Randy's Guide LXVI

Today is “Heroes” actor Masi Oka’s 33rd; Friday is Linux founder Linus Torvalds’ 38th; Sunday is golfer Tiger Woods’ 32nd and Scientology Freedom Day; Tuesday is New Year’s Day 2008 and writer J.D. Salinger’s 89th. Welcome to all readers! Please forward on to friends, family, and colleagues... and update me about any e-mail changes.


Traffic Warning
This Friday, San Francisco will have both Critical Mass and the Emerald Bowl (featuring the Oregon State Beavers and Maryland Terrapins at AT&T Park) in the early evening.


Local News Story of the Week
A Siberian tiger killed one patron and wounded two others before being fatally shot by police. An investigation is under way to determine how the tiger could have escaped from its enclosure. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/12/27/MNEJU4SVN.DTL&tsp=1


Change for Change
Charity to consider: Blue Energy. The San Francisco-based nonprofit, which started as a graduate project at MIT, provides low-cost wind and solar electric systems in Nicaragua and eventually will spread its model worldwide. http://www.blueenergygroup.org/

Previous organizations Randy's Guide has spotlighted and donated: Common Ground Relief, LYRIC, Aldea Inc., Glide Memorial, City CarShare, Maitri, Loaves and Fishes, Friends of the Urban Forest, Farm Sanctuary, and Bay Area Community Services.

Donate through the non-profit's Web site or your corporate donation program.


Holiday Weekend Weather
Bay Area: Rain through Sunday morning, then clearing. Highs 50-55; lows 35-45

High 32, Low 20: Chicago, IL (mix of snow and sun)
High 33, Low 15: Denver, CO (partly cloudy)
High 65, Low 47: Los Angeles, CA (partly cloudy)
High 81, Low 67: Miami, FL (chance of t-storms)
High 65, Low 50: New Orleans, LA (chance of t-storms)
High 43, Low 32: New York, NY (mix of rain and sun)
High 42, Low 30: Seattle, WA (rain and snow clearing by Sunday)
High 45, Low 30: Washington, D.C. (chance of rain)


Environmental Tip of the Week
Disposal sites for your electronic waste have popped up around the Bay Area. With the holiday season providing a bounty of new equipment, return your unwanted DVD players, televisions, CDs, and other electronics to Green Citizen (in SF and Los Altos), Hayward’s E-Recycling, or Santa Clara’s Zak Enterprises, among others.

Previous:
Organic, biodynamic, and vegan wine options are starting to enter the mainstream, sans the chemical pesticides and animal byproducts often used. Some local California options include Frog’s Leap, Bonterra, and Medlock Ames.


Video of the Week
“If I Have My Way” by Chrisette Michele (New York)

Nominated for one Grammy, Ms. Michele evokes past jazz singers on her debut album, while providing vocals on multiple songs for Jay-Z and Nas. She’s currently performing in the Washington D.C./Baltimore area.

Previous:
“Let’s Make Love and Listen to Death from Above” by CSS (Brazil)

The Brazilian rockers’ name (translating to “tired of being sexy”) reportedly comes from a Beyonce quote. They’re currently wrapping up a tour through England and Ireland.


Movie Box Office (through Dec. 25)
#1 National Treasure: Book of Secrets (PG): $65.4MM opening, 3832 screens, $17,078 per screen
#2 I Am Legend (PG-13): $47.7MM, 3620 screens, $13,173 per screen
#3 Alvin and the Chipmunks (PG): $38.6MM, 3499 screens, $11,034 per screen
#16 The Kite Runner (PG-13): $2.0MM, $2.7MM overall, 377 screens, $5,192 per screen; 2 Golden Globe nominations

Aliens vs. Predator - Requiem (R): Sci-fi; about two sets of film monsters battling in a small Colorado town

Bucket List (PG-13): Comedy; about two terminally ill men who start tackling tasks on their wish lists; co-starring Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson

Great Debaters (PG-13): Drama; about a debate coach who molds his group of underdog students to battle Harvard’s championship debate team; co-starring Denzel Washington and Forest Whitaker; 1 Golden Globe nomination

Orphanage (R): Suspense; about a woman who unexpectedly finds supernatural forces within her childhood home; produced by Guillermo del Toro; recommended

Water Horse: Legend of the Deep (PG): Family fantasy; about a young Scottish boy who secretly has a mythical creature


Free Activities
Kwanzaa Family Celebration [Sat noon-5pm]: At Nevin Community Center (Richmond). www.ci.richmond.ca.us


New Year’s Eve Activities
Improv @ 8pm: With True Fiction Magazine and 3 For All. At the Fort Mason Center (SF), $28-31. http://www.fortmason.org/

Scissors for Lefty @ 9pm: With Von Iva and May Fire opening. At the Bottom of the Hill (SF), $20-25. http://www.bottomofthehill.com/

Symphony @ 9pm: Party favors, champagne, desserts, live concert, and balloon drop. At Davies Symphony Hall (SF), $105-175. http://www.sfsymphony.org/

Imagine Peace @ 9pm: Bay Area progressives unite, with guests including Tom Ammiano, Mark Leno, and Medea Benjamin. Musical performances by Hyim and the Fat Foakland Orchestra, the Average Dyke Band, and Tony Mayfield. At the Wax Museum at Fisherman’s Wharf (SF), $25-50. http://www.globalexchange.org/

Jamal Kassab @ 9pm: At the Crowne Plaza (Foster City), $95-125. http://www.petraentertainment.com/

Cake @ 9pm: With The Lovemakers opening. At the Warfield (SF), $70-80. http://www.cakemusic.com/

Club Fayrouz @ 9pm: With appetizer buffet, champagne, party favors, hookahs, and Persian DJs. At Club Fayrouz (Palo Alto), $30. http://www.mediterraneanfusion.com/

Count Basie Jazz Orchestra @ 9pm: With special guest Ledisi. At Yoshi’s (SF), $100-110. http://www.yoshis.com/

Live 105 & Popscene Disco @ 9pm: With DJ Aaron Axelsen, Blaqk Audio, Moving Units, and others. At Mezzanine (SF), $60-100. http://www.mezzaninesf.com/

Eclectic Fever @ 9pm: Featuring music from Kenya, Brazil, Jamaica, India, England, and others. Benefitting East African orphans. At the Gift Center Pavilion (SF), $65-115. http://www.eclecticfever.com/

Jesus Diaz & the Cuban Connection @ 9:30pm: At Café Valparaiso (Berkeley), $25-27. http://www.lapena.org/

Comedy Countdown @ 9:30pm: Featuring Greg Proops, Mitch Fatel, and others. Party favors, champagne, balloon drop, dancing, and free parking. At the Palace of Fine Arts (SF), $60. http://www.palaceoffinearts.org/

Sandra Bernhard @ 11pm: At the Castro Theatre (SF), $35-100. http://www.palaceoffinearts.org/

Previous: Theatre - Jersey Boys [through Sunday in SF]; Dance - San Francisco Ballet’s Nutcracker [through Sunday in SF]; Theatre - Black Nativity [through Sunday in SF]; Live Music - Christmas Music of Mannheim Steamroller [through Monday in SF]; Theatre - Cirque du Soleil’s Kooza [through Jan 20 in SF]

Randy's Guide LXV

Today is my mom and aunt’s birthday; Friday is San Francisco Symphony conductor Michael Tilson Thomas’ 63rd and winter solstice/summer solstice (depending on your hemisphere); Saturday is American Idol winner Jordin Sparks’ 18th; Sunday is U.S. General Wesley Clark’s 63rd and Swedish Flag Day; Tuesday is Christmas Day, as well as political adviser Karl Rove’s 57th; Wednesday is Boxing Day and the start of Kwanzaa. Welcome to all readers! Please forward on to friends, family, and colleagues...


American Airlines & United Airlines Offers
Save 5% on any American Airlines fare worldwide for up to six passengers on the same itinerary, for purchase and travel by 12/31/07. Or, save 10% on any United Airlines fare worldwide for purchase by 12/31/07 and travel through 3/9/08 (blackout dates of 2/15 and 2/18). E-mail me if you wish to receive either code, which can only be used once.


Virgin America Offer – extended
Save 25% off unlimited Virgin America flights. Use ELEVATE25 as your promotional code. Expires Friday. Offer valid for travel through 3/19/08, with blackout dates of 12/19/07 - 1/6/08, 2/14/08, 2/15/08, and 2/18/08.


Local News Story of the Week
Pacific Gas & Electric Co. will purchase the energy from the nation’s first commercial wave power plant off the coast of Northern California, near Eureka. The energy should start entering the state network in 2012. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/12/18/MNEKU05V9.DTL


Change for Change
Charity to consider: Blue Energy. The San Francisco-based nonprofit, which started as a graduate project at MIT, provides low-cost wind and solar electric systems in Nicaragua and eventually will spread its model worldwide. www.blueenergygroup.org

Previous organizations Randy's Guide has spotlighted and donated: Common Ground Relief, LYRIC, Aldea Inc., Glide Memorial, City CarShare, Maitri, Loaves and Fishes, Friends of the Urban Forest, Farm Sanctuary, and Bay Area Community Services.

Donate through the non-profit's Web site or your corporate donation program.


