It’s Easy To Find Words For Journalistic Idol Caen

They say trouble comes in threes. On Jan. 21, Uncle Ed Oliveria, 78, died. On Jan. 27, Aunt Mary (Oliveria) Freitas, 72, died. On Saturday, Herb Caen, 80, died. Caen wasn’t related. In fact, I met him only once - almost four years ago at the National Society of Newspaper Columnists convention in Portland. Still, he was my mentor. He put the dots in my Monday Huckleberries column. … As a boy in northern California, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on Aunt Beatrice’s old San Francisco Chronicles and read Caen. After I moved to the Northwest 20 years ago, my relatives knew that a sure-fire birthday or Christmas gift for me was a packet full of Caen columns. I thought I’d hit the mother lode last spring when we went on-line, and I could read his columns daily. … Caen’s column was different. Better. It consisted of 20 or so tidbits daily, separate by ellipses. Or three dots. Caen stole the style from Walter Winchell. I stole it from Caen. “Mr. San Francisco” once explained the beauty of three-dot journalism. If you don’t like one item, or can’t understand it, he said, go to the next one. Eventually, you’ll find something you like. … The long winter continues.

‘Star Wars’ is back with force

As Yogi Berra used to say, “I’m experiencing deja vu all over again.” Jo-Jo, my neighbor, caused my flashback - she and the digitally improved “Star Wars” now playing at a theater near us. Last week, Jo-Jo found herself frantically looking for “Star Wars” paraphernalia for her youngster. Apparently, her husband saved the day by locating a miniature X-wing fighter and two action figures. Hearing about Jo-Jo’s plight, I realized it’s been 15 years since my wife and I scoured the Moscow mall for Star Wars toys for junior. I remember him going into surgery as a little tyke holding a Luke Skywalker in one hand and a Darth Vader in the other. I don’t mind the force staying with us. But I wish George Lucas would get around to airing new episodes.

Mixed emotions on library, gardens plan

I’m not ignoring the proposal for a Hagadone Library and Botanical Gardens at McEuen Field. In fact, I’ve thought a lot about it. At this point, I can write either a pro or a con about it. On the pro side, I know the gardens would be a thing of beauty. And the library would be first cabin. Duane Hagadone wouldn’t have it any other way. On the con side, McEuen Field is a thing of beauty already. Then, I’m partial to McEuen I because I can still hit a softball over the short left-field fence. I think. Let me know what you think about this plan.

, DataTimes MEMO: D.F. Oliveria’s “Hot Potatoes” runs Tuesdays and Thursdays. You can comment on the items by calling (800) 344-6718 or (208) 765-7125, or by sending e-mail to daveo@spokesman.com.