THURSDAY 8 OCTOBER

It's Thursday in the a.m.--you just got your FM, and, of course, immediately turned to listings. Guess what? Finally, the UC has done something useful with its power and gotten the MAC open at 7 a.m. So take off those slippers, put on your trendy Adidas kicks, and jog over to soak up some fitness. 39 Holyoke St. 495-2219. FREE.

After you're done impressing all of the other athletic early birds, invite one of the more attractive ones back to the dining hall to partake in the delight of cinnamon scones, apple walnut pancakes and eggs cooked to order. 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. at any of the Houses. FREE.

On your way back from class, add some excitement to your life by stopping in at A Taste of Culture to get a free five-minute palm reading. Prepare to be dazzled by the endless possibilities that await you this weekend. 1 to 5 p.m., on Mass. Ave. across from The Inn at Harvard. Don't bother calling--they'll know you're coming. FREE.

Stop plucking at guitars and singing random songs to no one in particular; for crying out loud, show off. your talent to some real people. Tonight is open mic night at the posh "Back Room" at Cafe Soho's. You can sign up on the way in for an opportunity to stun the world with your musical talent. Or, if you're too damn shy, skip the sign-up sheet and recede into the dark cozy booths to eat some French fries and listen to braver souls share their tunes. 8 p.m., 11 Springfield St in Cambridge. 354-1040. Cover charge $3.

To finish off your day, comp FM. 7 p.m., 14 Plympton Street, 576-6565. FREE

FRIDAY 9 OCTOBER

The school week is over: now's your chance to get out of the bubble. Make a break for the Hammond Pond Reservation and take one of their easy climbs for beginners. That's right, go rock climbing!!! If you have some experience, go for one of the more challenging trails. But be careful not to get lost: though most of the paths are clearly marked, there aren't any maps of the park available. Hammond Pond Pkwy., Newton (Chestnut Hill T-stop). FREE.

Eighteen-year-old Flamenco phenom Isaac de los Reyes performs a fastpaced, energetic routine sure to liven up your weekend. Go to the Los Jovenes Flamencos dance complex for an unforgettable evening of Flamenco. Friday 8 p.m., Saturday 6 and 9 p.m., and Sunday 5 and 8 p.m., 536 Mass Ave (central T-stop). 824-8000. $22.50.

Peter, Paul and Mary fan? How about the beloved, late Woodie Guthrie? Argentina's Mercedes Sosa performs her unique brand of Spanish-language folk music tonight at Symphony Hall in Boston. Often compared to folk artists like Joan Baez, Sosa has endured political exile from Argentina, and her enchanting melodies echo these political struggles. 8:30 p.m., 301 Mass Ave in Boston (at Huntington Ave). Call Ticketmaster at 931-2000 or Symphony Charge at 266-1200. From $18.50 to 29.50.

Right around the corner, they constantly have solid musical acts for mad cheap prices. Really! We're not shitting you. It's at the House of Blues. Friday at 10 p.m. is Angela Straley singing the blues, and Saturday at 10 p.m. Elvin Bishop. 96 Winthrop St. 497-2229. $12 for Friday and $15 for Saturday.

Walk out of your dorm and not much further tonight for the soothing folk tunes of Geoff Bartley. If you like him, come back tomorrow for Eddie from Ohio. Friday at 8 p.m. and Saturday at 7 and 10 p.m., Club Passim, 47 Palmer Street. 492-5300. $12 Friday and $14 Saturday.

For those who thought that tea was only something that those English blokes partook of, guess again. Come join the Signet Society for Arts and Letters at their weekly tea and discover that Americans can boil water too. 5 to 7 p.m., 46 Dunster St. FREE.

After tea is over and you're done discussing high culture, kick it Inman Square-style and step out to the chic Jae's Cafe for delectable Japanese, Pan American and Thai food. With an all black decor, piercing violet lights and exotic tropical fish this place has nothing but panache. 11:30 a.m. to 1 a.m., 1281 Cambridge St. 497-8380. $10 to 15 per entree.

Finish off the evening by treating yourself to some of the best ice cream in Cambridge. Only a hop, skip and jump away from Jae's is Christina's Homemade Ice Cream, featuring such flavors as Jalapeno, Mango and Guinness. Enjoy the pastel rainbow colored decor as you sit in monstrous wooden booths reveling in you tasty frozen treat. 11 a.m. to midnight, 1255 Cambridge St. 492-7021. $1 to 3.