Holiday Weekend Weather
Partly cloudy, with highs near 55; lows in the mid-30s (Santa Rosa, Saratoga) to low-40s (SF, Daly City, Berkeley, Oakland, Alameda, San Jose, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Carmel)

High 35, Low 20: Belleville, Mich. (chance of snow)

- Joe Jankowski’s double-wide mobile home is filled with 17,000 bulbs to celebrate the Christmas season

High 60, Low 40: Brookhaven, Miss. (chance of rain)

- At least two mobile homes have been damaged by a possible tornado

High 63, Low 43: New Orleans, La. (chance of rain)

- The City Council will vote on whether to demolish 4,500 public units damaged heavily by Hurricane Katrina

High 43, Low 28: Norristown, Pa. (chance of rain)

- Police thwarted a Columbine-style attack, and the courts sentenced the 14-year-old to up to 7 years of juvenile detention time

High 41, Low 30: Stirling City, Calif. (chance of rain)

- A family of four is found huddled in the Sierra Nevada following an unsuccessful search for a Christmas tree and then four days in the snowy terrain


Environmental Tip of the Week
Organic, biodynamic, and vegan wine options are starting to enter the mainstream, sans the chemical pesticides and animal byproducts often used. Some local California options include Frog’s Leap, Bonterra, and Medlock Ames.

Previous:
LED holiday lights use about 90% less energy than typical incandescent lights. Consider purchasing a string from www.holidayleds.com; be forewarned, though, that holiday lights often still contain lead and should be treated with caution.


Video of the Week
“Let’s Make Love and Listen to Death from Above” by CSS (Brazil)

The Brazilian rockers’ name (translating to “tired of being sexy”) reportedly comes from a Beyonce quote. They’re currently wrapping up a tour through England and Ireland.

Previous:
“Unravel” by Radiohead (UK)

The notoriously anti-capitalist British rockers have gone virtual with their seventh studio album. You can download their latest album from their Web site (www.radiohead.com) and pay whatever price you wish; also check out live studio performances of their new songs.


Movie Box Office (through Dec. 16)
#1 I Am Legend (PG-13): $77.2MM opening, 3606 screens, $21,412 per screen

#2 Alvin and the Chipmunks (PG): $44.3MM opening, 3475 screens, $12,750 per screen

#3 The Golden Compass (PG-13): $8.8MM, $40.8MM overall, 3528 screens, $2,502 per screen

#11 Juno (PG-13): $1.4MM, $2.2MM overall, 40 screens, $35,686 per screen; 3 Golden Globe nominations

Charlie Wilson’s War (R): Drama; about a Texas congressman’s singular attempts to support the Afghan resistance against the Soviet Union during the Cold War; co-starring Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts, and Philip Seymour Hoffman; directed by Mike Nichols; 5 Golden Globe nominations

Diving Bell and the Butterfly (PG-13): Foreign drama; about a famous magazine editor whose live plunges into catastrophe; 3 Golden Globe nominations

National Treasure: Book of Secrets (PG): Action sequel; about the treasure hunter’s attempts to unlock the truth surround Abraham Lincoln’s assassination; co-starring Nicolas Cage, Ed Harris, and Helen Mirren

P.S. I Love You (PG-13): Drama; about a young widow following a list of tasks left by her late husband; co-starring Hilary Swank, Gerard Butler, and Lisa Kudrow

Savages (R): Drama; about a modern American family, drifting apart emotionally and geographically, who must reunite to care for an aging parent; co-starring Laura Linney and Philip Seymour Hoffman; 1 Golden Globe nomination

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (R): Musical; about a wrongly imprisoned man returning as a vengeful barber; co-starring Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Sacha Baron Cohen, and Alan Rickman; directed by Tim Burton; 4 Golden Globe nominations

Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story (R): Comedy; about the up-and-down life of the musician/songwriter; co-starring John C. Reilly; 2 Golden Globe nominations


Free Activities
Boudin at the Wharf’s Holiday Celebration [Sat 10am-5pm, Sun noon-4pm]: Family activities and entertainment, including a Santa visit and holiday carolers. At Pier 43-1/2 (SF). www.boudinbakery.com

Unsilent Night [Fri/Sat 7pm]: Outdoor ambient music performance – bring your own boom box. At Santa Rosa Square on Friday, Dolores Park on Saturday. www.philkline.com

Living Wage Celebration [Sat 6pm]: Featuring live music, spoken word, food, and a raffle. Benefitting the San Francisco Living Wage Coalition. At the New College (SF). Monetary donations accepted. www.livingwage-sf.com


Other Activities
Symphony - The Wizard of Oz [Th/Fri 7pm, Sat 2pm]: With a live orchestra playing during the film shown on a big screen. At Davies Symphony Hall (SF), $14-55. www.sfsymphony.org

Live Music - Messiah [Th/Fri 7:30pm]: At the Herbst Theatre (SF), $18-55. www.americanbach.org

Dance - San Jose’s Nutcracker [through Sunday]: At the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts, $30-82. www.balletsanjose.org

Live Music - Queens of the Stone Age [Fri 8pm]: With Jaguar Love opening. At the Warfield (SF), $30. www.qotsa.com

Dance - Dancing with the Stars [Fri 7:30pm]: Featuring cast members from seasons 3-5. At the HP Pavilion (San Jose), $50-165. http://dancingwiththestars.aeglive.com/

Dance - Mark Morris Dance Group’s The Hard Nut [through Sunday]: Updating the Nutcracker classic to the 1960s. At Zellerbach Hall (Berkeley), $32-60. www.calperformances.net

Film - Can’t Stop the Music event [Sat noon/7:30pm]: With Randy Jones (original Village People cowboy), emcee Anita Cocktail, a Village People look-alike contest, and of course the 1980 film. At the Castro Theatre (SF), $13-28. www.castrotheatre.com

Dance - Alameda Civic Ballet’s Nutcracker [through Sunday]: At Kofman Theater (Alameda), $17-27. www.alamedaballet.com

Live Music - Vienna Teng [Fri 8pm, Sat 7pm/9:30pm]: At Saratoga High School on Friday, and the Independent (SF) on Saturday, $15-25. www.viennateng.com

Event - Festivus [Sun 7:30pm]: A rolling contest, silent auction, raffle, Mutaytor… with dessert served first, all in honor of the medical marijuana legal defense and educational fund Green Aid. At the SomArts Cultural Center (SF), $70. www.green-aid.com

Live Music - Chanticleer [through Sunday]: Grammy Award-winning artists perform both classics and new releases from its latest album. At Mission Santa Clara tonight; Carmel Mission on Friday night; Old Mission San Jose on Saturday afternoon; and St. Ignatius Church (SF) on Sunday evening. $22-44. www.chanticleer.org

Dance - Oakland Ballet’s Nutcracker [through Monday]: At the Paramount Theatre (Oakland), $15-50. www.oaklandballet.org

Live Music - Gay Men’s Chorus [Mon 5pm/7pm/9pm]: At the Castro Theatre (SF), $17-25. www.sfgmc.org

Comedy - 15th Kung Pao Kosher Comedy [through Tuesday]: At the New Asia Restaurant (SF), $40-60. www.koshercomedy.com

Theatre - Black Nativity [through Dec 30]: A gospel celebration of Christmas. At the Lorraine Hansberry Theatre (SF), $22-36. www.lhtsf.org

Dance - San Francisco Ballet’s Nutcracker [through Dec 30]: At the Opera House (SF), $18-198. www.sfballet.org

Live Music - Christmas Music of Mannheim Steamroller [through Dec 31]: #1 selling Christmas recording artist in history. At the Post Street Theatre (SF), $65-100. www.mannheimsteamroller.com


Previous: Theatre - Argonautika [through Sunday in Berkeley]; Dance - Peninsula Ballet’s Nutcracker [through Sunday in San Mateo]; Theatre - A Christmas Carol [through Sunday in SF]; Dance - Smuin’s The Christmas Ballet [through Sunday in SF]; Festival - Great Dickens Christmas Fair [through Sunday in Daly City]; Theatre - Jersey Boys [through Dec 30 in SF]; Theatre - Cirque du Soleil’s Kooza [through Jan 20 in SF];

Randy's Guide LXIV

Thursday is former Secretary of State (and SF resident!) George Shultz’s 87th and Scandinavian Saint Lucia’s Day; Sunday is British writer Sir Arthur C. Clarke’s 90th and Kazakhstan Independence Day; and Tuesday is director Steven Spielberg’s 61st, singer Christina Aguilera’s 27th, and New Jersey’s Admission Day.


Special Holiday Event
Saturday, 11:30am-3pm: Check out unique silver and semi-precious jewelry, pashmina, and silk stoles & scarves. Complimentary wine & hors d’oeuvres will be served. At Vandana’s home (3708 Louis Rd, Palo Alto) – friend of Shivani! RSVP to 650.856.0816.


Special Airline Offer – extended
Save 25% off unlimited Virgin America flights. Use ELEVATE25 as your promotional code. Expires 12/21/07. Offer valid for travel through 3/19/08, with blackout dates of 12/19/07 - 1/6/08, 2/14/08, 2/15/08, and 2/18/08.


Local News Story of the Week
San Francisco’s MUNI will be testing a British company’s double-decker bus on various routes over the next four weeks. Rides will be complimentary on the 83-seat bus, which could be in the fleet’s future for use on busy lines like the 38-Geary and 14-Mission. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/12/13/BAEGTT7V1.DTL


Change for Change
Charity to consider: Blue Energy. The San Francisco-based nonprofit, which started as a graduate project at MIT, provides low-cost wind and solar electric systems in Nicaragua and eventually will spread its model worldwide. www.blueenergygroup.org

Previous organizations Randy's Guide has spotlighted and donated: Common Ground Relief, LYRIC, Aldea Inc., Glide Memorial, City CarShare, Maitri, Loaves and Fishes, Friends of the Urban Forest, Farm Sanctuary, and Bay Area Community Services. Donate through the non-profit's Web site or your corporate donation program.


