In Hawai'i, we have always known that our kupuna are the most beautiful women of all, inside and out. Now there's a beauty pageant that celebrates them. Sponsored by First Hawaiian Bank, the Ms. Hawaii Senior America pageant's purpose is to give women 60 and older an opportunity to showcase their beauty, talent and elegance.

This year's winner is Elsie Palafox of 'Aiea. The active senior, retired from Hawaiian Airlines after 35 years, does aerobics, dances hula, makes lei and volunteers for Meals on Wheels and the Hawaiian Humane Society. Palafox will travel to Las Vegas Dec. 2 to participate in the national Ms. Senior America pageant.

For information on next year's pageant, call Bonnie Parsons at 596-8111.

— Paula Rath, Advertiser staff writer

TV news directors under ad pressures

Local TV news directors are under intense pressure from advertisers to run positive stories about them and kill stories that are negative. And at a time when stations are under the gun to cut costs, such pressure is tough to ignore, says a new study by the Project for Excellence in Journalism.

"This is a real problem for many news directors, who are struggling with budget cuts and staff shortages," says project director Tom Rosenstiel. "It's a real issue for journalists and for viewers seeking unbiased and accurate news coverage."

The study received responses from 118 news directors nationwide, and more than half reported that sponsors try to pressure them to kill negative stories or to run positives ones.

For the fourth year in a row, the study found that the most successful stations practice quality journalism, which "proves to be the best antidote for flagging ratings, market share, key demographics and audience retention," Rosenstiel said.

— USA Today

Patchwork of advice

If you're a fabric crafter, you know that the one who has the most fabric, patterns and half-finished projects wins. So you'll want to know that Poakalani and John Serrao have released a third guide in their best-selling series of Hawaiian quilting instruction and pattern books. And Kaua'i quilt designer Elizabeth Root has a gorgeous new book illustrated by Tammy Yee.

"Poakalani Hawaiian Quilt Cushion Patterns & Designs, Vol. 3," (Mutual Publishing, paper, $5.95) includes basic instruction in folding, cutting, basting, applique, quilting and putting together a quilted cushion. The cut-out quilt patterns include familiar favorites plus more contemporary designs.

Root's "Menehune Quilts, the Hawiian Way" (Ehrdi, $24.95) will be in stores in December. It's charmingly illustrated and full of solid instruction.