Tues. Feb. 1st-

This coming Tuesday, February 1st at 5:30 pm you are invited to a public forum about the Oregon State Bank.

A proposal to create a publicly owned bank modeled after the highly successful Bank of North Dakota will be heard in the 2011 Oregon legislature. Come to the event to find out what you can do to get involved in this exciting campaign.

Right now the State of Oregon deposits billions of our tax dollars into the same Wall Street Banks that crashed our economy. We believe that money could be brought home to create jobs here. By partnering with community banks, the Oregon State Bank will get credit flowing once again to Oregon’s small business owners and farmers. www.OregoniansForaStateBank.org

Forum Speakers:

Barbara Dudley - Co-Chair of the Oregon Working Families Party; Jim Houser - Co-owner of the Hawthorne Auto Clinic, and co-chair of the Main Street Alliance of Oregon; Teresa Retzlaff - Farmer at 46 North Farm in Astoria, and member of Friends of Family Farmers; State Representative Jefferson Smith - (D-Portland, District 47)

Public Forum about the Oregon State Bank

5:30 – 6 pm Reception, with drinks and finger foods

6 – 8 pm Public Forum

At the New Song Community Church, 2511 NE MLK Blvd, Portland.

Help spread the word:

If you are on Facebook you can RSVP to this event. This will help spread the word to others!

Parking Info:

New Song Community Church is located at the corner of MLK and NE Russell St. Parking is available behind the church. Note that it may be easier to access the parking lot from Sacramento street (one block South of Russell St.) For a map of the site which shows the venue and parking lots go here.

Hosted by: Oregon Working Families Party, Oregon Action and the Main Street AllianceCo-Sponsored by:

AFSCME Council 75, Alliance for Democracy, Code Pink Portland Chapter, Communication Workers of America Local 7901, Economic Justice Action Group of the First Unitarian Church, Enlace, Jobs with Justice, Laborers Local 483, National Association of Letter Carriers, Branch 82, National Lawyers Guild Portland Chapter, Oregon Fair Trade Campaign, Oregon Renewable Energy Policy, Portland Alliance, PSU Faculty Association, AFT 3571, Real Wealth of Portland, The Northwest Alliance for Alternative Media & Education, UFCW Local 555, Women's International League for Peace & Freedom

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Wed. Feb. 2nd-

Benefit Showing of Food Matters, Bagdad Theater, SE 37th & Hawthorne Blvd, 6:30pm to 8pm, sponsored by KBOO Radio, more info at 503-231-8032 x219. No admission fee required, donations accepted. Be there or be square!

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Wed. Feb. 2nd-

Tim Kasser : Human Identity and Environmental Challenges, 5 - 7:00 pm, PSU, Shattuck Annex (SW Hall and Broadway)

Despite some important successes, the efforts of the environmental movement have thus far failed to activate the kinds of personal and social changes necessary to meet the many ecological challenges we face. A growing body of psychological research suggests that if these efforts incorporated more knowledge about human identity (including our values, our sense of social identity, and the ways we cope when threatened), greater progress towards a more sustainable (and socially just) world might be forthcoming. This event is free and open to the public.
Tim Kasser is the chair and a professor in the Psychology department at Knox College. His research focuses on materialistic values, investigating how values relate to well-being in various nations around the world, as well as what leads some people to become especially focused on different types of values. He was the Associate Editor of the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, (2006-2009). Kasser is the author of The High Price of Materialism (2002). More info at 503-725-9662. Sponsored by Portland Center for Public Humanities (PCPH)
http://publichumanities.pdx.edu/

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STARTS Feb. 3rd thru Aug. 31st-

2011 Illahee Lecture Series - Searching for Solutions: Innovation for the Public Good

We all know we are unlikely to solve problems going forward with solutions from the past. We need to think of new approaches. We need to innovate. But what exactly is innovation? When is it useful, trivial, destructive? And how can we tell? What conditions foster or enable innovation? How do innovative ideas move from inspiration to initial implementation to wide-spread diffusion? Furthermore, even with all the good ideas and practices out there, how do we get organizations to embrace innovative solutions at the rapid rate we'll need to avoid hitting environmental and energy walls? Unless otherwise noted, all lectures begin at 7 PM at the First Congregational Church, 1126 SW Park Avenue in Portland.

