THE LEFT LANE
'N Sync close-up coming closer

Justin Timberlake of 'N Sync is coming to a television set near you. Advertiser library photo

The spectacle was called "so visually stimulating, so contagiously energetic, it could win over any cynical non-believer in teen pop" by the Dallas Morning News. At least, the TV airing lets those who know the words sing along to such hits as "Bye Bye Bye," and "It's Gonna Be Me," in the privacy of their own homes. Emphasis on "privacy of your own home," please.

It's not all white...

White is the season's must-do fashion look, but there are still "don'ts" that shouldn't be ignored.

The Worth Collection, a ready-to-wear line, reminds wearers of white that nude-colored, rather than white, lingerie looks better under sheer fabrics. Also, a strappy white sandal is better than a white pump to complement a white outfit, and a bronze or neutral-color shoe is better than either white option. Finally, white can be worn head to toe, but there should be only one focal point: Try a simple white shirt with white embroidered or embellished pants.

A generation of Asian American art

In 1995, Irene Poon, slide curator for the art department at San Francisco State University, co-curated an exhibit of works by influential older Asian American artists. But after the well-received and well-attended show was dismantled, Poon, who grew up in San Francisco's Chinatown and considered some of these people her mentors, was struck with sadness, missing the works and the sense they had given her of the importance of this generation of artists.

The result is "Leading the Way, Asian American Artists of the Older Generation," (Gordon College/University of Washington Press, oversize slick paper, $40), a photographic biography of 25 artists and their works, including Tadashi Sato of Maui and Tseng Yuho (Betty Ecke) of Honolulu. The book, may not be widely available yet but it can be ordered from Amazon.com for a discounted $28.

Learn about art in another language

With its first graduating class of docents who can speak Japanese, the Honolulu Academy of Arts is offering tours in Nihongo, or Japanese language. To help mark the academy's 75th anniversary, the tours are being offered at 1 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, and at 2:15 p.m. Sundays, tomorrow through April 30. Starting May 1, the service will offered at 1 p.m. Wednesdays.

The guides will be available also for drop-in visitors; to schedule a private group at a special time, call the Education Department, 532-8726. General information on the tours: Kerry Taggert, 532-8726.