Monk's Blood is Here! 21st Amendment's Belgian Ale

Fans can start lining up in the supermarket and pub—21st Amendment Brewery’s Monk’s Blood is finally here! There’s been a flurry of buzz about this Belgian-style dark ale brewed with cinnamon, vanilla, oak chips and dried figs. Initially released in December of 2009, Monk’s Blood is the first installment in 21st Amendment’s Insurrection Series, a limited edition, once-in-a-while, four-pack release of a very special beer that rises up in revolt against common notions of what canned beer can be.

Monk's Blood has a rich malt aroma, slightly fruity, with notes of dark figs and oak tannins at 8.5% ABV. The beer is a tribute to the brewmaster monks of Belgium’s monasteries. These monks drink only beer during their fasts—providing a new perspective to drinking beer, or “liquid bread” as they call it, on an empty stomach.

To develop the original recipe for this beer, 21st Amendment founders Nico Freccia and Shaun O’Sullivan traveled to Belgium. Near the famous Trappist Abbey of Westvletren, the visited traditional breweries in the hop fields of west Flanders. Monk’s Blood is designed to pair with winter stews, cheeses and desserts or to be savored by itself in a Belgian tulip glass, perhaps contemplating the higher plains of life.

Draft Magazine rated Monk's Blood as one of the Top Beers of 2010 - pick yourself up a four-pack and see what all the buzz is about!

What’s the best part of TED? Oh yeah, it’s BIL

As we all know, TED is in full swing down in Long Beach—the glossiest, bling-iest, intellectual conference around. With a price tag of $6,000, it’s an elites-only event. Sure, TED now posts a sample of talks on their website—which are well with a watch—but I think it's more fun to explore BIL.

BIL, the unconference. A free, self-organizing, emergent arts, science, society and technology unconference held near TED that first formed spontaneously in 2007. I read about BIL yesterday in the Wall Street Journal and it made me smile (when the front page of WSJ makes you smile, it’s something memorable). I loved the idea of a bunch of smarty-pants couch surfers rubbing TED the wrong way, stealing a bit of their publicity. In this particular article, when a TED spokeswoman was asked about the conference’s relationship to BIL she declined to comment.

No comment?! (First off, the PR side of me says, “Ouch, that was a mistake—now you look like a real snob.”) But the real zinger is this:

If TED is all about “ideas worth spreading” than they should be spreading around a little more BIL.

BIL is the ultimate DIY—because the organizers of the original BIL encourage people to create their own BIL unconferences—to organize their own community events that share great ideas, not just about technology, but about comedy, politics, communication, really, anything worth talking about.

We all know that ever since higher education became accessible to everyone (thanks, Kennedy) great ideas are no longer limited to the realm of the leisure class. It’s just a matter of putting time aside to, you know, actually do something great.

So, when will the creators of BIL be gracing the stage of TED?

Bend WinterFest a Bright Spot in Bend, Oregon's Cold Season

It's been kind of a let down this week, with Bend, Oregon's 2011 OnPoint Bend WinterFest coming to a close last Sunday. The weekend was jam-packed with activities for visitors of all ages. We especially had fun checking out all the great vendors (Ida's cupcakes were divine) and visiting with some of the animals (a miniature donkey tried to steal my handbag), but the real highlights were competitors flying through the air on Friday and Saturday nights on the giant Rail Jam, and the Metal Mulisha performance on Sunday. My family of three sampled fare from nearly every food booth, saw many good friends and were amazed at the number of people turning out to enjoy Bend, Oregon's winter wonderland. On to 2012!

Check out this wrap up on kezi: http://kezi.com/news/local/205065

Bitter American: Brave the Feb Chill and Drink One on the Porch

If you don’t think session beers are a good choice for February, you haven’t tried 21st Amendment Brewery's Bitter American yet. Right now in Portland, the sun is valiantly shining on my balcony porch, and it seems like a great time to crack open a can.

This is my first experience drinking a craft beer in a can (I sort of skipped that whole chugging Bud Light as a teenager phase, and went straight to bottled beer. What can I say? I grew up in Oregon.)

My first thoughts are, “wow, this does have a ton of flavor.” With an alcohol content of just 4.4% by volume, I’m surprised by the intensity of the flavor, even though I did, you know, write the press release.

