Dave Knows Portland

Stumptown Stories: Homer Davenport? (24-April-2012)

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Homer DavenportThe 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, April 24, 2012 Stumptown Stories presents Homer Daventport?

Homer Davenport (1867-1912) was one of the most successful artists Oregon has ever produced. Yet, few outside his hometown are even aware of the impact this self-described “country boy” had on society, in the transition between those eras known as The Gilded Age and The Progressive Era. His unique rural Oregon upbringing, along with a supportive and nurturing home life, equipped Davenport with the intellectual tools and the artistic skills needed to hit the ground running. He arrived on the scene during a perfect storm of technology and public sentiment. He is known for his satyrical drawings and support of Progressive Era politics.

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

OMSI After Dark: Let’s Talk About Sex (25-April-2012)

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OMSI After DarkLet’s Talk About Sex is the titillating topic of this month’s OMSI After Dark, Wednesday, April 25, 2012.

Explore the allure of pheromones, unveil the mysteries of animal dimorphism and dissect a flower to reveal a plant’s reproductive system. These activities and much more will expose the science behind sex.

Yup, a child-free night at OMSI, and there’s alcohol!

Visit the OMSI Cafe for special menu items, and bring cash (only!) for the beer and wine at the bars set up throughout the museum.

Featured science demonstrations and activities include Animal Magnetism, Smooth Operator: The Chemistry of Safer Sex, and Flower Dissection. Euphoria Studios: Belly Dancing will be on hand, and there will be lots more to watch and do.

Hours are 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Admission is $12 for non-members, $6 for members. You can buy tickets online, or at the door (no reservations necessary). 21 and over only!

Kick Ass Oregon History Vol 4 #5: Chinook Chat

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KICK ASS OREGON HISTORY VOL 4 #5: CHINOOK CHATKick Ass Oregon History is the latest series of podcasts from the enthusiastic historians behind ORHistory.com.

And volume 4 #5 just dropped: Chinook Chat.

In which we learn that Chinook Jargon helped the South bitch about the war.

The brains behind this Kick Ass project are the crack hustlers of Oregon History Doug Kenck-Crispin and Andy Lindberg. Doug is a graduate student studying Public History and Pacific Northwest History at PSU, and Andy, though a Portland native, is currently working as an actor in New York City. Doug does most of the research and writing for the podcasts with input from Andy, who voices the broadcasts with a thespian’s flair.

With the Kick Ass Oregon History podcast they plan to cover just the good stuff: Sex, Drugs, Rock and Roll and Earth Shattering, Devastating Destruction.

Ultimately, our goal is to take Oregon History out of the hallowed halls of the academy, get folks excited and enthused about this shared history, and get them out into the state, digging it and experiencing it. Get them to embrace it, and get their boots muddy in the process. It’s all OUR History; nobody owns it.

Visit ORHistory.com and stay tuned to @Oregon_History on Twitter for further details on specific episodes and the series. Catch up on missed episodes at the Kick Ass Oregon History archives.

OMSI Science Pub: Penguins of Portland (17-April-2012)

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Omsi Science PubThe Penguins of Portland is the topic of of the next Portland OMSI Science Pub on Tuesday, April 17, 2012 at the Mission Theater (1624 NW Glisan):

If you are thinking, “wait a minute, there aren’t any penguins in Oregon,” you’re right. But Oregon does have another group of seabirds that are very similar – the alcids or auks. This unrelated group of seabirds is so similar to penguins that visitors to the Oregon coast will call Audubon asking what kind of penguins they saw at Cannon Beach. Penguins and alcids are not related but they have both evolved to be the best swimming/diving birds in the world, except for one big difference. No penguins can fly but all living alcids can. Why would this be when everything else about them is so similar? Naturalist and author James Davis will present a program on the Northwest’s alcids and why they can fly while their ecological equivalents the penguins cannot. James will dress in costumes to make it easy to identify our three most common alcids as we explore the world of deep diving seabirds. James’s adds a touch of nostalgia by showing 35mm slides of our subjects – No PowerPoint!

James Davis, naturalist for Metro Parks and Natural Areas, and author of The Northwest Nature Guide, presents.

The science begins at 7pm 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.

Spring Beer and Wine Fest 2012

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Spring Beer and Wine FestivalThe 18th annual Spring Beer & Wine Fest takes place this Friday and Saturday, April 6 and 7, 2012, at the Oregon Convention Center (777 NE MLK).

  • Hop aboard the Tour de Cheese
  • Mingle with artisan brewers, vintners, distillers & cheese makers
  • Nibble on tasty gourmet delights
  • Get schooled at the Chefs Stage – and eat your homework
  • Groove to tunes from hot NW bands

The fest features a huge number of vendors , seminars, a Tour de Cheese and Chocolatiers, chefs on stage, and live music. Watch the Blazer game Friday night on the big screen, and the Timbers match on Saturday night.

Both days the fest runs from noon-11pm. Admission is free to the first 1000 arrivals each day, but $5 after 2pm. But there are several special ticket packages available, including exclusive online deals – visit the festival website for details.