SHAPE UP
Keep linseed oil away from stove

Advertiser Staff and News Services

A Scoops item Saturday had some information we need to clarify. A commercial product called boiled linseed oil can be used to restore, clean and polish wood furniture. However, raw linseed oil is flammable and should not be boiled at home.

A second coming, pop-culture-wise

Jim Caviezel portrays Jesus in the crucifixion epic "The Passion of the Christ," a huge box-office hit. Advertiser library photo

Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ" continues its box-office spree; the book series "Left Behind" remains untouchable; and religious mystery "The Da Vinci Code" is the fourth best-selling book on Amazon.com. On the newsstand, Jesus has been on the cover of Time, the debate in the New Republic and the big headline on the April 5 issue of People, which asks, "Does Hollywood have faith?" In hip shops such as Urban Outfitters, shirts declare "Jesus is my homeboy."

We haven't suddenly discovered Jesus. Gallup polls consistently show 90 percent of Americans believe in a higher power. Jesus' last big pop-culture moment was during the Vietnam War when posters of a hippie Christ popped up everywhere and "Jesus Christ Superstar" ruled stages and movie theaters.

A crooner's farewell?

STEVENS

The Advertiser's "Who's next to leave 'Idol'?" poll lists Stevens as the favorite to get booted. Then again, we've heard that before. Love him or hate him, Stevens draws the votes — good and bad. Check out the poll today.

Honor your hanai mother in writing

Have a hanai family member you want to honor this Mother's Day? We mean "hanai" in the sense of someone who is like a mother to you, even if she doesn't share your bloodline, and even if there's no binding agreement keeping you together. Tell us about why the person deserves the honor, and we'll print a sampling of responses. Please include your neighborhood and daytime phone number.

Photos are welcome. Send entries to relationships writer Tanya Bricking Leach at tbricking@honoluluadvertiser.com or at The Advertiser, P.O. Box 3110, Honolulu, HI 96802.

Deadline is Friday.