The Left Lane

E=MC Hawking

Thanks to Web site creator Ken Leavitt-Lawrence of Massachusetts, the Hawkman — aka Stephen Hawking, the wheelchair-bound, world-famous astrophysicist —has as an alter ego a lyrical terrorist. Just drop in to MC Hawking's crib at mchawking.com for "newz," "reviewz" and enhanced "picturez" of Hawking alongside famous rappers such as Run DMC and the Beastie Boys.

Best feature: the MP3-format songs that layer a simulation of the scientist's computer-synthesized voice over hip-hop beats. Exclusive to the site is "E=MC Hawking," the most recent of three of what the site calls "critically acclaimed albums."

Leavitt-Lawrence put the site together as a joke at first, then set it to music, and MC Hawking was born. The autobiographical information is accurate. News from the chair: Leavitt-Lawrence says he received an e-mail from the office of the real Stephen Hawking, saying he was "flattered."

— Chris Oliver, Advertiser staff writer

Taking steps of love

More than 800 walkers — many representing family members suffering from Alzheimer's disease — are expected to turn out Saturday for the annual Memory Walk to raise money for the work of the Alzheimer's Association-Aloha Chapter. The 5K walk/run starts at 7 a.m. at Fisherman's Wharf and will wind through Ala Moana Beach Park, then around Magic Island, finishing back at Fisherman's Wharf.

Register for the walk this week (9 a.m.-5 p.m. through Friday) by calling 591-2771 or visiting the chapter office in the Kaka'ako Room on the second floor of Ward Warehouse. Registration is $25 before the walk and $30 on the morning of the walk. Walkers are also encouraged to solicit pledges from friends. Festivities after the walk will take place at Ward Warehouse, where Sam Choy's fried rice, Papa John's pizza and a surprise from Compadres will be dished out along with music and prizes. Families may also sign up for a "Safe Return bracelet" at a registration table to be set up for the day.

— Beverly Creamer, Advertiser staff writer

Spreading da word

However, some stores may have a few copies now, thanks to a few mislaid boxes being found. Carl Ashizawa, manager of Logos Book Store in Ward Warehouse, said Booklines divvied up that cache, and he received 80 copies in late August as his share.

Wycliffe Bible Translators, publishers of the $14.95 book, is monitoring sales to determine whether another printing will be needed to fill the Christmas demand, said Wycliffe spokesman Joe Grimes. "A number of people have said they plan to buy copies as family gifts, including gifts to Hawai'i people living in pidgin-deprived environments like the Mainland," Grimes said via e-mail. "Sort of like the spiritual counterpart of the Zippy's care package."

— Vicki Viotti, Advertiser staff writer