by Wm. Steven Humphrey GOOD MORNING, SUNDAY! It's the perfect time to catch up on some of the great reporting and stories the Mercury churned out this week! (PRO TIP: If you despise being "the last to know," then be one of the first to know by signing up for Mercury newsletters! All the latest stories shipped directly to your email's in-box... and then... YOUR HEAD.) • With Zenith Energy’s Permits On The Line, Critics Urge Strong Government Oversight  A recent decision from the DEQ puts Zenith Energy's land use and air quality permits in limbo. Environmental advocates hope Portland's new City Council can seize this opportunity to crack down on the controversial oil transport company. ⁠ Taylor Griggs • POP QUIZ PDX!  This week's holiday-themed trivia quiz includes alleged dolphin dildos, supposed Oregon UFOs, and Santa wants to know what you want for Xmas! 😀 See how well YOU score! Deleaz / Getty Images • PSU Lays Off 17 Academic Faculty Members As Union Talks of Potential Strike  With an $18 million budget gap, Portland State University is cutting 17 academic staffers. That's less than what was anticipated in October, but PSU's professors union says an independent financial review shows stable reserves, and no need for layoffs. PSU says it's bound by accounting guidelines.⁠ Kevin Foster • Eight Vinyl Gift Ideas for the Holidays Looking for the perfect vinyl gifts for those music lovers and collectors in your life? Jenni Moore just completed your shopping list for you. Courtesy of the artist • THE TRASH REPORT In this CLASSIC edition of The Trash Report, we praise the following: "short kings," the return of throwing stars, and dogs driving cars. 🐶🚗 Gareth Cattermole / Getty Images • Steam Rice Roll King Makes the Best Cantonese Rice Rolls You’ll Find in Portland These handmade, freshly-steamed rice rolls with exciting fillings like Spam and five-spice beef brisket are already in hot demand. Suzette Smith • Portland’s Top Holiday Events: A Critical Review Portland's traditional holiday events are always fun—but everything can be improved, right? The Mercury's Wm. Steven Humphrey has a few ideas that could make these events even better... some of which might be illegal? (That's for the courts to decide.) Oregon Rail Heritage Center / Getty Images • Eric Isaacson of Mississippi Records Is Retiring From Booking Shows Mississippi Records is best known for deep dive vinyl compilations, but co-founder Eric Isaacson has also proven a prolific curator of some of Portland's most inspiring music events. Now he's talking a step back, but has one more epic celebration in the pipe. Meg Nanna • Where to Eat and Drink for Christmas in Portland Need holiday food? This is where you'll find everything you need to make delicious plans—plus places to pick up food if you're staying in this year.  RingSide Steakhouse • TICKET ALERT Potty-mouthed roaster Nikki Glaser is coming to Portland, Danzig will bring some doom and gloom next spring, and—spread the “good word”—tickets to The Book of Mormon are now on sale. Get those hot tix quick! Nikki Glaser • SAVAGE LOVE "My boobs won't stop growing, so I'm undergoing top surgery—and my husband is distressed." Dan Savage rides to the rescue in this week's column! Joe Newton WOW, THAT IS A LOT OF GOOD READIN'. I hope you didn't have any other plans this weekend! Dig in, and remember: Producing all this hard work costs moolah—so please consider contributing to the Mercury to keep it all coming! Thanks!