Weekend Weather
Partly cloudy days, cool nights
High 52, Low 43: San Rafael
High 54, Low 42: Berkeley, Mill Valley
High 55, Low 45: SF, Daly City
High 56, Low 37: Pleasanton
High 57, Low 40: Oakland, San Mateo

High 65, Low 44: Beverly Hills, Calif. (sunny)
- The Hollywood Foreign Press released its Golden Globe nominations on Thursday, with "Atonement" and "Charlie Wilson's War" leading films, "Damages" and "30 Rock" guiding television

High 31, Low 23: Cleveland, Ohio (heavy snow)
- Madonna, John Mellencamp, The Ventures, Leonard Cohen, and The Dave Clark Five were announced on Thursday as Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees for 2008

High 22, Low 10: Des Moines, Iowa (slight chance of snow)
- Republicans discussed issues on Wednesday, while Democrats took the stage on Thursday, in both parties' final debates before the January 3 caucuses for the 2008 presidential nomination

High 20-42, Low 16: Hartford, Conn. (snow & ice)
- Connecticut's largest airport already cancelled a dozen flights by Thursday morning in advance of two major winter storms

High 39, Low 25: Tulsa, Okla. (more snow)
- In a state with at least 315,000 homes without power, residents hope for beds at the daily lottery held at the local John 3:16 Mission


Environmental Tip of the Week
LED holiday lights use about 90% less energy than typical incandescent lights. Consider purchasing a string from http://www.holidayleds.com/; be forewarned, though, that holiday lights often still contain lead and should be treated with caution.

Previous: You may wish to consider bamboo kitchen equipment for your holiday cooking needs (and 2008!). Bamboo is a grass that grows quickly and is very renewable. Check out cutting boards, salad servers, and salad bowls at http://www.branchhome.com/ and http://www.3rliving.com/.


Video of the Week
"Unravel" by Radiohead (UK)

The notoriously anti-capitalist British rockers have gone virtual with their seventh studio album. You can download their latest album from their Web site (www.radiohead.com) and pay whatever price you wish; also check out the live studio performances of their new songs.

Previous:
"Umbrella" by Tegan and Sara (Canada)

The lesbian twin sisters are going to regret covering Rihanna’s hit, judging from the high fan response. They’re back on tour showcasing its latest album “The Con,” with a few December shows in Australia.


Movie Box Office (through Dec. 9)
#1 The Golden Compass (PG-13), $25.8MM opening, 3528 screens, $7,308 per screen
#2 Enchanted (PG), $10.7MM, $83.9MM overall, 3520 screens, $3,042 per screen
#3 This Christmas (PG-13), $5.0MM, $42.7MM overall, 1879 screens, $2,640 per screen
#15 Atonement (R), $0.8MM opening, 32 screens, $25,014 per screen recommended, 7 Golden Globe nominations

All This in Tea (NR): Documentary; about a tea importer’s search throughout China for premium teas

Alvin and the Chipmunks (PG): Live-action animation; about the three chipmunk brothers adopted by a man named Dave

I Am Legend (PG-13): Sci-fi; about a scientist’s effort to rid the world of a manmade plague; co-starring Will Smith

It Is Fine! Everything Is Fine! (NR): Drama; about a man with cerebral palsy and his many experiences with women

Juno (PG-13): Comedy; about a teen who confronts an unplanned pregnancy; co-starring Jason Bateman and Jennifer Garner

Kite Runner (PG-13): Drama; about two Afghan friends whose lives change after a kite-fighting tournament; directed by Marc Forster

Outlaw (R): Drama; about an Iraqi veteran who forms a vigilante group in London; co-starring Bob Hoskins

Perfect Holiday (PG): Comedy; about a fatherless family’s effort to make it through another Christmas; co-starring Queen Latifah and Terrence Howard

Protagonist (R): Documentary; about four men with widely different stories – a German terrorist, a bank robber, an ex-gay evangelist, and a martial arts students

Starting Out in the Evening (PG-13): Drama; about a struggling, aging writer’s attempts to close out one final novel; co-starring Lili Taylor and Frank Langella

Walker (R): Drama; about a popular gay socialite who runs into a criminal situation with one of his lady friends in Washington D.C.; co-starring Woody Harrelson, Kristin Scott Thomas, Lauren Bacall, and Willem Dafoe

War Dance (PG-13): Documentary; about a school in northern Uganda who treks to compete in an annual festival in the aftermath of a lengthy civil war; winner of Best Documentary at Sundance

Youth Without Youth (R): Drama; about a professor’s life-altering event in pre-WWII Europe; co-starring Tim Roth; directed by Francis Ford Coppola


Free Activities
Macy’s PG&E Bulb Exchange [Weekends through Dec 16, noon-4pm]: Exchange up to 5 standard light bulbs for new compact fluorescent bulbs. On Holiday Lane, Level 6, in Macy’s Union Square (SF). Recommended

Holiday Lights Parade [Fri 6pm]: With over 100 lighted boats along the waterfront. Near Fort Mason Piers (SF). www.visitfishermanswharf.com

Ice Skating at Justin Herman Plaza [Sat 10am-10pm]: Complimentary ice skating, beverages, pastries, and Sasha Cohen’s 6pm performance, all courtesy of Starbucks. At Embarcadero Center (SF). www.sashacohen.com Recommended

Holiday Art Sale [Sat-Sun 10am-4pm]: Featuring glass blowing and blacksmithing demonstrations, plus the potential holiday gifts (Oakland). www.thecrucible.org

Holiday Craft Craze [Sat-Sun noon-4pm]: At ZNE (Pleasanton). www.znestore.com


Other Activities
Live Music - Blues Traveler [Th 8pm]: With Jesse Malin opening. At The Fillmore (SF), $28. www.bluestraveler.com

Symphony - Handel’s Messiah [Th/Fri 8pm]: At Davies Symphony Hall (SF), $20-82. www.sfsymphony.org

Dance - Sophie and the Enchanted Toyshop [Sat 1pm/5pm]: Featuring 130 dancers ages 5-19 from the Marin Dance Theatre. At Marin Auditorium (San Rafael), $20-30. www.mdt.org

Festival - Bazaar Bizarre [Sat 11am-6pm]: Craft fair with musical entertainment. At the County Fair Building (SF), $1. www.bazaarbizarre.org

Symphony - Peter and the Wolf [Sat 2pm, Sun 1pm/4pm]: With narration by Sara Ramirez of Grey’s Anatomy. At the California Theatre (San Jose) and Davies Symphony Hall (SF), $15-46. www.sfsymphony.org

Dance - Berkeley Ballet’s The Nutcracker [through Sunday]: At the Julia Morgan Center for the Arts (Berkeley), $22. www.berkeleyballet.org

Live Music - Charlie Hunter [through Sunday]: With The Campbell Brothers. At Yoshi’s (SF), $22-30. www.yoshis.com

Dance - California Revels’ The Christmas Revels [through Sunday]: At the Scottish Rite Theatre (Oakland), $15-50. www.calrevels.org

Dance - City Ballet’s Nutcracker [through Sunday]: At Fort Mason’s Cowell Theatre (SF), $24. www.cityballetschool.org

Live Music - Colors of Christmas [Mon-Wed 8pm]: Featuring Peabo Bryson, Ben Vereen, and others. At Davies Symphony Hall (SF), $20-80. www.sfsymphony.org

Theatre - A Christmas Carol [through Dec 23]: At the American Conservatory Theatre (SF), $16-80. www.act-sf.org

Dance - Smuin’s The Christmas Ballet [through Dec 23]: At the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (SF), $18-55. www.smuinballet.org

Theatre - Cirque du Soleil’s Kooza [through Jan 20]: At AT&T Park (SF), $55-210. www.cirquedusoleil.com

Previous: Theatre - Lovers & Executioners [through Sunday in Mill Valley]; Theatre - Argonautika [through Dec 23 in Berkeley]; Dance - Peninsula Ballet’s Nutcracker [through Dec 23 in San Mateo]; Festival - Great Dickens Christmas Fair [through Dec 23 in Daly City]; Theatre - Jersey Boys [through Dec 30 in SF]

Randy's Guide LXIII

Today is Saint Nicholas Day, jazz musician Dave Brubeck’s 87th and craigslist founder Craig Newmark’s 55th; Saturday is commentator Ann Coulter’s 46th and Panama’s Mother’s Day; and Tuesday is Philippines’ Pampanga Day. Welcome to all readers! Please forward on to friends, family, and colleagues!


New Special Airline Offer
Receive one free companion fare when you purchase a seat on the same Virgin America flight (LAX, SFO, SAN, LAS, JFK, IAD airports). Use DIGGNATION as your promotional code; select two passengers to view fares. Expires Friday 11:59pm. Offer valid for travel through 3/19/08, with blackout dates of 12/19/07 - 1/6/08, 2/14/08, 2/15/08, and 2/18/08.


Special Airline Offer – extended!
Save 25% off unlimited Virgin America flights. Use ELEVATE25 as your promotional code. Expires 12/21/07. Offer valid for travel through 3/19/08, with blackout dates of 12/19/07 - 1/6/08, 2/14/08, 2/15/08, and 2/18/08.


Local News Story of the Week
Kirkwood ranked last out of 19 California ski resorts in the 8th annual survey of green practices by a skiing coalition from Colorado. Alpine Meadows and Squaw Valley came out 1-2 for addressing such issues as storm water runoff, energy consumption, and wetlands preservation. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/12/04/MN68TNG4R.DTL


Change for Change (no change from last week)
Charity to consider: Blue Energy. The San Francisco-based nonprofit, which started as a graduate project at MIT, provides low-cost wind and solar electric systems in Nicaragua and eventually will spread its model worldwide. www.blueenergygroup.org


Previous organizations Randy's Guide has spotlighted and donated: Common Ground Relief, LYRIC, Aldea Inc., Glide Memorial, City CarShare, Maitri, Loaves and Fishes, Friends of the Urban Forest, Farm Sanctuary, and Bay Area Community Services.

Donate through the non-profit's Web site or your corporate donation program.


