Baseball bargain

See a game: If you haven't been to a Cincinnati Reds game yet, here's your chance, and while you're munching hot dogs and enjoying the game in the stands, you'll be helping out a good cause. Major League Baseball has made 20,000 tickets available for Reds games through early September, with proceeds from contributions (of at least $1 each) for them to benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Cincinnati. The organization provides programs after school and during the summer for all kids ages 6-18.

The next game dates available are Aug. 24-27, and Aug. 29-31. Get tickets at the Boys & Girls Clubs administrative offices, 600 Dalton Ave., Queensgate, or call (513) 421-8909.

Free music

Budding musicians wanted: Discover your child's musical talent during Northern Kentucky University's Music Prep Program's new class, XYLO ZOO, which begins Sept. 13 at NKU.

The class will be divided into age groups; students ages 3-4 will meet from 4:30-5:15 p.m., and those ages 5-6 will meet from 5:30-6:15 p.m. Students can try out the class for free during an introductory session Aug. 30; no registration is necessary. (859) 572-7737.

Take control

It's your life: Stephen Arterburn, host of the national radio program "New Life Live!" will sign copies of his book Feeding Your Appetites: Take Control of What's Controlling You (Integrity Publishers; $21.99) today from 10 a.m. to noon at Family Christian Bookstore, 403 E. Kemper Road, Springdale, and 1-3 p.m. at Berean Christian Bookstore at Cincinnati Mills (formerly Forest Fair Mall). He will also lead a workshop today and Saturday at Landmark Baptist Temple, 1600 Glendale-Milford Road. (800) 639-5433.

Rings for all

Go for the gold: If your family is into watching the Summer Olympic Games in Athens on TV, they may enjoy getting into the act, too. Devise your own "Olympic" competition.

Family Fun magazine suggests setting up a net for a volleyball or badminton contest. Or have a table tennis tournament. Organize a softball game with another family. Measure a 100-meter dash around a track (check if the one at your neighborhood high school is available for public use). For more information about this summer's Olympic Games, go to www.athens2004.com.

Shelf help

Seeking love: Dating should be fun, but finding a date is not always so. I Can't Believe I'm Buying This Book: A Commonsense Guide to Successful Internet Dating (Ten Speed Press; $14.95) puts the fun back into the search. It's a how-to guide couched inside a pep talk. It's written by Evan Marc Katz, who founded a dating consulting service in 2003.