Dave Knows Portland

Brainstorm: Explore the Genesis of Innovation, Part 1 (3-October-2011)

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BrainstormOMSI and Portland Monthly present part one of the OMSI Science Pub talk series Brain Storm: Exploring the Genesis of Innovation this Monday, October 3, 2011 at the Bagdad Theater (3702 SE Hawthorne).

The talks are part of “Brain Storm,” a unique collaboration between OMSI and Portland Monthly to explore creative thinking in science, business, health, technology, and the arts. From a field of 130 nominees, a jury of peers selected 12 leading innovators whose work, creative processes, and personal stories are being presented through an interactive display at OMSI, a series of profiles in Portland Monthly, and onstage in conversation with Portland Monthly editor in chief Randy Gragg.

This week’s guests are Craig Bramscher, founder of Brammo Motors; Doug Tunnell, owner of Brick House Vineyards; and Lorrie Vogel, general manager of Nike Considered Design.

Bramscher has overseen the design and development of the country’s first production line of freeway-worthy (and speed-freak-enticing) electric-powered motorcycles. Since purchasing his iconic Willamette Valley house and farm in 1990, Tunnell has been among the earliest pioneering vintners to employ the holistic methods of biodynamic farming and wine-making. An industrial designer by training, Vogel has helped transform Nike into one of the world’s leading innovators in sustainable manufacturing by, among other things, creating an open-source database for toxin-free manufacturing recipes.

The doors of the Bagdad open at 5pm, program begins at 7pm. $5 is the suggested admission. Minors are permitted if accompanied by parent or guardian.

The Brain Storm series continue, each Monday, October 3 through the 24th.

Greek Festival 2011

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Greek Festival 2011The 60th annual Portland Greek Festival takes place this weekend, September 30 through October 2, 2011 at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church (NE 32nd and Glisan).

Immigrants for Greece began arriving to the Northwest in the late 1800s to work in fishing, lumber, railroad and other jobs. Settling in Portland they established their church, Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in southeast Portland. Moving to a new and larger church on 32nd and NE Glisan in 1952, the mortgage had to be paid off. The ladies decided to help by holding a bazaar with their handwork, food, pastries, music and dances from their homeland. This was the beginning of what is now known as the Annual Greek Festival which is one of the largest of its kind.

Join about 15,000 other guests enjoying the greek food (feta, lamb, souvlaki, spanakopita, koulourakia, diples, bougatsa, etc.), cooking demonstrations, crafts, and of course beer and wine!

Entertainment includes Greek Folk Dancing performances and music, and activities for the kids.

The fest runs 10am to 10pm Friday and Saturday, noon to 8pm on Sunday. Visit the festival website for more details.

OMSI After Dark Loves the 80s (28-September-2011)

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OMSI After DarkOMSI After Dark . . . Loves the 80s, this Wednesday, September 28, 2011 from 6 to 11pm.

Desperately seeking a flashback? Bring your mullet, bad perm, or Flock of Seagulls dyed bang comb-over to OMSI Loves the 80s, a one-night-only extravaganza of all things bitchin’. I am so sure! Rock out in an 80s dance club, get an 80s makeover and prom pic, play laser tag, and uncover the scientific mysteries of Pop Rocks and Teddy Ruxpin. Break dancing, arcade games, costume contest, and three movie-themed lounges—all wrapped up in parachute pants and jelly shoes!  

Visit the ET Lounge for Bunk Sandwiches, and Ruby Jewel Treats. The Footloose Lounge features Le Bistro Montage, Davis Street Tavern, Salty’s, and Tabla. At the Big Lounge enjoy samples from the Better Bean Company, Dave’s Killer Bread, KIND Snacks, Mother Peach Caramels, and Stirs the Soul Chocolate.

21 and over only! Tickets are $12 for non-members, $6 for members – pre-purchase online. Visit OMSI.edu for more details.

Laughter Is The Best Medicine (16-September-2011)

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Laughter is the Best MedicineThe second annual Laughter is the Best Medicine, presented by the Vital Life Foundation, takes place Friday, September 16, 2011 at the Alberta Rose Theater (3000 NE Alberta).

Hosted by Dwight Slade, this comedy fundraiser benefits the Oregon Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.

Comedians performing include Ron Funches, Ian Karmel, Stacey Hallal, Gabe Dinger, and Anthony Lopez. Videos of seniors telling jokes (see the video below for a sample) are a highlight of the program.

In addition there will be a special musical performance by They’re Heading West.

Oh, and there’s beer and wine, food, a raffle and a silent auction!

Tickets are only $10. Doors open at 6pm, show begins at 7pm. 21 and over only!

Stumptown Stories: Rural Revolution (13-September-2011)

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Rural Revolution: Lesbian Intentional Communities in Southern OregonThe 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!

This Tuesday, September 13, 2011, the topic is Rural Revolution: Lesbian Intentional Communities in Southern Oregon.

n the 1970s, hundreds of intentional communities claimed Oregon as home, including numerous lesbian separatist communities. Communities with names like WomanShare, Rootworks, and Cabbage Lane dotted the landscape along the I-5 corridor between Portland and San Francisco. Their goals included the complete disruption and change in the patriarchal system, and the creation of a sustainable egalitarian feminist community. Heather Burmeister will present her interviews with women involved in this utopian effort and examine the reasons why women left their homes in Portland and other urban areas as part of the back-to-the-land movement, how the experience changed them, and what they brought back with them to the city.

Doors open at 5pm, presentation begins at 7:30pm.