Dave Knows Portland

History Pub: “Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas: Environmentalism and Oregon” (30-April-2012)

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Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas: Environmentalism and Oregon is the topic of the latest History Pub at the Kennedy School (5736 NE 33rd), on Monday, April 30, 2012.

Whitman College alumnus William O. Douglas was appointed to the Supreme Court of the United States in 1939 by Franklin Roosevelt. He served longer than any other justice in U.S. history, and is the only justice from the Pacific Northwest.

Douglas was a beacon for the preservation of wild places and individual freedom, by word and by example. The answer to society’s problems is more freedom, not less. This was the message he gave in countless speeches to citizens, not just the legal and academic world.

A New Deal insider and poker buddy of FDR he was seriously considered as his Vice Presidential running mate. Douglas also found time to author over 30 books in his lifetime. His career spanned events from the Great Depression to Watergate and was as controversial as it was prolific, four marriages and four impeachment attempts, also both records attest to that. Praise and criticism were constant companions to his work.

The film Liberty & Wilderness, a William O. Douglas film project, will be shown, followed by a discussion lead by the producer of the film, John Concillo, and Adam Sowards, Accociate Professor of History at the University of Idaho, and author of the book The Environmental Justice: William O. Douglas and American Conservation.

Join event co-sponsors Oregon Historical Society and Holy Names Heritage Center at 7pm Monday for a beer and history! Admission is free and this event is all ages.

Friends of the Library Spring Used Book Sale 2012

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Friends of the LibraryFriends of the Library present the annual Spring Used Book Sale this weekend, Friday, April 27 through Sunday, April 29, 2012. The 11th year in East County, the sale takes place at the Gresham Station Shopping Center (1271 NW Civic Dr. Gresham, OR 97030).

20,000 Donated Books and Materials

  • Audio tapes
  • CDs, DVDs, Videos
  • Gently used books
  • Children’s books, pocket-sized paperbacks start: .50
  • Hardcover books, large paperbacks start: $1.50

The sale kicks off with special members-only access from 6 p.m to 9 p.m. Friday (non-members can join Friends of the Library on site or online). The sale is open to the public Saturday (9 a.m. to 6 p.m.) and Sunday (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) – Sunday is 50% discount day!

Proceeds of the sale directly support the Multnomah County Library system.

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!