By Jim Knippenberg
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Going out

James Taylor: The veteran singer-songwriter plays 8 p.m. today at Riverbend Music Center, I-275 and Kellogg Avenue, Anderson Township, $27.75-$57.75. 562-4949.

Book signing: Author Michael Sims is here to introduce his intriguing new Adam's Navel: A Natural and Cultural History of the Human Form, mixing biology and culture on a tour of the human body. 7 p.m. today, Rookwood Pavilion, Joseph-Beth Booksellers, Madison and Edwards roads, Norwood. 396-8960.

Swingabilly sounds: Local favorite Rich Uncle Skeleton rocks the Emerald Ballroom at Jack Quinn's Irish Pub & Restaurant. 8 p.m. today, 112 E. Fourth St., Covington. $6. (859) 491-6699.

For kids: The Frisch Marionettes offer a dramatized version of Jack & the Beanstalk, 6:30 p.m. today, Westwood Branch Library, 3345 Epworth Ave. Suitable for all ages. Free and open to public. 369-4474.

On TV

Critic's pick: Last week's opener showed us that this series is tough, tense and unflinching, but nothing prepares us for tonight's fierce episode. Two agents, Tom (Matthew MacFadyen) and Helen (Lisa Faulkner) pose as husband and wife in order to stop a racist intent on starting a race war. MI-5, 10 p.m., A&E.

• Viewers get their turn to oust one comedian. Five finalists each get a five-minute set, then viewers pick the winner to be announced next week. Last Comic Standing, 9 p.m., Channel 5.

New on DVD/video

Critic's picks: Topping this week's new home video releases are Michael Caine and Brendan Fraser in the smart, sad drama The Quiet American, plus George Clooney's under-appreciated dramatic turn in the brooding sci-fi mystery Solaris.

• Finally arriving on DVD is The Whole Wide World, the strange but moving story of tortured fantasy writer Bob Howard (Vincent D'Onofrio, with co-star Renee Zellweger).

Planning ahead

24 hours out: Best-selling romance author Lori Foster is at Barnes & Noble Newport to meet readers and sign her latest paperback Say No to Joe. 7 p.m. Wednesday, Newport on the Levee. (859) 581-2000.

48 hours out: Cine Arte's Latin Film Series continues with a screening of the outrageous comedy Chasing Papi, 8 p.m. Thursday, Madison Theatre, 728 Madison Ave., Covington. Pre-movie entertainment begins 6 p.m. $10. (859) 655-4807.

Also 48 hours out: The Heartland Wrestling Association offers live pro-style wrestling at its new Midnight at Metropolis event, featuring area favorites Matt Stryker, Cody Hawk, Chad Collyer and more. Thursday, Metropolis Night Club, Forest Fair Mall, I-275 and Winton Road, Fairfield, doors open 9:30 p.m.; bell-time is midnight, $6-$12. 671-2881.

72 hours till Friday: Bon Jovi and the Goo Goo Dolls are at Riverbend, starting at 7 p.m. $22.50-$52.50. 562-4949.

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