Clifton / CUF

Resting on a hill overlooking the north side of Cincinnati, Clifton offers a wide range of experiences from a college atmosphere with the city's largest school, the University of Cincinnati, to an international center for cutting-edge medicine featuring University, Children's and Good Samaritan hospitals. Clifton's history has been preserved in historical buildings and homes — from modest to millionaire. Trendy shops and restaurants can be found on Ludlow Avenue in the Gaslight District, along with the Esquire Theatre, yoga studios, Clifton Market and a newly renovated branch of the Cincinnati Public Library. Even though Clifton is tightly compacted with large buildings and interesting architecture, green space does exist at Burnet Woods.

UC undergrads present innovative medical devices to industry leaders at “Do It or mDIEp Day!”

By Newsroom

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Entrepreneurship

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March 15, 2011

Teams of University of Cincinnati undergraduates will be unveiling more than a dozen new, viable medical devices they designed at the second annual "Do It or mDIEp Day!" event today.This event - part showcase, part competition - is presented by the Medical Device Innovation & Entrepreneurship Program (MDIEP) at UC's biomedical engineering department. Students have worked in teams, some with the help of other universities, to create innovative solutions to a wide variety of real-life medical challenges.The showcase is a culmination of work started in the fall, and the devices will be unveiled before industry professionals from across the country, said course director Mary Beth Privitera."They learn through experimentation and create a fully functional prototype," Privitera said.Among the devices is one that stimulates blinking in comatose patients (whose eyes often dry out from a lack of movement), one that improves rotator cuff surgery, one that captures tissue in the chest cavity and another that can rapidly detect stroke in patients during an emergency.In total, students will show 8 devices, including some that were created to solve problems at the request of industry partners including AtriCure, Inc. and Procter & Gamble. Those designs generated are the property of those organizations, Privitera said.Each team of students worked with a technical advisor, and participating students come from a variety of backgrounds including design, business and biomedical engineering. During the showcase, they'll have five to seven minutes to explain the design, then breakout into groups where people can ask deeper questions."It's kind of an investor's pitch to the audience. They lay out what the problem is, what the solution is, why their device is better, why someone would want to buy it," Privitera said.Once all the devices are described by the teams, each member of the audience will vote for the ones they like best with $1 million in"BearCash Dollars" they can invest. The device that gets the most BearCash wins the contest.But the real prize comes later. Where appropriate students have filed provisional patents through UC's tech transfer office, and will be listed as an inventor on any device that is patented and/or becomes a reality.The device technology can be licensed or used to start new companies. Last year, four provisional patents were filed with Intellectual Property developed by students and are actively being licensed by the University.In previous years, students have licensed this intellectual property and have started their own businesses.Writer: Feoshia HendersonSource: Medical Device Innovation & Entrepreneurship Program Director Mary Beth PriviteraYou can follow Feoshia on Twitter @feoshiawrites

Currito burritos will expand nationally with Cincinnati base

By Soapbox

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General

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March 1, 2011

If everything goes according to Joe and John Lanni's plan, the name Currito will become much more familiar to Cincinnatians in the next few years.The two Cincinnati men are building a national chain of Currito burrito restaurants from their offices in Hamilton, OH and opening more locations in Cincinnati to build a customer base in their home town. They will open a new flagship location at Xavier this summer (another is on UC's campus), and another Downtown by the end of 2011. Two more Cincinnati locations are planned for 2012.Currito expands on the "fresh mex" restaurant concept with ingredients and flavors borrowed from international cuisine. Their tag line is "burritos without borders."The Lanni brothers' father, Nick Lanni, founded the Great Steak and Potato Company in 1983 with one restaurant in Dayton, and sold the company in 2004 with nearly 300 locations around the country, so the two brothers grew up immersed in the restaurant business.They planned to take over the business, but a prospective buyer made an offer that the family decided to accept. After the business was sold, the two brothers decided to strike out on their own with a new idea, Joe Lanni said."At the time John and I were looking to get into business for ourselves," Lanni said. "We wanted to get into the burrito business, but we didn't want to do something exactly like Chipotle."They bought a business called "The Wrap" in Boston, where Joe Lanni was living at the time, and converted it to work with their concept. After a couple of name changes, they landed on "Currito" with the help of local branding agency LPK."It was based on one of their concepts that this was the cure for the common burrito," Lanni said.To that effect, they sell burritos with names like "Bangkok," "Cajun," "Buffalo," and "Mediterranean" and utilize mango salsa, organic tofu and a couple of dozen other ingredients not typically associated with fresh mex burrito joints.Currito restaurants also sell smoothies and salads. Lanni said the restaurant is keeping in step with the "changing palate" of the American public. Currito currently has 14 locations in airports, malls and college campuses around the country.Writer: Henry SweetsPhotography provided.

