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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Sunday, May 3, 2009

ISLAND LIFE SHORTS
From the HIP

Advertiser Staff and News Services

Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

Chris Leben.

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Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

Jen Cua, left, also known as Paisley, prepares to sing; right, Seph1 rapping original poetry.

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Have a sales or bargain tip? Hit us up at salesandbargains@gmail.com.

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Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

Bob Marley.

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Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

Drew Barrymore.

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Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

Cameron Diaz.

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Tuesday is Boys' Day, and if you're thinking about getting that special boy in your life something he'll be psyched about, don't get him another aloha shirt. He'd probably prefer fight lessons from a pro. Chris Leben's Ultimate Fight School specializes in mixed martial arts for all ages. The center's "Little Dragons" youth program trains kids in strength and conditioning using Thai pad techniques. Classes are taught by Chris "The Crippler" Leben, left, the 11-time Ultimate Champion Fighter who has appeared on reality television and in the virtual MMA video game arena.

Whether the boy (or man) in your life wants to be the next world champion or just wants to lose 20 pounds, the Ultimate Fight School is committed to helping each member reach his goal. In addition to classes, the 3,400-square-foot facility also offers equipment for training and fight-related memorabilia and autographs for fans. Monthly costs start at $129 and vary based on specific needs. Ultimate Fight School, Puck's Alley, 1035 University Ave., 626-5283, or visit www.ultimatefightschool.com.

— L.M.



WRAPPED UP IN SOUND OF THE VALLEY

Once the music starts, the crowd goes silent.

Have they been transported to a state of euphoria by Ted D'Olivera's melodies as he wails away on his guitar, or maybe Jen Cua's voice as the vocalist, aka Paisley, sings over poetry belted out by rapper Seph1? Whatever it is, the musicians of Tempo Valley have a way of grabbing attention with original lyrics and a unique combination of trip-hop, jazz, hip-hop and funk.

This Saturday, and every second and fourth Saturday from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., catch Tempo Valley at Jazz Minds, 1661 Kapi'olani Blvd., 945-0800. For more info, visit www.myspace.com/tempovalley.

— Lacy Matsumoto



SALES & BARGAINS

Broke is the new black, and so what are we shoppers to do? Best thing is to take what you've got and repackage it for a new look. Take some gold acrylic paint to a pair of peacock feather earrings that you bought a few seasons ago. It's a new look, and just in time for a hot summer night out on the town. They'll look like they were dipped in gold, but won't be nearly as heavy. Find gold paint at any craft store, such as Ben Franklin, or at Hawaiian Graphics, 1923 S. Beretania St.; 973-7171.

Spa treatments, flowers and opera tickets are all great to give to mom, but why not give something to her that she'll want to keep around forever (and not just because you gave it to her)? Useful and no doubt she'll love it, get back to basics and lay out a photo montage in a frame. Sometimes taking a little time to make something special is the biggest gift, and the least costly. Print your photos at home or at a shop. Our fave cheap and chic frames are at Target. Starting at just over $20, score something that she'll want to stare at year after year! 4380 Lawehana St; 441-3118; 4450 Kapolei Parkway; 457-3679.

We can't figure out why exactly, but we love J.Crew. It's a place that carries affordable, totally transformable and wearable pieces in amazing colors. This spring's collection is no exception. Here are a few things that we also think will make mom go weak in the knees: Vintage-inspired with a modern twist, the resin link bracelet in brushed transparent purple acrylic won't get your wrist in a kink, or your wallet at $38. Gauzy beach coverups in navy, white and guava are just $9.99. Plus, their beachy straw hats look so chic, no one would guess the real reason you're wearing one is to keep the UVs off — at $34-$58, there's room in your budget for two.

J. Crew on the Island, Ala Moana; 955-9517.

— Pualana Lemelle



PLAYING FOR CHANGE

"Songs Around the World" (3 1/2 stars)

Comment: Voices of hope

This CD/DVD package is a cut above your average cause-of-the-moment project. Playing for Change advocates uniting the world through music, and the known voices, including Bono, Bob Marley and Keb' Mo', are mixed unobtrusively with those of 100 other impassioned musicians from five continents recorded on their home turf. The pop-folk chestnuts shine anew with their world-beat treatments.

Download: "Stand By Me," "One Love," "Biko," "Love Rescue Me," "Don't Worry"

— Jerry Shriver



URBAN MYSTIC

"GRIII: Old School 2 Nu Skool" (3 stars)

Comment: A new vintage sound

The Florida soul singer has flown a bit under the radar, despite having one of R&B's most distinctive voices. On the third in his Ghetto Revelations series, he once again puts a bit of urban polish on his gritty deliveries. It works on both old-fashioned love ballads and hip-flavored jams that should win him cross-generational appeal.

Download: "Main Squeeze," "It Wasn't Me," "Best Part of the Day"

Skip: "Let's Go Shawty"

— Steve Jones



HEAVEN & HELL

"The Devil You Know" (HH)

Comment: This hell hath no fury

The devil you used to know was Ozzy Osbourne, supplanted by Ronnie James Dio in this vestige of Black Sabbath, a quartet that lumbers from one theatrical dirge to the next with too much heavy and not enough metal. "The Devil" has its devilish moments, but a higher quotient of Tony Iommi's psychotic riffing would have been a welcome counterweight to the oppressive doom and sonic sludge.

Download: "Eating the Cannibals"

Skip: "Double the Pain"

— Edna Gundersen



WHAT’S ON YOUR IPOD?

DJ Xtreme

"Fluffer" by Tempo Valley

"Dear John" by Bridget Gray

"Kiss Me on My Neck" by Erykah Badu

"Give Me All Your Love Or I Will Kill You" by Macy Gray

"Black Milk" by Massive Attack



STILL SINGLE? SO ARE THESE STARS

Even when you're rich, thin and gorgeous, finding a man isn't easy. Take a look at three Hollywood babes who just can't make it stick.

• DREW BARRYMORE, 34: The youngest member of the Barrymore acting dynasty is known for her longevity in film as much as for her tumultuous love life. At just 19, she married bartender Jeremy Thomas, with disastrous results. Another marriage came with whacked-out comedian Tom Green and ended in divorce after six months. Things were looking up with Strokes drummer Fabrizio Moretti but alas, they were doomed. Next up: actor Justin Long. Rumors of a reconciliation float, but we're not buying it.

• CAMERON DIAZ, 36: Drew's "Charlie's Angel" costar is a bona fide bombshell. If she can't land a man, there's no hope for any of us, right? After a long relationship with Jared Leto, Cammie took up with "There's Something About Mary" caddish co-star Matt Dillon. She gave younger man Justin Timberlake a whirl, but the music ended in '07. Diaz has been linked recently to British model Paul Sculfor, but the "My Sister's Keeper" star has been spotted by her lonesome.

• NICOLLETTE SHERIDAN, 45: Waiting for the now defunct Desperate Housewife — and former Mrs. Harry Hamlin — to marry ex-turned-fiance Michael Bolton was like watching grass grow. We admire them for giving their love a second chance, but c'mon. Though we hear she's dating financier Steve Pate, Nic apparently likes them worn-in.

— Madeleine Marr, McClatchy-Tribune News Service