Weekend Weather
Raindrops keep falling on my head… but only until Friday night.
High 51, Low 38: Hanford
High 54, Low 35: Santa Rosa, Pittsburg
High 54, Low 39: Oakland, Alameda, Berkeley, Mill Valley, Mountain View, San Jose
High 54, Low 43: SF, Daly City

High 75, Low 65: College Station, TX (mostly cloudy)
Mitt Romney discusses religion and Mormonism on Wednesday
High 21, Low 10: Omaha, NE (chance of snow)
An AK-47 rampage results in nine total deaths at a shopping mall on Wednesday
High 81, Low 70: Pearl Harbor, HI (rainy)
A day which will live in infamy has its anniversary on Friday
High 40, Low 29: Vernonia, OR (mostly cloudy)
The Portland suburb starts to dry out after being evacuated by National Guard rafts on Tuesday, following two major storms of massive rain and 100+ mph wind gusts over the weekend


Environmental Tip of the Week
You may wish to consider bamboo kitchen equipment for your holiday cooking needs (and 2008!). Bamboo is a grass that grows quickly and is very renewable. Check out cutting boards, salad servers, and salad bowls at www.branchhome.com and www.3rliving.com.


Previous:
Athletic shoe makers have been more open to adopting green policies, with the elimination of volatile organic compounds and PVC, the adoption of Fair Labor Association factory visits, and the publication of factory locations. Nike, Reebok, and Adidas are among the industry leaders in driving positive changes.


Video of the Week
“Umbrella” by Tegan and Sara (Canada)

The lesbian twin sisters are going to regret covering Rihanna’s hit, judging from the high fan response. They’re back on tour showcasing its latest album “The Con,” with a sold-out date at Berkeley’s Zellerbach Hall tonight before heading Down Under for a few shows.


Previous:
“Cigarette” by Jeremy Fisher (Canada)

A new CD, a tour in Australia – how could life be better for the Canadian singer-songwriter?


Movie Box Office (through Dec. 2)
#1 Enchanted (PG), $16.4MM, $70.0MM overall, 3730 screens
#2 Beowulf (PG-13), $8.2MM, $68.9MM overall, 3249 screens
#3 This Christmas (PG-13), $7.9MM, $36.4MM overall, 1858 screens
#15 I’m Not There (R), $0.5MM, $1.7MM overall, 138 screens

Atonement (R): Romantic drama; about a young woman seeking forgiveness for lying about a man’s crime to get back at his love for her older sister; co-starring Kiera Knightley, James McAvoy, and Brenda Blethyn

Diva (R): Drama; about a Parisian postman who secretly records his favorite opera star, only to be chased by several groups for an incriminating tape secretly placed in his mailbag

The Golden Compass (PG-13): Action-adventure; about a young girl who is set on an epic quest to save the world; co-starring Nicole Kidman, Daniel Craig, Ian McKellen, Kathy Bates, and Kristin Scott Thomas; directed by Chris Weitz

Man in the Chair (PG-13): Comedy; about a teenage film fanatic who is trying to escape his dreadful home by winning a film-school scholarship; co-starring Christopher Plummer and Robert Wagner

Nina’s Heavenly Delights (PG-13): Comedy; about a young Scottish Asian woman who returns home to find her childhood friend a wannabe Bollywood drag queen, and her love directed toward a woman who owns half of her family’s restaurant; director in person on Saturday evening in San Francisco

Revolver (R): Action; the follow up to “Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels,” about gamblers and a major drug deal; co-starring Jason Statham and Ray Liotta; directed by Guy Ritchie


Free Activities
Macy’s PG&E Bulb Exchange [Weekends through Dec 16, noon-4pm]: Exchange up to 5 standard light bulbs for new compact fluorescent bulbs. On Holiday Lane, Level 6, in Macy’s Union Square (SF). Recommended – got my bulbs last weekend!

Presidio Holiday Show [Fri 5:30-6:30pm]: Featuring the San Francisco Conservatory Carolers, with light refreshments. At Lincoln Blvd and Funston Ave (SF). www.presidio.gov/calendar

Winter Wonderland [Fri 11am-9:30pm, Sat-Sun 5-9:30pm]: Along Paseo de San Antonio (San Jose). www.sjdowntown.com

CalTrain Holidays [Fri 5pm, Sat-Sun 4:30pm]: Lighting ceremony at 4th/King stop, music by San Francisco Concert Chorale, visit by Santa Claus, and historic Pullman train tours. At 4th/King (SF). www.caltrain.org

Santa Visits Alameda [Sat 2-5pm]: At Webster/Taylor (Alameda). www.westalamedabusiness.com

Silver Bells Arts & Crafts Faire [Sun 10am-4pm]: Featuring more than 60 Asian & Pacific Islander artisans. Partially benefitting Kimochi. In Hotel Kabuki (SF). www.kimochi-inc.org


Other Activities
Comedy - Brian Regan in concert [Th-Fri 8pm, Sun 7:30pm]: Comedy Central’s funnyman tours the Nob Hill Masonic Auditorium (SF), then Santa Rosa’s Wells Fargo Center, and finally Hanford’s Fox Theatre. (Hanford appears to be a small town near Visalia.) $35-39. www.comedycentral.com

Opera - Puccini’s Madama Butterfly [Th 7:30pm, Sat 1pm/8pm]: At the War Memorial Opera House (SF), $10-275. www.sfopera.com

Live Music - Live 105’s Not So Silent Night [Fri 8pm]: With Modest Mouse, Jimmy Eat World, and more. At the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium (SF), $40 general, $105 VIP. www.live105.com

Ballet - Western Ballet’s “Nutcracker” [Fri 7:30pm, Sat-Sun 1:30/7:30pm]: At the Center for Performing Arts (Mountain View), $18-23. www.westernballet.org

Live Music - Debbie Reynolds [Fri 8pm]: The star of “Singing in the Rain” croons at the Herbst Theatre (SF), $48-78. www.debbiereynolds.com

Theatre - Argonautika [extended through Dec 23]: Adapted from “The Voyage of Jason and the Argonauts.” At the Berkeley Rep, $17-69. www.berkeleyrep.org

Live Music - Tori Amos [Fri-Sun 8pm]: With Yoav opening. At the Paramount Theatre (Oakland), $38-56. www.toriamos.com

Festival - 37th KPFA Crafts & Music Fair [Sat-Sun 10am-6pm]: Free shuttles from Civic Center BART and 4th/King CalTrain. At the Concourse Exhibition Center (SF), FREE-$10. www.KPFA.org/craftsfair

Ballet - Peninsula Ballet Theatre’s “Nutcracker” [Sat 7pm, Sun 2pm]: At the Creative Arts Building (Pittsburg), $10-20. www.peninsulaballet.org

Live Music - Deborah Harry [Sun 8pm]: The front-woman for Blondie performs, with Kristoffer Ragnstam opening. At the Fillmore (SF), $42. www.deborahharry.com


Previous: Theatre - The Color Purple [through Sunday in SF] recommended; Family - The Velveteen Rabbit [through Sunday in SF]; Opera - Stravinsky's The Rake's Progress [through Sunday in SF]; Theatre - Lovers & Executioners [through Dec 16 in Mill Valley]; Festival - Great Dickens Christmas Fair [through Dec 23 in Daly City]; Theatre - Jersey Boys [through Dec 30 in SF]

Randy's Guide XLII

Today is former French President Jacques Chirac’s 75th; Friday is entertainer Dick Clark’s 78th; Saturday is Romania’s National Day and World AIDS Day; Sunday is singer Britney Spears’ 26th; and Wednesday is the official start to Hanukkah. Welcome to all readers! Please forward on to friends, family, and colleagues!


Special Airline Offer
Save 25% off unlimited Virgin America flights (LAX, SFO, SAN, LAS, JFK, IAD airports)! Use ELEVATE25 as your promotional code. Expires 12/7/07. Offer valid for travel through 3/19/08, with blackout dates of 12/19/07 - 1/6/08, 2/14/08, 2/15/08, and 2/18/08.


Local News Story of the Week
Community Action Marin is sponsoring a raffle that offers people the opportunity to win a multi-million-dollar home in Marin County – all for a good cause. Tickets are $150, and 349 other prizes will be handed out in February 2008. http://www.cbs5.com/local/dream.house.raffle.2598509.html


Change for Change (no change from last week)
Charity to consider: Blue Energy. The San Francisco-based nonprofit, which started as a graduate project at MIT, provides low-cost wind and solar electric systems in Nicaragua and eventually will spread its model worldwide.

Previous organizations Randy's Guide has spotlighted and donated: Common Ground Relief, LYRIC, Aldea Inc., Glide Memorial, City CarShare, Maitri, Loaves and Fishes, Friends of the Urban Forest, Farm Sanctuary, and Bay Area Community Services.

Donate through the non-profit's Web site or your corporate donation program.


Weekend Weather
Still no rain in sight here…

High 52, Low 44: San Francisco (beaches), Daly City
High 55, Low 42: San Francisco (downtown), Berkeley, Mill Valley
High 57, Low 38: San Jose, Mountain View, Cupertino

And on the campaign trail…

High 28, Low 19: Casper, WY (slight chance of snow)
High 63, Low 41: Columbia, SC (mostly cloudy)
High 32, Low 18: Concord, NH (slight chance of snow)
High 31, Low 17: Des Moines, IA (chance of snow and ice pellets)
High 35, Low 23: Lansing, MI (chance of rain and snow)
High 63, Low 47: Laughlin, NV (slight chance of rain)
High 75, Low 54: Tallahassee, FL (partly cloudy)


Environmental Tip of the Week
Athletic shoe makers have been more open to adopting green policies, with the elimination of volatile organic compounds and PVC, the adoption of Fair Labor Association factory visits, and the publication of factory locations. Nike, Reebok, and Adidas are among the industry leaders in driving positive changes.

Previous:
You'll no doubt have leftovers from Thanksgiving. Some tips to keep your food safe: (1) use hot soapy water to clean hands, cutting boards, and sponges; (2) refrigerate everything immediately; (3) store and eat turkey within four days, stuffing and gravy within two days; (4) avoid PVC-based plastic wrap by using Best Yet/Glad Cling Wrap, aluminum foil, or Tupperware bins.


