The Left Lane
Editor's note: Left Lane is a new weekday feature — a quick collection of new items for information and amusement.
All you gotta do is dream
"Dream to Make a Difference" is not just a warm and fuzzy idea, it's a new compilation CD of songs by 10 diverse Island-connected artists and a benefit for Hawai'i AIDS programs, patients and families. Maui-based project coordinator Gail Swanson credits "God and lots of angels" for producing the piece, giving herself associate producer credits.
On the CD: Keali'i Reichel's "Patchwork Quilt," Ron Kuala'au's "All Around Cowboy," Henry Kapono's "Friend for Life," Uluwehi Guerrero's "'Ano 'Ai" and more.
— Wayne Harada
They will survive
"Survivor II" tops Nielsen's list of the five most-watched prime-time TV shows last week with 16.6 percent of the viewing audience, or 17 million homes. The others: "E.R.," NBC, 16.3, 16.6 million homes; "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," CBS, 13.8, 14.1 million homes; "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire-Tuesday," ABC, 12.9, 13.2 million homes; "Friends," NBC, 12.1, 12.4 million homes.
— Associated Press
Girl chic
Hold on to your beanie and kerchief, kids, the Girl Scouts are getting a makeover: new uniforms featuring khaki cargo and parachute pants, oatmeal or light blue polo shirts and jade-green zippered skirts, plus "skorts" (skirt shorts) for younger girls. The 30 new items are due out in the fall, but early reports that the new outfits involved miniskirts are being vigorously denied. "You can't (do) Girl Scouting activities in a miniskirt," said Debbie Espinosa of the Girl Scouts of America.
One thing remains the same, however: All the new pieces are optional; the $1 Girl Scout pin is the only uniform required.
— Associated Press
Say cheese
Mighty Mouse is the latest cartoon critter to peddle a product on TV. "Here I come to save the day!" has been his battle cry for 50 years, and starting today, he comes out of retirement to boost the American Dairy Association's "Ahh, the power of cheese" campaign. He joins a growing list of celebritooners hyping products and services on the tube: Bart Simpson (Butterfinger, milk), Bugs Bunny (Chevy vans, Nike, MCI), Tweety Bird (MCI), Garfield (Milk, Barnie's Coffee and Teas), Dennis the Menace (Dairy Queen), Snoopy (MetLife) and Rugrats (milk, Rugrats Fruit Snacks). Where's Popeye and his spinach pitch?
— Wayne Harada
