Military people who call Hawai'i home are finding that it's getting cold in places like Afghanistan. If you haven't started shopping, search for items such as hand warmers, socks and electric blankets (for troops fortunate enough to have electricity). Also, try shopping at sites such as www.froogle.com for the best prices.

If last year's best sellers at the Army and Air Force Exchange Service are any indication, wish lists likely include digital cameras, boomboxes, DVD players, camcorders and desert sand goggles.

Remember, though, that mail addressed to "Any Service Member" is no longer accepted because of safety concerns. If you are looking for a way to show your support, check out www.defendamerica.mil (click on "Support Our Troops") or www.operationuplink.org.

Yeah, we know. It's not even Halloween yet. And judging from the way you put off buying your Halloween candy, it's never too early to remind you to get cracking.

Maybe you can beat the rush this year and brighten the holiday of someone serving a long way from home.

Sunset on the Beach offers two Hawai'i-focused films, plus 'Rings'

If the breeze off the ocean doesn't give you goosebumps, the two films from the Louis Vuitton Hawaii International Film Festival scheduled for today's Sunset on the Beach just might.

Jennifer Akana-Sturla's short film "Kamea" is a coming-of-age story about a girl living on the North Shore who finds direction from the spirit of Duke Kahanamoku.

"To You Sweetheart, Aloha" is directors Mercedes Coats and S. Leo Chiang's moving documentary about 94-year-old 'ukulele master Bill Tapia, pictured, who finds inspiration in a unique friendship as he mourns the recent deaths of his wife and only daughter.

Whatever you do, don't miss the special appearance by Tapia at the event. Insiders say he might even bring his uke.

Tomorrow's film is "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King."

Sunset on the Beach begins at 4 p.m. each day at Queen's Surf Beach, offering food booths and entertainment, too. Admission is free.

Learn about asthma and have fun

The Straub Foundation's Keiki Asthma Fair, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. today at the Bishop Museum, teaches kids about asthma and allergies through games and entertainment.

Olympic gold medal weightlifter Tommy Kono, above, and Olympic decathlete and asthma educator Rob Muzzio will be there, too.

Everyone is welcome to attend — the first 300 kids (ages 6 to 14) and their parents get in free; it's $3 per person afterward (free for keiki younger than 3).

Clowning around, Russian-style, for folks 5 and older

If you loved "Slava's Snowshow,' chances are good you'll love "AGA-BOOM," an interactive stage show that features Russian-style clowning, aimed for those 5 and older. It's continuing at the Mamiya Theatre at Saint Louis School, at the foot of Kaimuki.

Show times are 2 and 7 p.m. today, repeating at 7 p.m. Wednesday through Oct. 30 (plus 2 p.m. Oct. 30), and 1 and 4 p.m. Oct. 31. Tickets are $28 general, $18 children, seniors and students for weeknight performances; $38 general, $28 children, seniors and students for weekend performances (including matinees). 545-2820.

Your unwanted computer makes a difference

Is that old computer taking up valuable space in your house or apartment? Admit it: You just didn't quite know what to do with the heap of last, last, last year's technology. Well, bring it on down to CompUSA in Kaka'ako for the fourth islandwide drop-off event in which equipment will be reused or recycled.

Hours are from 9 a.m. to noon today. The project is part of Make a Difference Day (see below).

This is your day to do something especially good

The national day for doing good deeds has arrived. Today is Make a Difference Day, during which teams will work to improve their neighborhoods and help their neighbors.

In Hawai'i, 21 projects were registered as of press time yesterday. They range from a highway cleanup to a toy drive for Iraqi children to school beautification projects.

Go to makeadifferenceday .com, click on Find a Project, search by state. Even if you're not on a team, you can help, too: How about attending the Kuleana Eco-Fair, pictured below, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Manoa District Park gym?

'The Music Man' is doing his thing in Kainaliu, Kona

Big Islanders can get a dose of feel-good Americana as "The Music Man" continues a run at the Aloha Theatre in Kainaliu, Kona. This is the classic musical about a librarian named Marian and the new fella in town who might or might not be a bona-fide band director.

"The Music Man" is presented by the Aloha Performing Arts Company at 7:30 tonight and 2:30 p.m. tomorrow and continues at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays to Saturdays, and 2:30 p.m. Sundays, through Nov. 7. Tickets are $15 general, $12 seniors and students, with a few $25 seats. (808) 322-9924.

An uplifting examination of seven major religions

Need a spiritual lift?

Look to the heart, or "One Heart," by Bonnie Louise Kuchler.

Her new book, "One Heart," is a departure from her earlier work. The author, who has previously written what she calls "inspirational nature and wildlife gift books" now tackles seven major religious traditions, editing the book with essays by Andrew Harvey.

"It's my first serious work," explains Kuchler, a Mililani resident.

She'll be reading from her book at noon today at Borders in Ward Centre, at noon Nov. 6 at Borders in Waikele and at noon Nov. 7 at Borders Express in Kahala.

Or check her out at: www.bonnielouisekuchler.com.

A chance to buy and sell gently used toys and kid stuff

Hey, kids, you know all those gently used toys, games, books, STUFF in your rooms that you don't want anymore? Bring it all today to the Hawai'i Children's Discovery Center's Keiki Swap Meet, where you can sell it and learn the value of money in a fun way. Think of it as recycling.

Shoppers will want to look for stuff to add to collections. Think of it as a treasure hunt.

Sellers must register — $3 each at the meet. Bring an umbrella and a mat to display your stuff, and price all items.