Going out

Linda Sue Park: The well-known children's book author hits town to sign and discuss her Newberry Award-winning A Single Shard, the tale of an orphan boy in 12th century Korea. 1 p.m. today, Joseph-Beth Booksellers, Rookwood Pavilion, Madison and Edwards roads, Norwood. 396-8960.

Cool menswear: Representatives from Samuelsohn menswear, Cole Haan shoes and Schneiders of Salzburg outerwear introduce and custom fit their latest lines. 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. today-Thursday, Hunt Club Clothiers, Fountain Square Place, downtown. 721-2004.

Comedy: Funny man Steve Caminiti begins a four-day tour of Cincinnati nightspots with a little help from his friends, including blues-playing comedian the Real John King and host Chili. 9 p.m. today, 20th Century's Comedy Caravan, 3021 Madison Road, Oakley, $5-$8. 731-8000.

On TV

Top picks: By process of elimination, the best viewing bets tonight are American Idol, as viewers dump the sixth finalist from the competition (8:30 p.m., Channel 19, 45), then Andrew Firestone trims his pool of potential mates from 10 to six on The Bachelor (9 p.m., Channels 9, 2).

• Critic John Kiesewetter also says Robert Kennedy Jr. tells 48 Hours Investigates (10 p.m., Channels 12, 7) that his cousin, Michael Skakel, was wrongly convicted of murder.

The goods

Pet spa: And this for the pet who has everything: A warm water hydrotherapy spa designed for pain management, muscle conditioning and therapeutic healing. Or for just watching the world go by while enjoying a soak. But it's not cheap: $5,800 for the spa. If you need a lift and harness, it's an extra $3,500. Available through Animal Care Equipment & Services, (909) 338-1791.

Planning ahead

24 hours out: The new "After Work at the Merc" series

dishes up a chatty and casual presentation on the Great American Ball Park from stadium operations director Declan Mullin in a happy hour setting. 5:30-6:30 p.m. today, Mercantile Library, 414 Walnut St., downtown, free (reservation requested). 621-0717.

48 hours out: Jazz violinist Zach Brock brings his Chicago act to the Blue Wisp Jazz Club. 9:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Friday-Saturday, 318 E. Eighth St., downtown, $6 cover. 241-9477.

72 hours till Saturday: Human idea factory Marco Marsan introduces his new Think Naked! Childlike Brilliance in the Rough Adult World, 3 p.m., Joseph-Beth Booksellers, Rookwood Pavilion, Madison and Edwards roads, Norwood. 396-8960.

Jim Knippenberg

E-mail jknippenberg@enquirer.com