Museum of Science and Industry to launch virtual tour of 1893 Columbian Exposition "If you missed the 1893 Columbian Exposition the first time--and didn't most of us?--you have another shot.

Investor's Business Daily , May 12, 2008 Monday NATIONAL EDITION Last year, Greenpeace activists climbed into rafts in the Amazon rain forest for a fact-finding tour about deforestation.

Last year, Greenpeace activists climbed into rafts in the Amazon rain forest for a fact-finding tour about deforestation.

Speaking of Venice , there were some reports a couple months ago telling us that officials are "pursuing [a] proposal with great interest" that would provide the city protection against sea level rise.

. . May 8-14 . . For complete listings, go to metromix.com. . . 8 Thursday 'SMART HOME: GREEN + WIRED' Admire the lean, mean, green machine that is a three-story sustainable home built on the museum's land and learn about energy-saving techniques and materials that are eco-friendly. Get the most out of the exhibit by taking a guided tour of the house, rooftop garden and garage. 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. (also Fri.-Sat., Mon.-Wed., 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sun., weekly through Jan. 4); $5-$10 in addition to regular admission, $9-$13. Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive; 773-684-1414. HEATHER RAFFO: '9 PARTS OF DESIRE' Writer, performer and Iraqi-American Heather Raffo takes the results of her interviews with Iraqi women to the stage in this solo show that explores the conflicts and cultural shifts experienced by women living in Iraq both during Saddam Hussein's rule and after his ejection. 7:30 p.m. (also 8 p.m. Fri., 2, 8 p.m. Sat., 2, 7 p.m. Sun., 7 p.m. Mon., 7:30 p.m. Wed., May 15, 8 p.m. May 16, 2, 8 p.m. May 17, 2 p.m. May 18); $23-$38, tickets at nexttheatre.org. Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago Ave.; 847-475-1875, ext. 2. . 9 Friday BARBECUE COOKING CLASS If you dig what chef Jimmy Bannos cooks up, then pick up some tips on grilling from the culinary pro himself during this class that includes a five-course demo and a sampling of all-you-can-drink beer, wine and hurricanes. 7 p.m.; $75, includes tax and tip. Heaven on Seven, 111 N. Wabash Ave.; 312-224-8858. DEVOTCHKA A little bit polka, a little bit rock 'n' roll? Why not. Especially when it's done with as much panache and skill as this Denver group does it. With Basia Bulat. 7:30 p.m.; $20.05. Vic Theatre, 3145 N. Sheffield Ave.; 312-559-1212, 773-472-0449. . 10 Saturday MADHATTER'S BALL Join hosts David Schwimmer, Billy Dec and Joey Slotnik at this seventh annual celebration benefiting the Lookingglass Theatre Company. The festivities include a silent auction, specialty cocktails, apps and music by DJ Jem. 9 p.m.-midnight; $125 (tickets: lgjb.org). The Underground, 56 W. Illinois St.; 312-644-7600. BIKE CHICAGO TOURS - NAVY PIER Sets those spokes spinning on this 3-hour guided bike tour that takes you north along the lakefront on the morning outing (10:30 a.m.) and through North Side 'hoods, such as the Gold Coast, Lincoln Park and Old Town, in the afternoon (1:30 p.m.). 10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., daily through Sept. 1; $30. Bike Chicago Rentals and Tours, 600 E. Grand Ave.; 888-245-3929. . 11 Sunday JOKES AND NOTES COMEDY NIGHT Take in a set by national acts during this weekly series that's hosted by a rotating cast of regulars including Leon Rogers, George Willborn and Lil Rel. This weekend's featured performers include Grady and Kevin White. 8, 10 p.m. (also 8:30, 10:30 p.m. Fri.-Sat.); $10-$20, two-drink minimum (21+). Jokes and Notes, 4641 S. King Drive; 773-373-3390. . 12 Monday EL PERRO DEL MAR Like a quirky, retro sigh, Sweden's Sarah Assbring swishes her way wistfully through gentle, sweet pop tunes with enough self-confidence to balance out her waifish sound. With Lykee Li, Anna Ternheim. 9 p.m.; $15. Schubas Tavern, 3159 N. Southport Ave.; 773-525-2508. HALF-PRICE OYSTERS AND TUNA MAKI Head for the bar to enjoy a delicious-ly nautical happy hour featuring oysters and maki specials. 3-6 p.m. daily; menu prices vary. The Bar at Shaw's Crab House, 1900 E. Higgins Rd., Schaumburg; 847-517-2722. . 13 Tuesday LIARS Don't miss the rumbling, hot-blooded opening set from this edgy experimental rock group led by Aussie Angus Andrew. With Ssion. 8 p.m.; $16 (17+). Reggie's Rock Club, 2109 S. State St.; 312-949-0120. . 14 Wednesday TASTE ON CHICAGO Take your taste buds on a tour of West Town food and wine at this food, wine and champagne tasting event that also includes a silent auction and a signing with 'Check, Please!' host Alpana Singh. Admission includes 16 drink tickets, food, a wine glass and a gift bag. 6-9 p.m.; $40 (advance purchase required, contact smithparkadvisorycouncil@yahoo.com for credit card purchases) Ukranian Institute of Modern Art, 2320 W. Chicago Ave.; 312-925-4052. . . Compiled by Fauzia Arain

But, a lot of people suspect it is, so it's worth exploring the question. In 1993, I attended the enormously popular exhibition at the formidable Chicago Art Institute of the paintings of the Belgian Rene ...

The plain, unassuming cluster of state office buildings in Central Baltimore known as State Center is truly an island in the middle of several thriving city neighborhoods.

If I asked you to name the major artists who have produced a body of work with strong religious themes, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Botticelli and Rembrandt would probably come to mind.