If you haven't already, check out "Stand By Me," the international recording of the Ben E. King classic that assembles musicians from five continents to record one unified track. The musicians who perform on sidewalks, balconies, in back alleys and the bush have never met and connect only through their music. Each track is added to the song as the musicians are recorded live across the globe.

Beginning with Roger Ridley in Santa Monica, Calif., the recording glides across the U.S. to Grandpa Elliott and Washboard Chaz in New Orleans and on to musicians in Mexico, the Netherlands, France, Russia, South Africa, Congo, Venezuela, Brazil, Italy and Spain.

Playing for Change: Peace through Music is a global effort to inspire, connect and bring peace to the world through music. Listen to "Stand By Me" at www.playingforchange.com /pop.html and on http://www.YouTube.com.

— Chris Oliver

INDIA

AUSTRALIA-BASED TRAVEL COMPANY ENSURES YOUR TRIP IS ECO-FRIENDLY

If "Slumdog Millionaire," the Mumbai, India-based fairy tale that swept this month's Golden Globes, has you thinking about a trip to India, check Intrepid Travel at http://www.intrepidtravel.com.

The Australia-based eco-travel company prides itself on responsible travel with small groups to minimize impacts. Travelers stay in locally owned guest houses and use local transport.

Intrepid has India tours to suit all budgets and comfort levels; the North India Unplugged land-only tour starts at $760 and visits Delhi, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur and Udaipur, Agra, Varanasi and Kolkata. Roundtrip air fares from Honolulu to Delhi start at $1,525.

— Chris Oliver

ISLANDWIDE

ISLAND AIR PROGRAM LETS STUDENTS EXPLORE VARIOUS AVIATION CAREERS

Island Air is launching its Explorer Program for students 16 and 20 with an interest in aviation.

The curriculum's 10 sessions cover aviation careers such as flight attendant, pilot, aircraft mechanic and dispatcher. Island Air will earn its aviation explorer post from Learning For Life, an affiliate of Boy Scouts of America, when the program commences in February.

Information about Island Air's Explorer Program, including a downloadable application, can be found at www.islandair.com in the "About Us" pages. Interested students and parents are encouraged to attend an orientation session at 5 p.m. Wednesday at Bishop Museum's Atherton Halau. Applications to the program will only be accepted at the orientation; 15 students will be invited to take part in the 10-week program.