This Week's Day-by-Day Picks

 Thursday, September 8
Art mavens Aimee Jones, Amy Dugat and Mariana Saldaña are putting an artsy spin on what's essentially squatting by taking over the wooded area between DiverseWorks and FotoFest for their latest endeavor, The Feel Better 4/Ever Club. The ladies originally conceived the event as a silly wink 'n' nudge at this weekend's Downtown Stomp Around. But when news of Hurricane Katrina hit, they figured everyone needed to feel better. (Quoth Jones: "We need to nurse the tragic and wounded back to fabulousness.") The ladies have set up a makeshift clubhouse where guests will be treated to a makeover with body art, fake tattoos and even some glitzy eyeliner. Jones and Co. will be handing out swag, including tambourines made from paper plates. Those who partake will be serenaded by Saldaña, who'll be playing her keyboard and taking requests. A goofy affair, yes, but a benevolent one, as all proceeds go directly to the victims of Hurricane Katrina. "We want everyone to come out," says Jones. "I'm a broke-ass bitch, so I can't donate personally. This is my way of giving back." 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. between DiverseWorks (1117 East Freeway) and FotoFest (1113 Vine). Follow the Feel Better 4/Ever flags. For information, call 713-382-8294. $5 suggested donation.

Friday, September 9
Today you can get gussied up for a night out and help Katrina victims in Houston at the same time. Amy Meyers is throwing Black & White, a two-year-anniversary party for her gallery Sippora benefiting the United Way Katrina Refugee Relief Fund. "I picked this fund because it was created specifically for people who fled from New Orleans and came to Houston," says Meyers. "So I'm taking money, toiletries, clothing, shoes, food -- anything that will help out the victims -- at the door. If people could just bring something, anything, that would really make a difference." Throw on your hottest, hippest black-and-white duds and head to the show's opening, which features sculptures and paintings from local artists including Harvey Bott and Earl Staley. Gawk at body-painted models, nosh on hors d'oeuvres and chill to the live music. And don't be shy about dropping cash for the art -- 10 percent of the proceeds will go to the fund. 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The exhibit "Black & White" runs through September 30. 234 West Gray. For information, call 713-520-1085 or visit www.sippora.com. Free.

Saturday, September 10
You've been downright angelic in your efforts to help those less fortunate; now it's time to go to hell. Give the devil and the ladies of Houston Roller Derby their due today at Hell Bound for Derby. The fund-raising concert features Austin's Hotrod Hillbillies as well as Los De Verdad, Unzipped, Luxurious Panthers and the Bare Knuckle Knockouts. Be sure to stick around for the sinful sideshow featuring the burlesque, ta-ta-tasseled stylings of Satan's Angel, Deadly Tiger Lily, B Bunny and Pamela Hutton. The naughtiness starts at 6 p.m. The Meridian, 1503 Chartres. For tickets and information, visit www.houstonrollerderby.com. $10 presale; $15 at the door.

Sunday, September 11
What can we say, this is a week of do-gooder events. Enjoy the karmic boost today at the Houston Public Library's fifth annual Children's Book Sale. Whether you're shopping ahead for Christmas gifts, hunting for bargains or grabbing titles for that reading class you teach as part of your community service requirement, you'll be up to your ears in more than 15,000 fiction, nonfiction, children's, teen and bilingual titles. Books in fair condition will set you back a buck, and better books start at a measly $2. Also watch for Clifford the Big Red Dog, who'll be stopping by to look for books, and, we're guessing, a very large tree. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, September 9 and 10; and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today. HISD's Doris Miller Center, 5216 Feagan. For information, call 832-393-1387 or visit www.friendsofhpl.org. Free; proceeds benefit the Houston Public Library.

Monday, September 12
Three Dog Night notwithstanding, one is not necessarily the loneliest number that you'll ever do. In fact, if the producers of the new documentary One don't miss their guess, we're all part of a single harmonious entity, which isn't a lonely thought at all. To make the film, a group of suburban dads/novice filmmakers set out with a digital camera and a single question: What is the meaning of life? Their quest led them to Deepak Chopra, the Dalai Lama and even Uma Thurman's dad. How'd they get an audience with him? Enlightenment begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Landmark River Oaks Theatre, 2009 West Gray. For information, call 713-866-8881 or visit www.onethemovie.org. $7.