JCPenney unveils new logo designed by UC student

By Newsroom

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Architecture + Design

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March 1, 2011

JC Penny revamped its logo to bring younger and lapsed consumers into its stores. After reviewing many submissions from company associates, design agencies, the University of Cincinnati, and Rhode Island School of Design, JC Penny chose a design by Luke Langhus, a third-year graphic design student at UC. The new logo will be featured at the end of this month and the store will update all packaging and external store signage in the next three years.Read the full story here.

Cincy Sneaker Showcase attracting enthusiasts from across the country

By Newsroom

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General

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March 1, 2011

Sneaks. Kicks. Treads.For a subculture of tennis shoe wearers, the shoe is much more than athletic gear or a simple fashion statement. For sneaker fanatics, the shoe is a work of art, a collectable, or an extension of their lifestyle. When it comes to limited edition or rare sneaks, they wouldn't dare wear them and might even display them like a sculpture or painting.There are magazines, blogs and websites devoted to this particular shoe fetish with bright pictures, ratings and reviews of the latest specialty or limited edition Air Jordan's, Air Force 1's, Timberlands and Vans. Sneaks. Kicks. Treads.For a subculture of tennis shoe wearers, the shoe is much more than athletic gear or a simple fashion statement. For sneaker fanatics, the shoe is a work of art, a collectable, or an extension of a lifestyle. When it comes to limited edition or rare sneaks, they wouldn't dare wear them and might even display them like a sculpture or painting.There are magazines, blogs and websites devoted to this particular shoe fetish with bright pictures, ratings and reviews of the latest specialty or limited edition Air Jordan's, Air Force 1's, Timberlands or Vans. But if you want to get an up-close-and-personal look at some of these top-notch shoes, more than 75 collectors, buyers and sellers will be at the third Cincinnati Sneaker Showcase June 11, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Kingsgate Marriot at the University of Cincinnati. For the uninitiated, a sneaker show is akin to a comic book convention, where people buy, trade or just admire sneakers.The Cincinnati Sneaker Showcase once again is being organized by Matt Tomamichel, who owns Corporate, a sneaker and clothing boutique in Springdale. Sneaker showcases are common in big urban centers like New York, L.A., Atlanta and Miami, but Tomamichel is working to create the premier Midwest show. He also believes this is the only sneaker show in the Midwest where the proceeds go to a cause."People starting doing these a couple of years ago … we decided to use it as a fundraiser instead of (proceeds) going into someone's pocket," he said. "This goes 100 percent back to the kids."Entry is $5 and money raised from the event will go to Shining Star Sports, a nonprofit, mentoring organization that teaches children and young adults life skills and teamwork through the game of basketball. Shining Star supports 20 teams, 200 players and a 35-person staff."We've had some great success with kids going on to Division I schools and getting scholarships though Shining Star Sports," Tomamichel said.The first two shows were held in 2007 and 2009, and have grown each year from 25 displays the to 75 as of now. At least 500 enthusiasts are expected to check out the showcase this summer. Collectors from Cleveland, New York, Atlanta and Texas will be setting up displays, and Tomamichel has fielded calls from as far away as L.A. Anyone interested in finding out more about the Cincinnati Sneaker Showcase, or in purchasing a table can go to the showcase website. You can also find info on Twitter and Facebook.Writer: Feoshia HendersonSource: Matt Tomamichel, owner of CorporateYou can follow Feoshia on twitter @feoshiawrites But if you want to get an up close and personal look at some of these top-notch shoes, more than 75 collectors, buyers and sellers will be at the third Cincinnati Sneaker Showcase June 11, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Kingsgate Marriot at the University of Cincinnati. For the uninitiated, a sneaker show is sort of like a comic book convention, where people buy, trade or just admire sneakers.The Cincinnati Sneaker Showcase once again is being organized by Matt Tomamichel, who owns Corporate, a sneaker and clothing boutique in Springdale. Sneaker showcases are common in big urban centers like New York, L.A., Atlanta and Miami, but Tomamichel is working to be the premier Midwest show. He also believes this is the only sneaker show in the Midwest where the proceeds go to a cause."People starting doing these a couple of years ago … we decided to use it as a fundraiser instead of (proceeds) going to someone's pocket," he said. "This goes 100 percent back to the kids."Entry is $5 and money raised from the event will go to Shining Star Sports, a nonprofit, mentoring organization that teaches children and young adults life skills and teamwork through the game of basketball. Shining Star supports 20 teams, 200 players and a 35-person staff."We've had some great success with kids going on to Division I schools and getting scholarships though Shining Star Sports," Tomamichel said.The first two shows were held in 2007 and 2009, and have grown each year from 25 displays the first year to 75 as of now. At least 500 enthusiasts are expected to check out the showcase this summer. Collectors from Cleveland, New York, Atlanta and Texas will be setting up displays, and Tomamichel has fielded calls from as far away as L.A. Anyone interested in finding out more about the Cincinnati Sneaker Showcase, or in purchasing a table can go to the showcase website. You can also find info on Twitter and Facebook.Writer: Feoshia HendersonSource: Matt Tomamichel, owner of CorporateYou can follow Feoshia on twitter @feoshiawrites