Video of the Week
“Cigarette” by Jeremy Fisher (Canada)


A new CD, a tour in Australia – how could life be better for the Canadian singer-songwriter?

Previous:
"Thriller" by Michael Jackson (as performed by prison inmates in the Philippines)


Over 8 million have viewed this video, which features over 1,500 prisoners performing a remake of the epic video.


Movie Box Office
#1 Enchanted (PG), $34.4MM opening, 3730 screens
#2 This Christmas (PG-13), $18.0MM opening, 1858 screens
#3 Beowulf (PG-13), $16.5MM, $56.7MM overall, 3218 screens
#15 Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead (R), $0.9MM, $3.4MM overall, 260 screens

Awake (R): Thriller; about a patient who is awake during surgery despite full anesthesia; co-starring Hayden Christensen, Jessica Alba, and Terrence Howard

Blade Runner: The Final Cut (R): Action; an updated 35mm print of the classic; co-starring Harrison Ford

Holly (R): Drama; about a complex relationship between a 12-year-old Vietnamese girl and a 40-year-old American artifacts dealer in Cambodia; co-starring Ron Livingston

Kurt Cobain: About a Son (NR): Documentary; about the late musician-artist, in his own voice from audiotape interviews

Midnight Eagle (R): Foreign thriller; about a photojournalist who is witness to a U.S. stealth plane crash in Japan

Romance and Cigarettes (R): Musical; about a New York ironworker who is having an affair; co-starring James Gandolfini, Kate Winslet, Steve Buscemi, and Christopher Walken; directed by John Turturro

Undoing (NR): Drama; about a man who returns to Los Angeles’ Koreatown to atone for mistakes one year after his sudden disappearance


Free Activities
Macy’s PG&E Bulb Exchange [Weekends through Dec 16, noon-4pm]: Exchange up to 5 standard light bulbs for new compact fluorescent bulbs. On Holiday Lane, Level 6. recommended

Family Day at the Asian Art Museum [Sat 10am-5pm]: Admission and activities (Korean drumming, Filipino Christmas workshop, and Chinese paintbrushing) sponsored by Bank of America. At the Asian Art Museum (SF). http://www.asianart.org/

Community Day at Museum of African Diaspora [Sat 11am-4pm]: Admission and activities sponsored by Target. At MoAD (SF). http://www.moadsf.org/

San Jose Holiday Parade [Sun 8:30am]: With Mickey Mouse as Grand Marshal, and featured musical guests Monet and Cirque du Soleil. In downtown San Jose. http://www.sanjoseholidayparade.com/


Other Activities
Lecture - Eric Schlosser [Th 8pm]: The author of “Fast Food Nation” speaks with UC Berkeley Professor Michael Pollan. At the Herbst Theatre (SF), $19. http://www.cityboxoffice.com/

Performance - Circus Oz: The Laughing at Gravity Tour [Th-Fri 8pm, Sat 2pm/8pm, Sun 3pm]: Acrobats, musicians, daredevils… sounds a bit like Cirque du Soleil, only Aussie-style. At Zellerbach Hall (Berkeley), $13-48. http://www.circusoz.com/

Ballet – Smuin’s The Christmas Ballet [Th-Fri 8pm, Sat 2pm/8pm, Sun 2pm]: At the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, $40-55. http://www.smuinballet.org/

Live Rock - Ozomatli [Th/Sun 8pm, Fri/Sat 9pm]: With rotating special guests Jurassic 5, Cut Chemist, Wisdom, Cava, Samba Da, and Lifesavas. At the Fillmore (SF), $27. http://www.ozomatli.com/

Comedy - Kathy Griffin [Fri 8pm, Sat 7pm/10pm]: At the Flint Center (Cupertino) and Nob Hill Masonic Auditorium (SF), $45-75. http://www.kathygriffin.net/

Theatre - The Producers [Sat 8pm, Sun 2pm]: At the Flint Center (Cupertino), $40-60. http://www.flintcenter.com/

Dance - Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance [Sat 3pm/8pm, Sun 1pm/6pm]: At the Golden Gate Theatre (SF), $25-75. http://www.lordofthedance.com/

Live Rock - Aimee Mann’s 2nd Annual Christmas Show [Sun-Mon 8pm]: With Paul F. Tompkins, Sean Hayes, Chuck Prophet, and Morgan Murphy opening. At Bimbo’s 365 Club (SF), $36. http://www.aimeemann.com/

Classical - Andrea Bocelli [Sun 7:30pm]: With the New West Symphony, conductor Steven Mercurio, providing backup. At the HP Pavilion (San Jose), $75-275. http://www.andreabocelli.com/

Dance - Brian Boitano Skating Spectacular [Wed 8pm]: Did you know he lives in San Francisco? With special guests Barry Manilow, Dorothy Hamill, and others. At SBC Park (SF), $55-153. www.myspace.com/bboitano

Theatre - Lovers & Executioners [extended through Dec 16]: A mix of adventure, mistaken identity, and romance, as found in the 17th century text. At the Marin Theatre (Mill Valley), $30-50. http://www.marintheatre.org/

Previous: Opera - Puccini’s La Rondine [through today]; Jazz - 25th SF Jazz Festival [through Friday]; Festival - 50th San Francisco International Auto Show [through Sunday in SF]; Festival - 29th Celebration of Craftswomen [through Sunday in SF]; Theatre - The Color Purple [through Dec 9 in SF] recommended; Family - The Velveteen Rabbit [through Dec 9 in SF]; Opera - Stravinsky's The Rake's Progress [through Dec 9 in SF]; Festival - Great Dickens Christmas Fair [through Dec 23 in Daly City]; Theatre - Jersey Boys [through Dec 30 in SF]

Randy's Guide LXI

Today is Thanksgiving and actress Scarlett Johansson's 23rd; Tuesday is engineer Bill Nye's 52nd; and Wednesday is Algerian Flag Day. Please forward on to friends, family, and colleagues.

Special Airline Offer
Save 25% off unlimited Virgin America flights (LAX, SFO, SAN, LAS, JFK, IAD airports)! Use ELEVATE25 as your promotional code. Expires 12/7/07. Offer valid for travel between 11/26/07 - 3/19/08, with blackout dates of 12/19/07 - 1/6/08, 2/14/08, 2/15/08, and 2/18/08.

Grand Opening Notice
Yoshi's San Francisco has its opening next Wednesday, Nov. 28. Roy Haynes & Yoshi's Birds of a Feather Super Band. At 1330 Fillmore. $100 seats still available for the 10pm show. http://www.yoshis.com

Local News Story of the Week
Local crab fishermen are furious that two Oregon boats have unloaded tons of crab in Monterey for sale within the state. There had been a local effort to halt all crab harvesting until toxicology tests return results following this month's massive oil spill in the San Francisco Bay. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/11/21/MNASTG9PT.DTL


Change for Change (no change from last week)
Charity to consider: Blue Energy. The San Francisco-based nonprofit, which started as a graduate project at MIT, provides low-cost wind and solar electric systems in Nicaragua and eventually will spread its model worldwide.

Previous organizations Randy's Guide has spotlighted and donated: Common Ground Relief, LYRIC, Aldea Inc., Glide Memorial, City CarShare, Maitri, Loaves and Fishes, Friends of the Urban Forest, Farm Sanctuary, and Bay Area Community Services.

Donate through the non-profit's Web site or your corporate donation program.


Weekend Weather
Clear, seasonable days w/cool nights
High 58, Low 47: SF (beaches), Daly City
High 61, Low 46: SF (downtown), San Rafael, Berkeley
High 61, Low 41: Point Reyes
High 63, Low 34: Yountville, Santa Rosa, Sacramento
High 64, Low 42: Oakland, Walnut Creek

High 54, Low 40: Atlanta, GA (rain)
High 48, Low 37: Dallas, TX (chance of rain)
High 29-48, Low 13-23: Denver, CO (clear, warming)
High 69, Low 47: Long Beach, CA (clear)
High 43-66, Low 31: New York, NY (chance of rain)
High 70, Low 46: Phoenix, AZ (partly cloudy)
High 42, Low 29: St. Louis, MO (mostly cloudy)


Environmental Tip of the Week
You'll no doubt have leftovers from tomorrow's Thanksgiving Day feast. Some tips to keep your food safe: (1) use hot soapy water to clean hands, cutting boards, and sponges; (2) refrigerate everything immediately; (3) store and eat turkey within four days, stuffing and gravy within two days; (4) avoid PVC-based plastic wrap by using Best Yet/Glad Cling Wrap, aluminum foil, or tupperware bins

Previous:
Family-owned Diestel Farms offers a great alternative to the mass-produced turkeys in grocery stores. Along with Heidi’s Organic Hens, Diestel turkeys provide naturally produced meat with full control over the entire supply chain to ensure the highest quality. Look for Diestel at Whole Foods, Lunardi’s, Draeger’s, Gelson’s, and other specialty grocers. www.diestelturkey.com


Video of the Week
"Thriller" by Michael Jackson (as performed by prison inmates in the Philippines)

Over 8 million have viewed this video, which features over 1,500 prisoners performing a remake of the epic video.

Previous:
“100 Days, 100 Nights” by Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings (Brooklyn, NY)

Formerly a prison guard at Rikers Island and Sing Sing, Sharon Jones channels no-nonsense soul that even Amy Winehouse can appreciate (especially since she’s borrowed Jones’ band for her last album). Right now, the group is touring the Midwest, with future stops in Los Angeles (Dec 4) and San Francisco (Dec 5).


