On his second CD release, "Divide," singer-songwriter Johnny Helm returns to the quiet, rainy-day melodies and emotional lyricism of his terrific Na Hoku Hanohano-nominated 2003 disc "At Random." That means more of the Hartford, Conn.-raised, Honolulu-based musician's sweetly rough-hewn vocals and gentle acoustic guitar stylings over 10 tracks reminiscent of the intimate, coffee-shop-era works of John Mayer and Jason Mraz and Anna Bannana's-era John Cruz. Cruz even lends guest vocal and instrumental work on a couple of "Divide" tracks. Listen to samples at www.johnnyhelm.com.

— Derek Paiva

FOR WATER LOVERS

PROTECT YOUR JEWELRY

Jack Shoop of Waimea on the Big Island knows the heartbreak of losing a ring in the ocean or on the beach. That's why he created "Jack's Ring Protectors" — simple strips to wrap around your finger, above the ring. Tighten them up, and they'll keep your ring from sliding off even when fingers shrink from hours in the water. They're reusable and washable, and come in packs of six different colors. $5 per packet at Silver Moon Emporium or on the Web at www.jack sprout.com.

— Paula Rath

FINAL WORD

"To people I grew up with, it's probably amazing I make a living acting tough. I've been in a fight once, in seventh grade."

Ray Liotta | The "Goodfellas" star in Entertainment Weekly