Cheap

Article of the Week:
“7 Things that Will Be Cheaper in 2012,” by Amanda Greene-Kelly for WomensDay.com.

Monday, February 20th:
- Free admission at the Japanese Garden, 10:00am – 4:00pm.
- President’s Day Value Village sale, most items at 50% off, 9:00am – 9:00pm.
- Celebrate Asian New Year 11:00am – 1:30pm with Portland Community College’s SE Campus at Legin Restaurant. There will be music, arts, performances, games and more; admission is just $2 (free for under 12 years of age).
- Free screening of the documentary “Food Stamped,” 7:00pm at McMenamins Bagdad Theater. Bring a donation for the Oregon Food Bank, open to all ages.
- Free screening of the film “Mother: Caring for 7 Billion,” 7:30pm at the Hollywood Theatre. Audiences will learn about population issues and how they affect our world.

Tuesday, February 21st:
- Book event at Powell’s City of Books on Burnside, 7:30pm featuring David Wolman and his book “The End of Money: Counterfeiters, Preachers, Techies, Dreamers — and the Coming Cashless Society,” free.

Wednesday, February 22nd:
- Panda Express free Peppercorn Shrimp with this coupon, single serving while supplies last, no purchase necessary.
- OMSI Science Pub Portland presents “Scientific and Humanitarian Lessons from the Haiti and Japan Earthquakes,” 7:00pm at McMenamins Mission Theater. $5 suggested cover charge.

Thursday, February 23rd:
- Brown Bag Lunch and Learn series at Multnomah County Central Library features speaker Grace Antares and her topic “Sheconomics,” 12:00pm – 1:00pm, free. From web site: “Understand the emotional forces and barriers that influence women’s success with money. Using a clinical study from the University of Hertfordshire, speaker Grace Antares shares solutions to better spending.”
- Free Portland Jazz Festival performance, 9:30pm at the ArtBar inside the Portland Center for the Performing Arts.

Just a few listings for this weekend, as Aroundthesunblog and PDXPipeline have most of the best events already covered…

- The Unscriptables performs Star Trek USS Improvise at 8:00pm and 10:00pm Friday, and UTV (improv TV shows and commercials) on Saturday 8:00pm. All shows are “pay what you will” and cash only.

- RaceCenter’s Event Expo, Saturday 10:00am – 4:00pm at Foot Traffic NE (41st & Fremont) with a free group run (starting at 8:00am), door prizes, training talks and much more. Free.

- Williams-Sonoma Artisans’ Market, Saturday 12:00pm – 4:00pm at the NW 23rd location will give you the opportunity to “taste, learn and experience products first hand from the producers themselves.” Free.

- Pokeman Party, Saturday 2:00pm – 4:00pm at the Tigard Library, grades 6 -12. From web site: “Party with Pokemon and Super Smash Bros. Enjoy Japanese snacks and anime. Make your own Pokemon out of paper or fabric and learn how to become the ultimate Pokemon trainer. Triumph in our Super Smash Bros. tournament and you may win a prize. Bring your own cards and/or DS.”

- “For the Love of Portland” opening night Art Show, Saturday 5:00pm – 9:00pm at Pioneer Place Mall, 3rd floor. Features over 75 artists and their works. No admission charge, come on down!

- The Portland Chamber Orchestra present a free concert featuring pianist Gerald Robbins, Saturday 7:30pm at Sherman Clay Pianos in the Pearl district. Seating is limited, plese RSVP with your name and number of attendees to Mary Bailey: mickiebailey223@yahoo.com. Donations will be accepted in memory of Ellwood Mille.

- Chamber Music Concert at Community Music Center features singing and classical instruments, Saturday 8:00pm, free.

- Groupon has a limited-quantity deal for next week’s Portland Spring Home and Garden Show at the Portland Expo Center. Get two admissions for just $10 with the deal, please note it is only valid for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday admissions.

- President’s Day store specials and sales here.

Article of the Week:
- Get your Valentine’s Day restaurants low down with this guide from Portland Food and Drink and from Open Table.

Monday, February 13th:
- PCPA Noontime Showcase : Portland Opera Hansel and Gretel, 12:00pm at the Hatfield Hall rotunda. This is a free event and tickets are not needed.
- Blaxploitation film “The House on Skull Mountain,” screens at 7:00pm, followed by discussion and Q&A with Albert Shepard. Suggested donation of $5 at the door (though no one will be turned away for lack of funds) at In Other Words Feminist Community Center.
- Oregon Encyclopedia History Night presents “Abraham Lincoln and the American West during the Civil War Era,” 7:00pm at McMenamins Mission Theater. Free admission, 21 plus or minor with parent or guardian.

Tuesday, February 14th:
- Free cookie at Quiznos with this coupon, no purchase necessary.
- Oregon Zoo Second Tuesday: admission is just $4 per person; show proof of fare for riding the MAX and receive another $1.50 off.
- Oregon Statehood Day: free admission for all to the Oregon Historical Society. They will be cutting Oregon’s birthday cake at noon with special guests, past Governors Victor Atiyeh and Barbara Roberts. (If you can’t make it today, the OHS will also offer free admission this Saturday, February 18, with activities from 11:00am – 3:00pm)
- Multicultural Film Festival screening of “War Dance,” 5:00pm at the North Portland Neighborhood Library, Second Floor Conference Room. Free.
- 3rd annual Valentine’s Day Zombie Pub Crawl, 6:30pm start time at the Lone Fir Cemetery, please see web site for more details.
- Eat Art Theater themed open mike night “To Hell With Love;” sign-ups at 7:00pm, readings at 7:30pm, free to participate or attend.

Wednesday, February 15th:
- PCC’s 4th annual “Heart Beat” Health Fair from 10:30am – 12:30pm at the Upper Mall of the College Center building at PCC Syvlania. The event is free of charge and open to the public. Parking is $5.
- Free lecture “A Flurry Of Changes: How climate shifts are impacting snowfall, glaciers, and the way we live, work and play in the Pacific NW,” 5:30pm reception followed by the program at 6:15pm. This event is free and open to the public; however, space is limited, so please register here. The event will take place at KEEN Footwear in the Pearl district.
- Independent Lens Community Cinema screening of “More than a Month,” 6:00pm in the George S. Turnbull Center on Floor 3R of the White Stag Block, 70 NW Couch Street. Free for the public.
- Submission from Youngna: “We’re bringing our film ‘Girl Walk // All Day’ to Portland for two awesome nights of screenings + dance parties at The Cleaners at Ace Hotel. 7:30pm doors, 8:00pm film screening followed by dance party. $11 for all ages, RSVP and tickets here.”