Feb. 3 — Political scientist Roger Pielke, Jr., will champion the importance of energy innovation as the key to moving past carbon towards a sustainable society.

March 14 — Consultant extraordinaire Alan AtKisson will discuss how governments, businesses and nonprofits can push the accelerator on innovation for sustainability.

March 30 — Molecular biologist Richard Jefferson will talk new tech, tools and thought to bring efficiency and equity to life-sciences-enabled innovation.

April 16 — Food guru and author Michael Pollan will explore his “Food Rules” and lay out lessons we can all take the supermarket, farmer’s market and stock market. University of Portland venue!

May 11 — Founding editor and On The Commons fellow David Bollier will take us on a tour of the commons as a new paradigm of economics, politics and culture.

Aug. 31 — The first female winner of the Nobel prize for Economics, Elinor Ostrom will discuss her work on how people interact with economic and political systems to cultivate the Commons.

$69. to $199 season passes. Single tickets also available. You can order tickets online, by mail or by phone. Illahee can accept cash or check as well as Visa and Mastercard. Call 503-222-2719, or mail check to Illahee, 720 SW Washington, Suite 800, Portland, OR 97205, online at http://illahee.org/lectures/Passes%202011/document_view .
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Fri. Feb. 4th thru Sat. March 5th-

21st Annual Cascade Festival of African Films, various locations, most are at PCC Cascade Campus, 705 N. Killingsworth St, Moriarty Arts and Humanities Bldg, Rm 104 Theater. All films and events are free and open to all on a first-seated basis. Seating is limited in all venues, so come early. Free parking in all student lots. Located on buslines # 72 & # 4. 100% FREE!

The festival committee is pleased to present a variety of feature and documentary films from the African continent. The majority of films were made by African directors. The films celebrate Africa’s achievements, expose Africa’s problems, and reveal the possibilities for a more hopeful future. They show us pictures of Africa through the eyes of Africans, rather than a vision of Africa that is packaged primarily for western viewers. The films represent African concerns that are political, historical, and social. This year covers a wide range of themes and topics, including family and loyalty, parent-child relationships, community responsibility, change, the quest for peace and justice, and the power of wonder, imagination, and imani, the Swahili word for faith.

These films were chosen because they represent different countries and cultures and a range of lifestyles from pre-colonial to modern times, including both rural and urban settings. Although it is impossible to represent a whole continent with only a few films, it is our hope that through this annual film series we will encourage American viewers to become interested in African cultures and to study them further. Evening showings always include after-film audience discussions with the Directors and /or other speakers familiar with the country or subject matter.

This Film Festival brings Directors to discuss their films and does not charge admission! All descriptions, times and locations of the films can be found at www.africanfilmfestival.org . I have seen some of the films already, and I can highly recommend Stolen, StreetBall, In My Genes, and Masquerades. See you there!

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Sat. Feb. 5th-
Performance for Black History Month: Ethnic Heritage Ensemble, Reed College Eliot Hall Chapel, 7:30 pm.

For more than 30 years, the Ethnic Heritage Ensemble has carried on the African American tradition of percussive jazz from a distinctly Midwest-Chicago perspective. The ensemble features the talents of three internationally renowned musicians: Dr. Kahil El’Zabar, percussionist, composer, and a prolific jazz innovator; Ernest Dawkins, a premier jazz saxophonist and composer; and Corey Wilkes, trumpet, an artist in residence and board member with the Jazz Institute of Chicago. More info at

Eliot Hall chapel. Events line 503/777-7755.

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Sun. Feb. 6th- Ongoing, every Sunday

FREE community film night at The 3rd Space, 5014 NE 24th (behind the Star E Rose Cafe) every Sunday at 6pm.

Thought-provoking documentaries with informal discussions afterwards for those who want to stay & talk about their thoughts & stirrings on the film. Note: this isn't a weekly commitment (if it turns into that, awesome!) Come to whatever movie peaks your interest.

