... and don't mind a bit.

Yeah, I should be at Westshore right now, finishing up the fourth The Fast and the Furious flick (cleverly titled Fast & Furious after the first three exhausted all definite and indefinite articles, and learned what an ampersand looks like).

Instead, I spent time on the phone with Jerry Lewis, who's playing Saturday night at Ruth Eckerd Hall. Yeah, that Jerry Lewis, and I didn't have time to mention I still haven't forgiven my parents for taking me to a concert when I was a kid, which was exciting until I realized we were seeing Jerry LEE Lewis, not the guy I loved laughing at.

I'll drop a few lines after transcribing the audio tomorrow a.m. Right now, all I remember is Lewis saying: "Okay, Steve, I'm through with you" after exactly 15 minutes. I'd be offended except it was the same tone I get from Don Rickles, which means it comes with old-school affection and a timetable.

Also spent time on the phone today with Bill Paxton, in advance of his appearance at the Sarasota Film Festival this weekend to pick up a career achievement award. Unlike Lewis, Paxton isn't quick to get off the phone. He was at a carwash in L.A., waiting for his clean ride, "taking my shirt off to enjoy some of this sun." Nice guy; more from him later, too.

But I'm pleased to report that the Sarasota festival rep called today, inviting me to moderate Paxton's "In conversation with ..." appearance Friday night at Asolo Theater. Judging by our chat today, it should be fun. Tickets are $20, available online at the festival Web site. Hope to see you there.