This Week's Day-By-Day Picks

There are robots living in your house. Sure, they're not cool ones like The Jetsons' wisecracking housekeeper Rosie or the life-saving, computer-hacking, metal-but-cuddly R2D2. But they do heat your food, wash your clothes and record your favorite TV shows all season long. Yes, everyday appliances count as robots--as long as they're devices that can perform complicated and repetitive tasks. Meet more robots--some cooler than a toaster, some barely less primitive than Tinker Toys--during Robots and Us. Certain that robots are only a software or hardware upgrade away from taking over the world like in movies? Think again. According to Don Pohlman, project leader for this exhibit, which was developed by the Science Museum of Minnesota, "Even animals like cockroaches and ants are far more capable than the robots we know how to build today." See? Ants and cockroaches haven't taken over the world! Assuage your fears of robot domination in the exhibit's Robot Arena where you can move robots through mazes and the Leg Lab where you can learn how anatomical attributes affect walking. Then build your own basic robot--and plot your own earth takeover. The exhibit runs through January 4 at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, 1501 Montgomery St. Admission is $6 to $7. Call 1-888-255-9300.

Tuesday, November 8

Surviving a safari is never easy, but we have a few vital tips for adventurous travelers. First, be sure to pack your most versatile and dangerous weapon: the credit card. See, money talks, and sometimes it can sweet-talk you out of a rough spot. It's also helpful in winning a silent or live auction. Second, the proper attire is a necessity. Black tie is required, so tuxes for men, and ladies, we suggest a loose, flowy, comfortable dress made of a breathable material--gotta have room for a Thanksgiving Day-like tummy stretch after all those samples of haute cuisine. All right, so our advice won't help for an African safari with lions, hippos and giraffes. But it is fitting for Embark on a Culinary Safari, a fund-raiser for the March of Dimes, care of the Signature Chefs of Dallas. Taste samples of cuisine by 20 of Dallas' celebrity chefs, then bid on prize packages that include having food prepared by the chefs. The event also features a cocktail reception and live entertainment. Tickets are $300 for the Culinary Safari, which takes place starting at 6:30 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Dallas, 300 Reunion Blvd. Call 972-669-3643.

Wednesday, November 9

Successful lawyer whose successful novels have been made into successful movies for screens big and small. You gotta hate Scott Turow. Not only did he write Presumed Innocent (starring Harrison Ford), The Burden of Proof (starring Hector Elizondo) and Reversible Errors (starring William H. Macy and Tom Selleck), but he also penned One L about his experiences at law school, a death penalty discussion called Ultimate Punishment and articles for publications such as The New York Times and The Washington Post. Did we mention he's handsome, rich and well-dressed? Love to hate him (or dream of being him) when he appears at the Writers Studio at the Karcher Auditorium and Storey Hall on the campus of Southern Methodist University at Hillcrest Avenue and Daniel Avenue. Call the Writer's Garret at 214-828-1715 for $28 to $34 tickets.