February's films:

2/06 Nobelity

2/13 Food Matters

2/20 Democracy in the Workplace, Hometown Money (two shorter films on cooperatives & local currency, respectively)

2/27 The Corporation

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Tues. Feb. 8th-

Leveling the Playground: Equity and Education, Multnomah County Building, 501 S. E. Hawthorne Blvd, 7 - 8:30pm.

Speaking will be Doug Wells from the Community and Parents for Public Schools, Nichole Maher of the Native American Youth Family Center, and Dan Jamison of the Chalkboard Project. A question and answer period will follow the presentations. The Public is invited and encouraged to attend. This event will be televised available on the LWV-PDX website. Sponsored by League of Women Voters The League of Women Voters will present a panel discussion about the issues, concerns, and possible solutions for achieving educational equity in Portland's Public Schools.

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VANCOUVER

Wed. Feb. 9th-

Author Robert Whitaker on his book, ANATOMY OF AN EPIDEMIC: RETHINKING PSYCHIATRY AND MOVING MENTAL HEALTH RECOVERY FORWARD, 1:30 pm, Vancouver UU Church, 4505 E. 18th St, at General Anderson. No Panel or reception here, but otherwise see info below about Mr Whitaker. More info at 360-241-0528.

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Thurs. Feb. 10th-

Author Robert Whitaker will lead a panel - ANATOMY OF AN EPIDEMIC: RETHINKING PSYCHIATRY AND MOVING MENTAL HEALTH RECOVERY FORWARD, 7 pm, First Unitarian Church, 1011 SW 12th at Salmon.

Robert Whitaker's book Anatomy of an Epidemic is being called The Silent Spring of psychiatry. This is very important stuff! Reception from 5-6:45 pm, then Mr Whitaker and the panel will share their perspectives and plans to create a more compassionate mental health system in Oregon, and across the nation. $5-$20 donation requested. No one turned away for lack of funds. Two CEUs available. Child care available.

Panelists include:
Beckie Child, Director of the Mental Health America of Oregon; Cindi Fisher, Movement of Mothers Standing - Up -Together: Taking Back Our Children ( The M.O.M.S. Movement );
Chris Gordon, Assistant professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, Medical Director of Mental Health Advocacy; Will Hall, Portland therapist and national leader in Peer Recovery;
Gina Nikkel, Director of the Oregon Association of Community Mental Health. More info: 503.665.3957 or www.realwealthpdx.org/rethinkingpsychiatry. Sponsored by the Economic Justice Action Group of First Unitarian Church.

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Thurs. Feb. 10th-

If you're interested in Oregon's budget and want to learn more, please join State Rep Ben Cannon, State Senator Jackie Dingfelder and State Rep Michael Dembrow for a Budget Town Hall discussion, at PCC Southeast (2305 SE 82nd Ave) from 7 to 8:30 pm. We will tackle tough questions like: How should legislators respond to the estimated $3.5 billion shortfall in the state’s budget? What core state services do you depend on? How should the Legislature make Oregon’s economy and system of public finance more durable for the long term? As well as a discussion of health care, the environment, education reforms, and other issues that matter to our community. More info at (503)986-1446.

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Fri. Feb. 11th-

3rd Annual NW Environmental Health Conference, 8:30 AM - 4 PM, Portland State University, Smith Memorial Student Union.

This conference will host leading scientists, researchers and healthcare professionals in the field of environmental health with emphasis on the impact the environment has on health and healthcare practices. Topics Include: Green Chemistry, Built Environment, Environmental Justice, Sustainability, Health Impact Assessments, Integrative Health Care, Obesity, Autism & Pediatric Health.

*Continuing Education Credit Available for Nurses, Environmental Health Professionals, and Naturopathic Doctors

*Discounted Student Rates!

Registration for the 3rd Annual NW Environmental Health Conference is required. Register today! More info, please contact Sara Gerlt Schroeder at 971-409-3381.

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Sat. Feb. 12th-

Anarchists Against the Wall Speaking Tour (Palestine-Israeli popular resistance), Mississippi Pizza Pub, 3552 North Mississippi Ave, 9pm.

