Going out

        Jane Heller: The best-selling author of Female Intelligence and Name Dropping hits town to introduce her new romance-comedy The Secret Ingredient. 7 p.m. today, Joseph-Beth Booksellers, Rookwood Pavilion, Norwood. 396-8960.
       Bharati Mukherjee: The famed essayist and novelist shares a few thoughts on “Apple Pie Redefined: Race, Culture and American Values in the Age of Terror.” 8 p.m. today, Room 127, McMicken Hall, University of Cincinnati, free. 556-3906.
       Slide lecture: Learn more about the renowned 1800s architect Samuel Hannaford — the mind that built such landmarks as Music Hall and City Hall — in a free presentation by historian Jane Messingschlager. 6:30 p.m. today, Northside Branch Library, 4219 Hamilton Ave., registration required. 369-4449.
       At CCM: The University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music Wind Symphony and Symphony Band blast into a nonstop 60-minute show of works paying tribute to the American spirit. 8 p.m. today, Corbett Auditorium, UC, free. 556-4183.

        Staying in
                TV picks: Here is another chance to see the superb pilot film for the edgy new cable series. Yancy Butler plays a brooding cop whose life changes when she finds an ancient weapon. Witchblade, 8 p.m., Channel 64.
       • The first rerun has the Slayer back in Sunnydale, attending classes; the second has Buffy squirming on Halloween. Buffy, the Vampire Slayer 8 and 9 p.m., Channel 25.

        The Goods: Video picks
                Critic's picks: Othello, that poor soul who loved not wisely but too well, then got duped by a two-timing servant, headlines the video/DVD release list this week. The Lion's Gate version hits stores any minute now. So does a hint of something purple — Barney: You Can be Anything — and something in tap shoes — Bojangles, both from Showtime.

        Planning Ahead
                24 hours out: National Public Radio commentator Linda Gradstein speaks her mind on the hot topic of “The Future of the Middle East: Terrorism or Reconciliation?” 7:30 p.m. Wednesday,Christ Church Cathedral, Fourth and Sycamore Streets, downtown, free. 621-4020.
       48 hours out: Kim and Reggie Harris hit the stage for “Music of the Underground Railroad,” a multimedia presentation of songs, stories and narratives about slavery and the road to freedom. 8 p.m. Thursday, Memorial Hall, 1225 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, $18. 241-7469.
       72 hours 'til Friday: Cincinnati Art Galleries takes a stab at Defining Light, a new show of work by landscape painter Bruce I. Petrie, Jr. Opens 5-8 p.m., 225 E. Sixth St., downtown. 381-2128.

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

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