Going out

Bill Scheft: The renowned humorist and longtime monologue writer for David Letterman is here to introduce the paperback version of his hilarious debut novel The Ringer. 7 p.m. today, Joseph-Beth Booksellers, Rookwood Pavilion, Madison and Edwards roads, Norwood. 396-8960.

Jazz concert: Nationally-known jazz artists Ed Soph, Thomas Warrington, Stefan Karlsson and others in town for the Northern Kentucky University jazz camp deliver a concert. 7:30 p.m. today, Greaves Concert Hall, NKU, Highland Heights, $5. (859) 572-6399.

Park party: The Q102/Bud Party in the Park dishes up food, drink and live music by Leroy Ellington and E Funk. 5:30-10:30 p.m. today along the riverfront, Sawyer Point, downtown. 699-5102.

Bike races: Bikers and spectators are welcome at the Ault Park Bike Races around the park's oval roadway. 7-8:30 p.m. today, end of Observatory Avenue, Mount Lookout. 731-9111.

On TV

Critic's pick: Kids are helping close up a house and smooth some family feuds in a small town when they learn the house is haunted. There are some wonderful comic moments from the ghosts, particularly Tommy Davidson and Kathy Najimy. The Scream Team, 8 p.m., Disney Channel.

• Bad feelings continue between two of the young surfing stars. Holly Beck is serious and focused; Veronica Kay likes to let loose. Tonight, Holly fumes when she has to help pay for hotel damages caused by Veronica and friends. Boarding House: North Shore, 8 p.m., Channel 64.

The goods

Clean-up fun: Looks as if another household staple is going the interactive route. That would be the paper towel, of all things. Turns out Bounty has teamed up with Clifford the Big Red Dog, I Spy and the Magic School Bus to produce a line of paper towels printed with learning activities - 36 in all. Stuff like using pictures to make up a story, matching people with assorted job symbols and helping Clifford find hidden bones. Towels are aimed at the 2- to 7-year-old crowd and are available only this summer. Pricing is by individual retailers, but a single roll is generally less than $2.

Planning ahead

24 hours out: Spend Fourth of July's Eve at Funk Fest with Cameo and The Barkays. 7 p.m. Thursday, Annie's Outdoor Pavilion, 4343 Kellogg Ave., Columbia Tusculum, $25. 562-4949.

48 hours out: Blue Ash's Meijer Fourth of July Celebration includes rides, headlining music by The Doobie Brothers and fireworks, 5-10 p.m. Friday, Blue Ash Sports Center, 11540 Grooms Road. 745-6259.

72 hours 'til Saturday: The Heritage Village Museum begins its "Meet the Past" Ohio bicentennial living history event noon-4 p.m., Sharon Woods. $5-$7. 563-9484.

Jim Knippenberg

E-mail: jknippenberg@enquirer.com; fax: 768-8330