Daily Loaf

We are told that we must recycle. So we put our cans, glass and plastics in our curbside bins. Or we collect our bits and drive them to the nearest recycling station. Maybe we even take old electronics to swap shops to keep the chemicals from leeching into the ground.

But what about the less obvious stuff? What about recycling our own hair?

Think about it. We’re always shedding it, and our heads always (sometimes) replenish it. If it doesn’t get tossed in the waste bin, it gets washed down the shower drain where it creates an icky clog that the eeeevil commercials tell us we need to use chemicals to unclog. So save your hair (and your drain pipes) and try some fun ways to keep using it.

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Welcome to On the Radar, where we preview up-and-coming arts events to mark your calendar for. We don’t need special incentives for a scenic stroll through the hills of St. Pete’s Historic Roser Park, but this weekend there’s even more reason to check out the bungalows, brick-lined streets and moss-draped, overgrown oaks that shade the roads: the Historic Roser Park Art Festival brings together more than 70 artists from all over the country who shut down the streets with their displays of paintings, pottery, jewelry, sculpture, photography and craftwork. Read the rest of this entry »

Here are the best free and cheap events of the weekend, hand-picked with our loyal, low-budget readership in mind:

It’s the last weekend to catch Movies in Largo Central Park. This Friday’s selection is Enchanted, the modern-day fairy tale about a princess whose ideas about romance and love are shattered by the reality of today’s not-so-charming princes. A kid movie that adults will enjoy, Enchanted is perfect for the family or a cheap date night. The best part: you won’t have to sell your first born just to buy some frickin’ popcorn. Skip the insanely expensive movie theater candy and bring your own budget-friendly fare. (7 p.m. Fri., May 22, Largo Central Park, Seminole Blvd. and East Bay Dr., Largo, 727-587-6775, largoarts.com)

A Musical Swap Meet provides a one-stop shop for  locals who give seldom-played instruments and equipment a second life in a new home — instead of gathering dust. It’s the perfectly green way to find a new instrument. Tropical Disturbance kicks out the jams,  and a new Dean guitar goes to one lucky-ass raffle winner. (1-4 p.m. Sat., May 23, Music City, 4601 118th ave. N., Clearwater, 727-572-5500)

Calm your inner rage (or at least express it in a controlled environment) at the weekly meeting of the Shaolin Kung Fu Club.  National champion Shifu Mario Salazar teaches lessons in northern Chinese kung fu, and separate classes are also offered in Tai Chi and contact kickboxing. (Noon, Saturdays, Song Shan Wushu Guan, 5638 W. Waters Ave., Tampa, $5 suggested donation, 813-412-0750, mtsong.com)

Get arty this weekend at the Bead Mercantile Show, an extravaganza of  all things crafty. The astounding selection and great prices mean you can load up on all the supplies you could ever want  — instead of spending mucho dinero in designer bead boutiques. Wearable wares include Swarovski crystal, lampwork beads, seed beads, Czech glass and more. (10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sun., May 23-24, Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 U.S. 301 N., Tampa, free admission, 813-622-7275)