Divine Inspiration: New Uses for Old Churches

By Sean Rhiney

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General

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March 1, 2011

A recording studio, boutique hotel, and arts center are just some of the innovative approaches Cincinnatians are taking to preserve and reimagine our historic houses of worship.

Reimagining the Urban Grocery

By Henry Sweets

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General

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February 22, 2011

Urban areas with limited access to healthy food are commonly referred to as "food deserts." Learn how local entrepreneurs and leaders are making efforts to improve access to healthy, sustainable food options in Cincinnati through innovation and legislative incentives.

WAY builds relationships for youth success

By Elissa Yancey

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Education + Learning

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February 22, 2011

They have been diagnosed as bi-polar or ADHD. They have schizo-affective or reactive attachment disorder. And they are 12 to 16 years old. All of the 99 youth involved in Lighthouse Youth Services Work Appreciation for Youth (WAY) program have diagnoses that qualify them for mental health services. Many live in either foster or group homes. Many have been kicked out of traditional schools. The WAY program, a non-traditional effort to provide stability and critical life skills for young clients, launched five years ago, says program director Shannon Kiniyalocts. "Some of it is just advocating for the client," she says. "Some of it is communication skills, problem-solving and decision-making skills."Young WAY participants' case managers are called "life coaches." They meet at home and in communities, not mental health facilities. Teens learn how to choose the right Metro route to get where they need to go. They learn how to prepare for a job interview.The five-step program, adapted from a model in New York City's Children's Village, focuses on keeping some of Hamilton County's most challenging youth in environments where they can develop lasting relationships. Life coaches can stay with participants up to three years through five phases of accomplishments."We provide services and skill-building activities to assist them in breaking down mental health barriers," says Kiniyalocts.Whether it's learning how to navigate public transportation, how to prepare for a job interview or how to manage medications, WAY includes practical lessons in responsibility and independence. Kiniyalocts notes that youth in the program may never have had a relationship with an adult that lasted three full years.As youth move through the program, they begin to complete monthly community service projects and have opportunities to practice new skills. They earn nominal salaries for completing chores, open their own bank accounts (with Lighthouse support) and then gain experience with bigger jobs within the program.Advanced participants create art at Essex Studios in Walnut Hills two to three times a week. They learn about photography and Photoshop, painting and drawing. Tasks range from creating art for note cards to baking dog biscuits. In spring, they oversee a garden plot in Northside, sell their harvest and take home leftovers. They sell their garden products, along with their other creations, at Northside and Findlay markets. "They are generally the ones selling to the community members," says Kiniyalocts. Interacting with the public, as well as seeing the impact and popularity of their work, goes a long way toward building self-esteem and creating a sense of hope and possibility for bright, productive futures.Do Good:• Write a letter to your friend. Use WAY artist note cards to share news about your world.• Give your dog a treat. Bags of WAGS start at just $1.50. Email to reserve your treats.• Clean your closet. Lighthouse Youth Services has a never-ending wish list, including furniture, household items and much more.For Good News Editor: Elissa Yancey (Sonnenberg)

