Soapbox and Seven/Seventy-Nine take a closer look at an effort to gather community input to ensure the casino being built at Broadway Commons drives development that reflects positively on the neighborhoods surrounding it. read on…

Soapbox lensman Scott Beseler heads out into the night over Halloween weekend and captures evidence of what really happens when the sun goes down in Cincinnati.  read on…

Cincinnati is well known for its picturesque views.  Devou Park in Covington, the observation deck of Carew Tower downtown, and Bellevue Park in Clifton all offer beautiful vistas of downtown, the Ohio River, and the seven hills of Cincinnati. Soapbox and Seven/Seventy-Nine show you two different and equally unique ways to see Cincinnati. One way is a river-level view from the duck boat tours operating out of the Newport Aquarium -- the other is a birds-eye view from the helicopter tours operating out of Newport's Riverboat row. Come along for the ride and experience Cincinnati like you've never seen it before. read on…

Cincinnati is home to one of the largest touring puppet theaters in the country.  Madcap Puppet Theatre, which began when a Cincinnati native returned to his hometown after working with Muppets/Sesame Street creator, Jim Henson, is now nationally recognized for original in-school educational programs that include performances, workshops, and residencies.  In addition to playing at schools, Madcap's giant puppets frequently play libraries, festivals, museums, and an occasional performance with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra.  Find out more as Soapbox and Seven/Seventy-Nine go inside Madcap Puppet Theatre. read on…

When buildings are demolished, the debris is usually hauled off to a landfill.  However in the spirit of society's ever increasing environmental consciousness, the folks at Building Value in Northside began using an alternative method.  By deconstructing a building, they are able to salvage and reuse more than 80% of the building material.  As a subsidiary of the Easter Seals Work Resource Center, they also provide valuable job training in the process.   This week Soapbox and Seven/Seventy-Nine take you behind the scenes to show the benefits of deconstruction versus demolition.   read on…

Located in Over the Rhine, Findlay Market is Ohio's oldest continuously operated public market. This week Soapbox takes a tour of the market and shows it's not all about groceries. Home to dozens of outdoor vendors, numerous street performers, and lots of special events, the Market is a gathering place for young and old and attracts perhaps the most socially, economically, racially, and ethnically diverse crowds found anywhere in Cincinnati. read on…

Tucker's Restaurant on Vine Street in Over-the-Rhine is a Cincinnati institution. Proprietors Joe and Carla Tucker fit the neighborhood like a well-worn glove, offering some of the city's most unique (and vegetarian-friendly) dishes, all served with a side of Cincinnati hospitality. Everyone is welcome at Tucker's as evidenced by Kelly Kruthaupt's day spent at the local hot spot. read on…

Last month saw the turning of a page in the Cincinnati dining scene as Jean-Robert at Pigall's closed its doors for the last time. Soapbox photographer and long time associate of Jean Robert de Cavel, Scott Beseler documented a special final seven-course meal at the Chef's kitchen-side table. Restaurants come and restaurants go, but talent and innovation are both renewable resources. Happily Chef Jean Robert de Cavel will remain in Cincinnati. We look forward to pulling up a chair to his next exciting project. Bon Appetit! read on…

Ask anyone who's lived here for more than a couple of months and they will more than likely be able to tell you their favorite spot to satisfy a late night craving for sliders, coneys or french fries swimming in unnatural whiz's and sauces. While there's nothing wrong with making a 2AM run for the border, we thought we would share some of our favorite alternatives. read on…

The Fine Arts Fund campaign kicks off this week with a week full of events including a "Night of Magic," hosted by the Fine Arts Fund Friends at the Contemporary Arts Center on Friday, February 20. Mix and mingle and prepare to be dazzled. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here. The official kickoff event gets things moving on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 5-6:30 p.m. at the Macy’s Fountain Place store across from Fountain Square on Fifth & Vine Streets. The campaign runs through April 30. Join some 44,000 other donors who contribute to keep the arts alive and kicking in the Queen City. read on…

Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber's HYPE (Harnessing Young Professional Energy) Initiative uses the power of social media to create a compelling case for living, working and playing in Cincinnati. Even in a strained economy, creative talent is choosing location over jobs in determining where to live. Here, HYPE demonstrates why Cincinnati can deliver both careers and quality of life.  read on…

Earth Collectible Toy Mall specializes in the kinds of toys you might remember from your childhood. James Sawyer explains how the small start-up company has gone from local toy shop to an online powerhouse. read on…

With the holidays coming up fast, we here at Soapbox thought this the perfect opportunity to showcase one of Cincinnati's hottest young entrepreneurs. As highlighted in our feature this week, Cookin' with Caitlin has been making a buzz around town with her innovative approach to sharing her culinary talents. What better way to demonstrate what we mean than to let you see the real deal. read on…

3CDC’s Kelly Leon and Robert Maly, Vice President of Development for the Model Group, talks to Soapbox about Cincinnati’s hottest up and coming revitalization project – the Gateway Quarter in Over-the-Rhine. Visionary planning combined with community involvement and a healthy blend of mixed-use housing, shopping, arts organizations and restaurants create an exciting district that has quickly become a destination spot for those wanting to live in a chic walkable neighborhood with downtown serving as their backyard. read on…

Just in time for the annual Downtown Tour of Living, Roger Thesing, local entrepreneur and developer, explains to the Soapbox crew why living downtown is the best choice for him. His latest development, The Lofts at Fountain Square, are right next to restaurants, entertainment options and unique shopping. Along with beautifully restored living units ripe with architectural details not found in any suburb, Roger and his wife have found the perfect combination of work, live and play. read on…