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Stars, jazz pianist add luster
to birthday party at Mandarin

Anthony Cataldo received added treats at his birthday party Saturday night at the Kahala Mandarin's Veranda. First, a casually dressed Cameron Diaz and Justin Timberlake walked by his group, and then Joanne Brackeen, a widely acclaimed jazz pianist, played a few numbers with the Betty Loo Taylor Trio. Anthony's mom, Jany, was hostess for the birthday party. Besides Jany, attending were: Sarah McWilliams, Keiko Miyanada, Natasha Abe, Debbie Cheeseman, Greg Nakamatsu, Rick Briamonte and Michael Hands ... Betty Loo, a fabulous pianist herself, said she's a big Brackeen fan. As soon as the New Yorker started working those ivories over on "Thou Swell," it was easy to understand why. Joanne is considered one of the best jazz pianists in the business. Drummer Sonny Froman and bassist Lee Humes gave her solid support. Joanne was with local jazz fan Tony Smart, visitor Ellen Gilmer and isle resident Carolann Biederman and her husband, Seth Markow, host of the "Real Deal" jazz program on Hawaii Public Radio Friday and Saturday, 8 to 10 p.m. Sydette Sakauye, a little lady with a big, swinging voice, sang with the trio in place of Loretta Ables-Sayre Saturday. She sounds as good as ever. Anthony wasn't the only one receiving presents Saturday, everyone in the Veranda did, thanks to the sounds of Joanne, Sydette and Betty Loo's trio ...

Michelle Wie wins hearts of many isle residents

Michelle Wie's spectacular second-place finish Sunday in the LPGA Championship, led CNN's sports reports Monday. She made many Hawaii residents happy and proud with her play. The Punahou 15-year-old 6-footer would have won $164,385 if she was a professional golfer. Perhaps she may turn pro earlier than planned now ...

On Jin's waitress Sarah Adcock graduated in Botany this year from UH after working her way through school the past two years. The exchange student made straight As as a senior. She sadly admits to a few B's as a junior. "Poor ting." She was immediately hired by UH to make a database of native Hawaiian plants. And she's still working at On Jin's ... Round and Round -- Al Kumukoa, Kekoa Young and Nate Mata -- provided mellow sounds at a Tommy Bahama promotion Saturday at Neiman Marcus ...

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