My favorite local indie rock blog, The Bay Bridged, has compiled 4 excellent “mixtape” downloads as part of their 2010 end-of-the-year round-up. For anyone new to San Francisco or just interested in San Francisco’s live music scene, these downloads make an excellent primer for learning which bands are making some noise in the Bay Area.

Now I wouldn’t possibly expect for any advice that I can dole out to be heeded about the perils of New Year’s Eve embarrassment, but I can certainly tell you the tell-tale signs of when you are headed to burning the image of your stupidity on the brains of both loved ones, strangers and enemies.

Some Christians claim that same-sex couples cannot fulfill the procreative purpose of marriage, even when they adopt, because children do best when they are raised by both biological parents. Does this explain why Jesus, who was born of the Virgin Mary and had no biological father, lived such a troubled life?

Ring in the New Year with a dance partay, a queer ball, and a New Years’ Eve spectacular! Once you’ve partied your way out of 2010, only the best awaits in 2011 — new dance parties, for benefits and for free!!

As you know, this is your last weekend to indulge in some full-out debauchery before those pesky new year’s resolutions kick in and you try to “become a better person” or whatever. (In my experience, this means going for a brisk morning jog on January 1, only to give in to the temptation of a bacon cheeseburger by 4pm.) Whether you plan to stick to your resolutions or not, there are an inordinate amount of great shows, parties, and other events going on in is city this weekend.

Well, this is it – 2010′s last hurrah. I chose for this week’s song one that speaks to me: “Gonna Make It Through the Year” by Great Lake Swimmers. I can identify with the fact that overall, the past year was pretty great, even if the last few months haven’t been the best. It’s a solid tune (and a bit more optimistic than the similarly-themed, and awesome, Mountain Goats song) and I hope you like it. You’ve probably got plans for the weekend already, but here are a few events to consider anyway. Have a safe and happy New Year’s and catch you all on the flip-side!

All I can say is: THIS SONG FUCKING RULES.

If a girl doesn’t meet the stereotype of how a lesbian should “look,” i.e. if she’s more femme than butch, it can be difficult to tell her sexuality. But there are ways.

I tend to rely on a 4-point checklist, which is definitely not foolproof but generally helps me when my gaydar fails.

Twitter, I’ve returned and I want you to take me back. I am so sorry for abandoning you back in 2008 after we met. I know, I didn’t write or anything. I’m sure you feel used after I joined you and then walked away in my walk of shame. But please, I’m working hard to get back together with you, only if you’ll have me.

Japandroids are in the process of releasing 7”s featuring unreleased tracks from their Post-Nothing sessions. Today’s song is the second in the series, “Younger Us.” The track works as a crossroad between “Young Hearts Spark Fire” and “Sovereignty.” “Younger Us” is a perfect summer track. It is all about those nights you can “say fuck it” and get out of the bed to party some more. The b-side to “Younger Us” is a cover of X’s “Sex and Dying in High Society,” and you can get your own copy on July 20th.