Shaking up history 🥃

Portland filmmaker shakes up ‘playful’ cocktail of history and alcohol

David S Mayne happy hour history portland pdx

Host David S. Mayne dons costumes for each episode of “Happy Hour History.” | Photo courtesy of David S. Mayne/Happy Hour History

The Scofflaw. The Moscow Mule. The Bee’s Knees. All of these cocktails have something in common: origins closely tied to major events in human history. Portland filmmaker David S. Mayne wants to tell you all about them on a spirited trip through time.

To do so, David recently launched a series available on Amazon Prime and Tubi called “Happy Hour History.” With a drink in his hand, he briefly sets the stage for a historical event (think: the Battle of Moscow or the early women’s rights movement) and explains how the events of the time paved the way for an alcoholic beverage still enjoyed today.

If the concept reminds you of a certain series in which increasingly-inebriated hosts reenact historical events, well, David set the record straight. “We’re ‘Drunk History’s’ nerdy cousin,” he said, adding that multiple university professors vet the content. “Even though I sip cocktails throughout the show, we don’t progressively start changing history. I do think it’s important to stick to the facts — they’re far more interesting.”

On the flip side, “Happy Hour History” deviates from traditional historical documentaries by not only incorporating something many people enjoy (read: alcohol), but also by making the information easier to consume through humor, animation, and costumes (the Oregon Shakespeare Festival provided the clothes David wears in the pilot) — in a style David describes as “quirky, a little bit irreverent, playful.”

Happy Hour HIstory PDX portland — A taste of what you’ll see in Episode 1, “Scotch & Don’t Drink the Water.”

Each of the five episodes concludes with an award-winning bartender teaching viewers how to make the beverages at home. You may recognize some of the featured guests, like Palomar owner Ricky Gomez and Portland mixologist Nathan Gerdes, and the filming locations (Bible Club, Scotch Lodge, Raven & Rose).

You can support the show by watching it online, leaving a review, and attending a live screening on Saturday, Feb. 25, 6-8:30 p.m., at Trail Distilling’s tasting room in Oregon City. David already has more episodes written and ready to pour.

EXCLUSIVE: DAVID'S FAVORITE COCKTAIL

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Friday, Feb. 10

Portland Night Market | Friday, Feb. 10-Saturday, Feb. 11 | 4-11 p.m. | 100 SE Alder St., Portland | Free | Find special gifts, home goods, food, clothing, jewelry, and more created by 175+ local vendors at this themed market with music and drinks.
Portland Winter Light Festival | Friday, Feb. 10-Saturday, Feb. 11 | 6-10 p.m. | Locations vary | Free | “The Light of the Stars” will illuminate Rose City with pop-up installations sprinkled across neighborhoods while the downtown district hosts large, dynamic light-art sculptures and performances.

Saturday, Feb. 11

Planting Forest Tree Seedlings | Saturday, Feb. 11 | 9 a.m.-2 p.m. | Hopkins Demonstration Forest, 16750 S. Brockway Rd., Oregon City | Free | Join this field workshop to learn about basic tree planting, from site prep to animal protection, then help put some in the ground at reforestation and ice-damage rehab sites.
Albina Black History Month Tree Talk | Saturday, Feb. 11 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | June Key Delta Community Center, 5940 N. Albina Ave., Portland | Free | Join Portland Parks Urban Forestry to learn about the Black Portlanders and projects credited for pioneering environmentalism in Albina and beyond.
“Young Americans” | Saturday, Feb. 11-Sunday, March 26 | Times vary | Portland Center Stage, 128 NW 11th Ave., Portland | $23-$67 | Follow two road trips, set 20 years apart, about two immigrants getting to know their new home in Portland and, later, as their adopted daughter pieces together family history.

Sunday, Feb. 12

Dragons Love Tacos | Sunday, Feb. 12-Sunday, Feb. 19 | Times vary | Newmark Theatre, 1111 SW Broadway, Portland | $22-$45 | And as all the kids in the audience will learn, the spicier, the better.

We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

PLAN YOUR WEEKEND

7 common mistakes when hiring a financial advisor

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Choosing the right financial advisor is one of the most impactful decisions families make. | Photo by SmartAsset

Life should be a balance of adventure and relaxation — not finances. Enter: Working with a financial advisor. But choosing the wrong one could potentially wreak havoc on your retirement and investments.

Avoid these seven common mistakes when hiring a financial advisor so you can get back to the balance that matters most.

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Weather

52º | Early rain showers, then sunshine | 54% chance of rain

Sunrise + Sunset

Rise: 7:20 a.m.
Set: 5:30 p.m.

