I WAS UNAWARE that Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki, 69, was scheduled to speak at the Democratic National Convention. The former four-star general and Army chief of staff from Kauai took the stage on the second day of the gathering and spoke strongly about what he said was the president’s "sincere and steadfast devotion to veterans." The Kauai High and West Point graduate went on to list some of what President Barack Obama had done for veterans and troops. Being a geezer of 80 and an Army vet, I appreciate that kind of talk. Women with Hawaii links, Tulsi Gabbard, Tammy Duckworth and Maya Soetoro-Ng, Obama’s half-sister, also spoke at the convention …
Clint Eastwood, 82, was the talk of the Republican National Convention. His unscripted talk and criticism directed at an empty chair representing Obama stole the thunder from GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney. Eastwood is a tough act to follow. The actor was only supposed to talk for five minutes but rambled on for a little more than 10, despite the flashing red light that tells speakers their time is up. You don’t give "Dirty Harry" the hook …
FORMER HONOLULU resident Carole Brooks, who led a group of fashionable women about town before she moved to Olympia, Wash., five years ago to be closer to her mother, Alma Coate, sends word that her mom died Sept. 6. Carole was with her all day and night before she died. "She wanted me to hold her hands up into the air, which I did," Carole said. "I asked her if we were reaching up for the angels." On other occasions her mom told Carole that she was "praising the Lord, not merely flattering him, and he knows the difference." Carole said that was "pretty sane for a 103-year-old." Alma was quite a gal. The retired elementary schoolteacher arrived at her 100th birthday party on a motorcycle driven by a friend. She was wearing a hot-pink Harley-Davidson leather biker’s jacket …
SHELLEY BERMAN, the 87-year-old comedian-actor and his wife, Sarah, have visited with singer Jeff Apaka, a youngster of 66, two Sundays in a row at Hilton’s Tapa Bar. The first Sunday, filmmaker-musician-singer Eddie Kamae, 85, and his wife, Myrna, were in the house and Apaka introduced the couples, who then sat together. Berman was here to film a "Hawaii Five-0" episode, terrific for a guy of 87. (This is not turning into a seniors-only column.) …
THE HALEKULANI has one of the best Sunday brunches in town and that is where the Hawaii Opera Theatre will hold a "Special Sunday Brunch" Sept. 23, featuring the fashions of Anne Namba and a mini-concert by four of the principal guests artists for the season-opening opera, "Die Fledermaus." A champagne reception is included. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tickets start at $100. For reservations, call Tracy Jefferson, 596-7372, ext. 200, email t_jefferson@hawaiiopera.org or visit www.hawaiiopera.org. "Die Fledermaus," Oct. 12-16, is the first of three operas to be presented this season. …
NAMBA IS ALSO involved in Pow Wow Hawaii’s Blank Canvas fundraiser at Ward Warehouse from 6 to 10 p.m. Oct. 6. For the past two years, artists and activists from around the world have gathered in Hawaii to create spectacular murals on buildings in Kakaako. Guest chefs will offer signature dishes for the buffet dinner and a mixologist will design exotic drinks. People wearing white can get their clothing painted or printed by a team of artists and guests can watch a live art installation take place. According to Namba, Pow Wow is having a powerful impact on the community. Their work has inspired children from all walks of life who are learning about art through educational outreach programs recently established by Pow Wow members, she said. "Artists involved in Pow Wow have gone to schools to promote their art form and teach youths who have no outlet for their creativity," Namba said. Tickets are $125. For more info or tickets, call Nodie Namba-Hadar at 638-0734 or email info@powwowhawaii.com …
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Ben Wood, who sold newspapers on Honolulu streets in World War II, writes of people, places and things. Email him at bwood@staradvertiser.com.
