If you have a Facebook account, then you have undoubtedly read, written or heard about the “25 Random Things” note that has spread like poison ivy. The note is so prevalent there have been numerous mentions in gossip blogs, on “Saturday Night Live” and even in Time magazine. For those completely out of the loop, the premise of the note is to post 25 random facts about yourself, thereby sharing personal tidbits so others can learn more about you.

In the past few weeks, I have learned some very interesting details about my friends. Several of them are afraid of zombies, but I don’t judge because I am afraid of them too. Another won a national clogging title in grade school, and I intend to make him prove it with a full demonstration. And even though I’m sure it wasn’t funny at the time, one friend broke his elbow in fifth grade after a fat girl sat on him during a game of tag in gym class; no wonder he’s gay!

So, in the same spirit of the note, my friends and I have come up with a similar list to share, titled “25 Random Things I Have Learned Living in Hillcrest.” It was a difficult task narrowing down the list, but here are 25 that made the cut:

• Instead of telling your friends you met your trick on Adam4Adam, Manhunt, or Craigslist (really? really?), tell them you met on the ‘subway.’ Think about it, slut.

• Guys change bed partners more often than they change their Facebook status.

• Wearing a costume is way more entertaining on any other day than Halloween. I get a huge kick out of the countless number of people who have asked me if my fake handlebar mustache was real.

• At Bourbon Street, Tattoo Mike’s Monster Blasters are the deadliest drink in town. Be prepared to time travel.

• Someone in this town probably has a nickname for you, good or bad. As a personal example, the staff at Ono Sushi used to call me “Pearl Harbor,” because every time I came in for a cocktail, I got bombed.

• You can’t swing a dick in this town without running into a porn star. If you don’t believe me, stop by your local adult entertainment store and browse through some of the videos. I am sure you’ll recognize a face or two.

• Guys go to the gym to socialize as much as they do to workout. I’m also waiting for the day the Hillcrest 24 Hour Fitness installs powdered soap in the showers, since it’s harder to pick up off the floor.

• For those wanting a bit of adventure during their dining experience, order the Toad Sweat Ice Cream at Pomegranate Russian-Georgian Restaurant with someone else. Just make sure to bring cash and that everyone’s hands are clean. As their menu said, this item is “not for the faint of heart!” Pomegranate Russian-Georgian Restaurant is located on 2302 El Cajon Blvd. and is open seven days a week from 5 to 10 p.m.

• If you see a girl walking down University Avenue in high heels and a short skirt with nice calves, it’s probably a dude. Conversely, that cute little boy you were checking out from across the bar could be a chick.

• When you’re in a loud, crowded bar, don’t assume the bartender can hear every word you say. Once I ordered a “kamikaze” shot, and instead I was served a “cup of coffee.”

• According to the County of San Diego, since 2000 the number of syphilis cases among men who have sex with men in San Diego has increased 1,100 percent. Also, in 2007 a gay man was diagnosed with syphilis every 30 hours. To combat this curable infection, the County is planning a community-wide screening effort in April. So what are you waiting for? Spread the word and get tested!

• If you wake up Saturday morning in a strange place after a long night of debauchery and come to find you have lost your keys and wallet, you probably lost your dignity too.

• Furthermore, if you can’t recall the events that took place the previous night at the club, there is most likely some photographic evidence of your drunken deeds on SDPix.com. “I did what with whom? Damn the paparazzi!”

• Unlike living in places like Downtown or Pacific Beach, you don’t need cleavage to score free goodies in Hillcrest.

• Everyone should experience the 5 o’clock shot at Urban Mo’s at least once.

• If you sleep with a dude who cries in bed with you and is not your boyfriend, immediately put your clothes back on and run far, far away.

• Although I don’t eat meat (of the four-legged variety), indulge in a hamburger at The Hole. They are cheap and one of the best burgers in town. Plus, where else can you drown your sorrows in a pitcher of beer or booze?

• Who needs a cold ocean with dirty sand when you can sunbathe in your skimpy swimsuit in Balboa Park?

• Underwear contests are as common as yogurt shops in this neighborhood. So if you like watching boys parade in their skivvies or you need to make a little extra cash, you’re bound to find a contest being held somewhere almost every night of the week.

• Dating in Hillcrest is like reaching into a bag of trail mix; you never know if you’re gonna pick up a nut, fruit or bitter raisin.

• Generally speaking, the size of a man’s dog is inversely proportional to the size of the man himself.

• The Hillcrest Ace Hardware is one of the only places in town where you can get a hammer and get nailed in the same trip.

• Never make someone a priority who only keeps you as an option.

• In 2007, Hillcrest celebrated its first centennial. In 1906, William Wesley Whitson purchased the 40-acre George Hill estate for $115,000 (say what?) in what was then referred to as University Heights. The following year, Whitson opened a sales office at Fifth and University avenues to sell building lots. His sister-in-law, Laura Anderson, who recommended that he buy the land, named the subdivision Hillcrest.

• Last but not least, a friend put it best when he said, “It’s all fun and games, until your urine starts to burn.”

What’s on your list?