The Mercury's Do This, Do That: Your Top Events for December 1-7

"Consider Do This, Do That your holiday advent calendar this month, where you'll pry open one of those little perforated cardboard doors (read our weekly round-ups) to reveal a foil-wrapped piece of chocolate shaped like a star (find events you should check out each day). If anything, Do This, Do That is a bit better than a physical advent calendar. It's less packaging-dense, just as joyous, and also, it doesn't cost you anything. Let's get into some glad tidings."

"The seasonal sojourns of America's favorite cult movie maker, sicko author, and filth elder John Waters have always been fun-he's funny, irreverent, and unexpected. But during the Trump administration's first run, Waters' holiday stand-up shows became sort of beautiful and sustaining. Like, he's still a pervert. But there's something about someone shining-so brightly-their filthy light upon the world that gets at the holiday spirit.(Aladdin Theater, 3017 SE Milwaukie, 8 pm, SOLD OUT, more info, 21+) SUZETTE SMITH"

"There are very few nonfiction comics makers who put as much time and research into their work as Joe Sacco. Trained in journalism at Oregon State University, Sacco's autobiographical comics about his visits and interactions with people living in Palestine and Bosnia gained notoriety in the '90s for their approachability and insight. He's been seemingly trying to unravel the complexities of war ever since."

A December events roundup presents daily listings of seasonal activities, author talks, and holiday performances in Portland. It frames Do This, Do That as a free alternative to an advent calendar that reveals recommended events each day. Listings include John Waters' holiday stand-up show at the Aladdin Theater, noted for its irreverent humor and sustaining spirit, though sold out. The schedule features a Joe Sacco appearance at Powell's City of Books, highlighting his investigative nonfiction comics and his latest book examining the Muzaffarnagar riots and recurring communal violence in India. Additional family-friendly light festivals are also mentioned.

Read at Portland Mercury