Answer this
question mark

Some things are perhaps created as mysteries right out of the gate. Some things are unknowable. Some things reside where man should not tread. Some things reveal not just the unimaginable, but also that we are incapable of imagining them in the first place. We are limited creatures, poor, clueless and alone in a howling desert, in a bitter and cold universe, aimlessly adrift in an ocean of ennui and despair.

On the other hand, we may simply be dealing with the hieroglyph of prototype '60s weirdo band Question Mark and the Mysterians. Mr. Mark, of course, spelled his name "?."

The mark in question is this question mark artfully applied to the traffic signal pole directly in front of City Hall. It's quite professional. No one seems to know what it means -- which is appropriate, given that it is a question in the first place.

Know what we mean?

Don't look for answers here. We don't know. Hard to admit, true, but that's the way the punctuation symbol bounces.

If you know, tell us. We'll give you full credit. Or conceal your identity and place you in the witless-protection program. E-mail us. Call us. Drop by.

Just answer the question, counselor!

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Burl Burlingame
/ bburlingame@starbulletin.com

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Marceau tickets on sale

Tickets for legendary mime Marcel Marceau's appearances at the Blaisdell Concert Hall Nov. 1 and 2 are on sale at the Blaisdell box office and TicketPlus locations, including Foodland stores.

The retired performer returned to the United States in 1999 to tumultuous acclaim after a 15-year absence from the theater. This will mark Marceau's first performance in Hawaii in a career spanning more than 50 years.

Marceau created his character "Bip" in 1947, likening his adventures to Don Quixote's struggle against the windmills of life. "Bip" has since become Marceau's alter ego, like Charlie Chaplin's "Little Tramp." He has performed in all the major cities around the globe, made frequent television appearances and won two Emmy Awards.

Tickets are $25, $50 and $60, with discounts on certain seating areas for seniors and students.

To charge by phone, call 526-4400. To order online, go to www.ticketplushawaii.com. For a discount of 10 percent for groups of 20 or more, call 732-7733.

Marcel Marceau is presented by Tim Bostock Productions and the French Festival.

Understanding Islam

Dr. Saleem Ahmed presents a short course beginning today on Muslim practices and belief systems to answer questions people may be asking since last Tuesday's tragic events in New York.

Participants will learn to differentiate between what some Muslims do and what their religion preaches. Marriage and divorce, dress code, inheritance and dietary restrictions are among the discussed topics. The program also provides information on Islam's attitude toward death, reward and punishment in the hereafter.

The course takes place at the University of Hawaii at Manoa's Webster Hall, Room 113, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. today through Saturday. The cost is $30. Call 956-7221 to register.

New look for bathroom

Home Depot continues its series of free instructions on updating your bathroom with four classes through the end of the month.

Learn about solder tubing and installing drains and faucets 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday at the Honolulu store, 421 Alakawa St., and 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday at 1021 Kamehameha Hwy. in Pearl City.

Learn how to install medicine cabinets and fixtures 7 to 9 p.m. Sept. 27 at the Honolulu store, and 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Sept. 28 in Pearl City.

Each student will receive a free Home Depot University apron and student training guides.

Registration will be taken at the special-services desk in the front of the stores.

For more information, call 521-7355 in Honolulu or 455-1200 in Pearl City.

Click for online
calendars and events.

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