What big eyes
you have

Discover how a squid propels itself, a chameleon changes color, or a fly walks on ceilings by examining eight animated robots that mimic the real thing when The Robot Zoo opens tomorrow at Bishop Museum.

Other creatures are a rhinoceros, platypus, bat, grasshopper and giraffe. The larger-than-life housefly has a 10-foot wingspan.

All of the displays are interactive. Sensory activities include "Swat the Fly," a test of visitor reaction times, and the kids will surely be captivated by the "Tongue Gun," demonstrating the way chameleons shoot out their long, sticky tipped tongue to reel in a meal.

Keiki -- adults can play too -- will also be able to "paint" digital patterns at computer work stations, which will appear on screens behind the robot chameleon, causing it to change colors.

The museum is at 1525 Bernice St. Admission is $14.95 for adults, $11.95 for children ages 4 to 12, and free to ages 3 and younger. Resident, military and senior discounts are available.

Call 847-3511.

North Shore birthday bash

Roshan Kumar will be busy working this Sunday--and it's his birthday! The Haleiwa musician has celebrated his special day over the past four years with a large get-together that not only features members of the three bands he leads (Cool Burn, Groove Express and Clear Sky, featuring his wife Shivani), but other bands and musicians from the North Shore.

Kumar always furnishes the sound equipment and some instruments for him and his friends to use. And all kinds of music will be played, from jazz, R&B, funk, reggae, island rhythm and classic rock. Featured bands will include Higher Ground, Brenda & the Bad Boys, TNT and Haleiwa Express. The good times will be flowing!

>> Place: Sugar Bar & Grill, 67-069 Kealohanui, Waialua
>> Time: 4 p.m. to midnight Sunday
>> Admission: Free
>> Call: 636-2220

Bridal affair at Sheraton

Brides to be or wannabes can check out the latest trends in wedding attire, learn how to pick the perfect diamond and choose the right hairstyle and makeup for the big day at the Sheraton Waikiki Hawaii Ballroom Sunday.

The Sheraton's inaugural "Wedding Affair" from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. will feature a diamond seminar by Tiffany & Co., plus seminars for gown, hair and makeup selection; props and decor from Tihati Productions and florals by Fleurtations for creating a fairy tale wedding; and a highlight will be a noon fashion show featuring attire from Saison Des Brides, Vow's Bridal, Gary's Tux, Jacqueline De Michelle, Tuxedo Junction, the Ritz, and others.

While there, enter a drawing for a honeymoon for two at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort in Florida.

Admission is $5. For more information, call the hotel's catering office at 931-8111.

Dog stars needed

A grand prize is $5,000, a year's supply of Beggin' Strips brand dog snacks and a trip to New York to see "The Late Show with David Letterman," with the possibility of appearing in a Stupid Pet Tricks segment awaits the winner of the Purina Beggin' Strips Stupid Dog Tricks Contest.

Brian Kilcommons, one of the nation's foremost pet behavior specialists and co-author of several dog training books, will serve as a celebrity judge for the national contest.

Dog owners can submit a videotape of their dog's best performance. The grand prize winner will be chosen from seven finalists. Each finalist will receive $500 and a six-month supply of Beggin' Strips brand dog snacks.

Here are some training tips from Kilcommons:

>>Fun is mandatory. Both dogs and people learn quickly when the teaching is fun.

>>Provide plenty of praise. Break treats into small pieces, so your pet doesn't overeat while practicing his trick.

>>Play it safe. Tricks that put the dog, other animals or people in danger should never be attempted and will not be considered for the contest.

>>Use your imagination. It's a dog eat dog competition! To ensure the competitive edge, show your dog doing something clever.

>>Practice makes perfect. Don't expect your pooch to be a star overnight. It takes consistent training in a distraction-free environment.

To enter, make a half-inch VHS videotape showcasing your dog's Stupid Dog Trick and send it, postmarked by Aug. 31 to Beggin' Strips Stupid Dog Tricks Contest, P.O. Box 2995, Westport, Conn. 06880. Tapes should be no more than 2 minutes and must include your name, address, day phone number, dog's name, breed and age. Owners may appear in the video and props may be used, however, branded products are not permitted. Entries should not include other pets. The contest is open to all legal dog-owner residents of the United States.

Entries will be judged on originality, enthusiasm, degree of difficulty and promptness of trick. To receive the complete contest rules, call toll-free 1-(877)-423-4446 or visit www.begginstrips.com.

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