The TV Guide magazine debuted on April 3, 1953. The first edition, which featured an exclusive photo of Lucille Ball's new son, Desi Arnaz IV, had 10 editions. Nearly 50 years later, the magazine now has 126 regional editions and is America's biggest-selling weekly magazine, the company said.

— Associated Press

Social service

It's a creative idea: combine social activism with active socializing, and hold your volunteer recruitment meetings in the boredom-free environs of Waikiki's swank W Hotel.

Today, 6-9 p.m., College Connections Hawaii sponsors its second "MindRaiser" at the W, providing an opportunity for those interested in helping tutor, teach and mentor Hawai'i's college-bound students to learn more and to mingle.

There'll be music and a pupu spread by Chef Todd Constantino. Interested? RSVP to College Connections Hawaii at 540-0434.

— Advertiser staff

The gift of music

Hokuanu Aki, the 17-year-old Kaua'i boy who lost his left foot in a March 25 shark attack, will be going home tonight with a few more items in his luggage, including a custom 'ukulele.

Jimmy Cullen, a T-shirt printer on the North Shore, read how the boy was strumming an 'ukulele borrowed from his uncle to relax while recuperating at The Queen's Medical Center in Honolulu. He called his friend, Sonny D.

"Time's tough," he told his pal, who makes 'ukulele at his Waipahu factory. "Can you donate a 'uke?"

The 'ukulele maker, whose full name is Sonny Dahlin, has picked one from the three about to be finished, which he plans to deliver to Hoku this morning.

Hoku's dad, reached during a shopping trip to the Pearlridge mall to pick out, among other things, some decals for his son's 1993 Honda, said the family was happy to be going home.

"(The gifts) lift his spirits, which of course will help," he said. "(Hoku is) enthused about it, and looking forward to meeting Sonny."