Dave Knows Portland

Archives for January 2012

Stumptown Stories: The Biology, Behavior and Benefits of Bats (24-January-2012)

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The Jack London BarThe Stumptown Stories series, geared to everyone who loves this city we live in, takes place most Tuesdays at Jack London bar (basement of the Rialto, SW 4th and Alder). Free to get in, but must be 21 or over – there’s a full bar!

On Tuesday, January 24, 2012 Stumptown Stories, with the help of Conservation scientist Chris Hein, PhD, of Bat Conservation International takes a look at a creature of the night with the presentation: The Biology, Behavior and Benefits of Bats.

Bats are essential to the health of our natural world. They help control pests and are vital pollinators and seed-dispersers for countless plants. Yet these wonderfully diverse and beneficial creatures are among the least studied and most misunderstood of animals.

Doors open at 7pm for this free event (21 and over only). Presentation begins at 7:30pm.

Portland Premiere Screening of “One, Two, Three!” (28-January-2012)

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One, Two, Three!, the 4th episode in the Tango Silent Films series, will debut at Tango Berretín (6305 SE Foster) on Saturday, January 28, 2012.

All so eager to develop their dance skills in Argentine tango, our heroes Patience Trueheart, Chance Beaumain, and Buddy St. Cloud find out the practice doesn’t always make perfect.

The screening will begin at 11pm sharp. Arrive at 8pm for Beginners Tango Lessons if you’re so inclined – dancing goes from 9pm to 1am. Admission is $10 for Dancing and Film, and $5 for the film only.

Visit the Tango Silent Films website and the Facebook event page for more details.

Mochitsuki 2012 – Year of the Dragon (29-January-2012)

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MochitsukiThe 16th annual Mochitsuki community fair, Portland’s annual Japanese New Year Celebration, takes place Sunday, January 29, 2012 at Scottish Rite Center (1512 SW Morrison) from 11am to 4pm.

I attended last year’s festival and enjoyed it immensely – especially the sake samples and food! Last year there was separate ticketing for some of the stage performances, but they’ve streamlined things this year with general admission ticketing that lets you enjoy both the fair and the stage shows.

At the food court buy delicious food prepared by Chef Naoko, Ka Pa Hula Makani Kolonahe, Shigezo Japanese Restaurant, and more.

SakeONE will be offering sake samples, and will have bottles for sale. Daigo Sensei will be demonstrating calligraphy, Ikebana International will help you create beautiful New Years flower arrangements. See demonstrations by Obukan Kendo, and play a Taiko video game with Portland Taiko.

Visit the Mochitsuki website for a full list of food and activities and stage performances.

Tickets at the event are $12 for adults, $9 for seniors and students with ID, and $5 for children ages 2-12. Buy tickets in advance online or at several locations around town and save a couple dollars off the ticket prices.

The Guardian: Portland One of Five Best Places to Live in the World

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The GuardianWhat’s going for Portland? The Guardian‘s Tom Dyckhoff says lots. Portland is at the top of the list in his article The five best places to live in the world, and why.

Do you like letterpress? Do you like vintage clothes? Do you play in a nu-folk band? Then get ye to Boise, Eliot and Overlook in Portland. The city has been the capital of liberal, hipster USA for decades. The Dandy Warhols wrote Bohemian Like You about their very home town. There are some, indeed, round these parts who’d like the entire Pacific Northwest to break off from the rest of the US and go it alone. So very liberal is Portland that it’s a home from home to anyone from Europe, especially if they read the Guardian.

The other cities on the list: St Pauli, Hamburg; Northern coast, Maui, Hawaii; Cihangir, Istanbul; and Santa Cruz, Tenerife.

A brief report on real estate prices wraps up each city’s section. My advice to those contemplating a move to Portland: wait another few years – real estate prices are still coming down.

OMSI After Dark: Nerds & Curds (25-January-2012)

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OMSI After DarkOMSI After Dark presents Nerds & Curds: Science Uncorked on Wednesday, January 25, 2012 from 6pm to 10pm.

Treat yourself to childfree, brain-building science fun at OMSI After Dark! Check out live demos, new featured exhibitions, and old favorites. Sample tasty snacks and sweets along with beer and wine, and talk to regional food and beverage artisans about the science behind them. It’s geeks gone wild!

Sample wine and cheese, enjoy excerpts from Carnival of the Animals by dancers from the Oregon Ballet Theatre, listen to the Dan Balmer Jazz Trio, try special menu items at the OMSI cafe grill, including sweet potato poutine! Discover the science behind singing wine glasses, learn how to make paneer, find out if you’re a super taster, and more.

21 and over only. Tickets are $12 for non-members, $6 for members – pre-purchase online – and free for OMSI After Dark members. Visit OMSI.edu for more details, including wine tasting prices and ticketing information for Body Worlds & the Brain.