Your Status

10 things you should know about HIV/AIDS:

1) HIV was given it's name in 1986 after Dr. Robert Gallo and Professor Luc Montagnier of the Pasteur Institute discovered and claimed the same retrovirus in 1983.

2) About 34.2 million people are living with HIV around the world. Almost half of those people don't know their status.

3) As of the end of 2010, one in four people living with a diagnosis of HIV in the United States were women.

4) Women with HIV who take antiretroviral medication during pregnancy can reduce the risk of transmitting HIV to their babies to less than 1%.

5) Despite valiant efforts by the CDC and many other worldwide programs, there were 2.5 million new infections reported in 2011. Prevention is key: http://aids.gov/hiv-aids-basics/prevention/reduce-your-risk/fluids-of-transmission/

6) Heterosexuals accounted for 25 percent of estimated new HIV infections in 2010.

7) 14.8 million people with HIV are eligible for treatment. Only 8 million are receiving treatment. However, HIV treatment access grew by 63% around the world from 2001-2011.

8) Ryan White was diagnosed with AIDS on December 18, 1984. He was one of the first children, and hemophiliacs to come down with AIDS. He died on April 8, 1990, just months before Congress passed the AIDS bill called the Ryan White CARE Act.

9) July 25, 1983 San Francisco General Hospital opened the first AIDS ward, which was fully occupied within days.

10)  http://www.aidsquilt.org/

For more information, take a look at UNAIDS 2011 report: http://www.unaids.org/en/media/unaids/contentassets/documents/epidemiology/2012/gr2012/JC2434_WorldAIDSday_results_en.pdf

Get tested. Know your status.


                         - tsg

Show Stoppers

10 shows you should be watching this summer (while you're waiting for Grey's Anatomy to return):

1) Flea Market Flip

2) Dexter (the end is near...)

3) The Bachelorette

4) Wilfred

5) Resale Royalty

6) 72 Hours (at least give it a try)

7) ANTM: Cycle 20 (!!!)

8) Who's Line Is It Anyway?

9) HGTV Design Star

10) Arrested Development - It's back!

Meanwhile, I'll be watching to many reruns of Desperate Housewives....

                                     with love,
                                              tsg

Readers Digest

10 books you should read (or reread) this summer (because I said so):

1) Tenth of December by George Saunders

2) The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver

3) My Horizontal Life by Chelsea Handler (feel free to read this one again, and again.)

4) Brain on Fire: My Month of Madness by Susannah Cahalan

5) The Corrections by Jonathan Franzen (and Freedom, too!)

6) The Phantom Tollbooth (it means so much more than it did 10 years ago.)

7) The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot

8) Running with Scissors by Augusten Burroughs

9) The newest Nicholas Sparks book (you know you want to.)

10) Charlotte's Web by E.B. White
because this book is wonderful, and who doesn't love a pig?


                                                 - happy reading,
                                                           tsg

Girls, Girls, Girls

10 things you should know about women (on National Women's Day):

1) Of Forbes 71 "World's Most Powerful People," 6 are women including #2, Mrs. Angela Merkel the chancellor from Germany. (Unfairly excluded from this list: Ellen Degeneres, Michelle Obama & Beyonce (obviously). But they are included on the "World's Most Powerful Women" list: http://www.forbes.com/power-women/list/ )

2) A woman invented the circular saw, the windshield wiper, and most importantly, the chocolate chip cookie.

3) A devistating birth injury called a fistula effects 30-50,000 women worldwide every year because they can't afford basic medical care. (To find out what you can do to help, log on to: http://www.fistulafoundation.org/whatyoucando/)

4) Phylicia Rashad was the first black woman to win a Tony Award for a dramatic lead on broadway, after she was nominated numerous times for her role of Mrs. Huxtable, but never won an Emmy.

4) President Obama has just signed the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act so we can FINALLY be paid as much as men in the workplace.

5) The closer to the equator, the more likely a woman is to deliver a baby girl.

6) This is Betty White: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BO-qTI111TM
She is now 91 and amazing despite her "stupid feminine ideas."

7) We appreciate our rights to marry, vote, and make decisions about our vaginas.

8) A group of USAF officers made history last week by flying the first ever all female combat mission in Afganistan.

9) Hilary Clinton was the first ever woman to serve in the president's cabinet. And she's a badass. Katheryn Bigelow was the first ever woman to win an Oscar for Best Director. And she's also a badass.

10) We don't all want the same things. We come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. And we run this motha.


                                 - love,
                                       tsg

Lincoln didn't win, but Daniel did.