City identifies streetcar stop locations, anticipates development along the route

By Soapbox

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General

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February 22, 2011

The City of Cincinnati is one step closer to beginning phase one of a streetcar system that will connect the Banks and downtown with Uptown and the University of Cincinnati. Locations of 21 stops along the 4.9 mile streetcar route have been determined and include ten stops in downtown, ten in Over-the-Rhine, and one in Uptown. City engineers and staff as well as representatives from Metro (buses and the streetcar will share several of the stops) and local business owners determined the locations. The first loop of the streetcar is expected to carry 6,000 people per day and stimulate a $3-to$1 return on investment for the local economy. The stops along the route were spaced two-to-three blocks apart for functionality, greater accessibility and to maximize economic development. Studies indicate that streetcars generally promote development 2-3 blocks from the line itself.According to City spokesperson Meg Olberding, the stops are "strategically placed to connect areas of downtown and Uptown to promote development…as development grows and other stops are needed, they can be added." That development includes rehabilitation of existing structures along the route for residential and commerical opportunities, as well as new construction."There are 92 acres of surface parking alone that could be redeveloped for a higher and better use. There are stretches of Vine up near Findlay Market especially that are also ripe for redevelopment efforts - storefronts, living spaces, and businesses," Olberding said.Findlay Market in Over-the-Rhine stands to benefit from the convenient access downtown workers will have to the Market on a weekly basis, as well as from new residents that the streetcar could bring to the neighborhood. In addition, it could also enhance the Market experience for customers by adding new and unique businesses, according to Corporation for Findlay Market President, Robert Pickford."The new and prospective vendors we're dealing with are aware of the streetcar and the positive impact it will have on the Market and there have been a couple of recent real estate transactions that I am certain were influenced by the streetcar. I think this will increase significantly if the remaining uncertainty about the streetcar ameliorates," Pickford said.In Uptown where the streetcar will reach Clifton Heights and Corryville, Matt Bourgeois, Director of Clifton Heights Community Urban Redevelopment Corporation, sees the stop at University Plaza as complimentary to the ongoing work CHCURC is undertaking in the neighborhood. The restoration of Old St. George Church and concurrent construction of an adjacent boutique hotel, and a five-story office and parking structure in the stretch of land between Calhoun and McMillan are just some of the planned developments at this important gateway to the University and Hospital community that will benefit."It is going to go right by the doorstep of two of our larger projects. How great to come up the hill and see this 130 year old church restored to its former glory? " he said. Bourgeois added that a contemplated future Uptown transit hub would also connect with development occurring further down Calhoun, and help fill available commercial space along the street."Once people see track being laid it will pick up steam," he said.Writer: Sean Rhiney

UC Psychology students to present on cheaper textbook alternatives at national conference

By Newsroom

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Cincy In The News

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February 22, 2011

Eleven University of Cincinnati psychology students will present their research on educational technology alternatives to purchasing college textbooks at the national EDUCAUSE Annual meeting in Washington D.C. Their research is a part of the Digital Bookshelf Project, which is an initiative to develop flexible and affordable systems for educational purposes. Students found that free e-textbooks, lower cost print materials, and Wikipedia all provided similar learning support.Read the full story here.

My Soapbox: Cincinnati State President, Dr. O’dell Owens

By Sean Rhiney

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General

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February 15, 2011

Former Hamilton County Coroner, Dr. O'dell Owens took the reigns of Cincinnati State last September. In this month's My Soapbox, he talks about the important role of technical and community colleges in sustaining innovation, cultivating economic development, and bridging the gap for non-traditional students.