Here are a few programs to look out for in the upcoming week ...

WEDNESDAY 10 P.M. Extreme Engineering, Discovery. "Sky City." With its 14 steel, concrete and glass "plateaus," each 40-stories high and stacked on top of each other, Sky City will rise a full mile into space. It will be the world's first vertical city -- the tallest, largest, most self-contained and self-sufficient building ever constructed. It's designed to rise in Tokyo Bay. But could it withstand the dangers of typhoons or earthquakes? And are the "suburbs" going to be in the roof and basement?

THURSDAY 6 P.M. City Confidential, A&E. "Virginia City: Showdown at the Mustang Ranch." In the heart of Nevada's silver country lies America's most infamous ranch -- a ranch without cows or cowboys (wink, wink, nudge, nudge) that was closed by Uncle Sam in 1999. Before it was over, a brothel baron and three city officials were in compromising positions, and Virginia City lost its biggest industry. No cows or cowboys, but lots of roping and riding.

THURSDAY 8 P.M. The Myth of Cleopatra, The History Channel. Journey through Egypt, Greece and Italy and search for the real woman behind the myth of Cleopatra VII, the last Egyptian queen. Drawing on archaeology and ancient texts, see how the historical ruler squares with modern depiction. A consummate politician, she was faithful to Caesar and Antony, but foremost to Egypt. Quite a hottie, too, so they say.

THURSDAY 9 P.M. Movie Lover's Road Trip, Travel Channel. Uncover the locations around the world where some of your favorite films took place. The Sound of Music was set in Salzburg, Austria, and two of the stars discuss the making of the film. Get the inside story on American Graffiti, set in Petaluma, Calif. By the way, Bob Falfa's lookin' for ya.

FRIDAY 10 P.M. Faking It, TLC. This My Fair Lady for the 21st century, as TLC puts it, shares the stories of real people who take on the challenge of transforming themselves from one walk of life to another. The program pulls ordinary folks from their natural habitat and gives them one month to master a new skill and do it well enough to fool a group of industry judges. First up is country-boy Andy, an off-road racer from rural Wisconsin. For the three weeks he'll give up cars to become a drag queen in New York City and try to fool three expert judges. If he can't pull it off, he'll be called a fake, which really should be the least of his worries. Either way he'll be pummeled and ostracized by the folks back home.

FRIDAY 10 P.M. E! On The Spot, E! "The Victoria's Secret Swimsuit Special." Nothing makes great TV like scantily clad models in their underwear, especially when the more alluring bits are pixeled out.

NEWS & NOTES: James Gandolfini has dropped his lawsuit with HBO and will return to The Sopranos. ... Andy Richter, after parting with Fox, has been claimed off the waiver wire by CBS. He's developing a sitcom for his new employer.

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