Thursday, February 16th:
- Brown Bag Lunch and Learn @ Multnomah County Central Library, 12:00pm – 1:00pm. Today’s topic is “HUMAN Strategies: It’s All About the People,” free.
- Submission from Youngna: “We’re bringing our film ‘Girl Walk // All Day’ to Portland for two awesome nights of screenings + dance parties at The Cleaners at Ace Hotel. 7:30pm doors, 8:00pm film screening followed by dance party. $11 for all ages, RSVP and tickets here.”

Weekend on the Cheap

- We’ve just updated our Submissions page, there are plenty of great events upcoming in February, please take a look!

- Community Music Center’s Family Friday Series presents the Portland Cello Project, Friday 7:15pm. Suggested donation: $5 for individual, $15.00 for family.

- (Anti)Valentine’s Concert, Friday 8:00pm at Lewis & Clark College Evans Auditorium. Free admission.

- The 22nd annual Cascade Festival of African Films continues with free films screening at 7:30pm both Friday and Saturday night at PCC Cascade Moriarty Arts and Humanities Building, Room 104.

- The Unscriptables performs Star Trek USS Improvise at 8:00pm and 10:00pm Friday, and UTV (improv TV shows and commercials) on Saturday. All shows are “pay what you will” and cash only.

- Eat Art Theater presents “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged),” performing Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 7:00pm. Free admission.

- Fred Meyer has this extra savings coupon valid all day Friday and Saturday for their Starlight Savings event.

- T-Mobile’s Valentine’s Day sale is one day only on Saturday, “Cupid’s Arrow Hits Mark,” offering free smartphones with a two-year contract (among other fine print details)… if you are in the market for a fancy, tech-savvy phone and looking for a deal, check out this article “5 Smartphone Deals: Free Android Phones, Refill Cards,” from dealnews.com.

- Randall Children’s Hospital Community Celebration, Saturday 12:00pm – 6:00pm, free activities for the entire family.

- American Diabetes Association Expo, Saturday 9:00am – 4:00pm at the Oregon Convention Center, free admission. From web site: “The EXPO is free and includes health screenings, cooking demonstrations, product and service exhibitors, as well as leading experts talking about diabetes management and prevention. Get the latest information on preventing and managing diabetes and its deadly complications to help keep you and your family healthy.”

- Family Day at the Washington County Museum, Saturday from 10:00am – 2:00pm with free admission for all.

- Free Nordic Day with REI and Mt. Hood Meadows Nordic Center, Saturday 10:00am – 2:00pm. From web site: “Join REI and Mt. Hood Meadows Nordic Center for a day of cross-country skiing. Never tried the sport before? Mt. Hood Meadows Nordic Center will show you how. Register for lesson ti Free lesson and discounted rentals from REI.

- A Date with Destiny – A Storytelling Performance by the Portland Storytellers Guild, Saturday 7:00pm at McMenamins Kennedy School, $5 general admission ($10 for families). This show “serves up tasty tales about Vampires, Hijackers, Hostages and Rainbow Snakes!”

- Northwest Family and Kids Festival, Saturday and Sunday 10:00am – 4:00pm at the Washington County Fair Complex. Free parking, admission is $10 for the entire family; see web site for a $2 discount coupon. From web site: “The Northwest Family & Kids Festival offers an incredible amount of ideas for kids and families ranging from: entertainment, education, nutrition, health care, vacations, safety and more.”

- Bikes for Humanity PDX Bike Donation and Adoption Drive at Rivermark Credit Union, Sunday 10:00am- 4:00pm.

- Submission from Bennett:

FEARLESS SPEED MEETING
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12
2-4 PM
This is the Fearless version of Speed Dating
A fun way to meet new folks. All age groups welcome, but you must be over 21 to participate.
No charge for the first event.
How it works: Event participants are divided into two groups: guys and gals. Each participant spends 3 minutes meeting and chatting with another participant. We will have ‘assist questions’ available for those who don’t particularly have the gift of gab. At the end of 3 minutes everyone rotates to a new partner. The process continues until all the gals have met all the guys. At the end of the event you let us know if there are any participants with whom you wish to share your contact info (email address) and we will forward that info on your behalf. Then it is up to you!
Local residents as well as out-of-towners. We will be advertising this event far and wide.
Fearless Brewing Company 326 South Broadway, Estacada, Oregon 503-630-BEER www.fearless1.com
Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 4-9 pm, Friday-Saturday Noon-10 pm, Sunday Noon-9 pm

AND TO MAKE IT ALL THE BETTER WE HAVE 75 CENT CRAFT BEER

- Aroundthesunblog has a super listing of all free activities this weekend, and PDXPipeline is also a good bet for other things to do, check them out!

Article of the Week:
“The Best and Worst Things to Buy in February,” by Lindsay Sakraida of Dealnews.com.

Monday, February 6th:
- Check out some snow sculptures in downtown Portland as artists make their creations from 11:00am – 2:00pm at SW 6th & Oak.
- Powell’s Books on Burnside book event, 7:30pm with “All There Is: Love Stories from StoryCorps.”
- OMSI Science Pub at McMenamins Bagdad Theatre presents “Lust, Chocolate and Prairie Voles: The Neuroscience of Pleasure and Love,” 7:00pm. $5 suggested donation, all ages.
- Beer and Movie Film Fest all week at the Academy Theatre (with classics such as ‘The Untouchables,’ ‘Star Trek II’, ‘Conan the Barbarian’ and more) plus 1982′s ‘The Thing,’ playing 9:45pm all week at the Laurelhurst Theatre.

Tuesday, February 7th:
- Multnomah County Library program “Leap Into Science: Do You See What I See?,” 10:00am – 12:00pm at the Central library in downtown Portland, free.
- Charles Dickens Birthday Party, 3:00pm – 5:30pm in the Watzek Library at Lewis and Clark College. There will be readings, music and birthday cake.
- Hillsboro’s First Tuesday art receptions at the Sequoia Gallery and the Cultural Arts Center, 6:00pm – 8:00pm in downtown Hillsboro.
- Lake Oswego’s First Tuesday Music Series features traditional Celtic music performed by Hanz Araki and his band, 7:00pm at the Lake Oswego Library, free.
- Broadway Books welcomes author Gary Geddes for his book “Drink the Bitter Root: A Search for Justice and Healing in Africa,” 7:00pm, free and open to the public.

Wednesday, February 8th:
- City Club of Portland Film Series presents “Schools Making A Difference: Portraits of Excellence, Engagement and Equity,” 5:45pm – 8:45pm at McMenamins Mission Theatre. Free and open to the public, this is a series of films, panel discussions and participant dialogues.