10 things you should know about the Academy Awards (in case you fell asleep):

1) Amy & Tina should host every award show, every year, including the Oscars. Sorry I'm not sorry, Seth.

2) Seth McFarlane isn't confident in his ability to tell jokes. Stick by that John Wilkes Booth joke, man.

3) Kristen Stewart is the epitome of awkward. This time with crutches.

4) The Oscars > The Grammy's. Jennifer Hudson + Adele = who cares about movies?

5) There was a tie for Best Sound Editing. Two death eaters won.

6) Jennifer Lawrence is human, and fell up the stairs. And won Best Actress.

7) Meryl Streep needs no introduction.

8) Ang Lee would like to thank the Movie God.

9) Anne Hathaway is cold. and Mrs. Obama is in the house (the White House, that is.)

10) Argofuckyourself. Congrats Ben.

                                       - with love,
                                                tsg

Earl of Sandwich

10 sandwiches you should know about (because they're the best I've ever had):

1) Sally's "Potrero Hill" in SF, CA

2) Sunflower Cafe's "Smoked Duck Breast Sandwich" in Sonoma, CA

3) The Mac n Cheese Grilled Cheese from American Grilled Cheese Kitchen in SF, CA

4) North Peak's "Pretzel Crusted Chicken Sandwich" in Traverse City, MI

5) The "Marin Melt" from the cafe at Muir Woods National Forrest in Mill Valley, CA

6) The Harissa Burger from St John's Bar and Eatery in Seattle, WA (I know, it's a burger. but it counts because it is the best burger I've ever had in my life.)

7) A Philly Cheesesteak from the one and only Pat's King of Steaks in Philadelphia, PA

8) The Melt's "Italian Job" located in various places around SF, CA (it's a food truck.)

9) And of course, "The Yardbird" at Slow's BBQ in Detroit, MI

10) But my very favorite is my homemade turkey sandwich with provolone cheese toasted on a Dutch crunch roll. Doesn't get much better (except for the Sunflower's roasted duck. that stuff is crazy good.)

                                   - love,
                                        the sandwich loving tsg

Dear Mr. President

10 things you should know about the POTUS:

1) John Quincy was a skinny dipper.

2) LBJ often held conferences in the bathroom. no shame.

3) Jimmy Carter was a peanut farmer. This never gets old.

4) Bill did not have sexual relations with that woman. (but he did.)

5) George W was a head cheerleader. This explains a lot.

6) Barack is a fan of both Harry Potter and Spiderman. As if we needed another reason to like him.

7) Andrew Jackson killed a man?

8) George Washington did not wear wooden teeth. That's a vicious rumor. So I'm here to put an end to it.

9) Ulysses got a speeding ticket on his pony. Talk about horse power.

10) Four score and seven years ago, Abe Lincoln was awesome. And he could rock a top hat.


                              - love,
                                  tsg (Abe's biggest fan)

Never Give Up

10 things you should not give up for Lent:

1) Facebook. You'll cave for sure. (sorry for my lack of faith in you)

2) Chocolate. Or at least don't come near me when you're cranky and have low blood sugar.

3) or cupcakes. This should be obvious.

4) Your germs. Wash your hands. It is still flu season.

5) Alcohol. Just ask my friend Andrea.

6) Beyonce.

7) Bathing (or brushing your teeth.)

8) Shopping. hey, it's good for the economy too.

9) Pinterest.

10) Caring about gun control, human rights, planned parenthood, and immigration.


                         love,
                            tsg (I'll never give up Bieber)

Give Up

10 things you should give up for lent:

1) Putting in extra hours at the office. Especially if it keeps you from the people and things you love.

2) Soda. Unless its diet (and even then), that stuff is horrible for you.

3) Using the term "good/bad Christian." Just try being a good person.

4) Smoking.

5) Prejudice, racism, homophobia, and sexism. We've all gotta start somewhere.

6) Crocs. Once and for all.

7) Caring about what one person (you know the one) thinks. Or why the Pope resigned.

8) Bottled water. Donate the money you save to help build wells for those less fortunate. (see also: plastic bags)

9) Your MySpace. No, but really.

10) Something you don't really care about. Something tangible. Try giving up your time to volunteer or do something you've always wanted to try.


                    - love,
                         tsg (who's giving up caring about what people give up for Lent)

Give My Regards

10 things you should know about Broadway (from a novice show-goer):

1) Elphaba is a strange name, but must mean "amazing voice" in some language.

2) Bruce Vilanch is hilarious in drag.

3) Hairspray is somewhat disappointing when you realize Zac Efron isn't really Link.

