Going to First Thursday's monthly poetry slam competition tonight, 8:30 p.m. at the Hawaiian Hut? Don't forget to congratulate host Kealoha and the crew of HawaiiSlam team 2005 — Melvin Borja, Selah Geissler, TravisT and Omega6. HawaiiSlam finished seventh out of 75 teams at the 2005 National Poetry Slam in Albuquerque, N.M., last month. In its second year of national competition, the team moved up from its 26th place finish in 2004 to make the semifinal competition. Entry is $3 before 8:30 p.m., $5 after. www.hawaiislam.com.

— Derek Paiva

PROTECT KEIKI FROM DISEASES

For many Island keiki, going back to school goes hand in hand with getting vaccinations.

But many families don't have health insurance, leaving more than 22,000 children without a way to get affordable shots, according to Aloha United Way. Such shots can protect children from diseases such as measles and hepatitis B.

AUW, a partner in the "Protect Hawai'i's Keiki, Make a Date to Vaccinate" campaign, encourages parents to call 211 to find a free shot clinic in their neighborhood; 211 is available statewide, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Income eligibility requirements may apply, so ask for details.

— Advertiser staff

FINAL WORD

"What you learn after you're 40 is, it's just about plugging up holes in the boat."

George Clooney | in the new magazine, Men's Vogue