The opponent: The Fresno State Bulldogs.

The battleground: Les Murakami Stadium, UH-Manoa.

It's your last chance to catch the baseball team in action as it closes out its home stand at 1:05 p.m. today. The team has shown its mettle this season, beating powerhouse Rice two out of three games last weekend.

Even if you don't love the game, you'll love the stadium, which offers a lovely view of the city and Diamond Head. It's been said many times and it's true: There is not a bad seat in the house. And is there anything better than a hot dog at the stadium?

Tickets are $6 general for the blue and orange sections; $5 general, $4 for those 65 and older, $3 for students ages 4-18 and UH students, for the red section. Parking is $3.

Get there early just in case the crowd has caught Rainbow fever once again. And bring sunscreen if you decide to sit out in the open.

Or, if you must, you can root for the team in your own living room: KFVE will broadcast the game live on television. Don't forget the hot dogs.

Salutes to the military today

It's Armed Forces Day today, a day to salute members of the military. Here are a couple of events marking the occasion:

• At the U.S. Army Museum of Hawai'i at Fort DeRussy, uniformed re-enactors will give visitors a taste of what the Civil War, Spanish American War and World War II were like. Other attractions include restored military vehicles, weapons, uniforms, displays and the Gen. Shinseki exhibit. Free. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Information: 955-9552 or 438-2825.

• The Combined Military Band Concert, 7 p.m. at Hawai'i Theatre, features musicians from the Navy, Army, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard and Hawai'i National Guard bands performing music, from military marches to Broadway tunes. The concert is free, but tickets are required. Call 528-0506, about ticket availability.

Live music on Saturday nights at Pearlridge

Pearlridge Center is offering a series of Saturday-night musical programs at the Downtown Center Court. The Classics at Pearlridge series features sounds from performers of yesteryear and today.

Each program takes place 6-8 p.m. There will be performances every Saturday. Here are some highlights in the series:

• Tonight: William "Baba" Alimoot and Chris Kamaka, who comprise Hema Pa'a, specialize in traditional Hawaiian and contemporary classics.

• June 5: A Father's Day treat, featuring Dennis Kamakahi and son David. Dennis is an award-winning slack-key guitarist; David is a talented 'ukulele stylist.

• June 19: Contemporary music from Na Hoku Hanohano winner Weldon Kekauoha, who has found success as a solo artist and as a member of such groups as the Mana'o Company and Tapa Groove.

Admission is free. 488-0981.

Crackling makes newly-painted surfaces look aged

Associated Press

A popular design technique is to take something new and make it look old — aged and weather-beaten, at that.

One such popular effect is crackle painting. The process gives any surface a crackled antique finish. Here's how it's done:

First, spread a coat of white or yellow wood glue on the surface. Wait at least an hour, but never more than four, then apply a coat of flat latex paint over the glue. Within minutes, the fresh paint will begin to split and crackle, looking as if had been there for a century.

Use only flat latex paint because it's the only kind certain to crackle. If you're uncomfortable using a wood glue on your new bookcase or favorite chair, you can buy a product designed for the effect. It costs about three times more, but mostly consists of wood glue.

Whichever you choose, the process will make any new painted surface look old.

Canoe halau honors coach

The Ke'ehi Lagoon Canoe Halau will be dedicated at 11 a.m. today at Ke'ehi Lagoon Beach Park. The canoe shelter is dedicated in memory of Gardner Ka'aihue Brown, a longtime coach in a variety of youth sports who died in May 2003.

Today's event includes a Hawaiian blessing and the arrival of a koa canoe and three fiberglass canoes transporting dancers from the halau of John Keola Lake. Brown's daughter, Adele Ornellas, has arranged a program that includes entertainment by Haunani Apoliona and others, and a beef stew lunch. Brickwood Galuteria will be emcee. It's free and open to the public.

Oh wow, bowwow at this Web site

Dog lovers, this will make your day: Head for your home computer and log on to www.dogster.com. Have a look at the cute canines and their pals and join the fun by creating a page for your own dog. There's even an advice column, I Like it Ruff, with topics such as "Parvo? Oh no!" and "I'm Awake! I'm Awake! See?! It's 4 A.M.!" Down, danged Spot!

One of our favorite pooches is Tony of Daly City (it's easy to search the site). Soooo cute!

Ogle the ogre-themed fare, activities at Brunch on the Beach in Waikiki

The sequel to "Shrek" opens Wednesday, but eager fans of the lovable monster can get their fix of all-things-green at the city's Brunch on the Beach tomorrow.

In addition to the usual fare, Waikiki chefs have prepared Shrek-themed eats for brunchgoers. These include Fiona Velvet Cake, Da Shrek Mint Chocolate T™rte, Ogre-licious Lemon Lime Cheesecake, Shrek Swamp Mud with Worms, and Royal Green Cheesecake — all creations up for the city's Golden Chopstick Award.

Students from the University of Hawai'i School of Architecture will be carving out Shrek and his friends at a Shrek-tacular Sand Sculpture Competition.

On the entertainment lineup are the keiki of Halau Hula Olana; the recently crowned Miss Aloha Hula from the Merrie Monarch Festival, Natasha Mahealani Akau, and first runner-up Kellilynn Kanoelani Cockett Smith; and headliner 'Ale'a. Isle favorites Cecilio and Kapono will appear at noon to mark their 31st year of making music together.

Brunch hours are 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. along Kalakaua Avenue, in front of the Hyatt Regency Waikiki. Admission is free.

May is the month to 'love-all' things to do with tennis

May is National Tennis Month, and it's time to celebrate, whether you're a player or are willing to become one. A festival, 1-4 p.m. today at Centerstage at Windward Mall and hosted by the United States Tennis Association-Hawaii Pacific Section, offers games, prizes, tennis crafts, demonstrations and more. It's free. And there's another one May 30 at Kahala Mall. 235-1143.