Going out

        Lecture series: A world full of exotica, mystery and adventure, namely National Geographic magazine, comes to life when underwater photographer David Doubilet surfaces to discuss his work shooting Australia's Great Barrier Reef, the world's largest coral domain. 7:30 p.m., today, Aronoff Center's Procter & Gamble Hall. $11.25-$23.75. 241-7469.

        Blues on Main: The Main Street entertainment district's Rhythm and Blues Cafe lives up to its name with the sweat-soaked R&B of Rev. Billy Rose and the Legendary Soul Shakers. Their regular Thursday night gig blasts forth at 10 p.m., 1142 Main St., Over-the-Rhine. 684-0080.

        Art opening: The cream of the local artist crop struts its stuff in A Show of Hands, a sassy exhibit focusing on expressions of the human image with works by Jane A. Cash, Sonja Henrixson, Suzanne Poag, Michael Sharp and Suzanna Terrill. Opening reception 5:30-8 p.m. today, KZF Gallery, Grand Baldwin Building, 655 Eden Park Drive, Walnut Hills. 621-6211.

Staying In

        TV picks: While Dr. Greene (Anthony Edwards) recovers from surgery, the ER treats an injured bishop (James Cromwell) and a drunken driver (10 p.m., Channels 5, 22).

        • TV Critic John Kiesewetter says UPN cuts short the popular WWF Smackdown! (8 p.m., Channel 25) to launch its new comedy, Gary & Mike (9:30 p.m., Channel 25).

Planning Ahead

        24 hours out: You gotta wonder when do these people catch their breath? Meaning the world-renown dance ensemble Urban Bush Women and their primal energy harnessed in an athletic display of ritualistic dance, rhythmic chant and live music. 8:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Aronoff Center's Jarson-Kaplan Theater. $9-$20. 241-7469.

        48 hours out: Go ahead, write it down. You'll feel better. Learn how it's done when F&W Publications pops up with JoyWriting, a series of workshops and discussions on the art of journal writing. Locations are all over town. Highlights include a 10 a.m. Saturday panel discussion on the therapeutic aspects of journaling at University of Cincinnati's Kresge Auditorium; and a workshop by Robyn Conley-Weaver, author of What Really Matters to Me, at 1 p.m., Barnes & Noble, Kenwood. Call 531-2690, Ext. 393 for complete schedule.

        72 hours 'til Sunday: It's another Pops extravaganza when Erich Kunzel takes the podium to lead a whole lot of people in a one-night-only concert. The All-American Swingin' with the Pops includes, brace yourself, the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra and guest performances by the Jazz Ambassadors of the United States Army Field Band, vocalist Michael Gough and swing dancers Steven Bailey and Carla Heiney. 8 p.m., Music Hall. $16-$44.50. 381-3300.

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