THE LEFT LANE
Cloned mice from UH on display at museum

All three are big attractions this week in Chicago as the Museum of Science and Industry launches a massive new exhibit, "Genetics: Decoding Life."

Eight of Hawai'i's famous mice from Professor Ryuzo Yanagimachi's University of Hawai'i-Manoa laboratory are some of the biggest hits, said Patricia Ward, a researcher who retrieved the precious batch that flew in by special air service from Hawai'i.

While the press materials didn't mention that the mouse clones had been created in Hawai'i, a video that accompanies the exhibit gives proper credit to the UH lab and explains the process.

Our hero in 'Combat'

"Combat Missions," premiering at 10 p.m. today on the USA Network (Oceanic 18 analog, Oceanic 555 digital and Craig TV 34), has a local twist: Ed Bugarin, 42, of Honolulu, is a member of Charlie Squad, one of four competing units in the reality series combining war games and "Survivor" tactics. The new series pits four six-member teams, comprised of SWAT, Navy Seals, CIA, Marine Recon, Delta Force and Green Berets, in war-driven competition, such as hostage rescues, tank demolition and fuel dump demolition.

Bugarin, a sergeant major, served in Desert Storm (Grenada and Panama) and saved the life of the American ambassador in the embassy bombing in Beirut, for which he received the Purple Heart and Soldier's medals.

'Tok' about language

Hear them speak out and shout.

The contributors to Hybolics, the highly original journal of all things local, will stage a jam session of words, themed "Tok," at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 28 at Kumu Kahua Theatre, 46 Merchant St. Lee Cataluna, Cedric Yamanaka, Lisa Linn Kanae and Rodney Morales are just a few of the performers at the event, which will showcase the complex and varying issues relating to language in Hawai'i and its use in socialization, education and media representation. Limited seating; first come, first served. Free. 366-1272.

Stuart Weitzman, a fashion footwear designer, is bringing a trunk show of his spring styles to Neiman Marcus. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. tomorrow and Friday, representative Larry Garrett will take special orders for Weitzman's day and evening shoes. Prices range from $120 to $1,000 (for personalized crystal pumps). What's in for spring? Lucky for Hawai'i, mules and slides are still hot, as are round-toe flats and strappy sandals.

Many of the styles will be shown only during the trunk show, disappearing after orders are taken. For details or to book an appointment with Garrett, call 948-7365.