DEPARTMENT:

Tropical salad: When Kevin Gray played his villanous role of “Scar” in the “Lion King” at Blaisdell, he got lots of boos during the curtain calls because of the “mean” role. But Kevin in person is one of the nicest guys on the planet. Among those who struck a friendship with him during the show’s long Hawaii stay was Scotty B. from Star l0l 9 radio who became Kevin’s regular golfing buddy…A quick aside, while watching LAW & ORDER re-runs in the wee hours of the AM, I spied a familiar face in the role of a defense attorney. Guess who? Yup—Kevin Gray. This guy sure gets around…Chips off the old block: Jeff Enos literally grew up in the Compadres eatery here. His dad founded the restaurant back in January, l984 with partner Dick Bradley. So from age 9, young Jeff learned the food biz from the ground up. And so did his other family members, Segue to today: Now Jeff is general manager of the socko boffo Compadres in Napa, Calif., in the wine country, younger brother Scott is GM of Compadres in Palo Alto, while little sister Lauren is head of catering for the company. Definitely—all in the family…

Waikiki mirage: While strolling along Waikiki Beach the other day I spied a middle-aged rather hefty lady— topless—wearing a thong bottom. Or, so It appeared. I thot—why in the world would a woman that size expose herself like that? When I got closer—to my surprise—she was actually a he. Hard to tell who’s who anymore. Must‘ve been that thong bottom that threw me…

Ooppps…Hawaii playground: Bored? Looking for a change of pace? Then, check out those voluminous tourist mags on stands around Waikiki. You’ll be staggered by the tons of Hawaii activities available—right in your own backyard that many islanders ignore.

Who needs to travel…Booze who: Hard to believe but according to some recent statistics the number one consumer of lite beer in the USA is reportedly Hawaii. Don’t know where these “facts” come from. Personally, don’t believe it…Thinking out loud: Seems like it takes less time to fly to a nabor island these days then to drive from downtown out to Ewa…

Notes to you: Miss having a movie theater in Waikiki—especially after all these years. Don’t you?…I’m sure you knew that Nicole Kidman was born here—in l967 to be exact…Health tip: They say that too much cola can weaken bones. Hokay…A friend visiting England did some research and discovered: That Kamehameha IV once became quite friendly with Queen Victoria’s Prince Albert and discovered both had this in common: Both believed in reincarnation. Albert wanted to come back as a great surfer and Hawaiian beachboy…Wanna feel older: Bo Derek is now in her 50’s…

Pupu Parade: Where are they now: Former Bishop Estate Dickie Wong shedding pounds and keeping trim with frequent workouts at the Honolulu Club and watching those calories…After a bit of shopping I looked for my credit card when I got home. It vanished. Checked everywhere. No luck. I was about to cancel my card when the phone rang. “Did you lose your credit card?” a voice asked. Whew! A nice young man by the name of Jason Sorensen, who found my card was calling. Honesty lives…

Down memory lane: When Roger Smith was in the Navy some years ago he was discovered playing the guitar on Waikiki Beach. He then dreamed of one day becoming an actor. James Cagney, then starring in “Mr. Roberts” (produced here) recommended him to an agent after seeing Roger on local TV. He eventually went on to star in 77 Sunset Strip and other TV series. But—hung it all up to produce and marry Ann-Margaret. (Happily wed over 40 years). He’s still battling myasthenia gravis (Lou Gehrig’s disease) now in remission. (Roger and Ann still sneak into town whenever time permits)…

Just thinking out loud: Whatever happened to the film career of Jason Scott Lee? Hardly ever see him—professionally. Had such an excellent career going a few years ago. Now lives quietly on the Big Isle…Hot TV producer and writer David Kelley (and missus) could be considered kamaainas after over ten years of part timing it at their Lanikai residence. Some of his prolific TV creations—“The Practice,” “Ally McBeal,” “Chicago Hope” and a ton of other hits. Mrs. Kelley? That’s the beautiful, and ageless actress Michelle Pfeiffer…

Another thinking out loud item: Isn’t there another phrase those TV chefs can use other than, “now, we add a little bit of,” etc., etc. Everything is always “and add a little bit.” So tiresome. Why not throw in phrases like “a little drizzle,” or “just a pinch of,” or here’s a “tid bit,” or “smidgeon,” etc. Enuff with just a little bit…

Dateline Beijing: Here’s a tip for those planning on visiting China for the Olympics. Don’t take any condoms with you. Host city Beijing has ordered all hotels to provide free condoms in all bedrooms—in a bid to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS because of soaring cases. All hotels must comply by this mandate by the end of the year. Heck, I wasn’t planning on going to China anyway…
Our changing times: Once—not that long ago, it was easy reaching most people by phone. True? Not anymore. Today, companies you call often ask people to press this number for that person, etc. If you’re lucky, eventually you may reach your party. A bank the other day kept me on the line for 20 minutes before a human came on. Much easier to just email…

Only one man’s opinion—(and maybe others, too). In my day, a great musical was “Singing In The Rain.” This was excellent entertainment. Now “Sweeney Todd” is voted the year’s best musical by the Golden Globes. “Rain” featured super dancing, singing and comedy. “Todd” features unsingable songs, one bloody throat cut after another, a screen drenched in gore and no dancing. This is considered entertainment? Not in my book…

back to top

© Copyright Generations Hawaii. Designed by Trade Publishing