Civic

The city of Portland released the findings of a report designed to better understand the needs and experiences of disabled Portlanders. Key findings from the Disability Equity & Engagement Survey include issues like poverty rates, accessibility in infrastructure, and inclusion in city events and programs. 🦽

Sports

Rip City is reportedly getting Philadelphia 76ers guard Matisse Thybulle in a three-way trade deal that will send Svi Mykhailiuk — and multiple second-round picks — to the Charlotte Hornets. The Trail Blazers acquired Mykhailiuk, Cam Reddish, and Ryan Arcidiacono from the New York Knicks in exchange for Josh Hart. 🏀 (The Oregonian/Oregon Live + ESPN)

Arts

“This is the Future” makes its US debut tomorrow, Feb. 11, at the Portland Art Museum. The immersive exhibit by German filmmaker and artist Hito Steyerl uses video, sculpture, and “architectural intervention” to create an imaginary garden that reflects on climate change, the societal impacts of artificial intelligence, and resilience. 🥀

Try This

This month is a great time to catch up with Moshu the red panda or meet some new residents at the Oregon Zoo. Adults can visit the zoo for $12 — that’s about half off the regular ticket price — Saturday, Feb. 18-Friday, Feb. 24. Be sure to reserve tickets online ahead of time. 🐒

Travel

Did you know an Amtrak ticket to Eugene ($17) is cheaper than taking a Greyhound bus? Going by train may also cost about the same as driving yourself, depending on your vehicle. “It’s not a promotion. That’s the new rate for getting around Oregon on the Amtrak Cascades,” said ODOT’s Shelley Snow. 🛤️ (Willamette Week)

Drink

Proud Mary Coffee Roasters sold all 11 cups of its Black Jaguar Geisha coffee (the one that was $150/cup) in a single day. We’d love to hear what you thought of the brew if you tried it. Proud Mary said it may offer similar — but less pricey — specials in the future. ☕

Ranked

Portland knows a thing or two about making delicious pizza… and slinging slices for top dollar. Pizza delivery app Slice reportedly found that the average cost of a large cheese pizza in Oregon is $26.94 — the most expensive in the US, compared to the national average of $17.81. 🍕 (MarketWatch)

Sports

Feeling lucky ahead of Sunday’s big game? Sign up for DraftKings Sportsbook and earn $200 in bonus bets instantly when you bet at least $5. Psst — you can also place bets on college basketball, NHL games, and even the upcoming Daytona 500. 🏈 *

Seasonal

Here’s your reminder that Valentine’s Day is next Tuesday. Don’t forget to order that special someone a bouquet of flowers that will leave a lasting impression. Psst — check out Floom, an online marketplace that partners with florists that deliver locally. Shop Floom’s selection of special edition Valentine’s Day arrangements. 💐 *

Stat

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Stretch those hammies 👟

Run a 5K in Portland

Dozens of people wearing exercise clothing run on a road in front of a starting line.

All Shamrock Run races begin and end at Tom McCall Waterfront Park. | Photo courtesy of @shamrockpdx

We see you, year-round runners — and we tip our hats to you.

Weather you’re a rain-or-shine jogger or strictly shine-only, you’re bound to find a local 5K (3.1-mile race) that makes you want to lace up your shoes and pound some pavement.

Rock Creek Trail parkrun | Every Saturday | Free | Ease into the 5K scene at your own pace with this weekly run.
Shamrock Run | Sunday, March 12 | Celebrate the 45th anniversary of this run through downtown Portland.
Tabor Challenge | Saturday, April 8 | Race proceeds support scholarships for seniors at Grover Cleveland High School.
Starlight Run | Saturday, June 3 | Run the Starlight Parade route in front of ~250,000 spectators.
ZERO Prostate Cancer Run/Walk | Gather a team and raise money to support prostate cancer patients and their families.
Get Your Rear in Gear | Saturday, Aug. 5 | Join the fight to end colon cancer.
Strut Your Kidney | Sunday, Sept. 17 | Celebrate, honor, and raise awareness for children with chronic kidney disease.

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Cambrie.

Editor’s pick: Want to celebrate Valentine’s Day (or any special upcoming date) with dinner out on the town? Portland Monthly has a list of scrumptious — and classy — spots to consider.

I’ll add one to the list: Janken in the Pearl District. I had dinner there this week with a friend — take a look.

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Connect with us.

Editorial: Cambrie Juarez, Ben McBee, Britt Thorson, Emily Shea, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Dayten Rose, Sarah Leonhardt, Katie Smith | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

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