Aspirin corner: Seems like everybody has a financial headache these days. Even the Blood Bank of Hawaii is suffering. Many who normally contribute blood are not coming in. Among the pilikia - transportation to the bank. It's a shame. The bank needs help - and services 19 hospitals in this community. To fulfill needs recently, the bank had to import blood from the mainland ... H'wood film-flam: It's well known that many female stars (and some males, too) are Botox users. But - when one femme star had a recent injection of the stuff, it numb’d her face so much she couldn't register the proper emotion. Result - she was canned from the production ... The B'way planned musical, "Sammy" (about a fella whose last name was Davis) is gonna become a reality, it's reported - because the lead actor has been found. His name is Elijah Kelley, who it's whispered that the role will probably make him a star. He was first spotted in the movie "Hairspray" ...

Just a little safety slogan: Children at play don't stop to think - so please - think to stop ... Complimentations: Tim & Nina Zagat (creators of Zagat eatery guide books) had very kind words for the Big Island's Four Seasons as one of America’s best. They gushed about the site as "paradise found." Raved about the attentive staff, greeting guests by name. The great kau kau, oversized hotel rooms, the beautiful small beach, golf, etc., and saying the Four Seasons was "one of the most enjoyable places on earth." ... Entrepreneurial success story: That would be about Eddie Flores and his L&L eateries. His plate lunch spas are not only hot here - but - also on the mainland where the chain is expanding fast. Even as a kid, Eddie was interested in business. When he was about 10 years old, he picked up newspapers his dad tossed away and resold them. And, when he found a way to make Chinese dumplings he sold them for dessert - to his brothers and sisters. And if they didn’t have the money to buy 'em, smart Eddie extended the kids credit ... Future star? Some predict it could happen to 15-year-old Madison Eror, a beauty with talent. Was on view in "Children of Eden" at the Army Community Theatre ...

Here’s a tip to those who like to visit England or live there. It’s one of the most expensive places in the world. As a result, the country is losing many qualified folks to places like Canada, New Zealand or America ... Observing the tourists: Ever notice - Japanese ladies while strolling along on Waikiki? They never, or hardly ever, make eye contact with strangers passing them. On the other hand - not so with Americans who seem to scan everyone they pass from top to bottom ... Whenever he can squeeze in the time, Guv. Arnold whatshizname takes the whole family on a getaway to the Big Island. He fell in love with Hawaii as a young man when competing in weight-lifting contests here and has many loyal friends from those days still around ... Yes, even Chinatown is feeling the financial pinch - as "for rent" signs pop up in the area ... Stargazing: Didja know: Screen star Tia Carrere was born Althea Janairo right here in Honolulu. She’s Filipino, Chinese, and Spanish and a Sacred Hearts grad. First ambition - to be a nun ... Just a reminder, folks: The zoo area at Kapiolani Park is still one of the best parking deals in town - if you are lucky to squeeze in and enjoy the animals enjoying themselves ... And, didja know: The owner of Marlboro reportedly died of cancer from smoking??? ...All in the family: Harry Dobelle (his dad Evan was president of the University of Hawaii) just graduated college (Chinese major) and heads to Europe in the fall to study at the University of Vienna for a master's in international affairs. Meanwhile the youngster will spend the summer working for the Boston Symphony at Tanglewood in Mass. Dad Evan is president of Westfield State College ...

Once over lightly: Or - Where are they now? Raymond Bickson calls himself a multiracial mutt. Sez, "I was born and grew up in Hawaii. My mother is Hawaiian, Filipino, Spanish and German. I was raised Catholic. My late father was a Russian Jew who was one of the founders of Budget Rent-a-Car in Hawaii. Started with just 17 autos and today the company has thousands of vehicles to rent throughout the islands." Young Bickson's first job was washing Budget’s cars at age 12. Today he’s a major mogul in India, one of the biggest hotel executives in that country, managing not only the classy Taj, but also a large hotel chain throughout the country. His mom just returned to Hawaii after a four-month visit with her son. Raymond has certainly come a long way since his early days washing cars ... And it couldn’t have happened to nicer gent I’ve known since he was a pup...