Rearview Mirror: When symphony musicians took on journalists, celebs
Sometimes the stars align and things that seem improbable somehow come together and make sense. Read more
Latest Stories by Bob Sigall
Rearview Mirror: Staff’s elaborate pranks continue to be legendary
Who were the greatest practical jokers in Hawaii? Many of you might say disc jockey Hal “Aku” Lewis deserves the top spot. He had some great pranks, targeted mostly at everyone. Read more
Rearview Mirror: Edgewater Hotel was game-changer
Following World War II, a shift began in Hawaii’s visitor industry. Middle-class tourists began to outnumber the wealthy, and they wanted accommodations that were more informal and affordable. Read more
Rearview Mirror: Comedians cultivated pride in speaking pidgin
Last week I wrote about how pidgin originally developed in Asian ports as a way to converse with European traders. In Hawaii it developed as a way for different nationalities to converse with plantation co-workers. Read more
Rearview Mirror: Pidgin English has roots in 16th-century trade
In the 1500s, Europeans began sending ships to distant Asian ports for things like spices, tea, silk, cotton, diamonds, pearls and ivory. These traders developed a language so that they could understand each other. Read more
Rearview Mirror: Lex Brodie ran business with courtesy, honesty
Brodie valued being both straightforward and appreciative, and his actions showed it. Let’s find out about one of Hawaii’s legendary entrepreneurs. Read more
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Rearview Mirror: How did Waikiki’s Barefoot Bar get its name?
The Barefoot Bar was one of the most popular places in town. “You couldn’t get in unless you knew someone,” recalls Miyuki Hruby, who started working with Spencecliff in 1944. “There was always a big line.” Read more
Rearview Mirror: Former military academy is now a school and a park
The oldest school on Oahu, founded in 1833, was on that site until 10 years ago. Today it’s occupied by a middle school and a park. Where is it? That’s what we’ll explore today. Read more
Rearview Mirror: Stories from our past still as engaging as ever
Every now and then I find myself with several short stories that are not large enough to take up a full column on their own. Read more
Rearview Mirror: Hawaii in comic strips
Reader Melvin Masuda wrote to me recently. “Long ago, the ‘Dick Tracy’ comic strip featured then-Honolulu Police Chief Dan Liu. Read more
Rearview Mirror: Probing deep into matters of kimchi
I wrote about kimchi last month, and many readers told me their stories that involved that spicy, fermented cabbage. Read more
Rearview Mirror: Hawaii residents recall times with Obama and his ohana
I recently wrote about President Obama’s father, Barack Obama Sr., and his three years in Hawaii. Several readers told me they met members of the Obama ohana in Hawaii. Read more
Rearview Mirror: Hawaii swimmers had outsize presence at 1952 Olympics
McKinley is a high school, not even a square mile in size. How could its swimmers have that much impact? Read more
Rearview Mirror: Animal tales in Hawaii provide interesting fodder
This week I have stories about three species of animals. No, this isn’t a “Wild Kingdom” television episode. These animals are tame. This week we’ll look into the Budweiser Clydesdales in Hawaii, a mynah bird named Little Doc and a poodle named Gigi. Read more
Rearview Mirror: Annual awards bestowed for contributions to Hawaii
Every year at this time, I present my Rearview Mirror Annual Awards to honor those who made, preserved or shared Hawaii history. Read more
Rearview Mirror: Things I enjoyed learning this year, Part 2
Last week I looked back at the more interesting stories I covered in 2023. Read more
Rearview Mirror: Former Outrigger CEO recalls Pearl Harbor attack at age 7
I often look for a story about World War II for the first week in December to honor those who fought and died for our freedom. Read more
Rearview Mirror: Hawaii institutions mark key anniversaries in 2023
I think it’s important to take notice and congratulate the companies, schools and nonprofit organizations that have managed to stick around and continue to serve the community for 50 or more years. Read more
Rearview Mirror: The top 12 most fondly remembered Oahu restaurants
What are the most fondly Oahu remembered restaurants that are, sadly, no longer with us? I asked readers to vote for their top 10. Over 150 of you did. Read more
Rearview Mirror: The Beatles and a local man, and other stories
While this column often focuses on one story, sometimes I find myself with several short stories that are unrelated, that I think readers will enjoy. Read more
Rearview Mirror: Retail giant Gem had lasting impact on Hawaii
Glenn Kaya and GEM had a huge impact on business in the islands. They pioneered discounting, membership stores and being open seven days a week. Read more
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