THE LEFT LANE
Transsexuals to vie for ShowQueen title

Advertiser Staff and News Services

The Universal ShowQueen Pageant, billed as "The Ultimate in the Art of Female Impersonation," celebrates its 20th anniversary tomorrow with a show that guarantees more than one queen, lots of showgirl costumes and makeup and costume secrets you won't find in any women's magazine.

Transsexuals will compete for the ShowQueen title in an event that begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Renaissance 'Ilikai Hotel's Pacific Ballroom. The ballroom opens for seating at 6 p.m.; tickets start at $30 and are available at Diamond Head Video's Kapahulu store, 735-6066.

Good and bad news about fish

That's the good news. The bad news is that with increased consumption comes the potential for higher exposure to mercury — a toxic heavy metal. Some fish are more likely to contain high levels of mercury.

The worst: King mackerel, shark, swordfish, tilefish. (Pregnant women, nursing mothers and small children are advised to avoid these high-mercury fish.)

In between: Halibut, lobster, mahi-mahi, orange roughy, red snapper, tuna. (Consume these only occasionally.)

The best: Catfish, flounder, sole, salmon, sardines, shellfish — includes clams, crab, oysters and shrimp — and tilapia. (The kicker: Yes, they are low in mercury, but we're warned they could have other contaminants. Is nothing sacred anymore?)

Fast-food temptation too much for many

Forty percent of those polled said they are concerned about the nutritional content of fast food and want more nutrition, but still end up in line for fries, subs, burgers and tacos.

So, which is the chain of choice for healthy eaters? Compared with the other national chains, Subway has the highest proportion of nutrition-seekers among its core customers.