I Hope

Among the many critical arrows slung at last week's debut of the Saturday "Today" show was a poison dart aimed at co-host Scott Simon's face, which one scribe labeled "a woeful countenance." Tough stuff for a National Public Radio star used to kudos, not KOs."I've made jokes for years that I have a face for radio," says Mr. Simon, 40, on-air partners with former beauty queen Jackie Nespral, 26. "There's nothing I can do about my face. It's the only face I've got. I guess I could go to a clinic, but that would be too expensive."

A task force of eight young leaders from around the world launched a Web site in Baltimore yesterday geared toward helping youths effect positive social change. The site - www.youthaction net.org - was launched at the International Youth Foundation building downtown. The task force worked Saturday to yesterday designing the site's features and setting goals for its development. Task force members will jointly maintain the Web site from their respective countries, offering such resources as tips on writing proposals for funding and a list of youth organizations.

FOR those voters who assume that a Bush defeat would end the political career of Vice President Dan Quayle, it's worth noting some recent remarks of his wife, Marilyn.On ABC's Good Morning America the other day, Mrs. Quayle suggested that her husband shouldn't be counted out for the race for the Republican nomination in 1996."From my personal standpoint, I'm not sure that's something I would want, but for the nation, he is so good at finding solutions to problems that I really think he should," she said.

Four days after becoming the odd man out on the Orioles pitching staff, Jose Mesa was proclaiming his erratic career revived yesterday.That breath of fresh air for Mesa came after the right-hander was traded to the Cleveland Indians for outfielder Kyle Washington, a member of the Double-A Canton-Akron Indians who has been assigned to the Orioles' Double-A Hagerstown Suns. Washington, 22, was batting .294 with two home runs and 25 RBI in 67 games.Washington, who won the South Atlantic League batting title last year with a .343 average for Single-A Columbus (Ga.)

O. J. Brigance has gone back to linebacker school, where re-learning old habits has presented him with another challenge.Brigance, who broke into the Canadian Football League as a linebacker for British Columbia in 1991, when he was named to the all-Western Conference team, moved to rush end for the Baltimore Football Club last year, and eventually became the team's top point-getter on defense.Coach Don Matthews wants to use Brigance as his fifth pass rusher from behind the line, while Matthews hopes that a battle between rookies Jock Jones and Grant Carter will give Baltimore a new defensive end, solidifying its five-man rush.

Your son/daughter is graduating. You can scarcely believe he's almost an adult. It's such a milestone. And while fountain pens and watches are traditional and lovely gifts, somehow that's not enough. Your love and pride in your child -- all the things you want to express -- cannot be said adequately by something wrapped up in a box.What to do?In addition to the gaily wrapped present he will be hoping for, why not give him the gift of a hand-written letter that expresses your wishes for his adult life?

Maryland Bays owner John Liparini is on the phone daily trying to keep his soccer team alive."I haven't given up, although I probably should," said Liparini, who, with co-owner John Koskinen, is trying to find investors to contribute $400,000. "I hope we're able to hold it together and play again in 1992. Every day someone comes up to me and offers to help with a thousand dollars. I thank them, but that's not the kind of investors I need. You have to be able to lose the money if things don't work out. What I hope is that I can find what we need and those people will use their money to buy season tickets."

Maryland Bays owner John Liparini is on the phone daily trying to keep his soccer team alive."I haven't given up, although I probably should," said Liparini, who, with co-owner John Koskinen, is trying to find investors to contribute $400,000. "I hope we're able to hold it together and play again in 1992. Every day someone comes up to me and offers to help with a thousand dollars. I thank them, but that's not the kind of investors I need. You have to be able to lose the money if things don't work out. What I hope is that I can find what we need and those people will use their money to buy season tickets."

It's easy to appreciate the environment when the sun is shining and the air is warm. But around 1,500 Howard County residents demonstrated their appreciation for more than nice weather Saturday at GreenFest, a county-sponsored fair promoting `green,' or environmentally friendly, lifestyles. The event, held the Glenwood Community Center, the county's first green building, featured displays from 60 vendors, clubs and organizations. "Any level of what you want to do to get involved is in this building," said Joshua Feldmark, director of the Commission on Environment and Sustainability, standing in a hallway with several exhibits.

Quote: "Whoever jumped into my uniform, I hope he stays for the rest of the season because that wasn't me."Twins' Doug Mientkiewicz, who went 4-for-4, a career high for hitsIt's a fact: The Royals' Blake Stein is winless this year, despite a 2.72 ERA in his past six starts.Who's hot: The Rangers are 33-16 since the All-Star break.Who's not: Twins starter LaTroy Hawkins lasted only 1 1/3 innings because of wildness. He didn't allow a hit, but walked four and hit a batter.On deck: The Red Sox's Pedro Martinez seeks to become the major leagues' first 20-game winner of the season today.