tuesday
january 7
Unveiling Yves Saint Laurent The spring '97 collection is in! Between noon and 2 p.m. today and Wednesday, Saks will host an informal modeling show of Laurent's spring line. (Get a jump on viewing the spring collection via the cyber catwalk; the new designs can be found at www.worldmedia.fr/fashion/YSLrivegauche/ -- just click on the shopping bag. The look is fairly classic and conservative until you get to the "brown silk crepe dress," where the splits begin to rise awfully high.) Saks Fifth Avenue, Designer Salon, level two, 1800 Post Oak Boulevard, 627-0500. Free.
Jimmy Carter: Living Faith Where there's a former president, there's Secret Service (and stringent rules). When our 39th president sits down to sign copies of his most recent book -- this one on faith (natch) and how it has guided him -- there'll be no dawdling. They say the 72-year-old Georgian is a fast signer, but don't even ask him to scribble his name on photos or especially bumper stickers. The humorless guys in the dark suits just aren't going to allow it.7 p.m. Brazos Bookstore, 2421 Bissonnet, 523-0701. (Tomorrow, it's the same rigmarole at Borders Books and Music, 9633-A Westheimer, 782-6066, at noon.) Signing, free; the book is right at $20.
wednesday
january 8
Elvis Aaron Presley's birthday The King would be 62 today. If you can't be part of the Graceland pilgrimage, or even better, shaking your hips at Ted Roddy's annual Elvis birthday bash at Austin's Continental Club, then, hey baby, head down to our own Velvet Elvis and have a drink for E. Do it this year, 'cause Presley's estate has taken a little TCB action against the establishment, and we can't say for sure what the joint will be called next year. Velvet Elvis, 3303 Richmond, 520-0434.
Welcome to the Internet $19.95 a month will pretty much buy you unlimited Internet access these days, and so it's a great time for the uninitiated to dive right in and learn to surf. North Harris Montgomery Community College District's Small Business Development Center begins a series of Internet related seminars tonight, with this introductory course aimed at individuals as well as entrepreneur types. 6-9 p.m. 250 Sam Houston Parkway, Room 101. To make reservations, call 591-9320. $30.