Thursday, February 9th:
- Grand re-opening of Beaverton’s Griffith Drive Goodwill beginning at 7:00am.
- The 22nd annual Cascade Festival of African Films continues with three films playing at 12:00pm, 1:45pm and 7:30pm. Free admission and open to the public.
- Ignite Portland returns to McMenamins Bagdad Theater, 5:00pm doors open and 7:00pm show time — free as always, all ages welcome, come early for best seating! Check out our previous blog about the event here.

Weekend on the Cheap:

- This is the last weekend to take advantage of Red Robin’s $6.99 burger special — choose the cheeseburger, Whiskey River BBQ burger, All-American Patty Melt, Simply Grilled Chicken Sandwich, or the Crispy Chicken Sandwich. Ends this Sunday!

- Submission from Lara:

“Friday 4:00pm – 7:00pm: Fulton Park Community Center is hosting its first ever Family Martial Arts Night!!! This event will kick off with a showing of “Kung-Fu Panda,” (starting at 4PM) followed by demonstrations (starting at 5:45 PM) from The Westside and Eastside Academy of Kung Fu (combined), Mo Duk Pai Lion Dance Team, Capoeira Ijexa Portland, and Oregon Kendo Club. Some demonstrations will have optional audience participation for all ages. Bring your own picnic dinner and enjoy the show! This event is free and donations will be accepted to benefit Fulton Park Community Center. You may even purchase a ‘lucky money envelope’ for $1 to fill with cash to feed to the lion! Information will also be made available with how to become involved in helping to keep Fulton open, and off the table with Parks and Rec budget cuts!”

- Submission from Joe:

“Digital storytelling project about service-learning in Nicaragua by University of Portland students, faculty, and staff” What happens when eighteen students and three faculty and staff members travel to Nicaragua for three weeks to learn about the political, economical, and social situations of the country?

University of Portland’s Collaborative for International Studies & Global Outreach (CISGO) attempts to answer that question with Formation, Learning, and Service: University of Portland Students’ Exploration of Nicaragua, a digital storytelling project by communication studies professor Courtney Vail Fletcher and videographer/photographer Jeff D. Kennel.

The event is set for Friday, February 3rd from 5:00pm – 7:00pm in Buckley Center Room 163. It is free and open to the public, and will include a video presentation as well as a question-and-answer session.

- First Friday free admission to the Children’s Museum, 4:00pm – 8:00pm

- Central Eastside Arts District First Friday Art Openings, 6:00pm – 9:00pm, free.

- The 22nd Annual Cascade Festival of African Films kicks off Friday with a 7:00pm screening of “Scheherazade, Tell Me a Story,” at the Hollywood Theater. There will be three other films playing on Saturday, please see schedule for venues and film descriptions. Free and open to the public on a first-come, first-seated basis.

- Bank of America’s Museums on Us program offers free admission to the Portland Art Museum, Pittock Mansion and the Lan Su Chinese Garden this Saturday and Sunday. To qualify for Museums on Us, customers must present their Bank of America or Merrill Lynch credit or debit card along with a photo ID to gain free general admission.

- Burger King Free Onion Ring Weekend, Saturday and Sunday at participating locations and while supplies last. One value size per person per visit, not valid during breakfast hours.

- Tet Festival 2012, Saturday 10:00am – 6:00pm at the Oregon Convention Center. There will be dance and music performances, martial arts demos, a free health fair and more for just a $4 general admission.

- Free library program “LEAP Into Science,” 2:30pm – 4:30pm at the Capitol Hill Library. For ages 4 and up.

- Sticks & Stones Accessories Grand Opening party Saturday, 6:00pm – 10:00pm with food, drinks and music.

- The Hillsboro Community Youth Choir presents a free concert “Hillsboro to the MAX!,” 3:00pm Sunday at the Venetian Theater. From web site: “Then you’ll love Hillsboro to the Max, a free concert that combines all three in a one-of-a-kind musical production. Featuring popular music from the 1840s to 2012, this musical revue will make the stories of the past come alive right before your eyes!”

- OMSI admission is just $2 per person as part of their First Sunday program.

- Bikes for Humanity PDX is offering free public bicycle tune-up clinics Sunday, 10:00am – 4:00pm at Rivermark Credit Union (25th & SE Hawthorne). Donations to offset the cost of supplies and events are very welcome!

- Superbowl Sunday, Giants vs. Patriots, 3:30pm kick off on NBC! Nuff said.

- Burgerville Game Day special: 5 original cheeseburgers for $5 or 5 double cheeseburgers for $10. Sunday all day.

- Submission from Julz:

“Bargain Hunting Portland
Sunday, February 5
12:00pm – 5:00pm | FREE | All Ages
Crystal Ballroom
1332 West Burnside Street

The 9th session of Bargain Hunting is set to convene on Super Bowl Sunday, February 5, noon-5 at the Crystal Ballroom & Lola’s, 1332 W. Burnside St.

Bargain Hunting is a unique, collaborative, indie clearance sale event with over 50 of Portland’s best boutiques & designers all in one place.

Come early for best selection, stay late for best bargains. Bargain Hunting – where Bloody Marys & bargains go hand in hand! Mingling & cocktails encouraged.

Bargain Hunting is a biannual sale featuring some of the best artists and locally owned boutiques in Portland. Vendors sell their high quality wares at rock bottom prices. Bargain Hunting is a great place for shoppers to find rare, one-of-a-kind, samples and limited run clothing, furnishings and more.”

- For more ideas on what to do this weekend, please visit Aroundthesunblog or PDXPipeline.

Article of the Week:
“7 Ways to Score Free Stuff,” by Farnoosh Torabi for Yahoo! Finance.

Monday, January 30th:
- Ka Lei Maile Ali’i: The Queen’s Women, an interactive reenactment depicting the 1897 signature-gathering meeting of the women’s branch of the Hawaiian Patriotic League (Hui Aloha ‘Aina) beginning at 6:30pm at the Midland Library. Free.
- OMSI Science Pub visits Hillsboro’s Venetian Theater with “The Science and Art of Permaculture,” 7:00pm – 9:00pm. No RSVP or tickets are required and the event is for all ages.
- John’s Incredible Pizza Company lunch deal all week — get their pizza buffet and unlimited drinks for just $5.00, valid 11:00am – 3:00pm Monday – Friday.
- Free debut film “Outside the Frame,” created by youth from Outside In, 7:00pm start time at Gerding Theater at the Armory. There will be a reception beginning at 6:30pm and a question and answer session with the filmmakers will follow the screening.
- History Pub Monday at McMenamins Kennedy School presents “Julia Ruuttila: The Proudest Moment in an Oregon Activist’s Life,” 7:00pm. Free for all ages, please bring a canned good to donate to the Oregon Food Bank.

