Press Picks

wednesday
december 11
The Wall That Heals A half-scale traveling replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial lands in Houston today. Alongside this wall-like monument, which stretches to nearly 246 feet in length, will be a display of memorabilia left at the permanent memorial in Washington, D.C., in remembrance of the soldiers listed on the wall. Through December 15. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Hermann Park, near Miller Outdoor Theatre. For more information, call the Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau, 227-3100. Free.

Yuletide at Bayou Bend The gracious museum is decked out for the holiday -- though sometimes, to be historically correct, that means doing nothing at all. The Murphy Room, for example, is decorated in the spirit of 17th-century New England, where Puritans, by law, didn't celebrate Christmas -- no tree, no nothing -- until said law was repealed in 1681. But fret not: By the time you get to the 18th-century rooms, you'll see enough greenery, candles and ribbons to get you into the Christmas mood. Through January 3, with special tours and family events scheduled throughout the holiday season. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; last admission at 3:30 p.m. 1 Westcott Street, 639-7750. $10; $8.50, seniors and students; $5, children ten-18. $1.50 audio tour charge for little shavers who haven't yet celebrated their tenth birthday.