The Left Lane
Wanna be like Mike

Younger viewers may not recognize the nods to the Gloved One, but witness some of the videos in heavy rotation on MTV, from the subtly Jackson-inspired costumes and moves in "Bootylicious" by Destiny's Child, to the "Thriller" spoof by animated primates in "Clint Eastwood" by the Gorillaz. Heck, Alien Ant Farm takes its entire "Smooth Criminal" video to lampoon almost every major Jackson video created, pulling in the lit sidewalks from "Billy Jean," plus a chimp to evoke Jackson's famous pet, Bubbles.

And the Hawai'i music group Vaihi also has made reference to Jackson: In their new music video, "Be Mine," "Bruddah" Sam Langi suggests his fellow band members try some Jackson moves, and lets loose with the trademark "ee-hee" Jackson squeal to make his point. Langi gets nixed, of course.

"Banks are like the proverbial wolf in sheep's clothing. They lure kids with free trinkets and then devour the most vulnerable with high interest rates, penalty fees and bad credit," says the author of "Credit Card Nation: The Consequences of America's Addiction to Credit," Robert D. Manning, in the September issue of Family Circle magazine.

Manning is talking about credit card companies that give credit to college kids as young as 18. A recent survey of college students by Nellie Mae, a nationwide student loan company, found that 78 percent of students had credit cards; 10 percent of them carried a balance of $7,000 or more. The average balance was $2,748.

Refraining from giving teens credit cards is the best solution, Manning said. Short of that, he suggests parents try to set a good credit example.

Be a HIFF member

Remember that New Year's resolution to get involved, to get cultural, to get a life? Well, here's a chance to follow through: The 21st annual Hawaii International Film Festival is holding its Ohana membership drive through Sept. 15.

Ohana membership — responsible for 20 percent of all the organization's financing — helps sustain the festival, which prides itself on promoting cultural exchange and understanding by showcasing films from Asia, the Pacific and North America.

Ohana members select tickets before the general public, receive discounts on ticket purchases, get a subscription to Subtitles (HIFF's quarterly newsletter) and receive additional year-round discounts and special offers.

For more information, call 528-FILM (3456), ext. 16; or visit hiff.org.