Tuesday, January 31st:
- Ballots are due to elect the representative for Oregon’s 1st Congressional District:, find your closest ballot drop off site here.
- Portland Opera Studio Artist Recital: Soprano Lindsay Ohse, 7:00pm at the Portland Art Museum Whitsell Auditorium. The recital is free (reserved ticket required here), with a voluntary suggested donation of $10 to support the Portland Opera Studio Artist program.
- Free public presentation: “A River of Stories, Two Historical Perspectives of the Willamette River in Portland,” 7:00pm – 8:30pm at the Oregon Historical Society Pavilion. From web site: “Portland Harbor Partnership is launching On the Waterfront, a new education series of lectures that will highlight and discuss the critical role the Willamette River plays in the environmental, economic, cultural and recreational life of Oregonians.”
- History Pub at McMenamins Edgefield inside the Power Station Theater, 6:30pm with the topic “Logging in the Gorge: History of the Bridal Veil Lumbering Co.” Free for the public, all ages welcome.

Wednesday, February 1st:
- Opening reception the for the new Multnomah County Central Library Collins Gallery exhibition “Votes for Women! The Oregon Story,” 6:00pm – 7:30pm, free. From web site: “Join us for refreshments and remarks from Secretary of State Kate Brown, the Honorable Avel Gordly, Professor Kimberly Jensen, and special guests. Margie Boule will provide the singing.”
- Portland Comics Comedy Show, 9:45pm at Mississippi Pizza, just $5 admission.

Thursday, February 2nd:
- First Thursday monthly art gallery event in downtown Portland, Old Town / Chinatown, Northwest and the Pearl. Click here for a printable walking map.
- Ecotrust and the Bicycle Transportation Alliance (BTA) present “Slippery When Wet,” a free all weather bike workshop beginning at 6:00pm. Register online.
- Book event at Powell’s Books at Cedar Hills Crossing with Rachel Bertsche and her book “MWF Seeking BFF,” 7:00pm, free.

Weekend on the Cheap:

- Your best source is Aroundthesunblog and PDXPipeline for the latest listings, here are a few more things to do this last weekend of January 2012!

- 6th Annual Washington County Project Homeless Connect, Friday at Sonrise Church (Orenco MAX stop). Doors open at 9:00am and free services include dental, medical, haircuts, flu shots, vision exams, housing info, free food and much much more.

- Northwest Weather & Avalanche Center Benefit Film Showing Fundraiser, doors open at 6:00pm Friday at the Mazama Mountaineering Center (SE 43rd and Stark). Raffle for great items, win door prizes, enjoy food and drinks and watch Field Production’s new film “Being There.” $10 admission at the door.

- Daggawalla, the official launch party, Friday 4:00pm – 10:00pm features “Seeds for growing heirloom vegetables, medicinal herbs, grains, beans, tobacco and medicinal plants to inspect, sample, and purchase (or trade for). Plus, there will also be music, refreshments, and unannounced antics.” Free.

- Final weekend of the Fertile Ground Festival, a city-wide festival of new art including performances, visual art, film, comedy and more at multiple venues around the metro area. Festival pass is just $50 or check the web site for single performance tickets; some events are by donation.

- The Beaverton Modular Railroad Club will set up at the Lake Oswego Public Library on Saturday and Sunday for the public and will be on hand to answer questions and share their hobby.

- Other good bets for the weekend are listed at Oregonlive.com

Spotlight: Chinook Book 2012 Portland Edition

A few weeks ago we highlighted the freebies in the 2012 Portland Entertainment Book; this week we feature the many steals and deals offered in the Portland edition 2012 Chinook Book!

The following coupons are 100% freebies, no strings attached!

- one organic French baguette at New Seasons Markets
- one hand-crafted sausage link at New Seasons Markets
- one reusable, flat-bottom shopping bag at New Seasons Markets
- one slice of pizza in the Whole Foods Market deli
- one meal and beverage during normal hours of operation or share with someone who could use a good meal at Sisters of the Road Cafe
- one Eco wash at Eco Car Wash (four Portland area locations)
- one exterior car wash at Washman Car Wash (only valid at the MLK & SE Clay location)
- admissions for up to four people at the Circuit Bouldering Gym
- admissions for up to two people at the Museum of Contemporary Craft

The following coupons are some of our favorite BOGO Free offers (Buy one, get one free):
- Bob’s Red Mill product at the Mill Store
- one item at the Healthy Bread Store (Dave’s Killer Bread)
- one menu item at Pizzicato
- one Senens’s Breakfast Burrito at Burgerville
- one cheeseburger at Burgerville
- one regular size milkshake or smoothie at Burgerville
- one scoop of handmade ice cream at Salt & Straw
- one soup free at Elephants Delicatessen
- one ice cream cone at Ben & Jerry’s
- one free three-course lunch or four-course dinner at Oregon Culinary Institute
- one entree at Bridges Cafe
- one admission at Portland area theaters like Portland Center Stage, Brody Theater, Artists Repetory Theatre and more
- one admission at the Academy Theater
- one admission at the Oregon Symphony (Classical Concert series or Pop Concert series only)
- one ticket at the NW Film Center
- one introductory lesson at the Portland Rock Gym

There are over 400 more coupons inside the Chinook Book for restaurants, cafes, bakeries, services, retailers, attractions, grocery products, memberships, travel, wellness and more. The book is on sale for only $20 and the coupons are valid until October 31st, 2012. Find the print book at these local retailers, or online. The Chinook Book also offers a special app for Android phones: a $10 printed booklet containing an individual code that can be entered into the Chinook Book app. When entered it downloads the full library of 430 mobile coupons. Check it out!

Article of the Week:
“6 things that will be less expensive in 2012,” from CNNMoney.com.

Monday, January 23rd:
- The first 100 customers at the Gateway Jamba Juice location will receive one free can of Jamba Energy Drink.
- 2012 National Pie Day with special pricing and offers at area pie hot spots.
- Panda Express is giving away a free single serving of firecracker chicken breast with this coupon, while supplies last.
- Back Fence PDX “I Didn’t Think This Through” 8:00pm storytelling show at the Gerding Theater at The Armory; free tickets are sold out, but try this suggestion from the Oregonian: “sometimes people reserve free tickets and don’t come, so if you feel lucky, you can show up and give it a shot.”

Tuesday, January 24th:
- Log on to PF Chang’s Facebook to score a virtual red envelope to celebrate the year of the Dragon, good for a mystery discount when you dine at PF Chang’s from now until February 6th.
- Celebrate the Lunar New Year customs of China and Vietnam with a puppet show, food and crafts at the Midland Library from 5:30pm – 7:00pm, free.
- Dr. Cris Hein is the featured guest for Stumptown Stories at the Jack London Bar with his free 7:30pm presentation “The Biology, Behavior & Benefits of Bats.”
- Book event at Powell’s City of Books on Burnisde, 7:30pm with the author of “Honey Badger Don’t Care,” free. Come learn about “a dozen crazy, badass animals of the wild kingdom.”