I love strong beers, but tend to shy away from super hoppy brews—this beer does have a strong hoppiness that’s not unpleasant, but definitely present. It’s not what I expected from an extra pale ale. I enjoy the maltiness mixed in with the hop flavor—21st Amendment uses an imported English heirloom malt called Golden Promise in Bitter American.

All in all, this is my best beer-in-a-can experience—I definitely recommend giving Bitter American a try, especially if you’re hanging out with friends on a Friday evening. Drinking a Bitter American, you’ll feel like you’re drinking a stronger beer—but you’ll understand why 21st Amendment co-founder Nico Freccia likes to say, "Go ahead. Give one, or three, a try."

Savvy New Beer Mag Embraces Cutting-Edge App

Last night I attended the launch party of a new magazine created by an old hand in the world of beer media – Megan Flynn. The woman behind Beer Northwest has expanded to include the entire West Coast with Beer West Magazine.

The new magazine might have been the reason we were all at this launch party, but a new app was center stage: Beer West is the first magazine to partner with Beaverton-based tech company Digimarc to provide reader-only content through a phone app. What sets this app apart is it registers what the phone is looking at. Behind 25 different images in Beer West Magazine is a special watermark (which can be printed behind anything, even, theoretically, a temporary tattoo). The app recognizes the watermark and connects to special content online.

While Megan was talking about Beer West and Digimarc in front of the audience of writers and PR reps, a news clip on KGW flashed onto the pub’s televisions featuring non other than Megan, herself, and a montage of people with iPhones flashing their screens at pages of Beer West. Kudos to Megan for having the guts to launch a magazine in these stilted economic times, and for having the business savvy to create so much buzz around it. Partnering with Digimarc was an intelligent move (and they revealed how much this cost the magazine: $4.99 a watermark, that’s a total of only about $125).

A feature article on Deschutes Brewery’s newest brewer Veronica Vega is included in this first edition of Beer West – and you got it – readers can use the app to access a reader-only interview with her online. (FYI - the print article is much longer than the blip online, with a two and a half-page spread on Vega. Should she consider creating her own fan club? With a name like Veronica Vega, of course she should!)

In the future, the app is also suppose to register what the phone is listening too, a feature that will put users, as CEO Bruce Davis put it, “in the web, not on the web.” To her credit, Megan made a little joke about how spooky that sounded.

If this new app becomes as big as Davis hopes, it could be a step towards keeping print relevant by making it more interactive with the web and more fun. Personally, I would never trade in my books, magazines and newspapers for Kindles and Ipads. But I’m old school—sometimes I like to unplug and look up from my computer screen. Interestingly, getting away from the computer is one of the motivations Davis cited, saying the app “could liberate the world.”

I couldn’t help being distracted by the six o’clock news flashing on the giant TVs looming above Megan and Davis. The screen showed interviews with Hilary Clinton, President Obama and scenes of protesters running through the streets of Egypt. “Well,” I thought to myself. “It’s not liberating the entire world.”

Strong Beer Month: Are You Experienced?

The cats at 21st Amendment Brewery and Magnolia Gastropub and Brewery are experienced, baby. Hey, it may not be the Summer of Love (okay, so it’s February) but these breweries know the 9th annual Strong Beer Month is going to warm you blood, raise your spirits and improve your conversational prowess. Both pubs continue the month-long tradition of offering 12 beers, six at each brewery, that are strong and have intense flavors.

The brewers of the 21st Amendment and Magnolia Gastropub and Brewery once again bring you an astounding range of memorable brews to lift the winter doldrums. Those who visit both breweries and try all twelve beers get to keep the special commemorative glass. Commemorative t-shirts are also available. These special beers, glasses and t-shirts will be available from February 1st until they run out. ABV ranges from 8.4% to 11.1%.

“What can be better than listening to a little Jimi?” asked Dave McLean, co-founder of Magnolia Gastropub and Brewery. “Listen to Jimi with Lord and Master or Tweezer Tripel in hand and you won’t even notice it’s raining outside.”

“And don’t forget,” added Shaun O’Sullivan, Co-Founder and Brewmaster of 21st Amendment Brewery and Co-Founder of Strong Beer Month with Dave, “the most experienced drinkers know a cab ride’s the best way to get home after throwing back a couple of strong beers. They don’t call one of our beers Two Lane Blacktop for nothing.”

