Randy's Guide XCIV (94)

Today is Bolivia's Simon Bolivar Day and Florida Governor Charles Crist's 52nd; Friday is Puerto Rico's Constitution Day; Saturday is English singer Mick Jagger's 65th and Maldives' Independence Day; Sunday is Irish actor Jonathan Rhys-Meyers' 31st and Finland's National Sleepy Head Day; Monday is Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez' 54th; Wednesday is Vanuatu's Independence Day.


Local News Story
In light of Mayor Newsom's intentions to close several miles of the Embarcadero for two mornings later this summer, Supervisor Chris Daly has proposed that the downtown portion of Market Street be exclusively used by pedestrians, cyclists, and mass-transit vehicles. www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/07/23/BAQI11TKH0.DTL


Change for Change
Charity to consider: The Little Angel Fund. A tip from Elvin Z. points out this New York-based group of parents supporting premature infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and their families. http://www.littleangelfund.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, Bay Area Community Services, Blue Energy, My New Red Shoes, College Track, Foundation for the People of Burma, and Vital Life Services.

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


Weekend Weather
Bay Area: Mild. Coast 62-69; bay 70-77; inland 78-85. Lows 52-59.

High 93, Low 76: New Orleans, La. (humid)
- Nearly 100 miles of the Mississippi River are closed following a massive spill of more than 400,000 gallons of fuel oil

High 87, Low 70: New York, N.Y. (t-storms)
- The Jin Shun factory, which supplied garments for Macy's, Gap, Express, and Banana Republic, underpaid about 100 employees by more than $3 million under sweatshop conditions in Queens

High 74, Low 64: San Diego, Calif. (partly cloudy)
- The 38th Comic-Con will host more than 100,000 comic book fans a day this weekend at the Convention Center


Environmental Tips
If you own a home with a roof (or know someone who does), consider a green roof. Typically, the green roof will feature native grasses and wildflowers, act to insulate the home, and slow the flow of stormwater off the roof.

Previous:
The latest e.coli outbreak in ground beef (affecting Kroger stores in the South) is a reminder of the problems with the mass production and distribution of meat. E.coli levels are much lower in grass-fed cattle. Once home, use the beef within four days in the refrigerator; otherwise, freeze it.


Music Videos
"We Are Rockstars" by Does It Offend You, Yeah? (Reading, England)

The electro-rockers, who decided the band's name from an episode of "The Office," draw comparisons to Justice and Rage Against the Machine. They'll be in San Francisco (Fri) and Los Angeles (Sat) this week, before opening for Bloc Party in Pomona (Mon), Los Angeles (Tue), and San Francisco (Wed).

Previous:
"Rise Up with Fists" by Jenny Lewis and the Watson Twins (Los Angeles, Calif.)

The Silver Lake-based group propelled the Twins to fame, with a global tour and several reputable end-of-the-year top-ten lists. Now they're on their own, with a debut album released last month and a solo tour through Portland (Saturday), San Francisco (Monday), and Los Angeles (Tuesday).


Movies (through July 20)
#1 The Dark Knight (PG-13): $158.4MM opening; 4366 screens; $36,283 per screen
#2 Mamma Mia! (PG-13): $27.8MM opening; 2976 screens; $9,325 per screen
#3 Hancock (PG-13): $14.0MM; $191.5MM overall; 3776 screens; $3,718 per screen
#25 The Wackness (R): $0.2MM; $0.7MM overall; 34 screens; ; about a drug-dealing teenager and the psychiatrist who befriends him

Brideshead Revisited (PG-13): Drama; about a doomed love affair and the effects of Catholicism on that relationship; co-starring Emma Thompson

CSNY Deja Vu (NR): Documentary; about the band's 2006 tour and its desire to speak about the war; directed by Neil Young

Full Grown Men (NR): Drama; about an adolescent man who begins a journey with his childhood best friend to a theme park; co-starring Alan Cumming and Amy Sedaris

My Winnipeg (NR): Drama; about the personal history of filmmaker Guy Maddin in his hometown of Winnipeg, Canada; directed by Guy Maddin

Roman Polanski: Wanted and Desired (NR): Documentary; about the sex scandal that pushed the Oscar-winning director overseas; co-starring Mia Farrow and Nastassja Kinski

Step Brothers (R): Comedy; about two men, each living with one parent, who become step brothers in the same home once their parents marry; co-starring Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly

Unknown Woman (NR): Thriller; about a Russian woman who becomes highly involved with a young Italian family

Wonderful Town (NR): Drama; about a dangerous romance set amidst a Thai village recovering from the 2004 tsunami

The X-Files: I Want to Believe (PG-13): Sci-fi; about further exploits by Fox Mulder and Dana Scully; co-starring David Duchovny, Gillian Anderson, Amanda Peet, and Billy Connolly

Netflix pick – The Devil Came on Horseback (NR): Documentary about the Darfur genocide and the suspected Janjaweed militias on horseback; $132K box-office gross


Free Activities
22nd Annual Berkeley Kite Festival [Sat-Sun 11am-5pm]: Kite-flying demonstrations, kite battles, taiko drumming, and a possible Guinness Book of World Records entry. At Berkeley Marina. http://www.highlinekites.com