Wednesday, January 25th:
- Ground Kontrol’s Last Wednesday Free Play Party, 5:00pm – late night, just $5 cover to play all the classic arcade and pinball games you want!
- Celebrate the Lunar New Year customs of China and Vietnam with lion dance, a puppet show, singing, food and crafts at the Holgate Library from 6:00pm – 7:30pm, free.
- Ever wanted to hike the Pacific Crest National Trail? Get your questions answered with this free presentation by thru-hiker Erin ‘Wired’ Saver, 7:30pm at the Mazama Mountaineering Center off of 43rd and SE Stark Street. Open to the general public.
- The Helium Comedy Club presents an evening of free Trivia and Comedy beginning at 8:00pm. No cost for admission, but each person is required to purchase a minimum of two items from the menu (food and/or drink).

Thursday, January 26th:
- Celebrate Community Outreach of Our United Villages with a public open house from 4:00pm – 7:00pm. From web site: “Enjoy warm refreshments, bump elbows with others in the community and start the New Year with a little positive inspiration. Children are welcome.”
- Portland International Auto Show opens at 10:00am, general adult admission is $12 but you can find a $3 off coupon in the Portland Tribune that is good all day on Thursday.

Weekend on the Cheap:

- Submission from Kelly:

Reeds and Keys Presents Cheap and Fun Entertainment for the Whole Family!

Join this Portland-based music duo for their original variety show, You Don’t Lay Down on the Band Room Floor: The Journey of a Young Band Student.

What: A multimedia extravaganza including music, skit and a LOT of crazy (family friendly crazy)
When: Friday, January 20th at 7:00pm
Where: Rex Putnam High School Auditorium
How Much: ONLY $5.00 a ticket, purchased at the door!
Why: Because. Oh, and it’s a fund raiser for the RPHS band trip to Disneyland!

- Family Friday Concert with Classical Revolution, 7:15pm Friday at Community Music Center. Suggested donation: $5 for individual, $15.00 for family

- Portlandia on the big screen, Friday 7:00pm at McMenamins Mission Theater (replay at 10:00pm) and the Hollywood Theater playing at 10:00pm, free admission.

- ChocolateFest, Friday – Sunday at the Oregon Convention Center, $20 for Friday night and $10 per adult for Saturday or Sunday admission.

- Fertile Ground Festival, a city-wide festival of new art including performances, visual art, film, comedy and much more. Runs Friday the 20th – Sunday the 29th at multiple venues around the metro area. Festival pass is just $50 or check the web site for single performance tickets; some events are by donation.

- Portland Fix-It Fair, 8:30am – 2:00pm Saturday at Rosa Parks Elementary School, free. Learn how to save money with ongoing exhibits and hourly workshops on a variety of topics.

- Stories in the Stones on Mount Talbert, Saturday 10:30am – 1:00pm. $5 for adults; under 18 free. Advance registration required; call 503-794-8092.

- 4th Annual Teatro Milagro’s Community Resource Fair, Saturday 1:00pm – 2:00pm and 3:00pm – 5:00pm, free. From web site: “The matinee of “B’aktun 13” on Saturday, Jan. 21 will be accompanied by a free resource fair featuring an open mic readers theatre led by Los Porteños writers group; environmental activities, such as group papermaking, and representatives from VOZ, Union Verde, and others.”

- Bikes for Humanity PDX is offering free public bicycle tune-up clinics Sunday, 10:00am – 4:00pm at Rivermark Credit Union (25th & SE Hawthorne). Donations to offset the cost of supplies and events are very welcome!

- Portland Opera to Go: Hansel & Gretel, Sunday 12:00pm, free at McMenamins Grand Lodge in Forest Grove.

- For more events and things to do this weekend, please visit Aroundthesunblog and PDXPipeline!

Article of the Week:
“Best Things to Buy in January,” from Yahoo Shine, includes a 2-minute video if you don’t want to read it.

Tuesday, January 17th:
- William Stafford Birthday celebrations at Clackamas Community College from 6:00pm – 8:00pm and at bookstore In Other Words beginning at 7:00pm.
- “Make It Short: 40-Second Film” competition. From web site: “Submissions to the Make It Short contest will be screened for an audience and judges. Prizes to be awarded for both audience choice and judges selections. Come to support your favorite filmmaker!” Free admission for all, screenings will be held at the Whitsell Auditorium inside the Portland Art Museum. There will be a pre-film reception at 6:00pm.
- OMSI Science Pub at McMenamins Mission Theater presents “Urban Landslides: A Slippery Challenge for the Forensic Geologist,” 7:00pm. Science Pub is open to ages 21+, or minor with adult. $5 suggested cover charge, no RSVP or tickets required.

Wednesday, January 18th:
- Oregon Symphony Storytimes at the Hollywood Library, 11:00am – 12:00pm, free. Today’s performer is John Cox and his French horn.
- Sack lunch concert at the Old Church, 12:00pm – 1:00pm, features Michael Barnes, Organist of Westminster Presbyterian Church, and tenor Evan Abeling. Free.
- Surprise Party Theatre presents “Shakespeare Party: Measure for Measure,” 7:30pm at the Waypost. Free admission to spectate, or provide a suggested $5 donation to be an active participant. Please see web site for more info.

Thursday, January 19th:
- Multnomah County Library’s Smart Saving series presents “Personal Tablets, Personal Finance,” 1:00pm – 3:00pm at the Sellwood library. Free. Registration required; register online, in the library or by calling (503) 988-5234.
- Celebrate the year of the dragon by making Red Fans for Lunar New Year at the Belmont Library, 3:30pm – 4:30pm, free.
- Slough Tour: Water Flow, 4:00pm – 5:00pm, free. From web site: “Co-hosted by the Columbia Slough Watershed Council and the Multnomah County Drainage Districts, this tour led by District Engineer Byron Woltersdorf highlights the water flow of the Columbia Slough waterway and the levees and pumps that maintain water levels. Suitable for ages 10 and up. Advance registration requested at www.columbiaslough.org.”
- Global Struggle and Socialist Revolution, a public discussion in the ‘Parkway North’ room of the Smith building on the Portland State University campus. 7:00pm start, free.
- William Stafford birthday celebration at the Lake Oswego Library, 7:00pm – 8:30pm, free.
- Wild in the City book event at Powell’s Books on Hawthorne, 7:30pm. For the event, editors Michael C. Houck and M. J. Cody will be joined by contributors Bob Sallinger, Tom McAllister, and Judy BlueHorse Skelton.

- Please check out Aroundthesunblog for a lengthy list of all things free this weekend. Listed below are a few other events of note…

- 5th annual United Way Martin Luther King Weekend of Service, please see web site for a list of all the volunteer opportunities this weekend!