4) Defying Gravity will make you cry. Or at least give you tingling arm hairs.

5) And The Circle of Life moves us all.

6) It's for people who love singing and dancing and laughing and men in tight pants.

7) The Lion King's set and costume designer deserves a raise. Or at least a gigantic bonus check.

8) We can't all come and go by bubble.

9) The Book of Mormon is funny. Or so I've heard.

10) No photography or recording devices shall be used before or during performances. However, illegal self portraits are allowed.


                           - love
                                the tsg who's only been to three shows ever

Wine O'clock

10 things you should know about wine country:

1) Napa is by far more expensive than Sonoma, only because it's name is more prominent and prestigious (and easier to spell.)

2) Miner is the frat winery.

3) Wine country makes it easy to feel like you're a character from Grapes of Wrath (or maybe that's just me)

4) Stars hollow must have been modeled after Sonoma's town square

5) Wine barrels are expensive. Like $1000 a pop.

6) It's where the happy cows (and sheep) live.

7) There are no grapes in February, just rows and rows of vines.

8) There are over 600 wineries in the valleys. Plenty of wine (and "sparkling wine") to go around!

9) Champagne can't be called champagne unless its from champagne. Hence "sparkling wine."

10) If you haven't gathered, wine is made there. And you must be 21 to participate in the tour.


                                  - with love,
                                          tsg *with riesling in hand

NextBus

10 things you should know about riding the bus (from a sortof MUNI expert):

1) There's no use chasing boys and buses. But if it drives right past you, it's ok to bang on the side of the bus with your fist.

2) Sometimes fellow passengers think it's ok to sit really far away from each other and yell conversations from the front of the bus to the back. Hint: it is NOT ok. I have a headache

3) And don't be the person who pulls the stop cord "accidentally" 3 times before figuring out the right stop. Just ask.

4) It's not fun when the driver slams on the breaks and you end up in someone's lap.

5) Or accelerates too fast and causes you to bruise your tailbone.

6) However, the bus is the best way to catch the most bizarre walks of life at 3 am from Castro to Sunset

7) It smells. Sometimes like vomit, sometimes like McDonalds.

8) It's best to avoid traveling by middle schools at 4 pm or the mall at 5 pm (both of which I'm personally subjected to on a daily basis.)

9) Bus drivers are awesome. Like when you leave a folder of important papers at the bus stop and they return it to you. See's candy for you Glen Coco

10) It's always late when you have some place to be. And early when you have all the time in the world.


                                          - love
                                               tsg reporting live from the bus

We Fly High

10 things you should know about flying Virgin America (from a travelholic's perspective):

1) If your baby is crying, the flight attendant will carry them around as a cute accessory while delivering free cans of soda.

2) You can watch Ellen, Chelsea Lately, or Millionaire Matchmaker (depending on travel time) in flight.

3) Or you can pay $8.99 and watch Salmon Fishing in Yemen.

4) The safety video is entertaining. I actually watch it every time (mostly for the nun part.)

5) Blue and purple make the perfect travel mood lighting.

6) The flight crew wears unibomber jackets. Hello top gun.

7) You can order Pringles with the click of a button, and I'm not talking about the annoying attendant call light.

8) Their seats are not flotation devices.

9) They force you to ask yourself, (in the words of my father) "Why do all the other airlines suck?"

10) They now offer flights to Newark, NJ. They need to offer direct flights from SFO to DTW.


                                                       - with love,
                                                              tsg

Pike & Pine

10 things you should know about Pike Place Market

1) It's home to Ferrell Thomas aka "The Balloon Man." The cat man has been MIA for some time now.

2) Dried flowers are all the rage this winter.

3) Pirosky Pirosky has the best piroskys. And they don't require you to speak Russian.

4) It's not a trip to the market unless you catch a fish. Or watch the man in waders catch a fish.

5) The first ever Starbucks still has caramel frappuccinos.

6) The bronze pig's name is Rachel.

7) It's entirely possible to spend hundreds of dollars on pasta, bread, cheese, veggies, fruits, and delicious lobster tail.

8) The guys on the corner sell the best fruit.

9) It's beautifully touristy and local with a great view of the bay and mountains. It pretty much sums up all that Seattle has to offer (minus Capitol Hill)

10) Getting lost is half the fun. But if you insist, feel free to drop dried cherries like Gretel.


                                            - love
                                                  tsg in SEA

Dog House

10 things you should know about Bo Obama (the first dog for four more years):

1) He has his own HuffPost Page

2) He's good friends with Betty White. Need I say more.

