Going out

        County fair: The 146th Annual Hamilton County Fair continues with its homespun collection of rides, waddling livestock, food of all sorts, family shows and the ever-popular demolition derby, where cars even worse off than yours bash the daylights out of each other. 11 a.m.-11 p.m. today (demolition 7 p.m.), Hamilton County Fairgrounds, Carthage. 761-4224.

        Julius Caesar: Keep an eye on Brutus and don't trust all those senators running around in bedsheets. Then catch a preview of Cincinnati Shakespeare Festival's production of Shakespeare's famous tragedy. 8 p.m. today, 719 Race St, $10. 381-2273.

        For kids: A little something to keep the kids busy snippin,' foldin' and whatnot when kids 10-15 learn how to make pressed flower cards. 2 p.m. today, Roselawn Branch Library, 7617 Reading Road, pre-registration required. 369-6045.

        Homefest: Trek south and steal a few decorating, landscaping and building ideas at Homefest, the Home Builders Association of Northern Kentucky's new home showcase. 5-10 p.m. Monday-Friday, noon-10 p.m. Saturday, Sunday, through Aug. 12, Triple Crown Country Club, Richwood (Richwood exit off I-75), $7. (859) 331-9500.

        Staying in

        TV picks: Durable James Garner talks about his days as TV's Maverick (for $500 a week), and his movie career, on Private Screenings: James Garner (8 p.m. and 11 p.m., Turner Classic Movies), which kicks off a Thursday salute to the actor this month. Up first: Up Periscope (9 p.m.), Skin Game (midnight) and Marlowe (2 a.m.).

        • TV Critic John Kiesewetter also says C.S.I.: Crime Scene Investigation sleuths figure out how a young girl died on a carnival ride (9 p.m., Channels 12, 7).

The Goods (What's in stores today)

        Getting soaked: Need a little more action in the shower? Try this oversized “drenching rain” showerhead from Waterpik. Futuristic Cascadia, $50-$75, has an eight-inch head that feels like a cloudburst. Two spray settings deliver wide drenching effect and a power rinse for shampooing and hurting yourself. Go to www.waterpik.com or call (800) 525-2774.

Planning Ahead

        24 hours out: Club 316, the young adult group at the Taft Museum of Art, presents “The Hotter the Better,” an evening of after-hours art viewing and a few sips of something chilled. Check out the Modern Masters exhibit, then catch some music from Latin X-Posure.8-11:30 p.m. Friday, 316 Pike St., downtown, $15-$20 includes refreshments. 241-0343.

        48 hours out: Northern Kentucky Symphony silences its strings and woodwinds to burst into a “Heavy Metal” concert highlighting the brass and percussion sections. 7:30 p.m. Saturday,Devou Park, Covington, free. (859) 431-6216.

        72 hours 'til Sunday: More than 300 dealers haul out their aging wares at the Tri-State Antique Market. 7 a.m.-3 p.m., Lawrenceburg Fairgrounds, U.S. 50 and Argosy Parkway. 738-7256.

        Contact Jim Knippenberg by phone: 768-8513; fax: 768-8330; e-mail: knipenquirer@yahoo.com.

Her brother, her hero
Unrest makes ArtWorks goals more challenging
KNIPPENBERG: Knip's Eye View
James Taylor's got a friend in Cincinnati
Move suits cable production group
'Simpsons' cast re-ups on Fox
The Early Word
Top 10s
Get to it