- OregonLive.com has a good listing of Martin Luther King Jr. Day events around the Portland area.

- Friday night, 7:00pm – 2:00am…BIG ASS BOOMBOX: a loud pop festival! Totally free music at four different venues, please see web site for more info.

- Portlandia, see it on the big screen at McMenamins Mission Theater, the EastBurn both at 7:00pm, or stay out later and catch it at 10:00pm playing at the Hollywood Theater. All venues are free admission.

- Bird Walk With Backyard Birdshop – Vancouver Greenway, Saturday 8:00am – 10:00am, free. Reservations required; call 360-253-5771.

- “Back In Action: A Space Heater” is Action/Adventure Theater’s fundraiser and open house with musical performances, free beer, wine, hors d’oeuvres and more. $10-$20 suggested donation, 7:30pm doors open at 1050 SE Clinton.

- Friends of Tryon Creek hosts the annual Winter Chili Cook-Off, Saturday 5:00pm – 7:00pm at the park. Admission is just $5 to sample chili, imbibe in drinks and listen to great music.

- Ground Kontrol’s Video Game Quiz Show kicks off at 7:00pm, free to watch or dare to play!

Article of the Week:
“8 Things You Shouldn’t Buy in the Winter,” by Matt Brownwell for Yahoo’s Financially Fit.

Monday, January 9th:
- Today is the last day of free admission to the Lan Su Chinese Garden, open 10:00am – 5:00pm.
- Portland Center for Performing Arts and its volunteers presents the PCPA Noontime Showcase: Tears of Joy Theatre, “The Ugliest Duckling” Children’s Puppet Theatre, 12:00pm – 1:00pm, free.
- OMSI Science Pub at McMenamins Bagdad Theater presents “I Dig Bones: Adventures in Forensic Anthropology,” 7:00pm. Science Pub is open to ages 21+, or minor with adult. $5 suggested cover charge, no RSVP or tickets required.

Tuesday, January 10th:
- General admission to the Oregon Zoo is just $4 as part of Second Tuesdays; show proof of MAX fare and get an additional $1.50 off each passenger!

Wednesday, January 11th:
- Oregon Symphony Storytimes, 11:00am – 12:00pm at the Hollywood Library, free. Today’s performance features Mark Dubac and his clarinet.
- Independent Lens Community Cinema presents “Daisy Bates: The First Lady of Little Rock,” 6:00pm at the Turnbull Center in Old Town / Chinatown. Free.
- Multnomah County Library’s Smart Saving series presents “MoneyTime: Retirement,” 1:00pm – 3:00pm at North Portland library. Registration required; register online, in the library or by calling 503.988.5234.
- Second Wednesday Performing Arts Series at Lake Oswego Library presents Alan Shearman at 1:00pm, free.

Thursday, January 12th:
- Funhouse Lounge Grand Opening party with music by Laura Jane Willcock, 7:00pm – 10:00pm.
- Fiction Writing workshop, 7:00pm at Powell’s Cedar Hills Crossing. From web site: “With over 50 bestsellers to her credit, Jayne Ann Krentz is bringing her popular Fiction Writing Workshop to Powell’s — free of charge! Jayne will share her top five fiction-writing tips and answer your questions about writing fiction and navigating the publishing world.”
- Over at Powell’s on Burnside you’ll find the book event for “Chubster” beginning at 7:30pm. From web site: “You’ve heard that calorie counting is the most effective way to lose weight — because it’s true. And you’re still fat because you ignored it. Lucky for you, hipster Martin Cizmar has come up with the least awful diet plan of all time. In Chubster: A Hipster’s Guide to Losing Weight While Staying Cool (Mariner), he offers fellow chubby hipsters reasonable suggestions for how to lose weight the cool way, the “chubster” way.”

Weekend on the Cheap:

- Portlandia season premiere, catch it on the big screen at McMenamin’s Mission Theater beginning at 7:00pm. There will be an encore screening starting after 10:00pm.

- The cortandfatboy Midnight Movie: ‘E.T.’ playing 11:00pm at McMenamin’s Bagdad Theater, $3 admission, 21 and over only.

- First Friday free admission to the Children’s Museum, 4:00pm – 8:00pm

- Central Eastside Arts District First Friday Art Openings, 6:00pm – 9:00pm, free.

- Saturday is Winter Trails Day sponsored by REI. Description from web site: “Join REI for this traditional day of fun on Mt. Hood at the White River West Sno-Park located four miles east of Government Camp on Highway 35. Winter Trails is a SnowSports Industries America (SIA) program and is a FREE event featuring demo snowshoes from Atlas, MSR, Tubbs and Crescent Moon. Hot beverages and treats will be available. Non-profit partner, Adventures Without Limits will be offering free guided tours for participants. Participants should wear weather-appropriate clothing, including waterproof boots. Participants will also need an Oregon or Washington Sno-Park Pass to park. Passes are available at all Portland area REI stores.”

- First Saturday Music Series with the Oregon Chamber Players, starts at 2:00pm at the City of Milwaukie’s Ledding Library. Free.

- Chinese Tea Tasting, 2:00pm at the Hillsboro Main Library, free. From web site: “Celebrate National Hot Tea Month and the coming Chinese New Year by tasting three special Chinese Teas–green, oolong, and pu-erh tea. Learn about where the tea is grown, who picks it, and how it’s processed.”

- Portland Farmers Winter’s Market, 10:00am – 2:00pm at Shemanski Park in downtown Portland (SW Park Avenue & SW Salmon). From web site: “Shop for winter produce, meats, cheeses, wine, seafood, baked goods and more every Saturday in January and February. Hot food, warming soups and covered spaces available to chase away the chills.”

- Lan Su Chinese Garden free admission now until Monday, January 9th.

- Friday and Saturday are your last days to score Fresh Express salad kits for just $1 at area Fred Meyer stores.

- Bank of America’s Museums on Us program offers free admission to the Portland Art Museum, Pittock Mansion and the Lan Su Chinese Garden this Saturday and Sunday. To qualify for Museums on Us, customers must present their Bank of America or Merrill Lynch credit or debit card along with a photo ID to gain free general admission.

- Art.Write.Now. exhibition at Pacific Northwest College of Art, now through January 27th. This is the “first-ever traveling exhibition showcasing teen-produced, winning artwork from the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards.” Free, catch it in the Swigert Commons inside PNCA.

- Lake Oswego Millennium Concert Band free concert begins at 7:30pm Sunday at the Lakeridge High School Auditorium.

- For more ideas on what to do this weekend, please check out Aroundthesunblog and PDXPipeline!

