Mission Out

ONGOING 7/15-8/22

People fall in love with the Mission District easily and quickly, which is great. But they also tend to get attached to the neighborhood just the way it is, and that's a recipe for heartbreak. For whatever reason, the Mission changes at a frantic pace -- culturally, physically, and economically. "Imagine the Mission," a photography show in honor of El Tecolote newspaper's 35th year, presents a variety of pictures showing what makes the Mission so unique and beloved, from a solemn little boy in a big hat to the protester whose sign reads "Haig out of S.F., U.S. out of El Salvador." The images here come from the bilingual El Tecolote's archives, as well as from professional photogs and community donations.

So while you may think "your" Mission is the best, see this exhibit, consider what others have seen, and ponder the likelihood that you might continue to love the place even as it keeps (noooo!) changing.

The opening reception for "Imagine the Mission" starts Friday at 7 p.m. (and the show continues through Aug. 22) at the Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts Gallery, 2868 Mission (at 25th Street), S.F. Admission is $5; call 643-2775 or visit www.missionculturalcenter.org.
-- Hiya Swanhuyser

DIY for Dummies
A shortcut to alt stardom

THURS 7/14

Most advice guides deal with events that the hipster/artist/malcontent would likely set out to disrupt, such as high tea or a nine-course meal. Navigating the things that really count -- wearing a big hat, surviving rehab, or making yourself punk rock over the weekend -- is largely a learn-as-you-go affair, but editor Jennifer Blowdryer is here to help with Good Advice for Young Trendy People of All Ages, a serious-yet-nutty book of tips from folks who've already paid their dues. Particular gems include Reverend Jen's section, "How to Be an Art Star" ("An art star should have no spiritual life and no sense of who they are," she writes), and Bucky Sinister's pointers on shopping: "Proudly shop at Ross and Old Navy, and realize anyone who gives you shit probably grew up rich."

Catch Blowdryer and her panel of experts at 7:30 p.m. at Modern Times Bookstore, 888 Valencia (at 20th Street), S.F. Admission is free; call 282-9246 or visit www.mtbs.com.
-- Michael Leaverton

Cinema's Center
A mall theater turns 10

THURS 7/14

Sunday mornings are a fine time to visit the Embarcadero Center Cinema; drifting through the dead-quiet mall puts you in a languid, surreal mood, perfect for escaping into one of the venue's quality films. Tonight, though, expect noise and crowds at the "Embarcadero Center Cinema 10 Year Anniversary Celebration,"which features food, drink, and music along with a sneak preview of Álex de la Iglesia's El Crimen Perfecto, a black comedy set, appropriately, in a department store, concerning bitter rivals who fight ridiculously hard for the floor-manager job.

The party starts at 5:30 p.m. (and the film starts at 7:30) at the Embarcadero Center Cinema, 1 Embarcadero Center, Battery & Sacramento, S.F. Admission is $15; call 267-4893 or visit www.landmarktheatres.com.
-- Michael Leaverton

Don't Blink

MON 7/18

Microcinema's "Independent Exposure -- Summer 2005 Edition" screens 12 films with wee running times -- many just one minute -- and the themes are equally as small, dealing with such items as can openers, hot dogs, and french fries. 100% Perfect Girl is an epic at 15 minutes, based on a story by Japan's obsessive ponderer Haruki Murakami. The show starts at 7 p.m. at 111 Minna Gallery, 111 Minna (at Second Street), S.F. Admission is $6; call 974-1719 or visit www.111minnagallery.com.
-- Michael Leaverton