Wednesday July 2top

American Girl Party

Do toy dolls deserve expensive couture? American Girl Dolls do...apparently. To get the girlies in a twitter about the new Kit Kittredge: An American Girl doll film starring Abigail Breslin, Barnes & Noble is throwing celebrations for their American Girl customers where there will be crafts, activities, refreshments, and more! Whooa! And, OMG OMG OMG, you can enter to win two American Girl Dolls, Kit Kittredge and her BFF Ruthie! Barnes & Noble Clackamas Town Center, 12000 SE 82nd Ave., 786-3463. 7 pm. Free. RSVP to Page Jordan at (crm2262@bn.com) by July 1. Map

Gary Vaynerchuk

The thought of “wine critics” conjures images of tuxedo-wearing, wine-sniffing, high-brow pomposity. But Gary Vaynerchuk is the wine concierge for any average Joe or Sally. On his wine-video-blog, Wine Library TV, Vaynerchuck reviews wines in a bold, casual, understandable way. He has compiled a list of his favorite wines in his new book, Gary Vaynerhcuk’s 101 Wines, which he’ll read from at Powell’s. Powell's Cedar Hills Crossing, 3415 SW Cedar Hills Blvd., 228-4631. 7 pm. Free. Map

Rebel Reading Circle

Hosted by the Freedom Socialist Party, this weekly reading circle is discussing the book Viva La Raza, a historical critique of the Chicano movement by Yolanda Alaniz and Megan Cornish. Viva La Raza analyses the strengths and pitfalls of the movement’s history, targeting such issues as Chicano/a gays and lesbians, farm workers unionization and Chicana feminists. This reading circle is open to everyone and can be joined at any time. Bread & Roses Center, 819 N Killingsworth St., 240-4462. 7 pm. Free. Map

Thursday July 3top

Justin “Scrappers” Morrison

CAMP, the new book by Northwest artist Justin “Scrappers” Morrison, is about things like “war, forest critters, wild Boy and Girl Scouts, old-time loggers...making arts and crafts, running for your life, explosions, glory, and bows and arrows.” That description screams page-turner. This First Thursday event serves as both a book release and art installation for Scrappers. One piece of art he will display is a miniature truck with a pair of antlers about thrice the size fastened on top, with a tall, rectangular building that looks like an outhouse in the teensy truck bed. Come on, that’s rad. Independent Publishing Resource Center, 917 SW Oak St., No. 218., 827-0249. 6 pm. Free. Map

Queer Polyamory Discussion Group

This discussion will be facilitated by Franciszka Fierce—a self-described “local slut”—and is open to all trans, pansexual, lesbian, gay and queer folks who want to talk about polyamory (a.k.a. having multiple hookups or relationships). Newbies, don’t be shy, as the invitation explains: “Whether you have been practicing ethical sluttery for years or are just starting to think about it, you are welcome.” In Other Words, 8 NE Killingsworth St., 232-6003. 6:30 pm. Free. Map

Monday July 7top

Neal Skorpen

Cartoonist Neal Skorpen and a slew of powerhouse writers and cartoonists in the bike community have cranked out The Bicycle Book: Wit, Wisdom & Wanderings—a tribute to our city’s hippest form of transportation. The Bicycle Book features 12 of Skorpen’s cartoons accompanied by writings from Pulitzer-winner Thomas Hylton, a one-on-one interview with Chris Carmichael (Lance Armstrong’s coach and friend), Richard Fries of Bike Culture and other bicycle writers. Powell's on Hawthorne, 3723 SE Hawthorne Blvd., 228-4651. 7:30 pm. Free. Map

Story Time for Grownups

It’s not often grownups get offered a bedtime story, so snatch this one up while you can! At Story Time for Grownups, Dick Lewis will read excerpts of the medieval epic Beowulf, followed by David Loftus’ reading from Grendel, a modern retelling from the monster’s perspective. If Beowulf the movie stained your view of this story (damn, that movie sucked hard), it would be a great idea to attend this reading and re-experience the epic in its proper, literary form. Grendel's Coffee House, 729 E Burnside St., 595-9550. 7:30 pm. Free. Map

Tuesday July 8top

Conversation About the Future of Live/Work

Portland sets precedents like none other when it comes to progressive urban policies, and the Live/Work spaces at Milepost Five are one of the city’s art-policy highlights. Mayor-elect Sam Adams will join developers and artists in this panel discussion to talk about the successes and pitfalls of Live/Work spaces up to this point. Is there enough? Do we need more? Everyone concerned is encouraged to speak up. Milepost 5, 900 NE 81st Ave., 729-3223. 7 pm. Free. Map

Johan Bruyneel

Lance Armstrong is the shit. We all know that. But Johan Bruyneel is the man behind the magic that propelled Mr. Armstrong and his bright yellow wristbands to seven consecutive Tour de France victories. As one of the best team directors in cycling history, Bruyneel packs valuable tips and stories in his book We Might As Well Win. Competitive and casual cyclists alike can benefit from listening to Bruyneel’s cycling expertise. Powell's City of Books, 1005 W Burnside St., 228-4651. 7:30 pm. Free. Map