Diehards, brace yourselves: You'll have a chance to find out what Bielec and Dacoda are like in person this weekend at the Island Home Improvement Expo, where they'll host seminars.

Bielec and Dacoda e-mailed The Advertiser a sampling of tidbits they'll share with expo-goers. We asked: What are five easy and inexpensive tips you can give to our readers on sprucing up their homes?

— By Zenaida Serrano, Advertiser Staff Writer

Dacoda's tips Chayse Dacoda, designer on "While You Were Out." No. 1. Have your art reframed professionally or try doing it yourself with crown molding to bring new life to things that have been around for a while. No. 2. Re-light your space, whether that's changing out a light fixture or bringing in an electrician to add ceiling cans for downlighting and accent lighting. No. 3. Add dimension and height in a space by adding shelves or a built-in. Bringing the eyes up in a room to decorative elements above the seating level makes a room look more complete. No. 4. Bring in live plants and fresh flowers to change a room instantly. No. 5. Change your window treatments. Recycle old curtains and vertical blinds, and get your hands on something that is more interesting for your windows, such as bamboo blinds, plantation shutters or sheer shades.I $5; free for children 12 and younger; 591-2211

Bielec's Tricks Frank Bielec, designer on "Trading Spaces." No. 1. Take all of the furniture and what-nots out of the room and really clean it. You'd be surprised what a squeaky-clean room will do to make the space look better. No. 2. Arrange the furniture in a different way. Stay away from the walls and use the center of the room more. No. 3. Bring in one accessory at a time. Everything you own does not have to be in the room at one time. No. 4. Try a fresh coat of paint. A new color will make the entire space different and appealing. No. 5. Go out and get a manicure and pedicure, or a facial. If you look better, you feel better about the room. That's what counts.

Musicians vie for Ka Himeni Ana honors tonight

It's a chance to listen to Hawaiian music — unplugged.

The 21st Ka Himeni Ana contest is at 8 tonight at the Hawai'i Theatre. This is a great chance to check out the tradition of performing nahenahe (soft and sweet) Hawaiian-language songs. The competition forbids amplifying voices or equipment. No electronics permitted.

Uncle Keola Beamer is the master of ceremony, with the judging panel listening for pitch, projection, harmony, adherence to original composition and other criteria.

This year's champion will take home $1,200.

Past winners are Pai'ea (1999), 'Ale'a (1998), Kanilau (1995) and the Kanile'a Connection (1993). Del Beazley, Chris Kamaka and Ku'uipo Kumukahi won as a trio in 1998.

Tickets are $6 to $30. 528-0506.

Screen doors acting up? Here's how to fix them

Screen doors get a workout. They're tugged, yanked, flung open, forced shut, kicked around and generally treated pretty roughly. So it's no wonder your screen door has started squeaking, slams shut and doesn't close properly. Lou Manfredini, national home-improvement expert from Ace Hardware, offers troubleshooting tips:

• Check the hinges. Add a drop of light oil or WD-40 lubricant to stop the squeaking. If you see rust, remove the pin, clean, then lubricate before reinserting the pin.

• Check the weather-stripping. If it's torn or worn, replace.

• Check the shaft on the spring closure. If the door closes too slowly or quickly, adjust the tension. And add a few drops of oil. If all fails, replace the closer.

• Check and care for your screen. If torn or stretched, pick up a screen repair kit.

For more suggestions or tips, see www.acehardware.com.

A chance to get on TV without looking stupid

Wanna get on TV without humiliating yourself on one of those reality shows? Two network dramas are looking for actors and extras, and you don't even have to fly to Hollywood to apply.

NBC's new cop drama "Hawaii" will be holding an open casting call 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. today at Windward Mall's center stage. They're looking for all ages and types; no experience necessary.

"Hawaii" producers and casting directors are planning to hold casting calls also at various community centers around the island, with dates to be announced later.

"Rocky Point," which will be shooting a pilot for the WB next month, is holding an open casting call 2 to 5 p.m. tomorrow at Turtle Bay Resort, the Kahuku 1 room. Again, the call is open to all ages and types; no experience necessary.

There also are specific opportunities for boys ages 5 to 10 for recurring roles, and men ages 30 to 40 to play a surf photographer who could turn into a love interest for one of the stars.

Photos and portfolios are not necessary for either call.

'Degrassi' stars to greet fans at Ala Moana

The N, the nighttime network for tweens and teens, is bringing in two stars from the hit drama "Degrassi: The Next Generation" to Ala Moana Center today and tomorrow as part of "The Scene" back-to-school event.

Cast members Melissa McIntyre (Ashley) and Stacey Farber (Ellie) will sign autographs and greet the public from noon to 5 p.m. each day. Call 955-9517 for more information.

Shriners hope to keep kids laughing at fair

Greg Gabaylo, dubbed "Hawai'i's fastest juggler," headlines today's "Keiki Fun Fair" on the Shriners Hospital front lawn from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Pony rides, a petting zoo, temporary tattoos, hospital tours, entertainment, drawings — all free.

Last year, more than 4,000 keiki and family members turned out for the event. The Shriners sponsor the fair with hopes children will have fun — and at the same time, learn about the hospital and impact it has had on its patients.

For more information, call 951-3606.

Tango stars, plus all the cha-cha and merengue you can stand up for, at the Y

Everyone has heard the cliché "it takes two to tango," but do you even know how to tango? Have you ever even seen the tango?

Here's your chance to learn.

Tango Hawai'i has brought in Argentine tango stars Fernanda Ghi and Guillermo Merlo to perform and teach tonight through Aug. 22 at various spots.

The couple was the 1999 Argentine Tango World Champions at the IDO World Ballroom Championships and have toured the world choreographing, performing and teaching Latin dance.

Tonight, they'll lead the Latin Dance Night from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Learn to salsa, Argentine tango, cha-cha, merengue at the Atherton YMCA, 1810 University Ave.

A $5 cover includes salsa mini lessons at 6:30 p.m.

Ghi and Merlo perform at 8 p.m.

Tomorrow, the pair will host an absolute beginners' workshop from 1 to 3 p.m. at the YMCA. No partners needed.

Starting tomorrow though Aug. 21, Ghi and Merlo also will host an advanced tango workshop, $25 to $140, at various times and locations.

The couple will host a beginning-tango intensive workshop again Aug. 20-22 for $105 per person, and the Tango Hawai'i Milonga will be held at the Nu'uanu YMCA on Aug. 21 from 6:30 to 10 p.m.

For all classes and sessions, call 393-2168 for reservations or register at www.tangohawaii.com.

Ghi and Merlo recently returned from Japan, where they starred in the tango show "Malena" which was sold out every night for two months.

Celebrate sunset at Mai'li Beach

Same sun, different setting for this weekend's Sunset on the Beach, which moves from its regular Waikiki gig to the Wai'anae Coast at Mai'li Beach Park. The movie portion kicks off around 7:30 tonight with the surf flick "Step Into Liquid," followed by "Barbershop 2: Back in Business."

Tomorrow's feature film is Adam Sandler's "50 First Dates," shot mostly on O'ahu. There also is going to be a fireworks display tomorrow, and the Shanghai Jiang Tao University Student Symphony Orchestra will perform.

The event still features local restaurants, vendors, a classic-car display, health expo and fun for keiki.

Entry is free, but attendees are asked to donate a canned item to help stock the Wai'anae Coast Food Pantry.