that will take you on your romantic way.

Eleanor's white chocolate creme brulee is the Rolls Royce of truffles.  The flavor is absolutely out of this world.  This is a truffle you have to experience on your own.  Take a quiet moment in a relaxing bubble bath and bite into the white chocolate creme brulee truffle and it will take you beyond heaven...

Chocolate wine pairing has been made easy with Eleanor's wine pairing chocolates.  She has color coded each chocolate to pair it with each wine.  This takes all the guessing out of which chocolate to pair with which wine.

Eleanor's truffles are the best...  To purchase Eleanor's truffles, click truffles.

If you are looking for a bag for carrying those intimate items for a relaxing romantic moment, then these bags will be perfect.  The double sided cotton blended bags make it easy to pack the items needed for a relaxing and romantic moment for the beach or the park.  You will be able to pack a nice picnic of your favorite wines, chocolates, desserts and more in Vivian's bags and do it in style.  Don't worry about getting the bag dirty, because these bags are washable.

Vivian's bags are offered in a variety of colors which you may select depending on your mood for the day.  If you are in a bright sunny mood, you may want to use the yellow bag.  The red bag is hot and spicy to make anyone's day exciting.  Then you have the beige bag for just a calm day at the market.

You may also personalize your bag with your favorite photo of a loved one, pet or yourself.  Get creative and make Vivian's bag your bag...

To learn more about Vivian's Bags, click Vivian.

When it comes to an intimate dessert, the first thing that comes to mind is something chocolate. 

Deep in the South, they are known for their Southern cuisine and the blues.  A very popular dessert in the South is the sweet potato pie.  There isn't a Sunday dinner or special occasion without sweet potato pie. 

Well, the "Sweet Potato Thang" is a new and modern twist on the sweet potato pie.  The creamy sweet potato filling is so velvety and smooth which sit on top of this mouth watering graham cracker crust.  The blend of the silky textures with just a hint of pure vanilla keeps you wanting more and more.

If you like sweet potato, then you will fall in love with the "Sweet Potato Thang".  So, if you are looking for something sweet and different for any special occasion, don't look any farther.  You have to try the "Sweet Potato Thang"...   Don't worry it can be shipped to you anywhere.

Who knew sweet potatoes could be so sweet...

For more information on the Sweet Potato Thang, click sweet.