Forrest Mars Jr. of Mars, as in Mars Bars, has died aged 84. Mars Jr. and his siblings maintained chocolate independence, so Mars is not owned by a petrochemical company. How refreshing.

I wish I were a "chocolate billionaire". Is it too late?

Sad news! Morley Safer has died at the age of 84. Karsh photographed him in 1977, and on the Karsh website is an entertaining video from 60 Minutes with Morley Safer of Safer with Karsh, together they recreate the famous Churchill photo. "I'll be Churchill" says Mr Safer. 

Sad news from my Karsh colleagues is that dancer, actress, early Karsh subject and friend Betty Low has died. Betty performed with the Colonel de Basil's Ballets Russes de Monte Carlo as Ludmila Lvova, before appearing in several films, including "84 Charing Cross Road." This portrait was made in 1936 when Karsh, ever the improviser, took down the nets from the window and used them to make this beautiful photograph. I was fortunate to meet Ms. Low many years later in Washington, DC, as the National Portrait Gallery celebrated Mrs Karsh's donation of 100 original Karsh fine art photographs. She was as poised and beautiful as ever. 

Here is Ms. Low in "The Lesson" with Solange Gauthier Karsh, Mr. Karsh's first wife.  You can read more about Ms. Low's life over at the Ballets-Russes.

What a gorgeous portrait of Ray Tomlinson by the lovely Henry Horenstein. Ray Tomlinson died last week. He created the first email system and has us all using the @ sign. Big up, Mr. Tomlinson! 

In the book "Regarding Heroes" Karsh said of his 1956 session with Anita Ekberg, "The smorgasbord was already lavishly spread on the table of Anita Ekberg's California home when I arrived. Her natural behavior resembled the love goddesses she portrayed - uninhibited and seductive, and totally without guile. When changing from one gown to another, she ignored the screen her attendant had place before her. She exuded sexuality; in the garden, as she exuberantly hugged a tree trunk, it became a gesture of utmost sensuality."

Here she is, looking as if butter wouldn't melt. Bye, Maggie. Mandela outlived you, which is very satisfying. Rest in all the peace you deserve...

The one and only Betty Ford, 1918 - 2011