Contributor: Jeff Cramerding

I purchased gift certificates for my mom and aunts. The theatre is running the Christmas classic “It is a Wonderful Life” during the holidays. Post New Year productions include the romantic comedy “The Seven Year Itch” and “A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum.” Complete schedule at www.cincinnatilandmarkproductions.com.

A new merchant in Price Hill is Rocking Rooster Comics and Collectibles. I went for the first time now knowing exactly what to expect, but was looking for a gift for my brother that was a little more fun than a Home Depot gift certificate. The owner of Rocking Rooster was extremely impressive. He reviewed collections of reproduced comic book classics and, from memory, was able to give me a plot of synopsis of the individual comics and why they might be of interest and historical significance. (In the Best of the Fantastic Four Volume 1 that I selected, Issue #51, “This Man….This Monster!” is considered one of the most significant comic books ever produced.)

Rocking Rooster has much more than comic books and has a wide array of books, games, and figurines. I was especially impressed with a 13 inch figurine of Catwoman in her original costume from the 1960′s TV show and tempted to pick up a gift for myself, but I could hear my friend Abby objecting that being a bachelor does not make it acceptable to use action figures as home décor.

Finally I stopped in for a hot drink at The Front Porch Coffee House. Barrista, co-owner, and newly elected State Representative Denise Driehaus serves up hot drinks. Holiday favorites include the Polar espresso and the Chocolate Candy Cane latte. The Front Porch also features live music and, if you are still looking for one last gift, works from local artists.