Regarding Joe Wessels’ column “Looking for Help That Helps,” well said! I got more than blank stares the last time I encountered the suburban church group literally two inches outside our church door on the sidewalk handing out sandwiches while our worship service was going on, leaving only litter besides nothingness in their wake.  

I couldn't believe Andrea was putting more salt on her French fries. We were having lunch together at the Frisch's on Glenway Avenue. She got the Big Boy platter but paid more money and substituted onion rings for the cole slaw. I had the salad bar that features, of course, iceberg lettuce.  

I'm writing to extend my sincere appreciation for your support during this campaign. When Michelle and I undertook this journey more than 21 months ago, we knew that we had to have your help in order for this movement to succeed.  

Bootsy and Patti Collins; John Cranley; Elliott Ruther; Brian Powers; Shake It Records; Eric Vosmeier (Know Theater of Cincinnati); Aaron Sharpe (WNKU-FM); Andrew DeWitt (Deweys Pizza); Fairmount Girls; Lightborne; John Madden; Joan Kaup; Kathy...  

The world of arts journalism is shrinking. Driven by editors and publishers who think more about the bottom line than about great journalism, daily newspapers — long the traditional medium for arts criticism — are providing less and less coverage.  

Today is the dawn of a new day, the beginning of a new age, the start of something big. And, as always, when new doors open others close. Of course I’m referring to the start of CityBeat’s 15th year of publishing. This issue of CityBeat in print is Volume 15, Issue 1, a momentous turning of the calendar. Oh yeah, the United States has a new president-elect today. I guess that’s pretty big news as well. I write this column on Election Day not knowing the results of the presidential contest, but I have a good feeling that Barack Obama will prevail. You’ll know by time you read these words; if you don’t and we’re headed to a repeat of the Florida fiasco in 2000, God help us all.  

It's come and gone: the 2008 MidPoint Music Festival. Remember the bands, the clubs, the performances, the Scions and the crowds at this headquarters site for CityBeat's coverage of MPMF.  

Buddakhan restaurant is still a bit of a secret downtown, but word is getting out ("Reflecting Over Crab Rangoon and Smiles," issue of Oct. 15). Happy hour should mean smiles all around, especially for those who are serving you.  

Now, at long last, my two great loves (local music and trivia) come together in CityBeat's first "Great Cincinnati Music Trivia Challenge." The goal is to have some fun and hopefully point out interesting facets of our city's rich musical history -- because CityBeat is cheerleader No. 1 for Cincinnati's music community.   

You took the quiz, now check your answers.