It started as a promise from a dedicated man to his best friend in the world: a dying lion. In July of 2008, as Josef the "celebrity" lion took his last breaths on the grounds of Vision Quest Ranch in Salinas, Charlie Sammut promised his 500-pound companion that his legacy would be forever celebrated with a zoo. Not just a bigger ranch, or a wild animal park, but Monterey … [Read more...] about Hear Them Roar
The Good Life
His philosophies are simple: life is beautiful, it only gets better with age, and it's all about quality, not quantity. Legendary singer Tony Bennett embodies these principles. The nearly 86 year old is currently on an extensive European tour. He will play the Olympics and Royal Albert Hall, as well as make stops in at least a half-dozen foreign countries. He says there will be … [Read more...] about The Good Life
Unstoppable Eastwood*
The clouds seem to part for him. A powerful, anthracite-gray machine descends beneath the fog line and lands gently on the ground. It’s a bird. It’s a plane. It’s Clint Eastwood, Carmel’s version of Superman. Eastwood—a rarity being a helicopter pilot still flying in his 80s—opens the door. At 6-foot-3, his stride is casual and steps are lengthy as he makes his way over to a … [Read more...] about Unstoppable Eastwood*
A Culinary Genius*
Palettes quiver and chefs shiver at the mere mention of the name Thomas Keller, a king among princes in the gastronomic arena. He founded world-famous The French Laundry restaurant in California's Yountville in 1992. Bouchon, Per Se and Ad Hoc followed over the next few years from the West Coast to New York. Keller is the 'Michelin Man,' and not the kind made out of … [Read more...] about A Culinary Genius*
America’s Sweetheart*
Her public commitment to animal welfare is more than 40 years strong, her incredible entertainment career spans decades longer than that, and the adoration of her faithful fans worldwide is never-ending. Doris Day, America's original sweetheart, still holds the impressive distinction of being one of the top box office draws and best-selling recording artists of all time. But, … [Read more...] about America’s Sweetheart*