21st Amendment’s Strong Beer Month Brews:
Red IMP
Lower de Boom
21 Rock2
Lord and Master
Two Lane Blacktop
Imperial Jack

Magnolia Pub and Brewery’s Brews:
Tweezer Tripel
Promised Land Imperial IPA
Old Thunderpussy Barleywine
Smokestack Lightning Imperial Stout
Pride of Branthill
Rye Rye Rocco

The festivities begin February 1st, but check back often at both pubs and at www.strongbeermonth.com as special kegs and casks of vintage and barrel-aged beers will appear throughout the month.

One Day Only at Deschutes Brewery’s Bend and Portland Pubs!

Limited edition beer “Giraffe on Ice Skates” to celebrate the OnPoint Bend WinterFest on January 29, 2011

No, “Giraffe on Ice Skates” isn’t the title to a Dr. Suess book; it’s a bit of hopped-up shenanigans from Deschutes Brewery. Saturday, January 29 at the Deschutes pubs in both Bend and Portland is Bend WinterFest day. Purchase a pint of Giraffe on Ice Skates (a special beer brewed up just to celebrate WinterFest, the annual celebration of winter held in Bend’s Old Mill District) in the Portland pub and receive a free OnPoint Bend WinterFest button. Plus, Deschutes will donate $1 from each sale of Giraffe from both pubs to local charity Saving Grace.

In Portland, patrons drinking Giraffe will also be entered to win a Bend WinterFest package, including accommodation at the Riverhouse Hotel, 2 lift tickets to Mt. Bachelor, a VIP brewery tour, Deschutes swag and two Bend WinterFest wine walk glasses. In the Bend pub, patrons will be able to win some cool Deschutes swag.

Giraffe on Ice Skates is named for some experimental hops that were marooned in the Deschutes Brewery cooler this Belgian-style beer is brewed with hibiscus. IBU’s 16  ABV 13.7%

21st Amendment Brewery’s ‘Bitter American’ A tribute to unsung, unwitting heroes everywhere

After a long day at work, the average American might feel a little bitter at the curveballs life threw his way—but cracking open a Bitter American will immediately improve the mood. And seeing the astronaut chimp on the can will put average troubles into perspective—let’s face it, if you’d been rocketed into space against your will, you might be a little bitter, too. Bitter American is 21st Amendment Brewery’s newest seasonal, an extra pale ale, available now through March. This is the third in 21st Amendment’s series of canned craft seasonals, which also includes Hell or High Watermelon Wheat and Fireside Chat.

Bitter American was first created at 21st Amendment’s pub in 2006 as a response to the trend of “extreme beers” – complex beers high in alcohol and often including unusual ingredients. 21st Amendment wanted to offer the opposite: a “session beer,” or lower alcohol beer that would encourage patrons to enjoy a drinking session with friends (a staple in British pub culture). This beer packs a lot of hop and malt flavor into a refreshingly low alcohol (4.4% by volume) brew—making it the perfect session beer to enjoy with friends.

“What I love about Bitter American,” said Nico Freccia, co-founder, “is that it is the antidote to the strong, dark, intense beers of winter. Winter beers, like barleywines, are incredible styles, but after a while the palate needs a rest. Bitter American provides that.”

“The secret to Bitter American is achieving a balance between malt flavor and hops while using a smaller grain bill,” says co-founder and Brewmaster Shaun O’Sullivan. “If you just add more hops into a session beer grain bill, you get an unbalanced mess of overwhelming bitterness. Our secret is the use of a special, imported English heirloom malt called Golden Promise. This malt has a rich, full body and distinctive flavor that gives the beer a complex, caramelly and toasty flavor. Against this backdrop, we are able to hop generously to achieve a hop flavor and aroma that belies the strength of the brew.”

As Freccia likes to say, “Go ahead. Give one, or three, a try.”

Bitter American is available in cans and on draft starting this week at quality bars and stores in all 15 of 21st Amendment’s current distribution territories, including CA, OR, WA, AK, ID, MN, OH, MA, NY, NJ, DC, MD, PA, VA, and GA. For up-to-date availability, events and promotions, visit www.21st-Amendment.com.

Campbell Consulting Joins the World of Wikipedia

I can’t keep track of the number of times I get on Wikipedia each day—five times? Ten? It’s so easy to type “bedbug” or “Go! Team” and get instant info. So of course as a public relations agency—whose whole objective is to get our clients’ messages out there to the masses—Campbell Consulting is working on creating Wikipedia pages.

