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Wood Craft Ben Wood |
Dave Donnelly was
a tough IrishmanDave Donnelly's death last Saturday was a shock, something I couldn't see coming. He was a tough Irishman, too tough to die at the age of 66. Dave was writing his three-dot column for the Star-Bulletin and the people of Hawaii for some 35 years. During those years he took very little sick leave. Even when he broke an arm many years ago, I believe he only missed a couple of day's work. He kept cranking out columns, pecking at his typewriter with only one finger. In 1994 he wrote that his liver "exploded" in the doctor's office and he was given a short time to live. But he pulled through and was back writing before too long. He broke his hip late last year after arriving in San Francisco on vacation. Following surgery he was writing again. That's what struck me about Dave most, his toughness. And I told him so a few years ago at a birthday party at Compadres for publicist Lisa Josephson. Lisa was among those who took food to Dave while he was recovering from his broken hip and said the night before Dave died he dined at Indigo with Tony Moon. Then he attended the Trockadero show at the Hawaii Theatre, which Lisa represents, in his wheelchair. The fun show featured men performing female ballet roles. Lisa said Dave "laughed and laughed and laughed." A wake for Dave will be held at Murphy's, one of his favorite spots, Thursday at 5:30 p.m. Music starts about 4:30 . ...
Digital Slob is syndicated
Digital Slob, a column published Sundays in the Star-Bulletin, is now nationally syndicated by Universal Press (the Dear Abby syndicate). Columnist Curt Brandao figured out that technology is very, very funny. Of course, this kind of column has to have a Web site (www.digitalslob .com) complete with Brandao's bio, column links and even philosophical Slob stuff, like a T-shirt that reads, "I have a life -- it just hasn't finished downloading yet" ... Suzanne Lee is now handling public relations for the Honolulu Symphony ...Phil Shimmin retired from Pacific/Consolidated Theatres on New Year's Day. He started out as an usher as a summer job at 18, never knowing it would lead to a 42-year career with the Pacific/Consolidated ohana. Shimmin retired in May 2001 as Consolidated's president but remained connected with the firm. Glenn Yim is Pacific Theatres operations V.P. Among the benefits of retirement, Phil said, is "unlimited golf." You've earned it, Phil. Enjoy! ...
Factory's hummin'
The Cheesecake Factory in the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center, which opened last month is expected to be the top-grossing restaurant in the chain, according to Senior V.P. Howard Gordon, who was here this week to check things out. At 15,000 square feet and a seating capacity of 545, it is the chain's largest. People jam the entrance on Kalakaua Avenue. Howard said they couldn't think of a better location. "It's been just perfect." Shopping center officials, such as Charlian Wright, are also beaming. The eatery is much more than a cheesecake spot. It has 200 selections, including appetizers, entrees and deserts, from which to choose. The secret of success? "Twenty-five years of hard work," Howard said ...
See the Columnists section for some past articles.
Ben Wood, who sold the Star-Bulletin in the streets
of downtown Honolulu during World War II, writes of
people, places and things every Saturday.
E-mail him at bwood@starbulletin.com