Spotlight: Entertainment Book 2012 Portland Edition
We’ve been getting Entertainment books for years and years now, usually from the students who sell them as part of a school fundraiser. There’s also Fred Meyer, local banks, libraries and other outlets to buy a book, or online direct from Entertainment.com. This week they are on sale for $20.12, includes free shipping. If you haven’t gotten your book yet, or maybe are a little unsure if you’ll use the coupons, we are hoping that this post will change your mind. Entertainment books are best known for the 2 for 1 coupons for local restaurants and attractions. But did you know that there are actually no-strings attached coupons for totally free items? Here are 15 great reasons to get your Entertainment book — all freebies!

- All American Ice Cream and Frozen Yogurt: small yogurt
- Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream: kid’s cup or cone
- Club Sport: day pass
- Eco Car Wash: one Eco car wash ($6 value)
- Emerald City Smoothie: kid’s smoothie
- Figaro’s Pizza: breadsticks
- Garlic Jim’s Pizza: breadsticks
- Jack in the Box: two tacos
- McDonald’s: medium french fry
- Mt. Hood Athletic Club: day pass
- Papa John’s Pizza: breadsticks
- Pizza Schmizza: 16oz fountain soda
- Quiznos: one free cookie
- Regal Cinemas: one movie on your birthday — includes IMAX and 3-D flicks as well! (up to a $14 value)
- Samurai Sam’s: grilled egg roll

The value for the free movie at Regal Cinemas and the one free car wash at Eco Car Wash together add up the cost of a book and it is valid now though the end of November. There are certain coupons you can use over and over again, and there are some unadvertised specials that you can only find online. To stretch our Portland budget, we make great use out of the Entertainment book as well as the Chinook Book and we always find that at the end of the year, our savings more than make up the cost of the purchase.

Happy New Year! We’ve updated our listings for our Birthday Perks and for Massage services, take a look!

Article of the Week:
- “12 smart savings tips for 2012,” by Greg McBride, CFA for Bankrate.com.

Monday, January 2nd:
- Free admission at the Oregon Zoo, 9:00am – 4:00pm!
- Free admission at the Lan Su Chinese Garden now until next Monday, January 9th. Open 10:00am – 5:00pm.
- Rose Bowl: Oregon Ducks vs Wisconsin Badgers, kick off at 2:10pm. Catch the game at McMenamins theaters, Grand Central Bowl or at home on ABC.
- In honor of the Oregon Ducks, Burgerville presents a ‘Quack Attack’ offer valid all day long: 5 original cheeseburgers for $5 or 5 double cheeseburgers for $10.

Tuesday, January 3rd:
- Lake Oswego’s First Tuesday Music Series features the music styling of the Double Reed Divas, 7:00pm at the Lake Oswego Library, free.
- Snowshoeing Basics at Hillsboro REI, 7:00pm – 8:30pm, free registration spots are still available.
- Oregon Archaeological Society general meeting features the free presentation “Native American Architecture of the Lower Columbia, Oregon Coast, and Willamette Valley: the Vernacular Style.” 7:45pm at OMSI, open to the public.

Wednesday, January 4th:
- Free presentation: “Moving Towards A Low Carbon Economy: Brown bag with Rex Burkholder,” 12:00pm inside the council chambers at Metro Regional Center.
- First Wednesday Chamber Jam with Classical Revolution PDX, 7:00pm at the Waypost in North Portland. $5 suggested donation.

Thursday, January 5th:
- First Thursday monthly art gallery event in downtown Portland, Old Town / Chinatown, Northwest and the Pearl. Click here for a printable walking map.

We’re on holiday until after the New Year, here are a few items to keep you busy with until then. Thanks for visiting, we’ll see ya in 2012!

- Northwest Portland Ministries annual Christmas dinner is today, 12:00pm – 2:00pm, free for the community. From web site: “Enjoy turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, fresh vegetables, cranberry sauce, rolls, desserts and live music! Receive a gift bag of practical items. Free flu shots are available for uninsured and low-income adults.”

- Aroundthesunblog has your listings of free activities and events for this weekend.

- Weekend events listing from Oregonlive includes Portland and Washington & Clackamas counties.

- Holiday Lights Display – The Hillsboro Argus will be listing residences in the Hillsboro area that are lit up for the holidays to such a degree that folks who appreciate that effort would like to take a drive to see. Pick up the newspaper for the address listings.

- Saturday Market: last two days for the Festival of the Last Minute!

- TravelZoo Local has a half-off deal for Portland Center Stage’s “A Christmas Story,” for performances until tomorrow.

- Restaurant.com has $25 gift certificates on sale for only $1, now through Saturday. Use the code ‘joy’ at checkout, stock up for the new year! (disclaimer: any certificates purchased through this affiliate link will help support POTC).

- The Portland Trail Blazers finally open up the 2011-2012 season with home games this Monday, Tuesday and Thursday — catch the action at the Rose Garden or KGW TV (for the Monday and Thursday night games).

- Portland New Years Parties, Events, Information and Pictures from PDX Pipeline.

- “Bring On the Apocalypse: Party your problems away this New Year’s Eve,” a full guide from Willamette Week for New Year’s Eve event listings.

Article of the Week:
“12 days of financial gift giving,” from Bankrate.com

Submission from Jo:
“Paul Schatz Furniture Fan Appreciation Sweepstakes – Enter to win a $1,000 Gift Card to Paul Schatz Furniture in Tigard, Oregon!

Paul Schatz Furniture is currently holding a Fan Appreciation Sweepstakes on Facebook. The Sweepstakes goes through Jan. 15. One (1) winner will be selected and the winner will receive a $1,000 gift card for Paul Schatz Furniture, good toward the purchase of any items at the store. Delivery is excluded. To enter and for more information, visit the Sweepstakes page here.”

Monday, December 19th:
- Sing-along Messiah at St. Mark Presbyterian Church beginning at 7:00pm. From web site: “The beauty of Handel’s Messiah shakes the rafters as we fill our sanctuary with an impromptu choir or singers and soloists. Musical scores provided or bring your own. A freewill offering will be taken to support SW Neighborhood House Food Program.”

Tuesday, December 20th:
- Lake Oswego Public Library’s Third Tuesday Author Series welcomes author Willy Vlautin, 7:00pm, free.
- Spoken Word: A Winter Wreath of Tales with Storyteller Anne Rutherford, 7:00pm at Hillsboro’s Walter’s Cultural Arts Center, free.

Wednesday, December 21st:
- The Old Church sack lunch concert features the JoySingers with Ed Eastman and Susan Triplet starting at 12:00 noon, free.
- Christmas Trains display at the Southminster Presbyterian Church, 1:00pm – 3:00pm, free.
- People’s Holiday Craft Fair and Farmers’ Market, 2:00pm – 7:00pm at People’s Food Co-Op, upstairs in the community room.
- PDX Vox performs at the St. Andrews Care Center, 7:00pm. No admission charge, but RSVP kindly requested at (503) 257-7946.