With a background as a freelance journalist, the project found its way to my desk. I started with the Old Mill District. Understanding how to write the news, rather than market-speak, really helps when working on a Wikipedia page. Objectivity is crucial and so is showing your supporting documentation—in fact, if you don’t, your page will come down faster than you can tweet about it going up. (More info about public relations and Wikipedia can be found in a great interview by PRWeek last spring.)

Working your way through the labyrinth of “help” and “how-to” pages is almost as bad as filing taxes. Wikipedia states that anyone can edit pages—and in its simplest form, yes, that’s true. But creating a page—complete with photos—is more difficult than it sounds. I asked a few techie friends for their advice and they laughed at me and said they still hadn’t gotten around to figuring it out, themselves.

Not encouraging, but I kept at it—finding documentation and getting feedback from the marketing director for the Old Mill District. She was a great help with this project—sending me photos and answering my questions quickly. Finally—ta da!—the Old Mill District page is finished!

But what’s this? “This article may require clean up to meet Wikipedia quality standards?” Yes, my article was tagged. Though anyone can edit Wikipedia, a set of what I call “online librarians” live for the joys of editing and flagging Wikipedia pages. They can be annoying—but in the long run, they help keep Wikipedia as factual as possible.

So, in your opinion, how can I improve the Old Mill District article? In the spirit of Wikipedia, let’s make this a group effort!

Spreading the Word about Bend WinterFest – the Northwest’s Largest Winter Festival

Anyone who lives in Bend knows about OnPoint Bend WinterFest – with tons of snow being hauled from Mount Bachelor to construct the largest off-mountain rail jam west of the Mississippi, who could miss it?

But Lay It Out Events, the mastermind behind Bend WinterFest for the past six years, wanted to turn up the volume and grow the event to more of a regional attraction, so this year they have partnered with us—Campbell Consulting—to make sure that happens.

Our public relations goal has been pretty simple: shout from the top of Mount Bachelor that Bend WinterFest rocks. In other words, we’ve been fiends on the computer and telephone, first reaching out to regional travel magazines, such as Northwest Travel, Sky West and Alaska Air/Horizon Air, Portland Monthly; winter sports publications—check out Bend WinterFest articles in Freeskier and About.com: Skiing. The readers of Boise Weekly up in Idaho really lucked out—thanks to a contest Campbell Consulting created that gives readers a chance to win a massive Bend WinterFest prize package by creating snow-themed videos. Soon, we will be reaching out to our local media connections and a ton of parent and snow sports bloggers.

We want to make sure everyone who might want to come to Bend WinterFest knows all about it. After all, who wants to be the loser who hears about how amazing Bend WinterFest was—from their best friend, in mid-March, waaay after they’ve taken down the rail jump and the crowds have gone home.

Presented by Mt. Bachelor, Bend WinterFest runs February 18 to 20 and has become the President’s Day destination event for tourists from San Francisco to Seattle.

For everyone who hasn’t heard the buzz about Bend WinterFest – it’s time to check it out and book your trip. Seriously, Bend WinterFest is the largest winter festival in the Northwest, and includes: 

• Performances by California musicians the Aggrolites and Lyrics Born 
• Nordic SprinterFest races – all skiers welcome to enter!
• WinterFringe – bringing street performers to downtown Bend.
• The Newport Avenue Market European-style market, selling the Northwest’s best food, wine and fine art.
• Kids’ performance and craft area. 
• OMSI activities, including 3-D dinosaur puzzle and nanotechnology table.
• Snow and ice carving competition (Think of the childhood memories of a winter wonderland of ice sculptures. You’ll be voted best parents of the year.)
• Performances by motocross team Metal Mulisha 
• And of course, the snowboard and ski jumping competitions held on the U.S. Cellular Rail Jam.

The event is surprisingly affordable: Bend WinterFest buttons (which act as passes into the event and are good for the entire weekend) are $6 in advance, $7 at the gate. A family 4-pack is $20 in advance, $24 at the gate. Children 5 and under are free.

Plus, A portion of Bend WinterFest’s proceeds is donated to local charity Saving Grace. Last year, the event donated $9000 to Saving Grace. In the past six years Bend WinterFest has awarded over $39,000 to local and regional charities.

Bend WinterFest has partnered with RiverHouse Hotel to offer a special weekend deal for the event: when people book a Three Day Ski Vacation package with the Riverhouse Hotel, they’ll receive the third night and third day of skiing for free at Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort. Plus, kids stay and ski for free.

Hope to see you there!

