The Left Lane

Hospitals with 'heart'

Let's face it: Hospitals are there to keep the ol' ticker going, but most of them are at least a little cold at heart.

Modern Maturity magazine recently recognized 15 exceptions to this general rule in its "Hospitals with Heart" honor roll that appeared in the July/August issue. Among them: North Hawaii Community Hospital in Waimea.

The editors consulted with organizations devoted to fostering patient-centered care and interviewed caregivers, hospital administrators and other experts. The magazine praised the Big Island hospital's design, in which each patient room has a door to the outside, more reminiscent of a home environment. The administrators embrace complementary health strategies such as lomilomi and "healing touch" (pictured). Another point that impressed: B.J. Springer, the hospital's housekeeping chief, works some aroma therapy treatments into her daily duties.

— Vicki Viotti, Advertiser staff writer

Favoring the ladies

A Las Vegas oddsmaker is trying to predict who will win MTV's Video of the Year honors.

Joe Lupo, race and sports book manager at the Stardust on the Las Vegas Strip, has "Lady Marmalade" as the 3-2 favorite to win the honor at the MTV Video Music Awards Thursday in New York. "Lady Marmalade," a remake of the 1974 LaBelle hit by Christina Aguilera, Lil' Kim, Mya and Pink, appeared on the "Moulin Rouge" soundtrack.

Among the other best video nominees, the oddsmaker has Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott's "Get Ur Freak On" at 4-1; Janet Jackson's "All For You" at 5-1; Fatboy Slim's "Weapon of Choice" at 10-1; and Eminem's "Stan" at 15-1. Nevada prohibits wagers on events in which the outcome is known, so the speculating is just for fun.

— Associated Press