The Left Lane
Cool or uncool?

The fans are mounted on curving 6- or 9-foot-high pedestals that allow the breeze to blow downward even in a patio, lanai, back yard or anywhere else a true ceiling fan isn't practical (but for which an electrical outlet is available). They also come with lights so you can talk story out in the yard all night long.

The lamps have special weather protective features, including a hood.

Several local fan shops said they could special-order Hunter fans and mounting combinations; check out www.hunterfan.com. Prices start about $700.

Brian's songs

You've seen the TV movie on Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys; it was a tad banal and bland, though the music was euphoric.

Now tune in to "An All-Star Tribute to Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys," a blockbuster assembly not only of Wilson's signature Beach Boys surf sounds but a revival of the prolific pop composer's legion of tunes by a line-up of stellar talent including the likes of Elton John (doing "Wouldn't It Be Nice" with Wilson), Ricky Martin (adding his own sex appeal to "California Girls" and "Help Me Rhonda"), Wilson Phillips (performing "You're So Good to Me"), Paul Simon (splashing out "Surfer Girl") and Billy Joel (taking the worry out of "Don't Worry Baby"). Vince Gill, Heart, David Crosby, Carly Simon and Jimmy Webb also are on the slate.

It all happens at 8 p.m. July 4 on TNT (Oceanic 41 analog, 553 digital; Verizon Americast 35); it's a Radio City Music Hall concert taped March 29 and it provides fireworks of a different kind. Sounds like fun, fun, fun.

And the winner is ...

The nationwide search is open to youths 12 to 20 and requires the winners to hold trophies and hang out backstage with celebrity presenters, who'll hand out the trophies to hot teen winners (sample categories: Choice Chemistry, Choice Male Hottie, Choice Breakout Artist).

Send an audition tape by July 19 to Seventeen, Promotion Department, 850 Third Ave., New York, NY 10022. Appearance, personality and creativity count.

Last year's trophy hawkers worked in the shadows of Britney Spears, Carson Daly, Freddie Prinze Jr., Hoku, 'N Sync, Sean Hayes, The Rock, Sisqo and more. No word on this year's stars.