Perfect Picks for Portland

With the biggest football game in Oregon State history happening Monday night, I imagine it's difficult for many to think about anything else! But as always there are many exciting events happening this weekend in Portland.

The RiverCity Music Festival with square dancing to workshops to some of the best Bluegrass this country has to offer has once again returned to Portland January 7, 8 & 9th. The Red Lion on the River in Jantzen Beach hosts this year; nightly tickets and weekend passes still available!


On Saturday Portland and the Oregon Symphony will be hosting a pioneer in female comedians; Joan Rivers will be performing following a opening performance by the symphony. Joan has pushed the boundaries and paved the way for funny women for decades - the show will not be for the faint of heart. See her and the symphony at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall starting at 7:30pm. Ticket info here.

And for those unable to think of anything but football make your plans now to watch the big game. The Bossanova Ballroom is hosting a free viewing party with snacks, beer and drink specials as well as a 15 ft viewing screen. East Burn is also inviting you to join their football celebration with their beer and drink specials. And of course the Ducks don't disappoint and have had special uniforms made fo the Championship game - be sure to keep an eye out for them.

A No-Pressure NYE Guide

Here we are, another calendar year coming to a close. I always find myself scrambling at the last moment to figure out the very *best* way to say goodbye to the previous year and welcome in the new year. I hope my research saves you the trouble; this year I have determined the 3 best approaches to having the best New Years Eve in Portland.

New Year's Eve Ball, 1978 - Photo Credit: The New York Times

1. Stay home! 
Okay, I know, this sounds a little lame, but it could be amazing. With the temperature in the teens, venues packed with everyone who stays in 360 days a year (and have already had too much to drink) and the police are just looking for your car with one headlight out to pull over. do you really need to leave the comfort of your own home to ring in the new year? Grab your snuggle partner or a couple friends with a penchant for silly movies and board games and watch the ball drop from the comfort of your couch. This also frees to you get up early and enjoy New Years day; brunch, snow sports and hikes all come to mind for fun activities.


2. Roll out to your favorite bar or restaurant
Why try and make things complicated when you have guaranteed enjoyment at your local hang out? Many restaurants with special menus are booked up with reservations, but there are still options out there and many spots will be open with their regular menu. Portlanders are blessed with a neighborhood bar on every corner, many equipped with air hockey and shuffleboard tables as well as dirt cheap drinks. My local favorite has to be The Spare Room in NE PDX - classic 70s decor, fire place and exceptional service. So round up your friends, pick a destination and bring the party where ever you go!


3. Go big
Of course there are many options for those of us who feel the need to start of 2011 with a bang. Here are my picks for the Portland area:
Abstract Earth Project (A.E.P.) + Fresh give us NYE 2011 at Branx & Rotture with Lazor Sword, Eliot Lipp, Virtual Boy + many more. Tix available here for this dubstep / hip hop extravaganza. High energy, big crowd and a rowdy good time!


Shanghai Nights, presented by MAST at the Bossanova Ballroom with McTuff & Devin Phillips (funk soul jazz band with a New Orleans flavor), DJ Harry & Jans Ingber (doing a special String Cheese remix dj set) and a few other musical acts to keep the dance floor packed. Tickets still available online or at Ticket West outlets.


For something a little classier, head to the Secret Society Ballroom for their New Year's Eve Masquerade Ball where they are promising 1920s & 30s swing and hot jazz paired with amazingly delicious cocktails and beautiful masked attendees. Tickets are only available in limited quantities at the door - so arrive early.


However you choose to reflect on the old and embrace the new, Campbell Consulting wishes you a fulfilling, fruitful and joyous 2011! 

How PDX Will Save Your Xmas

I made a resolution this year to keep my holiday as stress free and simple as possible. Last night my bubble of calm and collectedness was broken and I found myself trapped in traffic jams, waiting in excessively long lines and running home as fast as I could to escape the last minute holiday crowds.


The holidays tend to be a time of stress for many of us trying to make the perfect meal or buy the perfect gifts, but where is the fun in being perfect!? While events this weekend are fewer than normal, there are still a couple that will bring a smile to your face, relieve you of the holiday stress and maybe even help you escape trying family events this Christmas.

Head up to the slopes to help burn off some of those holiday calories! Mt Hood Meadows Ski Resort is open both Christmas Eve (9am-4pm) and Christmas day (9am-9pm). Check the weather, grab your lift tickets and escape the crowds in the beautiful outdoors.


