Vocalist/guitarist Michael McIntire and I met a long time ago (double digits) in a faraway land (a Clifton street corner). There, he busted out Acoustic/Blues/Gypsy Jazz with his Tom Waits-ish, down and dirty voice. Collecting stories, he still plays Ludlow Avenue, and he's known for his welcoming presence and affectionate attitude toward his guitar.

Lewis Black recently turned 61 and, like many of his generation, was influenced by the social comedy of George Carlin, Lenny Bruce and Richard Pryor. It was worth asking if Black felt that stand-up comedy was still evolving or if, like Rock & Roll, it had played itself out and was searching for an identity.

Every year since 1976, Project Censored has spotlighted the 25 most significant news stories that were largely ignored or misrepresented by the mainstream press. Now the group is expanding its mission — to promote alternative news sources. But it continues to report the biggest national and international stories that the major media ignored.

If I were a betting man, I'd bet the approval of Issue 3 on Nov. 3 points Cincinnati in a new direction. I'd bet that a gambling casino at Broadway Commons makes this city a bit more progressive. And I'd bet Citizens for Community Values will try to keep us from using the casino.

Aviva Kempner follows up her extremely popular documentary 'The Life and Times of Hank Greenberg' with another one about a Jewish-American whose impact on American popular culture was vast and deep in her lifetime but has since faded from popular consciousness: Gertrude Berg, the actress, writer and producer who created the Molly Goldberg character for radio and television. Grade: A-.

Siam Orchid is tiny but inviting and in a great location. Neighbors in Bellevue like to get out and support their local eateries, so I hope this restaurant polishes its rough edges and earns their patronage.