The Waikiki Spam Jam recently received major publicity when it appeared in a CNN.com story on unusual food festivals. Besides Spam Jam photos, the story discusses the popularity of Spam products in Hawaii and the event. It also highlights local restaurant recipes and quotes Outrigger Hotels' Barbara Campbell describing the event. Outrigger is a major sponsor of the Jam. Barbara, my former neighbor, was on local TV during the Spam Jam wearing a crazy Spam hat. She looked funny ... Hula Grill, located on the oceanfront at the Outrigger Waikiki, held its fifth anniversary celebration yesterday ...

On Monday I was writing about award-winning clinical psychologist Robert Spicer's 90th birthday on June 17 and the next morning I received a call from Outrigger's Campbell that Robert had died Monday night. She often prepared lunch for Robert and his hanai daughter and chief caregiver Jana Hall. Robert was a kind, generous man who would never turn away anyone who needed help. I met him at Clark Hatch fitness gym where he worked out regularly well into his 80s. My life is richer for having known Robert. A memorial service for him will be held 11 a.m. June 26 at Nuuanu Memorial Park. Dick Gushman is giving the eulogy as requested by Robert. Lunch will follow at the memorial park ...

Star-Bulletin staffer Charlene Robinson returned to work this week after a vacation that took her to Juneau, Alaska, with her husband Brian. As a joke I asked her if she ran into Sarah Palin. “;No,”; she replied, “;but our tour bus driver's name was Sarah Pallin, spelled with two L's. We couldn't believe it.”; Charlene said their Sarah is originally from Utah but is working in Alaska to earn money for her wedding. “;She said at least 100 people a day ask her about her name and said she actually lives close to Palin's mansion in Juneau.”; Bus driver Sarah doesn't mind the attention she receives and didn't mind everyone on the tour wanting to take her picture,”; Charlene said ...

Foodies can prepare for the “;Bam! Attack”; because Emeril Lagasse will present his New Orleans Creole and Cajun cuisine Friday and next Saturday at the Kahala Food & Wine Classic. Emeril, who comes on with a bang and uses the word Bam! a lot, will prepare dinners. A cooking demonstration by Emeril is among the attractions. The resort is offering a kamaaina package including rooms for the event. Call 739-8760 ...

The sold-out First Hawaiian Bank Rehabilitation Hospital Golf Tournament at the Prince course May 27 raised $225,000 for the hospital. Players dug into food catered Ruth's Chris, Romano's Macaroni Grill and Dixie Grill. FHB's Anthony Guerrero chaired the tourney and Dean Wilson was honorary chair. Dean couldn't be there as he was on the PGA tour ...