Speaking tour & Slam Poet Shachaf Polakow, Israeli AATW activist, speaks about the joint Palestinian-Israeli popular resistance against the ongoing occupation and the building of the Apartheid Wall. Local Slam Poets will perform after guest speaker. $10 Suggested donation. (All donations to support AATW). For more Info call: 602-446-9444. Sponsored by SUPER (Students United For Palestinian Equal Rights)

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Sat. Feb. 19th-
Lecture for Black History Month: Annette Gordon-Reed College Kaul Auditorium, 7:30 pm.

Annette Gordon-Reed, a professor of law at New York Law School since 1992 and winner of the 2009 Pulitzer Prize in History for her book The Hemingses of Monticello: An American Family (W. W. Norton, 2008), is recognized as one of our country’s most distinguished presidential scholars.

Kaul Auditorium.

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OLYMPIA, WASHINGTON

Mon. Feb. 21st-

Congressman Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) speaking on the subject: War is Bad
for the Economy, 3 pm, Capitol Theater in Downtown Olympia, 206 5th Ave SE. Free parking on the street (Presidents Day holiday)

Sponsored by Fellowship of Reconciliation and Veterans for Peace, Rachel
Corrie Chapter 109, $5-15 suggested donation at the door. Please pass this notice on, this is an 800 seat venue. Let's fill it up. Contact Cheryl Crist at ccrist5000@aol.com (360-754-7631) or Glen Anderson at glen@olywa.net (360-491-9093) for more information.

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Tues. Feb. 22nd-

William S. Burroughs: A Man Within,by Yony Leyser, INDEPENDENT LENS-OPB TV Channel 10, 10 pm, check local listings. Usually 1 hour.

An iconoclast who himself became an icon, William Burroughs explored the outer boundaries of culture and identity in the 1950s. His work was vilified by conservatives and banned by the U.S. government, but emerged to influence artists for generations to come. Burroughs's friends and colleagues remember the public persona and the private man. Sounds very good!

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Thurs. Feb. 24th-

I Can Control Myself: The 'Twilight' Saga as as American Mormon Tale of Perfection,

7 - 9 pm, PSU, Smith Memorial Student Union, Room 329.

Speaker Susana Morrill’s Twilight saga rests in its story of forbidden love. But it is also a compelling treatise on the belief that people have free will and can change themselves for the better. Perfectionism is a long-standing tradition within American Protestant-dominated culture and in Mormonism, the religions of the saga’s author, Stephanie Meyer. This talk will explore the historical roots of this religious belief in American and Mormon culture and suggest that “Twilight” represents another step in the mainstreaming of Mormon culture.
Susanna Morrill is an Assistant Professor of Religious Studies at Lewis and Clark College. She teaches courses in United States religious history. Morrill’s research focuses on women in United States religions. Her work in the recent past has focused specifically on how early Mormon women used popular literature in order to argue for the theological importance of their roles in the home, community, and church. This event is free and open to the public. More info 503-725-9662 and http://publichumanities.pdx.edu/ Sponsor Portland Center for Public Humanities (PCPH) @ PSU.

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Fri. Feb. 25th- Last Friday of every month.

Critical Mass! Meet-up 5:30 pm, Underneath Burnside bridge on the westside, by naito parkway. Every biker participating Get your bike parade on! Boo yah! Bring your bike, a friend, some love, and your biking legs. Celebrate bikes, or just ride with some friends in a mass, or whatever you'd like CM to be - lets do it! 6pm - Get your ride on! Critical mass info?

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Sat. Feb. 26th-

Lecture for Black History Month: Manning Marable, Reed College Kaul Auditorium, 7:30 pm.

Manning Marable is the M. Moran Weston and Black Alumni Council Professor of African-American Studies and professor of history and public affairs at Columbia University. He was founding director of African American Studies at Columbia from 1993 to 2003. Since 2002, he has directed Columbia's Center for Contemporary Black History. Kaul Auditorium.

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FYI: Sue Supriano is new to town and has an extensive library of Audio Interviews she has done over many years covering a lot of different materials. Check her out at: Sue Supriano - Steppin' Out of Babylon: Audio Interviews http://www.suesupriano.com