3) Bo can rock a lei.

4) He's a Portuguese water dog. And he's really fluffy.

5) He takes the motorcade to PetsMart.

6) He's hypoallergenic. No, but really.

7) He has very proud parents. And they happen to be really important people. Talk about great pedigree.

8) Bo knows all the good oval office gossip. But he'll never tell.

9) He's incredibly fashionable: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/03/bo-obama-bunny-ears-photo_n_2403801.html?utm_hp_ref=bo-obama#slide=1942400

10) Plus he's very charming: http://www.seattlepi.com/entertainment/tv/tvguide/article/VIDEO-Bo-Obama-Hops-on-Michelle-Obama-s-Lap-4145210.php


                                             love,
                                                tsg & Bo's #1 fan

No puedo hablar Espanol

10 things you should know about learning a new language (from my perspective):

1) Rosetta Stone (or some knock off version like I'm currently using) can be quite overwhelming.

2) You'll begin to wonder in what situations you'll ever use the phrase, "Where are the suitcases?"

3) You'll quickly remember why you didn't take any more Spanish classes after junior year of high school.

4) Mandarin is the most spoken language in the world. (Maybe I should be trying my hand at it instead of Spanish.)

5) The Spanish world for garlic (ajo) is very difficult to pronounce.

6) It's always best to immerse yourself in the culture. Surround myself with margaritas and salsa dancing? yes please.

7) The swear words are so much easier to learn than anything else.

8) You'll have a great excuse to go to Mexico (or Spain, or France, or China, etc.)

9) It's not as easy as it looks.

10) And it feels a lot like this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DqwzvtjeYBQ


                                            love,
                                               token recta chica

Gentle Dental

10 things you should know about going to the dentist (from the perspective of someone who's never had braces):

1) No matter how much you floss, there's always tarter. Smh.

2) It's the only place where a stranger can and will stick their hands in your mouth without so much as an introduction.

3) The X-rays are the worst.

4) There's always a fish tank. And Nemo always looks like he wants to escape. Feeling's mutual, buddy.

5) No one likes to go. Except my father, but he's weird.

6) The whole place smells like Listerine.

7) And sounds like a symphony playing during road construction.

8) The best part is reclining back in the chair and seeing what obscure photos are posted on the ceiling. (Today it's two hugging macaws.)

9) If you still have your wisdom teeth (gasp.) the techs will treat you like some rare subspecies they've only ever heard of in textbooks.

10) At least they give you a free toothbrush and mini floss for your time and efforts.


                                         - with love,
                                                tsg (with cleaner, whiter teeth)

Final Rose

10 things you should know about The Bachelor (from the token straight girl's perspective):

1) We all thought the chick who showed up in a wedding dress was nuts. Turns out she's one of the normal ones.

2) But there's always one. That Amanda girl is cray.

3) Desiree didn't really break that art statue. and thankfully she can take a practical joke.

4) Only the first dates, and already girls are falling in love. behold the power of The Bachelor.

5) The yoga instructor couldn't handle the pressure of competing with 15 other women for Sean's love. shocker.

6) Sean is a rule breaker. Roses before the ceremony, and straight out of the limo? ok fine.

7) Tierra has been deemed the token possessive one.

8) There's no way Sean actually needs kissing tips from Arie. come on ABC.

9) It would've been much cooler if Robyn could've landed that back handspring.

10) Sean is the perfect specimen of a man. The end.


                                              - love,
                                                    the tsg

Go Team

10 things you should know about NFL Playoffs (from a token straight 49ers fan perspective):

1) The Seahawks almost won. So did the Broncos. But not the Texans.

2) Players hitting each other in the head is bad for their health. and flags will be thrown.

3) Flacco doesn't give up. Sorry bout it, Peyton.

4) Jim & John (Harbaugh) are brothers.

5) Kaepernick set the new record for most yards rushed by any quarterback ever.

6) The cheeseheads will be put away until September.

7) Hunkiest QB goes to Tom Brady. Put your surprised face on.

8) The Niners are headed to Atlanta to take on the Falcons.

9) And the Ravens are headed to Gillette Stadium (wherever that is) to take on the Patriots.

10) The 49ers are coming for the title this year. And nobody has it better than us.


                                             -love,
                                                  tsg

Blurg.

10 things you should know about this years Golden Globes (from a token straight Hollywood wannabe's perspective):

1) Lena Dunham should've worn more comfortable shoes.

2) P. Diddy was in attendance. No one knows why.

3) Jodie Foster is 50.

