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]