Taken from the Italian word that means “by way of the chapel,” acapella refers to individual or group singing without the accompaniment of musical instruments. Initially, acapella singing meant to contrast the Renaissance polyphone and Baroque concertato styles, both of which heavily featured instruments. Acapella singing presents unique challenges for…

The Cincinnati area boasts numerous hiking trails for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and fitness levels. Bender Mountain Loop Trail is in Bender Mountain Nature Preserve. Open year-round, the 2.3 mile loop is popular with hikers and bird watchers, and it offers outstanding views of the Ohio River. Rated moderately…

A common perception of fishing is that it’s easy, and anyone can do it. Yet most people who go fishing rarely catch any fish. In reality, fishing isn’t easy to do. You have to know enough about it and do it regularly to become a skilled angler. Like any skill…

The benefits of riding horses are numerous. While the sport is physically demanding, it provides both physical and mental benefits. Using horses to treat patients can be dated back to the writings of the Greek physician Hippocrates circa 500 BC. During the 19th century, doctors across Europe often treated hypochondria…

The Cincinnati Regional Business Committee (CRBC) was founded to engage Cincinnati’s leading corporate executives to better their local community. Comprising more than 80 executives from large and mid-cap companies, CRBC focuses on three core areas to advance positive change: economic development, government affairs, and education reform. One way the organization…

A form of song that does not involve any kind of musical instrument, a cappella singing is performed only with the voices of a group of vocalists. A style that became prominent in the 19th century, the a cappella musical genre developed out of the popularity of gospel music and…

The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden is home to more than 500 animals and over 3,000 plant species. One of the latest additions to the zoo is Tucker, an 18-year-old male hippopotamus. Tucker had spent a decade at the San Francisco Zoo before joining Bibi, the mother of the internationally…

Hiking can be a relaxing respite from the modern world or a physically taxing exercise that rewards hikers with scenic panoramas of nature. However, hiking also can present a variety of dangers, including unexpected interactions with wildlife. In Ohio, hikers should be wary of a few animal species, insects, and…

The American Red Cross is often in need of blood donations. Individuals interested in supporting the organization’s philanthropic mission can streamline the process by visiting www.redcrossblood.org and using the RapidPass tool to answer relevant health history questions before arriving at the location of a local blood drive. First, individuals should…