Humans are bad at risk assessment, so it would be natural if a report in the news triggers a fearful reaction. That doesn’t make you an idiot, it makes you human. But my point is that you ARE an idiot if, upon learning how rare the risk is, you still cling to your irrational fear, or perpetuate the myth that riding the MAX is “dangerous.”

For Portland-area pie-related events, the indispensable Portland-based pie blog Make Me Some Pie has done the footwork.

Sample high octane, rare beers from around the country!

ChocolateFest promises you the opportunity to sample, taste, savor, and delight in some of the finest chocolate from the Northwest and beyond.

Offbeat Belly Dance! Inaugural 2012 Edition! Fun! Fabulous! Free Show!

In addition to the competitions, at this family friendly event you’ll also find a photobooth, beer, a raffle benefitting a PSU scholarship fund, and you’ll even witness a wedding!

A bi-monthly mingling of artists of all sorts to meet, discuss, blather, applaud and plot the growth of the arts in Portland

The fun returns to the Bitter End Pub!

This Tuesday, we’re gearing up for Oregon’s Birthday. Come on down and hear some Kick Ass stories about the state we all love.

Urban Landslides: A Slippery Challenge for the Forensic Geologist

Kickass topographic map of 1897 Portland, Oregon.

Don’t let the mid-January doldrums get to you, there are plenty of fun things to do this Martin Luther King Junior Day weekend!

Elves, wizards, ents, orcs and all others are welcome to join us for this celebration of one of the 20th century’s most influential authors.

Participants this year are Lucky Labrador, Coalition Brewing, Natian Brewing, Migration Brewing, Buckman Brewing, Cascade Brewing and Burnside Brewing!

A public reception and light refreshment will follow. Guests can also view the permanent exhibit “Oregon Nikkei: Reflections of an American Community.”

Topic: I Dig Bones: Adventures in Forensic Anthropology

Winter Farmers Market, Midnight Movie, the return of Portlandia, and more!

The Winter Market features covered spaces, hot food, and more. It runs through February 25th.

Cort and Fatboy first Midnight Movie screening of 2012 is perhaps the most successful family move ever made . . .