Soapdish: Over the (green) Rhine

Tucked into a corner of OTR on Stark Street works a tireless 4th generation Cincinista and OTR booster by the name of Bryan Vielhauer whose vision to convert gas guzzlers into electric vehicles is a beautiful reality. Soapdish columnist Casey Coston takes an inside look at the folks behind the Over-the-Rhine Electric Motor Car Company. 

The Greenest Neighborhood in America

Who has the greenest neighborhood in America? The answer might surprise you. With an estimated 500 vacant historic buildings in Over-the-Rhine the opportunity to create America's oldest and largest green neighborhood exists right here. An innovative study compiled by local architects, historic preservationists, developers, and environmental experts reveals that 19th century design intuition melded with 21st century innovation might give Cincinnati the leg up and make other cities green with envy.

Soapicks December 15-21

The Holidays are right around the corner so take a break and relax with the Soapbox staff at our second annual Bubbles & Holly Holiday Spectacular. Catch Duck Variations and I'm Herbert at the Clifton Performance Theatre, stop by the CAC for a chat with Multitouch Barcelona's Pol Pla i Conesa. You can complete your holiday experience with the Steve Schmidt Organ trio's annual holiday show at the Comet, or listen to Nick Clooney's reflections on journalism and the occasional holiday story at the Fitton Center.

The Greenest Neighborhood in America

Who has the greenest neighborhood in America? The answer might surprise you. With an estimated 500 vacant historic buildings in Over-the-Rhine the opportunity to create America's oldest and largest green neighborhood exists right here. An innovative study compiled by local architects, historic preservationists, developers, and environmental experts reveals that 19th century design intuition melded with 21st century innovation might give Cincinnati the leg up and make other cities green with envy.

The Draw of Northern Kentucky: Strange, Interesting, Quirky … Amazing

Every area has its own identity, fueled by its history, local arts, attractions and favorite hangouts. But it's hard to imagine as diverse a tapestry of influences as Northern Kentucky boasts.

A Grateful Time in Northern Kentucky

As Northern Kentucky Tri-ED wraps up its 23rd year, just what are we grateful for in Northern Kentucky? Well, too many items actually for this space, but I'll tick off a few…

Holiday Greetings from Tri-ED

Once homeless Cincinnati football player now looking towards NFL

Cincinnati Bearcats star wide receiver Mardy Gilyard has not exactly followed a fairy tale story line.  After losing his football scholarship in 2006, Gilyard went homeless and worked his way through school and back into the spotlight on the football field. After working his way back onto the team, Gilyard is now the emotional leader for the Bearcats who will be heading to the Sugar Bowl to take on the Florida Gators after an undefeated season.  Following the Sugar Bowl, Gilyard will then be looking towards the NFL after an roller coaster collegiate ride. Read full article here.

Share Some Sugar makes neighborhood borrowing high tech

When Manhattan transplant Keara Schwartz moved from her Over-The-Rhine apartment to a house in Hyde Park, she needed a lot more "stuff."But she didn't necessarily want to buy things that she'd only use occasionally, like power tools or a snow blower or a ladder. "There was so much stuff I need for a house. Every time I'd buy another tool, I'd think, There has to be someone in my neighborhood who has this,'" the graphic design manager said.That formed the idea for Schwartz's new web site, Share Some Sugar, an online neighborhood borrowing site that launched just weeks ago.The free service, which is in Beta, has three main components. Users can offer an item to share, look for an item by neighborhood or zip code, or discuss neighborhood issues like block party plans or safety issues.Users sign up for the service by creating a profile, then they can list, look for items or have discussions. Currently nearly 300 items have been listed on the site including sprinklers, wheelbarrows, a carpet steamer, GPS and digital camera.Schwartz said Cincinnati is a perfect place to launch the site because of its neighborhood awareness. The city has 52 neighborhoods and numerous suburbs. The site allows users to save money, reduce their environmental footprint, and meet their neighbors."That exchange – of helping someone the first time you meet them – is a good way to start off a new friendship in your neighborhood," she said.Schwartz is promoting the site and working up the inventory to through local media and social networking sites. Eventually, she plans to spread the concept to other cities.Writer: Feoshia HendersonSource:  Keara Schwartz, founders Share Some Sugar