Going out

        New music series: A little hot fun in the summer time with a new Monday night music series packed with some of the area's most original acts. Kickoff is Opi Yum Yum, fronted by former Roundhead leader Dan McCabe. 9 p.m.-midnight today, Kaldi's, 1204 Main St., Over-the-Rhine. 241-3070.

        Grilling techniques: Christy Feldhaus, well-known burger-flipper at the Cooking School at Jungle Jim's, does a “Skill on the Grill Series” with tips on marinating, slicing and seasoning meat for a date with hot coals. 7 p.m. today, Monfort Heights Branch Library, 3825 West Fork Road. Free; registration required. 369-4472.

        Audubon program: Bird and nature lovers can flock together and waddle through a little number called “Penguins, Their Natural History and Conservation.” 7:30 p.m. today, Winton Centre, Winton Woods, Springfield Township. 741-7926.

        For kids: It's a little fun with a message too when story time tackles swimming — tales of good times at the pool but with some pool safety tossed in too. 1:30 p.m. today, Barnes and Noble Florence, (859) 647-6400.

Staying In

        TV picks: Donald Sutherland narrates Queen Victoria's Empire, a four-hour, two-week documentary about the British monarch who died in 1901 (9-11 p.m. today and next Monday, Channels 48, 64, 16).

        • TV Critic John Kiesewetter also says Ally McBeal fans should catch the Intimate Portrait of Calista Flockhart (7 p.m., Lifetime).

Web site of the day

        Cruising literature: So just because school's out doesn't mean you should let your mind go totally blank. Try visiting a pair of literary greats. Like say all Hemingway; See his baby pictures; find out if he loved his mother; buy his books. Nearly everything about “Papa” at www.timelesshemingway.com. On an international note, Victor Hugo fans can find links to online texts from the author of Les Miserables. Also included are quotes from the 19th century French writer and artist. www.monadnock.net/fanspaces/hugo.

Planning Ahead

        24 hours out: The Cincinnati Preservation Association turns loose architectural historian Walter Langsam in a presentation on the work of the high-end Tietig & Lee Architects. 7:30-9 p.m. Tuesday,Knox Presbyterian Church, 3400 Michigan Ave., Hyde Park. 721-4506.

        48 hours out: The popular oldies cover band American Graffitilooks over its musical shoulder in the Greenhills Concert on the Commons outdoor concert series. 7 p.m. Wednesday, Winton and Ingram Roads. 851-2586.

        72 hours 'til Thursday: Take in a little action on the high Cs when Cincinnati Opera opens its 2001 Summer Festival. Onstage first: Puccini's Madame Butterfly, 8 p.m., Music Hall. $12-$90. 241-2742.

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