New Films
{#1 Beowulf (PG-13), $27.5MM opening, 3153 screens; #2 Bee Movie (PG), $14.0MM, $93.6MM overall, 3984 screens; #3 American Gangster (R), $12.9MM, $93.6MM overall, 3110 screens; #7 No Country for Old Men (R), $3.1MM, $4.9MM overall, 148 screens recommended}

August Rush (PG): Drama; about a young musical prodigy; co-starring Robin Williams, Keri Russell, and Jonathan Rhys Meyers

Enchanted (PG): Family comedy; about a beautiful princess banished to modern-day Manhattan; co-starring James Marseden and Susan Sarandon

Hitman (R): Action; about a genetically engineered assassin and his unexpected emotions for a mysterious Russian woman; co-starring Timothy Olyphant and Dougray Scott

I'm Not There (R): Musical biography; about the portrayal of Bob Dylan using different actors for his stages in life; co-starring Christian Bale, Cate Blanchett, Richard Gere, and Heath Ledger; directed by Todd Haynes (Far from Heaven)

Stephen King's The Mist (R): Horror; about a small town under attack from creatures lurking in a mysterious mist; co-starring Marcia Gay Harden and Andre Braugher; directed by Frank Darabont (Shawshank Redemption)

This Christmas (PG-13): Comedy; about the Whitfield family's discovery of the true meaning of life; co-starring Regina King and Loretta Devine

What Would Jesus Buy? (NR): Comedy; about a cross-country crusade to liberate consumers from contributing to a corporate Christmas; produced by Morgan Spurlock (Super Size Me)

Red Balloon & White Mane (NR): Foreign revival; featuring two beloved 1950s films in restored prints


Free Festivals
Point Reyes Open Studios Art Tour [Fri-Sun 11am-5pm]: Featuring 28 local artists. www.pointreyesart.com

43rd Ghirardelli Square Tree Lighting [Fri 1:30-6pm]: Live holiday performances, a visit from Santa, Ghirardelli hot chocolate, and a 35-foot tree lighting. In SF. www.ghirardellisq.com

19th Yountville Festival of Lights [Fri 2-6pm]: Block party along Washington St. www.yountville.com

2nd Culinary Fungus Festival [Sat-Sun 10am-5pm]: At the Ferry Building (SF). www.ferrybuildingmarketplace.com

Really Really Free Market [Sat 1-5pm]: In honor of International Buy Nothing Day. At Dolores Park (SF). www.reallyreallyfree.org


Other Activities
Athletics - Turkey Beach Trot [Th 8am]: 6-mile run, 3-mile walk, and 100-meter race for kids. Limited to 1,000 contestants, with prizes awarded. Along Ocean Beach (SF), $27. www.turkeybeachtrot.com

Dance - Tango Buenos Aires [Fri 8pm]: At the Marin Center (San Rafael), $18-60. www.marincenter.org

Live Music - Babyface [Fri 8pm]: With Ayo opening. At the Paramount Theatre (Oakland), $41-70. wg

Ballet - Smuin's The Christmas Ballet [Fri/Sat 8pm, Sat/Sun 2pm]: At the Lesher Center (Walnut Creek), $45-57. www.lesherartscenter.org

Comedy - Pauly Shore [Fri/Sat 8pm/10pm]: At Cobb's Comedy Club (SF), $25. www.cobbscomedyclub.com

Family - Dan Zanes & Friends [Sat 11am/2pm, Sun 3pm]: Winner of the 2007 Grammy Award for Best Musical Album for Children. At Zellerbach Hall (Berkeley), $8-26. www.calperformances.net

Live Music - Queen Latifah [Sat 8pm]: At the Wells Fargo Center (Santa Rosa), $15-65. www.wellsfargocenterarts.com

Festival - 50th San Francisco International Auto Show [through Dec 2]: Green cars are sure to be the highlight of the 400,000 expected attendees. At Moscone Center (SF), $8. www.sfautoshow.com

Festival - 29th Celebration of Craftswomen [through Dec 2]: At Herbst Pavilion in Fort Mason (SF), FREE-$15. www.celebrationofcraftswomen.org

Opera - Stravinsky's The Rake's Progress [through Dec 9]: A young man is seduced by the Devil into a hedonistic lifestyle. At the Opera House (SF), $10-250. www.sfopera.com

Family - The Velveteen Rabbit [through Dec 9]: At the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (SF), $10-40. www.odcdance.org

Festival - Great Dickens Christmas Fair [through Dec 23]: Victorian London setting with characters from Charles Dickens novels floating about the shops and cafes. At the Cow Palace (Daly City), $10-65. www.dickensfair.com

Theatre - Jersey Boys [through Dec 30]: A return engagement of the popular musical about Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. At Curran Theatre (SF), $30-99. www.shnsf.com

Previous: Film – 11th Annual International Latino Film Festival [through Nov 18 in SF]; Theatre – Stardust and Empty Wagons: Stories from the Katrina Diaspora [through Nov 25 in SF]; Opera – Puccini’s La Rondine [through Nov 29]; Jazz – 25th SF Jazz Festival [through Nov 30]; Outdoors – Fallon Islands’ Whale Watching Tours [weekends through Nov 30]; Theatre – The Color Purple [through Dec 9 in SF] recommended

Randy's Guide LX

Today is Judge Joseph Wapner’s 88th and Austria’s St. Leopold’s Day; Saturday is entertainer Rupaul’s 47th and Slovak-Czech Democracy Day; and Tuesday is both Universal Children’s Day and Transgender Remembrance Day. Welcome to all new readers. Please forward on to friends, family, and colleagues!


Local News Story of the Week:

San Francisco’s pedestrian-only Mint Plaza will officially reopen on Friday, with a festive gala complete with a speech from Mayor Gavin Newsom, free sparkling wine and baked goods, and live music and dancing. The $3.5 million stylish renovation along Jessie Street, near Mission and 5th, has added restaurants, wi-fi Internet, and plants in place of a poverty-stricken street with parked cars and drug dealers. http://www.sfgate.com/flat/archive/2007/11/15/chronicle/archive/2007/11/15/BACOT7FHJ.html


Change for Change

Charity to consider: Blue Energy. The San Francisco-based nonprofit, which started as a graduate project at MIT, provides low-cost wind and solar electric systems in Nicaragua and eventually will spread its model worldwide. www.blueenergygroup.org

Previous organizations Randy's Guide has spotlighted and donated: Common Ground Relief, LYRIC, Aldea Inc., Glide Memorial, City CarShare, Maitri, Loaves and Fishes, Friends of the Urban Forest, Farm Sanctuary, and Bay Area Community Services.

Donate through the non-profit's Web site or your corporate donation program.


Weekend Weather:

Mostly cloudy, cool
High 60, Low 51: SF (beaches), Berkeley
High 63, Low 52: SF (downtown)
High 66, Low 48: San Jose, San Mateo, Walnut Creek

High 37, Low 20: Burlington, VT (Friday snow, then clearing)
High 62, Low 48: Charleston, SC (clear)
High 61, Low 26: Flagstaff, AZ (partly cloudy)
High 54, Low 30: Lake Tahoe, CA (mostly cloudy)
High 45, Low 28: Madison, WI (mostly cloudy)
High 66, Low 48: Tulsa, OK (clear)
High 34, Low 22: Yellowstone, WY (snow)


Environmental Tip of the Week:

Family-owned Diestel Farms offers a great alternative to the mass-produced turkeys in grocery stores. Along with Heidi’s Organic Hens, Diestel turkeys provide naturally produced meat with full control over the entire supply chain to ensure the highest quality. Look for Diestel at Whole Foods, Lunardi’s, Draeger’s, Gelson’s, and other specialty grocers. www.diestelturkey.com


Previous:

Purchase eco-friendly wood brushes to complement your bathroom routine. FSC-certified brushes from Widu (www.widu.com) come in a range of sizes and wood types.


Video of the Week:

“100 Days, 100 Nights” by Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings (Brooklyn, NY)

Formerly a prison guard at Rikers Island and Sing Sing, Sharon Jones channels no-nonsense soul that even Amy Winehouse can appreciate (especially since she’s borrowed Jones’ band for her last album). Right now, the group is touring the Midwest, with future stops in Los Angeles (Dec 4) and San Francisco (Dec 5).

Previous:

“1 2 3 4” by Feist (Canada)

The solo artist, also a member of Broken Social Scene, will be in selected U.S. and Canada stops for the next month.


New Films: {#1 Bee Movie (PG), $25.6MM, 3944 screens; #2 American Gangster (R), $24.0MM, 3059 screens; #3 Fred Claus (PG), $18.5MM, 3603 screens; #11 Om Shanti Om (NR), $1.8MM, 114 screens}

Beowulf (PG-13): Sci-fi animation; about the mighty warrior and his epic battles against Grendel and his seductive mother; co-starring Anthony Hopkins, John Malkovich, and Robin Wright Penn; directed by Robert Zemeckis

Life of Reilly (NR): Documentary; about the TV game show icon and his path through Broadway and The X-Files

Love in the Time of Cholera (R): Drama; about a man who waits 50 years for his true love in a magical city in Colombia; co-starring Benjamin Bratt, John Leguizamo, and Javier Bardem; directed by Mike Newell

Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium (G): Family comedy; about a magical toy store and its wondrous owner; co-starring Dustin Hoffman, Natalie Portman, and Jason Bateman

Redacted (R): Drama; about a small group of U.S. soldiers stationed at an Iraqi checkpoint; directed by Brian De Palma

Southland Tales (R): Drama; about a group of Los Angeles residents and their attempts to deal with disaster; co-starring Justin Timberlake, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Seann William Scott, Mandy Moore, Jon Lovitz, and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson


Free Activities:

Norwegian Holiday Fair [Fri-Sat 10am-4pm]: At Norwegian Church (SF). www.sjomannskirken.no/sanfrancisco

Embarcadero Holiday Festival [Fri 4-8pm]: Winter carnival, tree lighting, ice and pyrotechnics show, and live choral performances. At Embarcadero Center (SF). www.embarcaderocenter.com