4) Bradley was robbed. Sorry Hugh, nothing personal.

5) Adele high-fived James Bond, and J. Law beat Meryl. epic.

6) Daniel Day Lewis' nose was definitely broken at some point.

7) Argo is great. That's why it won Best Movie Drama. and now J-Lo is regretting ever leaving Ben.

8) Christolph Waltz is lookin' good with that new haircut.

9) Anne Hathaway has never looked more terrified.

10) Bill Clinton is HERE. If only Oprah was there to announce it.

oh, and Tina & Amy should host every award show this season.

                                       
                                                           -love,
                                                                tsg

Bug A Boo

10 things you should know about Destiny's Child (from the obsessed fan perspective):

1) They officially put Houston, Texas on the map. Well, maybe not, but for me they did.

2) The girls called it quits in 2006, leaving Queen Beysus to rule the world.

3) Michelle Williams has a gospel album or two.

4) Their "Say My Name" video has 17,221,539 views on YouTube. 1,539 of which are probably mine.

5) They taught us to pay our own Bills, Bills, Bills, leave our man at home when the club is Jumpin' Jumpin', and throw our hands up for being Independent Women (Part II).

6) LaTavia Roberson & LeToya Luckett once called themselves part of the "Child" quartet, but then they left.

7) They think nasty girls should put some clothes on.

8) Destiny's Child was first known as Girl's Tyme. You gotta see this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWXPl18psZA

9) Their new album drops this month. get excited.

10) Their body's too Bootylicious for you babe.


                                                      -love,
                                                          tsg

Adult Supervision Required

10 things you should know about Django Unchained (from the 23 year old token straight history buff’s perspective):

1) Only Quentin Tarantino can make a laughable KKK joke.

2) It’s a really long movie. Maybe too long. But also just right. 

3) Jamie Foxx can rock a blue suit. No real surprise.

4) Christoph Waltz is brilliant.

5) Never has dynamite in a tooth been so cool.

6) There’ll be a moment when you say to yourself, “OMG, that’s Samuel L. Jackson.” (or maybe that's just me.)

7) Leo is a racist. But not really. 

8) It's not for the faint of heart, there's enough fake blood loss already. 

9) There's a German story involving a mountain. Of course. 

10) The “D” is silent. 

         

                                            - love,

                                                the tsg

Nightingale

10 things you should know about nurses (from the token straight nurse's perspective):

1) We may only work 3 or 4 days a week, and get paid pretty well, but we also wipe people’s asses for a living.

2) We are actually just adult babysitters.

3) We hate wearing that gown and mask just as much as you hate having c.diff.

4) We don’t wish we were doctors.

5) We wear scrubs. Not short skirts and corsets with those funny little hats.

6) We will overanalyze your veins.

7) We spend too much time looking for a pen. And appreciate a good one more than most.

8) Dear friends and family, we don’t actually like to discuss and diagnose your new flare up or eye twitch outside of work. 

9) We should have a separate degree for simply being able to read doctor’s handwriting.

10) Yes, we are superhuman. 

                                                  - love,
                                                        tsg 

Let's hear it for the boy

10 Things you should know about gay bars (from the token straight girl's perspective):

1) Kylie Minogue is still a thing.

2) Bathrooms aren’t segregated. Ladies, note that the toilet seat goes back up when you’re done.

3) The coat check may be the best $2 you’ll spend all night.

4) Impromptu Drag shows aren’t so impromptu.

5) Your cute gay friend is the ticket to the bartender’s best pours.

6) Boobs don’t count.

7) Always be a good wingman.

8) Never, ever wear flip flops. especially with socks.

9) Girls are girls and boys are boys. Except when they’re not. No pointing.

10) Whatever happens, by all means, keep dancing. 


                                         - love, 
                                              tsg

Park It.

10 things you should know about Delores Park (from the token straight girl who lives in the Sunset's perspective):

1) This place proves there are more dogs than children in SF.

2) Features include teenagers hitting a bong, gays lounging in speedos on “the beach,” kids running around on the newly constructed playground, and French bulldogs in sweaters.

3) Kids are welcome. But the park is more fun for dogs.

4) Pot brownies are cheap.

5) The view is worth the uphill hike.

6) The sun “always” shines.

7) Bi-Rite is less than a block away. Worth the wait.

8) It’s the best place to bring a bottle of wine and a Frisbee, then ditch the Frisbee, drink the bottle, and take a nap.

9) The hillsides covered by trees are most often slippery when wet. And muddy.

10) It’s pretty. 

                                - love, 
                                      San Francisco's tokenstr8grl