Mission Mission

I never know what to do with old bicycle inner tubes. I mean, you can only be Rambo for Halloween a couple of times before it gets old. Usually they end up in a box with CD spindles, strips of fabric, and other junk that falls under the nebulous “future art project” materials collection. Somebody should remind me that I don’t actually do art projects.

So it’s a good thing Mission Bicycle Company just got these swell mini-wallets that are made from recycled tubes. Seems like a cool idea for those of you interested in lowering your rubber footprint:

This super thin wallet is perfect for a night out or a training ride when you don’t need to carry every card you own.

• Fits in your front pocket
• Pocket for folded cash
• Pocket for credit cards
• Window for your ID

What do you do with your old tubes?

The number of differing intentions on this little patch of wall is exhilarating.

Whoever ordered clearly did not get enough for everyone.

potential past brings us this gem of a photo (definitely click for the large version).

Just found this great video of Ramon & Jessica and was reminded that they will be playing TONIGHT at the Red Poppy Art House on Folsom and 23rd. This is a great, intimate room to see them in.

Tuvan-throat singing bluesman Seth Augustus will also be on the bill.

Doors at 8:45pm, show at 9pm. $10-15 suggested donation.

With a forecast calling for mostly pleasant weather, there is no shortage of fun things to do outside in the sun this weekend.  First up on Saturday, the Mission Creek Festival reconvenes for a free outdoor concert at McLaren Park from noon to 6pm.  Local products The Fresh & Onlys and Grass Widow headline a melodious offering that also features Brian Glaze & the Night Shift and Ganglians.  Remember to bring a sweater just in case because we live in San Francisco.

Sunday marks the 2nd summer session of the indie mart at thee Parkside.  As I’ve said before, it’s tough to beat a Sunday spent leisurely strolling along a closed-off city block while sipping a Zeitgest-tier bloody mary and scoping the latest offerings from local fashion designers, such as the custom sized 1960s bikinis from newcomer Lacombe Lingerie.  The design-your-own-terrariums will also be returning this time around, joined this time by a life-size terrarium where you can hang out and drink some beers while you kick it with Pauly Shore.  PBR giveaways, dog and cat adoption, Heavy Metal Aerobics, and a slew of musical acts round out the action, which also happens to run from noon to 6pm.  Don’t forget the sunscreen!

[Photo by hummingbirdheart]

There’s something wonderfully surreal about seeing a trapeze artist in the middle of a typical Mission backdrop.

Stephan Zielinski took this beautiful photo of High-Flyin’ Abigail at 20th and Harrison during Circus Bella‘s outdoor performance last Sunday. They have two more performances this month in Oakland. All proceeds go towards the Foot Locker on Broadway and Telegraph (no, not really):

• Friday, July 16 at 6:00PM. Studio One Art Center, Oakland
• Sunday, July 18 at 11:45AM. Dimond Park, Oakland

Check out the rest of Stephan’s shots on his web site.

Happy Friday, all y’all! Please do consider adopting one of these animals!

Finn — 10-month-old male Yellow Lab

I think they named me Finn cause I like to swim? Wait, but I also like to hike…and walk…and run….and chase those things you call tennis balls. Point is, I like to a lot of things, and the more outdoorsy and social it is, the more I love it!

It’s summertime out there, and that means you’re spending time at the park, at the sidewalk café, and just enjoying all the things the Bay Area has to offer – I would love to share those with you!

Loretta — 5-year-old tabby

This full figured gal is as sweet as they come. Loretta can be a bit shy at first but give her some time and she’ll be ready to climb into your lap! Loretta is generally low-key so quieter homes would probably make her happiest. If you’re looking for a relaxed, sun-bathing type of cat that wants to lounge next to you while you read a book then visit Loretta! Seriously, how can you resist that face?? And remember – July means name your adoption fee for us adult cats! I mean, I’m worth a zillion bucks, but we can make arrangements

All pets adopted from SFSPCA have received a pre-adoption veterinary exam and behavior assessment, vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery and a microchip.

Where: The San Francisco SPCA’s Maddie’s Adoption Center
Address: 250 Florida Street (at 16th – Street)
Hours: Open Tues – Friday 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday/Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Closed Mondays and major holidays.
Contact: 415-522-3500, www.sfspca.org
Follow SFSPCA at facebook.com/sfspca and twitter.com/sfspca.

For the past three Fridays from 5-9pm, Matt Cohen (SF Cart Project) has been organizing “Off The Grid” meetups in Fort Mason where all your favorite independent food trucks gather and vie for your attention with their adorable, pun-filled, flavor-enhancing names. The event also features an alcohol tent and local live music. In fact, tonight the Ferocious Few will be playing at the event, if you’re not up to anything.

Last Friday, I hopped on the 49 and checked it out. Vendor favorites like El Haurache Loco, Soul Cocina, Chairman Bao, and Kung Fu Tacos were all in attendance. It was fun, although I must say I was a bit overwhelmed with the selection. I wasn’t exactly hungry or wealthy enough to spend $7 at three different trucks to try stuff out. Still, it was nice to know that there was one place I could count on all these guys to be once a week as opposed to following 50 twitter feeds.

Matt has been pushing to hold similar events in the Haight, Civic Center, and the Mission. After last night’s Parks and Rec meeting, he got his approval. The Mission location will be Mission Playground.

No word on when the permitting process will wrap up, but after chatting with him a bit last week, Matt seems like a pretty motivated dude and I’m sure he’ll get the ball rolling right away.

(via SFWeekly, photo by Gary Soup)

Watch out Brooklyn! Valencia is The New Hip Street in the City according to NBC Bay Area!

Mention of skinny jeans? Check.

Mention of ironic sunglasses? Check.

Mention of fixies? Check.

Mention of gentrification? Check.

I’m so glad our “flannel-draped” community gets to park our bikes in front “high-end restaurants” like Spork. NBC really hit the nail on the head with this one.