STAY STRONG

Wash up, and stay healthy

Take care.

That simple phrase is taking on a lot of weight lately.

Don't eat raw alfalfa sprouts, because they could be contaminated with salmonella; at least 31 cases of illness have been reported on the mainland. Then comes news that various Torn & Glasser pistachio products have been recalled, again due to suspect salmonella.

And of course, the global swine flu outbreak has a lot of people jittery. The outbreak has spread to at least 11 states and closed about 100 schools amid confirmation of the first U.S. death — a Mexican toddler who visited Texas with his family. Confirmed U.S. cases rose to about 100. So far, none confirmed in Hawaii.

Again, take care. And wash those hands.

BATTER UP!

Go out to the ole' ball game

Manoa is abuzz again, and it ain't just from the mosquitos after the valley's famous mist.

It's coming from Les Murakami Stadium, where the University of Hawaii baseball 'Bows are bringing in the fans. Maybe it's because first baseman Kevin Macdonald is whacking homers at a record pace. Or maybe it's freshman center fielder Kolten Wong, or corner infield slugger Vinnie Catricala, or just the groove of an experienced team. Whatever it is, these guys are doing something right — for morale, and for the UH athletic department's bottom line.