h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Friday night I went out with Lina. We took two buses to the Blues Fest where we stood at the back of a large crowd at the Petrillo Music Shell and watched the last 1 1/2 songs of Ike Turner's set. Creepily, Ike's singer began "Proud Mary" talking about how we all knew Ike liked it "real rough."

We then drifted through crowds and ended up at the Hot House, where we watched a blistering set by the Kinsey Report. A man in what seemed to be his t-shirt and boxers came out to dance when they started playing their one funk number.

We were driven to the Diner Grill by the world's most perfect cabbie; not only did he know exactly where we were going before we told him, he also reduced our fare when he took a wrong turn and regaled us with a clipped Chicago accent until we were sick of hearing him talk.

After eating some grease and watching Lina try to coax the grizzled hash-slingers into giving her information about crime at the Diner Grill, we walked back to Lina's apartment, where she became very stand-offish. Fed up, I left. She called me. I went back. We talked. I spent the night, and we made out a little. All night I lay awake waiting for the next morning, when I would leave once and for all. Which I did.

Then, I took a long nap. I went to Audrey's barbecue and grumbled until Mat Taylor and Craig and the baby showed up. Mat brought some absolutely delicious ribs.

At Suree's I was ready to leave until I drank several glasses of water and lots of attractive women started showing up. A gorgeous woman named Ilana talked to me and Poindexter after she overheard me talking about how llamas can't be domesticated. Poindexter gave her his number. Pat said he wanted to have a party on the 23rd.

I met James's new flame, Cassandra. She was fleshy and inscrutable. She was there with her friends Anna and Meghan. Anna: a short, squat but cute brunette I had met at Gallery 37 and the Gold Star. Meghan: a redhead. Justin Krohn and his new teeth walked off with Anna and Meghan.

I recorded with Chris and Chris on Sunday; it took forever to get our vocals in sync. Chris had had a big fight with Audrey the night before; Chris had advanced to the next level with Heidi Bennett, much to his chagrin. I listened to a message Lina had left for me. It was surprisingly positive and straightforward.

That evening, I went to a baby shower for Lisa Ellis at Tecatitlan on Ashland. LaRonda showed up, looking great. She had a cute woman with her. They probed me about my love life. Eddie complemented me on coming up with the idea for "Memento" in my tech I film. Courtney & Luella, Karen C., Erica D., Eddie with Amy and Josh, and Keith were all there.

Keith and I went for a drink afterwards at the Blue Star. Keith said he wanted to go somewhere with a lot of women. I was happy to have a scotch and get advice from the female bartender.

When I talked to James on Monday, he said he had been dumped and re-hired by Cassandra between Saturday and Sunday. James and I watched "Conspirators of Pleasure" and "Ride in the Whirlwind."

Lina has invited me to her place for dinner.