AWOL IN ARGENTINA

Sanford says he's sorry

It was Father's Day. But where was Mark Sanford?

The South Carolina governor and father of four went AWOL for several days; aides and wife said they didn't know where he was—out “;hiking,”; perhaps?

It became clear this week: He'd been in Argentina with his mistress. His public confession put a huge cloud over the one-time Republican star's political career.

Ah, the power of love. Or lust. Or hiking even.

ALL-STAR VOTING

Go, Shane, go

Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Shane Victorino, a graduate of St. Anthony High School on Maui, has moved up to fifth place in fan voting for starting spots for the National League All- Stars. Philadelphia's Raul Ibanez is leading the NL vote, followed by Milwaukee's Ryan Braun, the Mets' Carlos Beltran and the Cubs' Alfonso Soriano. Victorino surpasses suspended L.A. Dodger star Manny Ramirez, who is now in sixth place.

The All-Star game is July 14 in St. Louis. Cast your votes—yes, you can vote up to 25 times through July 2—at http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/events/all_star/y2009.

STRAIGHT TALK

Meth talk turns to sex talk

The Hawaii Meth Project has gotten lots of publicity for its stark ads revealing the ravages of drug abuse. The core message for young people, obviously, is to never try crystal methamphetamine, not even once. But as the TV, radio and newspaper ads roll out, another important subject is being raised: sex education.

Hearing a Big Island teenager talk on the radio about how she traded sex for meth, or seeing a newspaper ad with a picture of a filthy bathroom stall and the tagline “;No one thinks they'll lose their virginity here. Meth will change that,”; is no doubt prompting conversations among Hawaii families about sex, morality and personal values. The provocative campaign provides parents an opening for conversations about drug abuse, and a whole lot more.