Take the Christmas spirit to the next level by visiting Peacock Lane. This Southeast Portland neighborhood has been decorating their homes since the 1920s. Make sure you dress appropriately for the weather as you will need to park and walk to see the lights. Soak in the lights and the holiday spirit for free through Christmas!


Looking to entertain the Martha Stewart of your family? Pittock Mansion has been decorated to the nines by professional interior designers and florists. More than 15 Christmas trees can be found throughout the mansion. It's as if this event was made for my mother! Entry is $9 for adults ($8 for seniors) and is open every day (but December 25) through January 2.


Need to get out of the house and dance your stress away? The Fez Ballroom is hosting a Nightmare Before Xmas 80s dance party on Friday night. Just a $5 cover, 9pm-2:30pm to release some of that holiday tension!


Whatever it is that you and your holiday crew end up doing this weekend we at Campbell Consulting wish you a happy and healthy holiday!

Portland Holiday Cheer - Not to Miss Events this Weekend

Another wet December weekend is upon us, but as usual, you have your pick of indoor and outdoor events to help you keep your mind off the rain!

Friday night local eco fashion designers and animal/environmental activists are teaming up to bring us the Wild Couture Fashion Show + Party to Benefit Elephant Ivory Project. Boothstar on Davis will be hosting the event complete with fashion show, raffle, costume contest and photo booth. With 10 percent of elephants being killed for their ivory every year the world is looking at total elephant extinction in just a couple of years. All proceeds from the event go to the Elephant Ivory Project; the mission Trip Jennings and Andy Maser of the Portland-based production company, EP Films, to travel to the remote jungles of of the Congo and complete their elephant DNA map of Africa. With the goal of sending resources to local poaching hot spots and saving as many elephants as possible. Friday December 10, 8pm (fashion show starts at 9:30pm).

The New Deal Distillery will be hosting the 2nd Annual Season's Eatings event, a local food, wine and spirits market that benefits the Oregon Food Bank. On Saturday from 12pm-6pm, come buy some of the Pacific Northwest's best cheese, chocolate, baked goods, cured meats as well as fine wine and spirits. Local favorites Random Order Coffeehouse, Briar Rose Creamery, Unbound Pickles and Clive Coffee among many others will be selling their delicious goods to you for your holiday celebrations. In a town that is so consumed by food, it's important to remember that there are some people who can't afford to eat. Come support local businesses as well as the Oregon Food Bank for your holiday shopping!


In its 56th year the Christmas Ship Parade has returned to the waters of the Willamette and Columbia. Boasting between 55 and 60 boats, the fleet of ships will be out every night from December 9 through the 21st. You can view the schedule for the Willamette and the Columbia on the site. The parade is made possible by donations from local restaurants, many of them allow you to dine and view the light parade simultaneously. Whether you choose to brave the elements or fine a nice cozy booth to relax in, the Christmas Ship Parade is so unique to Portland and not to be missed!


Thanks to PDXPipeline for finding and sharing this beautiful time lapse video of the event!

Christmas Ships from Andrew Curtis on Vimeo.


Other noteworthy events: Tuba Christmas in the Square Saturday 1:30pm-3:00pm; Baltimore Woods Planting in St. Johns Saturday 9am-12pm; The Peoples Yoga Fundraiser at the Someday Lounge - working towards community yoga, access for all! Sunday 8pm

Short & Sweet - PDX Picks for 1st Weekend of December

Have you emerged from your turkey comas yet? Survived the holiday opener? Gearing up for round 2?

While most people in Portland will be glued to their televisions sets Saturday for the OU/OSU "civil war" game, there will be a few options for those of us who aren't big football fans.

Confident that Pioneer Place is probably the most secure spot in Portland, check out the Holiday Ale Festival. There will be more than 50 deliciously festive winter ales to warm you right up! Don't miss the 4 special brews featured at the European-style brunch on Sunday from 11am-1pm - tickets going fast!

Want some help getting into the holiday spirit? Look no further than the Oregon Zoo Lights. Over 1 million twinkling lights along with a holiday train, music as well as costumed animals and elves. Cute and romantic date or family outing - guaranteed festive fun! And if you don't make it this weekend, you have through January 2nd to enjoy the winter wonderland.

And one of the more unique shopping opportunities that I have heard of in a long while - 14 tractor trailers of everything National Geographic has had for sale in the last 5 years are unloading into the Oregon State Convention Center. Free access Friday through Sunday to find some serious bargains.