SF BeerFest 07 [Sat 2:30pm]: Modeled after the film, this event features teams of people involved in beer-drinking games. $20 to participate; free to watch. At the Endup (SF). www.myspace.com/sfbeerfest07

Pier 39 Holiday Tree Lighting [Sun 1-6pm]: Tree lighting at 5:30pm, plus music and merriment celebrating Christmas, Chanukah and Kwanzaa. At Pier 39 (SF). www.pier39.com


Other Activities:

Festival – 8th Hecho en Califas Festival [Th-Fri 8pm, Sat 2pm, Sun 7pm]: Featuring hip-hop music, theatre, and other artists from L.A., N.Y., and the Bay Area. At La Pena Cultural Center (Berkeley), $10-12. www.lapena.org

Festival – Cycle World [Fri 4-9pm, Sat 9:30am-8pm, Sun 9:30am-5pm]: Featuring 2008 model street bikes, ATVs, vintage bikes, and more. At the San Mateo County Event Center (San Mateo), $6-13. www.motorcycleshows.com

Festival – World of Flavor [Sat 5:30-8:30pm]: All-you-can-eat food sampling from 10 countries, plus wine-tasting and cooking demos. At St. Anne (SF), $5-15. www.localwineevents.com

Live Rock – David J [Sat 9:30pm]: Co-founder of both Bauhaus and then Love and Rockets. At Café Du Nord (SF), $20. www.cafedunord.com

Festival – Croatian Festival [Sun 2-8pm]: At the Croatian-American Cultural Center (SF), $10. www.croatianamericanweb.org

Theatre – After the Quake [through Dec 2]: A reflection by different individuals after the big earthquake. At the Berkeley Repertory, $27-69. www.berkeleyrep.org

Theatre – Cirque du Soleil’s Kooza [through Jan 13]: Making its U.S. premiere in San Francisco. At AT&T Park, $39-90. www.cirquedusoleil.com


Previous: Film – 11th Annual International Latino Film Festival [through Nov 18 in SF]; Theatre – Stardust and Empty Wagons: Stories from the Katrina Diaspora [through Nov 25 in SF]; Opera – Puccini’s La Rondine [through Nov 29]; Jazz – 25th SF Jazz Festival [through Nov 30]; Outdoors – Fallon Islands’ Whale Watching Tours [weekends through Nov 30]; Theatre – The Color Purple [through Dec 9 in SF] recommended

Randy's Guide Update: Macy's Men's Event

Fit, Form & Function
Macy’s Men’s Store
120 Stockton St. (between Geary St. & Ofarrell St.)
San Francisco, CA
Level 1 – Underwear

Thursday, Nov. 15th, 6-8pm
RSVP: 415-393-3724

$10 suggested donation


Featuring the latest from Calvin Klein, 2(x)ist, Hurley, and others. Add in some DJ music, hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, fashion presentations, gift-with-purchase offers, and a CD… and you’ve got the start to your shopping evening. Sponsored by Men’s Health.

Randy's Guide Update: Bliss Lau Fashion Event

Muse Ten will be hosting a trunk show for handbag designer, Bliss Lau, on Sunday, November 11, 4:00pm to 8:00pm. http://www.museten.com

1820 Fillmore Street
San Francisco, CA 94115
(415) 922-6873

Bliss will be offering bags, belts, and jewelry from her current Fall '07 collection for up to 35% off. Her bags have recently been featured in the Nov '07 issues of InStyle and Lucky magazine, so this a great chance to check out those bags in person!

Randy's Guide LIX

Today is singer Bonnie Raitt’s 58th; Friday is Germany’s Schicksalstag (Fate Day); Sunday is actress Demi Moore’s 48th and Veteran’s Day. Welcome to all new readers. Please forward on to friends, family, and colleagues...


Local News Story of the Week:

Every vote really does count. Tuesday’s historic mayoral election in Vallejo has resulted in a tie – councilman Gary Cloutier and former county supervisor Osby Davis each has 5,158 votes. Provisional and absentee ballots remain to be counted before anointing either the first openly gay or African-American mayor of Vallejo. http://www.timesheraldonline.com/ci_7404935


Change for Change (no change from last week)

Charity to consider: Blue Energy. The San Francisco-based nonprofit, which started as a graduate project at MIT, provides low-cost wind and solar electric systems in Nicaragua and eventually will spread its model worldwide. http://www.blueenergygroup.org/

Previous organizations Randy's Guide has spotlighted and donated: Common Ground Relief, LYRIC, Aldea Inc., Glide Memorial, City CarShare, Maitri, Loaves and Fishes, Friends of the Urban Forest, Farm Sanctuary, and Bay Area Community Services.

Donate through the non-profit's Web site or your corporate donation program.


Holiday Weekend Weather:

Slight chance of rain, otherwise cool
High 59, Low 47: Berkeley
High 59, Low 50: SF (downtown/beaches)
High 63, Low 47: Oakland, Pleasant Hill
High 65, Low 50: San Jose

High 43, Low 30: Fargo, ND (mostly cloudy)
High 79, Low 64: Fort Lauderdale, FL (partly cloudy)
High 74, Low 52: Las Vegas, NV (partly cloudy)
High 66, Low 48: Nashville, TN (partly cloudy)
High 44, Low 27: Portland, ME (partly cloudy)
High 53, Low 38: Salem, OR (rain)
High 66, Low 55: San Diego, CA (partly cloudy)
High 83, Low 53: Tucson, AZ (partly cloudy)


Environmental Tip of the Week:

Purchase eco-friendly wood brushes to complement your bathroom routine. FSC-certified brushes from Widu (http://www.widu.com/) come in a range of sizes and wood types.

Previous:

Even during winter, your car needs to be groomed occasionally. Check out car washes that recycle their water, or Eco Touch’s Waterless Car Wash product (http://www.ecotouch.net/).


Video of the Week:

“1 2 3 4” by Feist (Canada)

The solo artist, also a member of Broken Social Scene, will be in San Francisco tomorrow, Los Angeles on Monday, and selected U.S. and Canada stops for the next month.

Previous:

“Oh My” by Office (Chicago)

The band has moved to a new label and re-released several of its hits this past September.


New Films: {#1 American Gangster (R), $43.6MM, 3054 screens; #2 Bee Movie (PG), $38.0MM, 3928 screens; #3 Saw IV (R), $10.3MM, 3183 screens; #18 Lars and the Real Girl (PG-13), $0.8MM, 321 screens, $2.4MM to date}

Darfur Now (PG): Documentary; about the catastrophe unfolding in Darfur, Sedan; co-starring Don Cheadle

Fred Claus (PG): Comedy; about Santa Claus’ older brother; co-starring Vince Vaughn, Paul Giamatti, and Kevin Spacey

Future Is Unwritten: Joe Strummer (NR): Documentary; about the front man of The Clash; appearances by Bono, John Cusack, Johnny Depp, and Matt Dillon

Lions for Lambs (R): Drama; about two university students who decide to join the battle in Afghanistan, much to the dismay of their idealistic professor; co-starring Robert Redford, Meryl Streep, and Tom Cruise; directed by Robert Redford

No Country for Old Men (R): Thriller; about a man who finds a pickup truck filled with heroin and two million dollars; co-starring Tommy Lee Jones, Javier Bardem, Josh Brolin, and Woody Harrelson; directed by Joel Coen

P2 (R): Thriller; about a corporate woman who must work late on Christmas Eve; co-starring Wes Bentley

Rails and Ties (PG-13): Drama; about two families affected by the suicide of a woman along Amtrak’s Coastal Starlight route; co-starring Kevin Bacon and Marcia Gay Harden


Free Activities:

Public Art Making Day [Fri 11am-10pm]: At the Creative Growth Center (Oakland). http://www.creativegrowth.org/

Housing Resource Fair [Sat 10am-3pm]: Hear from official representatives from Concord, Martinez, Pleasant Hill, and Walnut Creek. At Diablo Valley College (Pleasant Hill). http://www.mtdhoc.org/

Serendipity Fine Arts & Crafts [Sat-Sun 10am-6pm]: At Fort Mason (SF). http://www.serendipityshow.com/

Museums Free-4-All [Sat 11am-5pm]: 12 museums – including SFMOMA, the Academy of Sciences, and the Museum of the African Diaspora – will be free in the Yerba Buena neighborhood (SF). www.yerbabuena.org/freeforall recommended

Veterans Day Parade [Sun 1pm]: Along Market St, between 2nd and 8th (SF). http://www.usssanfrancisco.org/Foundation%20News.htm


Other Activities:

Ballet – American Ballet Theatre [Th-Fri 8pm, Sat 2pm, Sun 3pm]: Featuring works by Twyla Tharp and George Balanchine. At Zellerbach Hall (Berkeley), $38-100. http://www.calperformances.net/

Comedy – David Alan Grier [Th-Sun 8pm]: At Cobb’s Comedy Club (SF), $20-25. http://www.cobbscomedyclub.com/

Festival – Green Festival [Fri 2-8pm, Sat 10am-8pm, Sun 11am-6pm]: Sample from over 400 green businesses, watch films, take part in yoga classes, and drink up on organic beer, wine, and food. Featuring speakers Deepak Chopra, Supervisors Chris Daly and Ross Mirkarimi, Amy Goodman, and Medea Benjamin. At the San Francisco Concourse Exhibition Center (SF), FREE-$25. http://www.greenfestivals.org/ recommended

Live Rock – Swell Season [Fri 8pm]: Irishman Glen Hansard and Czech Marketa Irglova perform the songs from this year’s art-house favorite, Once. With special guest Martha Wainwright. At the Regency Center (SF), $25. www.myspace.com/swellseason

Dance – Festival of Aerial Dance [Fri-Sat 8pm, Sun 6pm]: At the Dance Mission (SF), $20-25. http://www.dancemission.com/

Live Rock – Kelly Clarkson [Sat 7:30pm]: The American Idol winner, in a more intimate setting. With Jon McLaughlin opening. At the San Jose Events Center, $40. http://www.kellyclarkson.com/

Theatre – Stardust and Empty Wagons: Stories from the Katrina Diaspora [through Nov 25]: Developed from the words of Katrina survivors in the Bay Area; featuring music from New Orleans’ The Hot 8 Brass Band. At the Brava Theater (SF), $14-50.