Thursday, December 22nd:
- Holiday Hooley at McMenamins Kennedy School gymnasium, 6:00pm – 8:00pm, free for all ages.
- Tonight is Portland’s HoliDate — enter a SmartPark Garage (locations listed here) between 4:00pm – 6:00pm and park free all night until 11:59pm. There will be special events, performances and prices from 4:00pm – 8:00pm at participating downtown businesses.

Weekend on the Cheap:

- Friday is Free Shipping Day with over 2,100 participating merchants offering free shipping with delivery by Christmas Eve in the contiguous United States.

- Friday is also Free Fry Day at Burger King, offering consumers an opportunity to try out their new French Fries. No purchase necessary. One free value size French fry per person, per visit.

- Write Around Portland Fall Reading and Anthology Release Party 6:30pm Friday at First United Methodist Church. Free for all ages, donations accepted.

- Peacock Lane’s last ‘Pedestrian-only’ night is Friday, 6:00pm – 11:00pm, free.

- The Stumptown Crawlers Santa Pub Crawl begins at McMenamins Mission Theater Saturday from 12:00pm – 1:30pm before moving on to other venues. Just down the road the SantaCanCrawl 2011 starts at 12:30pm at ‘The North Pole.’ See web sites for event details.

- 2011 Christmas Ships and Winter Solstice Bonfire at the Milwaukie Riverfront Park, Saturday 4:00pm – 6:00pm. Free.

- Prints for PICA Art Sale Saturday, 6:00pm – 9:00pm at Lux. Free admission, features over 100 artists.

- Make Music PDX in Concert, a benefit concert for music education at the Community Music Center, this Saturday at 7:00pm. $5 suggested donation.

- Handmade Northwest presents their Formal Holiday Artisans Fair 2011, Sunday 11:00am – 5:00pm at the Acadian Ballroom. Features over 60 artisans, live music and free goodie bags for the first 100 guests.

- 2nd annual Publication Fair with Publication Studio, Sunday 11:00am – 7:00pm at the Ace Hotel. Free and open to the public.

- Bach Cantata Vespers perform a holiday concert this Sunday, 5:00pm at Portland’s St. James Lutheran Church.

- Entertainment books are only $19.99 now through Sunday, December 18th. Includes free shipping, get a second of the same edition for $15. This is an affiliate link and any purchase you make helps support Portland on the Cheap, thanks!

- For more ideas on what to do this weekend, please check out Aroundthesunblog and PDXPipeline!

Article of the Week:
- “12 Things Not to Buy During the Holidays,” by John Miley for Kiplinger.com.

Monday, December 12th:
- The Volunteers of Portland Center for the Performing Arts presents PCPA Noontime Showcase: Sally Harmon & Frank Gruner, a holiday piano and bass duo playing at 12:00pm. Free admission, located in the Rotunda of Antoinette Hatfield Hall.

Tuesday, December 13th:
- Second Tuesday at the Oregon Zoo, admission is just $4 per person. Show proof of fare that you rode the MAX and get an additional $1.50 off. Bonus: this offer also applies for the evening Zoo Lights event!
- 11th Annual Jefferson High School Multicultural Film Festival screens the movie “Good Hair” at the North Portland Library. 5:00pm start time, free and includes a discussion following the show.
- Independent Lens Community Cinema “Lioness,” 6:00pm at the George S. Turnbull Portland Center inside the White Stag Block in Old Town/Chinatown. Free admission for all ages.
- One of our favorite movies of all time is up on the big screen at McMenamins Bagdad Theater: the First Rule of Book Club Presents The Princess Bride, open to the public for all ages with the film starting at 7:00pm. Admission is $3 for adults and $1 for children, all profits will be donated to Street Books.
- The Oregon Encyclopedia’s Stumptown Stories presents “The Portland of A.E. Doyle,” free lecture beginning at 7:30pm in downtown Portland’s Rialto Pool Room (go to the basement for the Jack London Bar). 21 and over only.

Wednesday, December 14th:
- Lake Oswego Public Library annual Open House, 1:00pm – 4:00pm with holiday music by the Stafford Singers performing at 2:00pm. Free.

Thursday, December 15th:
- Play in Hillsdale Third Thursday with December’s theme “Holiday Dog Day.” From web site: “Hillsdale shops are open late with Great Deals, Events and Live Music! Local artists, musicians and home-based businesses will also join the fun. Look for the trail of balloons leading you to each participating business.” Businesses located near the Hillsdale Shopping Center.
- Peacock Lane opens and tonight and Friday is ‘Pedestrian-only Night,’ no motor vehicles allowed! Check out the light displays 6:00pm – 11:00pm.
- Drink Deck Portland 1st Year Anniversary Party, 7:00pm at Vendetta. Free admission, but you must RSVP here.

Stuff for today, Thursday December 8th:

- Global Domino’s Pizza Day: get 50% off menu-priced pizza online with Global Domino’s Day. Must click ‘Like’ on their Facebook page and follow the instructions — there will be a special tab from which to order the pizza all the way until midnight.

- Submission from Lance:

Threads Count has finally opened its doors in Portland, and you’re exclusively invited to check out all the goods first. Threads Count is only the second consignment shop in Portland dedicated to guys. So whether your closet is filled with runway brands (Gucci, Prada, Armani), Portland staples (flannel, sweaters, boots), or a bit of everything in between, this store has something for everyone. You can afford to refresh your closet (and look!) without having to break the bank. Designer brands start as low as $25. We’ll provide all the cocktails, food, & music you need to make your shopping experience as easy as can be. We’ll be giving out gift certificates all night and everything in the store is an additional 25% off. Spread the holiday cheer and bring your friends – we look forward to sipping and shopping with you!
Date & Time: Thursday, December 8, 2011 at 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Location: 2235 NW Savier Street, Portland, OR 97210

- Don’t forget it’s downtown Portland’s HoliDate tonight — enter a SmartPark Garage (locations listed here) between 4:00pm – 6:00pm and park free all night until 11:59pm. There will be special events, performances and prices from 4:00pm – 8:00pm.

- Free holiday musical performances at Pioneer Courthouse Square include Holy Cross Choir (5:30pm – 6:30pm) and ACMA Synergy (6:30pm – 7:30pm).

- Today is the last day to get 20% off of one item at REI’s online Outlet Store; we used this promotion last night in conjunction with a recent Google Offer we purchased ($25 for $15). With outlet items already discounted an average of 33%, we saved quite a bit and will even get a little money back through our account at Ebates. One more bonus: free shipping on any product you order, no minimum requirement.