Whooo! You're a BUSY BEE. Look, it's completely understandable that since you've been SO busy, you may have missed some of the great reporting and stories the Mercury churned out this week! So while you're lounging about this weekend, catch up on the knowledge you need by reading some of these A+++ Mercury articles! (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.)
• They, and We, Showed Up: The Timbers and the Heartbreaking MLS Cup
As they have so many times in the past, last Saturday the Timbers—and Portland fans—showed up. Don't miss Abe Asher's beautiful essay on the Timbers' heartbreaking MLS Cup loss.
• "Small Gestures of Trust": What Was Learned and Lost in Creating Portland's Emergency Homeless Villages
Portland's grassroots-led C3PO homeless villages are feeling growing pains as they transition into a more traditional shelter model.
• What If a Hallmark Christmas Movie Was Set in Portland?
If you can't stop watching those made-for-TV romantic holiday movies, all set in a world where everyone is fucking nuts about Christmas, check out Blair Stenvick's hilarious piece about what a Hallmark-esque movie set in Portland would be like.
• Transit Rider Advocates Question Training Process for New TriMet Safety Team
TriMet’s new Safety Response Team is trained in de-escalation and ready to connect riders with regional social services, but transit rider advocates fear TriMet’s continued contract with Portland Patrol Inc will negate the team’s community benefit.
• Review: Holler Treats Provide Holler-Worthy Holiday Goodies
For your holiday gift-giving and face-stuffing consideration: Holler Treats provides drool-worthy cakes, pies, cookies, and...OH! That ice cream sandwich!
• Savage Love: Quickies
"My husband (of only two years!) blindsided me by asking for a separation on my birthday and a divorce via text message a month later." OUCH. However, Dan Savage has some words of hope in this week's edition of SAVAGE LOVE!
• At Least 126 Homeless People Died in Multnomah County in 2020
At least 126 people who died in Multnomah County in 2020 were homeless at the time of their death. "This report underscores that providing housing and support services are essentially, about saving lives."
• Brett and Moon Westfall See Hope for Humanity in Signs of Life Art & Fashion Exhibition
Photos: Portland's One Grand Gallery is currently hosting the global conclusion of the artist Brett Westfall's touring art show, Signs of Life, featuring strawberries painted on Nike shoes, a smashed cello, and more.
• Students Urge Portland School Board to Adopt Climate Goals
Students and environmental advocates commented in support of PPS’s proposed climate goals Tuesday, urging Portland school board members to advance the policy to a vote.
• Sex Toys: Indisputably the BEST Holiday Gift
There is no argument: The *best* holiday gifts are always SEX TOYS! Check out this sexy roundup of the very best buzzy, fun toys to give or receive this season!
• POP QUIZ PDX: Get Brainy with Portland's Funnest Trivia Quiz!
Bonjour, brainy pants! It's time to play POP QUIZ PDX, our fun weekly quiz packed with Portland-specific trivia, including scandals, history, and YOUR opinion on which out-of-town grocery store should be plopped in Portland!
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!
