Dave Knows Portland

Darwin Day 2012 in Portland

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Charles DarwinCharles Darwin’s theory of evolution via natural selection revolutionized biological science and gave us a greater understanding of the origins of life.

Darwin Day is celebrated around the world on February 12th, the anniversary of the day Darwin was born in 1809.

The Darwin Day website explains what the celebration is about:

Darwin Day is an international celebration of science and humanity held on or around February 12, the day that Charles Darwin was born on in 1809. Specifically, it celebrates the discoveries and life of Charles Darwin — the man who first described biological evolution via natural selection with scientific rigor. More generally, Darwin Day expresses gratitude for the enormous benefits that scientific knowledge, acquired through human curiosity and ingenuity, has contributed to the advancement of humanity.

Portland Area Darwin Day Events

OMSI Science Pub: Lust, Chocolate and Prairie Voles (6-February-2012)

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Omsi Science PubLust, Chocolate and Prairie Voles: The Neuroscience of Pleasure and Love is the topic of of the next OMSI Science Pub on Monday, February 6, 2012:

Is the brain chemistry behind our love for chocolate equivalent to that which drives infatuation with a new lover, the love of a particular song, or addiction? How does the brain sort out pleasure and discomfort? What drives our decisions to stay with one person for life or go from one lover to another, never settling down? This pre-Valentine’s Day Science Pub will focus on these and other questions that reveal much about how neurochemical changes can have major effects on our behaviors—how we love, what we love, and who we love.

The presenter is Larry Sherman, PhD, professor in the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology and in the Neuroscience Graduate Program at OHSU and a Senior Scientist at the Oregon National Primate Research Center.

This science pub takes place at the Bagdad Theater (3702 SE Hawthorne) from 7pm until 9pm, but arrive early (5pm doors open) to secure your beer, grub, and a seat! There’s a $5.00 suggested donation/cover charge. Minors with adults are welcome, otherwise this event is 21 and over.

Other Things To Do in Portland on Super Bowl Sunday (2012)

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Super Bowl Sunday is American’s biggest [mostly] secular holiday. And it’s happening this Sunday, February 5, 2012. But what about those of us who cannot tolerate American-football? Sure, we could swallow our smugness and drink bud light and eat cheese dip with the neanderthals, but that’s not the only solution:

Sunday will be a good day to enjoy parks; museums; and pubs, taverns, and bars that don’t have TVs – they’ll all be almost empty.

OMSIIt’s the first Sunday of the month, so OMSI admission is only $2! (But it will be very crowded; Heather and I visited two years ago on Super Bowl Sunday and had a great time, but were unpleasantly surprised by the crowds of kids. Apparently cheap admission prices trumps Super Bowl for many parents.)

Crowds will certainly be thinner at the Oregon Zoo, and the forecast actually looks delightful!

Bargain Hunting PDX 2012If you’re in a shopping mood, visit the Crystal Ballroom and Lola’s Room (1332 W Burnside) for Bargain Hunting 101‘s mother of all clearance sales:

Bargain Hunting is the Mother of All Clearance Sales, but what does that really mean? It means that you can expect to find some of the most unique, one of a kind, limited runs and close outs discounts from handmade indie artists and local boutiques. In other words, Bargain Hunting has highly desirable merchandise at prices you NEVER find on this type of inventory.

Celebrate SuperBach Sunday with the Bach Cantata Choir at 2 pm on Super Bowl Sunday. The concert is FREE and will be held at Rose City Park Presbyterian Church, 1907 NE 45th Ave (NE Sandy & 45th). The program:

Jan Sweelinck (1562-1621): Laudate Dominum
Johann Christoph Bach (1642-1703): Cantata, Es erhub sich ein Streit
Georg Phillip Telemann (1681-1767): Viola Concerto – Karen Vincent, soloist
J.S. Bach: Cantata #11, Ascension Oratorio

And of course Powell’s Books (1005 W Burnside) is open.

Really, the world is your oyster if you’re free from the clutches of the NFL on Super Bowl Sunday.

Share your own Super Bowl Sunday alternative events and activities in the comments below!

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.

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.