car still dead

i could use some help diagnosing my problem, or at least where to look. here's where it is:

last weds replaced thermostat, ran a little hotter but stable temp.

thursday the wire that runs from the main harness to the solenoid shorted and caused a short somewhere, and i think fried a cell in my battery. was able to jump start, and drive home.

friday, car just quit. no nothing when i turn the key.

also, when the wire shorted, my amp guage filled up with smoke, so i think that's toast too, although after i jumped it and it ran, the needle was moving around (it would jump when i turned on the lights).

i've tried a different battery - still didn't start or do anything. i also put in a new wire to the solenoid.

what does it sound like the problem might be?