Opera – Puccini’s La Rondine [through Nov 29]: A worldly woman falls in love with a naïve younger man. At the Opera House (SF), $10-275. http://www.sfopera.com/

Previous: Theatre – The Bluest Eye [through Sunday in SF]; Film – 11th Annual International Latino Film Festival [through Nov 18 in SF]; Jazz – 25th SF Jazz Festival [through Nov 30]; Outdoors – Fallon Islands’ Whale Watching Tours [weekends through Nov 30]; Theatre – The Color Purple [through Dec 9 in SF] recommended

New feature!

Hello from San Francisco!

We just installed a nice little tool called Snap Shots that enhances links with visual previews of the destination site, such as interactive excerpts of WiRED articles. Most times, Snap Shots provide you a with a preview of the hyperlinked website. The preview lets you "look ahead," before deciding if you want to follow a link or not.

Should you decide this is not for you, just click the Options icon in the upper right corner of the Snap Shot and opt-out. Any feedback, positive or otherwise, is encouraged!

Randy's Guide LVIII

Today and tomorrow are part of Day of the Dead festivities; today is World Vegan Day; Saturday is actress Roseanne Barr’s 55th; Sunday is comedian Kathy Griffin’s 46th, Russia’s National Unity Day, and Daylight Savings Change (one hour back); and Tuesday is U.S. Election Day. Welcome to all new readers.

Local News Stories of the Week:

Stanford researchers have found that willpower can only go so far in conquering issues such as overeating, smoking cigarettes, and engaging in risky sexual behavior. Environmental cues and specific behavioral skills are also needed to overcome powerful emotions such as fear or pleasure. http://stanmed.stanford.edu/2007fall/main.html

Zipcar and Flexcar have agreed to merge nationwide for-profit operations. In San Francisco, the combined company will operate under the name Zipcar and face only one competitor, the nonprofit City CarShare. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/10/31/BASLT3KRD.DTL


Change for Change (repeat of last week)

Charity to consider: Blue Energy. The San Francisco-based nonprofit, which started as a graduate project at MIT, provides low-cost wind and solar electric systems in Nicaragua and eventually will spread its model worldwide. http://www.blueenergygroup.org/

Previous organizations Randy's Guide has spotlighted and donated: Common Ground Relief, LYRIC, Aldea Inc., Glide Memorial, City CarShare, Maitri, Loaves and Fishes, Friends of the Urban Forest, Farm Sanctuary, and Bay Area Community Services.

Donate through the non-profit's Web site or your corporate donation program.


Weekend Weather:

Great autumn climate, warming through weekend

High 64-67, Low 50: SF (beaches), Berkeley
High 69-73, Low 51: SF (downtown)
High 73, Low 47: Oakland, San Mateo
High 78, Low 48: San Jose

High 58, Low 30: Boise, ID (clear)
High 60, Low 40: Louisville, KY (partly cloudy)
High 83, Low 65: Miami, FL (partly cloudy)
High 55, Low 37: New Haven, CT (clear)
High 83, Low 53: Pomona, CA (clear)


Environmental Tip of the Week:

Even during winter, your car needs to be groomed occasionally. Check out car washes that recycle their water, or Eco Touch’s Waterless Car Wash product (http://www.ecotouch.net/).

Previous:

To prolong sponge life, wring them after each use, keep them dry between uses, disinfect by boiling them in water for three minutes, and avoid use on cutting boards involving meat. Also, look for plant-based, biodegradable sponges, such as Natural Value, or skip them and use dish towels.


Video of the Week:

“Oh My” by Office (Chicago)

The band has moved to a new label and re-released several of its hits this past September.

Previous:

“Find a New Way” by Young Love (NYC)

Debut album in January 2007; touring the East Coast before turning to the South and the West Coast (including an SF date on Nov 16).


New Films: {#1 Saw IV (R), $31.8MM, 3183 screens; #2 Dan in Real Life (PG-13), $11.8MM, 1921 screens; #3 30 Days of Night (R), $6.9MM, 2859 screens; #8 Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas IMAX (PG), $3.4MM, 564 screens}

American Gangster (R): Drama; about a drug kingpin who becomes a federal informant; co-starring Russell Crowe and Denzel Washington; directed by Ridley Scott

Bee Movie (PG): Animation; about a graduate bee who strays from making honey and befriends a New York City florist; featuring voices by Jerry Seinfeld, Annette Bening, and Chris Rock

Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead (R): Drama; about two brothers who botch the robbery of their parents’ jewelry store; co-starring Ethan Hawke, Marisa Tomei, and Philip Seymour Hoffman

The Gates (NR): Documentary; about the controversial public art installation in Central Park, first proposed in 1979 and finally completed in 2005

Have You Heard from Johannesburg: Apartheid and the Club of the West (NR): Documentary; about the anti-apartheid movement in the U.S.; director Connie Field after the Fri and Sat 7pm shows

King Corn (NR): Documentary; about the lifecycle of U.S. corn into high fructose corn syrup, cattle feed, and corn oil

Martian Child (PG): Comedy; about a sci-fi writer who forms an unlikely family with a close female friend and a young adopted boy who claims to be from Mars; co-starring John Cusack, Amanda Peet, and Joan Cusack

The Price of Sugar (NR): Documentary; about the Haitian sugarcane fields and the laborers who toil under slave-like conditions to produce sugar for the U.S. market; narrated by Paul Newman

Sharkwater (PG): Documentary; about sharks and the battle with shark poachers in Guatemala

Terror’s Advocate (NR): Documentary; about right-wing French communist Jacques Verges, who has been connected with Pol Pot, Slobodan Milosevic, and Saddam Hussein, among others.

Wristcutters: A Love Story (R): Comedy; about the afterlife of a suicide victim and his ex-girlfriend


Free Activities:

Carmen [Th-Fri 7:30pm]: 9 Conservatory voices present a narrated, concert adaptation of Bizet’s French masterpiece. At the Golden Gate Club (SF). Reserve at http://www.presidio.gov/ or 415.447.6274.

E-Waste Drop-off [Sat 9am-4pm]: Get rid of your computers, printers, TVs, DVD players, and other electronic devices to benefit area high schools. At Sunset Elementary (SF). http://www.ewastedropoff.com/

Annual Holiday Boutique [Sat-Sun 9am-3pm]: At St. Lawrence (Oakland). www.stlawrenceotoole.net/calendars/nov2006.html


Other Activities:

Film – 11th Annual International Latino Film Festival [through Nov 18]: Featuring 80 films from 20 countries, including festival guest Diego Luna on this Saturday. At various locations in SF, $6-500. http://www.latinofilmfestival.org/

Outdoors – Farallon Islands’ Whale Watching Tours [weekends through Nov 30]: Check out migrating blue and humpback whales, along with other sea life. Starting from Fort Mason (SF), $95. http://www.oceanicsociety.org/

Comedy – Kevin Nealon [through Sunday]: At Cobb’s Comedy Club (SF), $25-30. http://www.cobbscomedyclub.com/

Rock – Architecture in Helsinki [Th 8pm]: Australian indie pop octet, with Glass Candy and Panther opening. At the Fillmore (SF), $19. http://www.architectureinhelsinkicom/

Athletics – Icer Air 2007 [Fri 1-9pm, Sat 10am-9pm]: Featuring three venues – the Stadium, for skiing and snowboarding events; the Village, for motocross, BMX, and skating; and McCovey Cove, for wakeboarding. Headline music acts are Mos Def and Talib Kweli. At AT&T Park (SF), $10-30. http://www.icerair.com/

Festival – San Francisco Harvest Festival [Fri-Sun 10am-5pm]: Featuring eco-friendly arts & crafts, specialty foods, and live entertainment. At the Concourse Exhibition Center (SF), $4-8. http://www.harvestfestival.com/

Athletics – Bay Meadows final weekend [Fri-Sun 12:45pm-8pm]: Promotions galore at the closing weekend of horse racing at Bay Meadows (San Mateo). $3 grandstand seats + $4 parking. http://www.baymeadows.com/

Festival – 2007 Holiday Sample Sale [Sat 9am-6pm, Sun 10am-3pm]: 100 companies sell their excess and discontinued products. At 888 Brannan (SF), $5. Bring non-perishable canned goods for $1 off admission. http://www.gcjm.com/

Festival – BookSwap [Sat 12-3pm]: Exchange books with other bibliophiles. At CellSpace (SF), $5 with books, $10 without books. http://www.swapsf.com/

Jazz – New Orleans Jazz Orchestra [Sat 8pm]: Directed by Irvin Mayfield, official Cultural Ambassador of New Orleans. At Zellerbach Hall (Berkeley), $22-42. http://www.calperformances.net/

Symphony – Simon Bolivar Youth Orchestra of Venezuela [Sun 7pm]” Performing Shostakovich and Bernstein. At Davies Hall (SF), $25-81. http://www.sfsymphony.org/

Rock – Maroon 5 [Tue 7:30pm]: San Francisco local favorites, with The Hives and Phantom Planet opening. At the HP Pavilion (San Jose), $40-51. http://www.maroon5.com/

Previous: Opera – The Magic Flute [through Saturday in SF]; Theatre – The Bluest Eye [through Nov 11 in SF]; Jazz – 25th SF Jazz Festival [through Nov 30]; Theatre – The Color Purple [through Dec 9 in SF] recommended