Shortcuts January 09 2002

Raleigh, N.C.
Voulez vous coucher avec moi, ce soir? No, it's not "Lady Marmalade," with the likes of Lil' Kim and Christina Aguilera, but Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec: Master of the Moulin Rouge at the North Carolina Museum of Art. The artist produced provocative lithographs featuring cancan dancers and tantalizing ladies in revealing dresses as well as advertisements for consumer products. The 75 works on display are original masterworks on loan from the Baltimore Museum of Art. Through Feb. 17. Tues.-Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Fri. until 9 p.m.; and Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $5.50-$7.50. 2110 Blue Ridge Road. 919-715-5923. ncartmuseum.org.

Robinsonville, Miss.
You gotta know when to hold 'em and know when to fold 'em at the third annual Jack Binion World Poker Open. The championship event, held Jan. 23-26 at the Gold Strike Casino Resort, starts at noon each day and play continues until six finalists are left. A total prize of $1 million will be handed out, including $10,000 in the championship event. Top off the event with a concert by Eddie Money, who's scheduled to perform Jan. 25 at the casino (separate $25 tickets are needed for the concert). Highway 61, 15 miles south of Memphis, Tenn. 800-303-7463.

Newport, Ky.
The French really wanted this bell to be heard. The World Peace Bell was created in Nantes using one continuous pour of 100,000 pounds of bronze. The bell arrived in New Orleans July 4, 1999, and was transported up the Mississippi and Ohio rivers by the Belle of Cincinnati. The 66,000-pound bell, which rings daily at noon, is 12 feet in diameter and 12 feet high. Its clapper weighs 6,878 pounds. A nearby center offers changing exhibits, video presentations and a gift shop. Walking under the bell is allowed daily at all hours. Guided tours last about one-and-a-half hours. 425 York St. 859-655-9500.

-- Lea Holland??