Going out

        Antarctica: The Cincinnati Museum Center puts on the big chill with a new exhibit and Omnimax film Shackleton's Antarctic Adventure. Catch the photos, objects and computer simulations from the British explorer's frosty Trans-Antarctic expedition from 1914 to 1916. Prices vary with combination discounts. 287-7000.

        Nikki Giovanni: The acclaimed poet and thinker gives a free lecture and poetry reading in the airy atrium of the Main Public Library. 2:30 p.m. today, 800 Vine St., downtown, free with seating on a first-come basis. 369-6945.

        Olu Dara: The avant-jazz artist hits the stage after an opening set from the local blues band Greg Schaber and High Streetin the Miami University Hamilton Artist Series. 8 p.m. today, Parrish Auditorium, 1601 Peck Blvd., $10-$15. (513) 529-3200.

        Gardening: Soak up a full day of advice plus presentations on organic growing, composting, native plant restoration and more as part of the Gardener's Sanctuary exhibit. 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. today,Krohn Conservatory, Eden Park. Call 352-4080 for complete schedule.

Staying in

        TV picks: Toss some popcorn in the microwave and pick a movie: The Original Kings of Comedy (8 p.m., Showtime); Doctor Zhivago (8 p.m., Channel 16); From Russia with Love (8 p.m., Channels 9, 2); The Front Page (5:30 p.m., American Movie Classics); Clear and Present Danger (7 p.m., USA); My Girl (7 p.m., WTBS); or The Bugs Bunny/Roadrunner Movie (7 p.m., Cartoon Network).

        • Critic John Kiesewetter also says Lydia (Heather Paige Kent) moves out of her parents house on That's Life (9 p.m., Channels 12, 7).

Hot tickets

        Torch singer: They don't get a heck of a lot hotter than this. It's Diana Krall, the jazzy, sometimes torchy, sometimes bluesy, always sultry Grammy winning singer/pianist who has performed with all the greats: Rosemary Clooney, Benny Green, Tony Bennett and most any other star you can name. 7:30 p.m. March 17 at the Aronoff Center's Procter & Gamble Hall. Tickets are $53.50, $46 and $33.50 at Ticketmaster outlets, by calling 241-7469 and online at www.ticketmaster.com.

Planning Ahead

        24 hours out: Erich Kunzeland the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra get athletic with the “Olympic Spirit,” a night full of music for and about the Olympics, complete with aerialists, gymnasts, ice dancers and more. 7 p.m. Sunday, Music Hall, $16.50-$46. 381-3300.

        48 hours out: The alteractive performance series pops up with solo performance artist Louise Smith and her very modern, very feminist look at classic fairy tales. 7 p.m. Monday, Rosenthal Plaza, Playhouse in the Park, $6-$10. 421-3888.

        A week away: The Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular, a multimedia, tech-heavy rock-art show, hits town at 8 p.m. next Saturday,Taft Theatre, Fifth and Sycamore Streets, downtown, $22.50-$26.50. 562-4949.

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

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