The Left Lane
For volks with bucks

VW will take a true plunge into the luxury business as it rolls out its big and powerful V-8 Passat, which should start selling for a minimum of $38,000 in Germany.

For its first venture into what is called "the upper luxury segment," Volkswagen will be peddling a powerful, all-wheel model that packs 275 horsepower. And by the end of 2002 look for three more luxury entries: the large D1 sedan; a full-sized sport utility; and what the Automotive News calls "an exotic midengine sports car" (all to be assembled at Volkswagen's much-talked-about new "glass plant" in Dresden).

Enter and say 'I do'

Engaged couples nationwide have been invited to submit entries, including a photo of the couple, entrants' names, telephone numbers, addresses, and a 250-word essay on what being "Lucky in Love in Las Vegas" means to the couple. From among these, five couples will be chosen to compete. Each of the five participating brides will be given a series of clues and a time limit in which to find her fiance, hidden somewhere in the marriage capital of the world. The first bride-to-be to find her groom will be awarded the grand prize package, and the couple will proceed to a special wedding chapel for their complimentary wedding ceremony, followed by a reception.

Who knows Vegas better than we do?

Enter by e-mail or write Love in Luxe Vegas, c/o Bride's Magazine, 4 Times Square 6th floor, New York, NY 10036. Entries must be received by Aug. 20

On the map

Bilingual Books, a Seattle publisher, has put out its "Language Map" — a laminated, folding phrasebook for travelers — in 11 tongues. Company chief Kris Kershul loves Hawai'i but did a double take when Buddy Bess of

Honolulu's The Bess Press suggested one in Hawaiian.

They speak English here, don't they?

Well, yes. But Hawaiian is an official language, too, and Lilinoe Andrews, with years of experience publishing Hawaiian-language books for the Hawaiian immersion program, saw a way to reach both tourists and residents with such a product.

That's why "Hawaiian: A Language Map" ($7.95) is missing phrases like "How much is a mai tai?" Instead, a collaboration between Kershul and Andrews has resulted in a glossary of words important in Hawaiian culture, terms on family, relationships and the environment.

It should be helpful to language students and should tip off visitors that there's more to the language than "aloha," "mahalo," "lei" and "lu'au" — as important as these things are. Coming to bookstores. Call: 734-7159.