Energy options are focus of talks

If politicians spent more time at a university, they might be able to save money on high-priced consultants and come up with some common-sense solutions to many of our islands' dilemmas.

To this end, the University of Hawaii Outreach College is hosting two free talks on energy, part of the Sakamaki Extraordinary Lecture Series. Call 956-8246.

“;The Poseidon Adventure-Ocean Energy!”; takes place at 7 p.m. tomorrow in the Architecture Auditorium. Dr. Hans Krock, internationally recognized as the architect of the resurgence of ocean thermal-energy-conversion technology, will speak about how the sea can produce all the electricity needed in the islands, as well as cool our buildings and provide fresh water. OTEC systems are already proven here in Hawaii and, ironically, are made more efficient by global warming.

On June 24, the subject at the Center for Hawaiian Studies will be native Hawaiian perspectives on renewable energy development. Panelists Sen. Mike Gabbard, Michael L. Kaleikini, D. Noelani Kalipi, Davianna McGregor, Rep. Hermina Morita, Pono Shim, Ramsay Taum and Myron Thompson will discuss, from 6:30 p.m., actions to ensure a sustainable energy future for the state.

The center is at 2645 Dole St.

Class combines yoga and dance

Yoga Meets Dance combines gentle yoga, free-guided dance and stillness meditation to relax the body and mind, and it's being offered at Ki Club Fitness Studio at 3221 Waialae Ave., Suite 365, from 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays.

The form is suitable for all ages, physiques and non-dancers. No experience or ability is needed.

The first class is $5. Call 227-3449 for information.

'Clan Murphy' to aid parade

Friends of St. Patrick will host a gathering of “;Clan Murphy”; from 4:30 p.m. Saturday in the Celtic Room behind O'Toole's Pub at 902 Nuunau Ave. (Look across the alley.)

The group was to discuss “;Murphy's Law,”; which turns out to be “;Finagle's Law,”; according to Jim Murphy.

So the new topic will be “;Sapp's Ironical Paradox,”; which states that “;the universal aptitude for ineptitude makes any human accomplishment an incredible miracle.”;

The meeting is free, and you don't need to be Irish or a Murphy to attend.

CDs and DVDs by the group Murphy's Law will be raffled off, as well as “;Murphy”; shirts.

Donations to the scholarship and St. Patrick's Day Parade funds will be accepted. Call 223-3997.

Chamber seeks queen hopefuls

Applications are being accepted for the 58th Cherry Blossom Festival queen.

The Honolulu Japanese Junior Chamber of Commerce is looking for single women between the ages of 19 and 26 who have at least 50 percent Japanese ancestry (must show proof through a birth certificate). Applicants must also be a U.S. citizen and Hawaii resident.

Contestants will need to take classes in Japanese culture and heritage, participate in community service projects and develop public speaking and leadership skills.

Log on to www.cbfhawaii.com for application forms. A $30 fee is also required. The last day to register is Aug. 1.

Movie preview

Opening Friday:

”;Away We Go”;: It's the journey of an expectant couple (John Krasinski and Maya Rudolph) as they travel the U.S. in search of the perfect place to put down roots and raise their family. Along the way, they have misadventures and find fresh connections with an assortment of relatives and old friends who just might help them discover “;home”; on their own terms for the first time. (R)

”;Departures”;: See review on Page 33. (PG-13)

”;The Proposal”;: A high-powered book editor fakes an engagement with her put-upon assistant to avoid deportation to her native Canada. Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds star in this romantic comedy. (PG-13)

”;Year One”;: Veteran comedy director Harold Ramis teams up with producer Judd Apatow to tell the story of “;the two worst hunter-gatherers in a Stone Age tribe who are expelled and venture out into a world they didn't know existed.”; Jack Black, Michael Cera, Oliver Platt, David Cross and Hank Azaria star. (PG-13)

STUFFS

LOOK » Academy Award winner Holly Hunter returns in “;Saving Grace.”; Season 3 begins today at 7 and 9 p.m. on TNT.

LISTEN » New albums out today: Incubus, “;Moments and Melodies”; (Greatest Hits); The Jonas Brothers, “;Lines, Vines and Trying Times”;; Spinal Tap, “;Back From the Dead”;; Ashley Tisdale, “;Guilty Pleasure”;; and Twista, “;Category F5.”;

DO » Purchase a ticket for the opening night of “;Slava's Snowshow.”; The show will runs Aug. 12 to 23 at Hawaii Theatre. Opening night tickets are $25. Tickets for the rest of the shows cost $30 to $80. Call 528-0506 or log on to www.hawaiitheatre.com.