14th Annual North Beach Jazz Fest [Sat-Sun noon-7pm]: In Washington Square Park (SF). http://www.nbjazzfest.com

12th Annual Urban Youth Arts Festival [Sat 1-6pm]: Featuring dancing performances, traditional mural work, and spray aerosol art. At Precita Park (SF). http://www.precitaeyes.org

5th Annual Theater Festival [Sun 11am-5pm]: Featuring 100 shows on 14 different stages. At Yerba Buena Gardens (SF). http://www.sftheaterfestival.org

Indie Mart [Sun noon-6pm]: More than 70 vendors selling vintage items, locally made clothing, cupcakes, and more. At Thee Parkside (SF). http://www.indie-mart.com

~ Ongoing ~
Film Night in the Park [Fri-Sat 8pm]: "A League of Their Own" (San Geronimo) and "The Breakfast Club (Dolores Park, SF). http://www.filmnight.org

San Francisco Mime Troupe [Sat 7:30pm, Sun 6:30pm]: Its latest sparkling production, "Red State," focuses on a small Kansas town that is the last to vote in the 2008 presidential election. At Mateel Center (Redway) and Cotton Auditorium (Ft. Bragg). http://www.sfmt.org

Shakespeare in the Park [Sat-Sun 7:30pm, through Aug 3]: 25 years of Free Shakespeare. Performing "Pericles." At Memorial Park Amphitheater (Cupertino). http://www.sfshakes.org

Stern Grove Festival [Sun 2pm]: Featuring local favorites Voices of Latin Rock, with Sambada opening. At Stern Grove (SF). http://www.sterngrove.org


Paid Activities
Festival - 30th Annual Gilroy Garlic Festival [Fri-Sun 10am-7pm]: Featuring garlic ice cream, live music, garlic recipe cookoffs, and more. At Christmas Hill Park (Gilroy), $6-12. http://www.gilroygarlicfestival.com

Live Music - Shawn Colvin [Mon-Wed 8pm]: At Yoshi's (SF), $30. http://www.yoshis.com

Theatre - What You Will [through Aug 9]: A one-man show about all-things Shakespeare. At the ACT (SF), $25-85. http://www.act-sf.org

Film - 28th Jewish Film Festival [through Aug 11]: Featuring 70 films from 19 countries. At the Castro Theatre (SF), the Jewish Community Center (SF), Roda Theatre (Berkeley), CineArts (Palo Alto), and Rafael Film Center (San Rafael). $9-225. http://www.sfjff.org

Live Music - Idols in Concert [through Aug 30]: Featuring Frenchie Davis, RJ Helton, Kimberley Locke, David Hernandez, and others. At the Rrazz Room (SF), $23. http://www.therrazzroom.com

Previous: Theatre - A Chorus Line [through Sunday in SF]; Theatre - Los Gatos Shakespeare Festival [through Aug 9 in Los Gatos]; Theatre - Oh My Godmother! [extended through Aug 31 in SF]; Art - Women Impressionists [through Sept 21 in SF]; Theatre - Insignificant Others [extended through Sept 21 in SF]; Art - Ming Dynasty [through Sept 21 in SF]; Art - Frida Kahlo [through Oct 26 in SF]


Upcoming Activities in August
Dolly Parton [Aug 5 in Berkeley]; San Jose Jazz Festival [Aug 8-10]; Kathy Griffin [Aug 25 in Saratoga]

Randy's Guide XCIII (93)

Today is British rapper M.I.A.'s 31st; Friday is former South African President Nelson Mandela's 90th; Saturday is Burmese Martyr's Day; Sunday is Colombia's Independence Day and actor Simon Rex's 34th; Monday is former Attorney General Janet Reno's 70th, Whitewater prosecutor Kenneth Starr's 62nd, actor Josh Harnett's 30th, and Belgium's National Day; Tuesday is singer Rufus Wainwright's 35th; and Wednesday is Depeche Mode musician Martin Gore's 47th.


Local News Story
WalkScore's survey confirms what most City residents have long realized: San Francisco is the most walkable city in the U.S., in terms of proximity to ample resources such as grocery stores, restaurants, and coffee shops. Chinatown, the Mission, and North Beach ranked as the top neighborhoods for such services, while Lakeshore, Outer Sunset, and Twin Peaks were at the bottom. www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/07/16/MN3J11Q3N8.DTL


Change for Change
Charity to consider: The Little Angel Fund. A tip from Elvin Z. points out this New York-based group of parents supporting premature infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and their families. www.littleangelfund.org

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

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, Bay Area Community Services, Blue Energy, My New Red Shoes, College Track, Foundation for the People of Burma, and Vital Life Services.


Weekend Weather
Bay Area: Below-normal temperatures, with persistent morning fog and gentle afternoon breezes. Coast 59-67; bay 68-76; inland 77-85. Lows 50-59.

High 89, Low 68: Atlanta, Ga. (slight chance of t-storms)
- The CDC reported that the nation's most obese states are Mississippi, Tennessee, and Alabama, while Colorado ranked as the least obese

High 90, Low 58: Lodi, Calif. (sunny)
- The Castelanelli Brothers Dairy fully meets its energy needs from the methane gas produced by its 3,000 cows

High 94, Low 72: Washington, D.C. (humid)
- Former Vice President Al Gore called on the nation to make all of its electricity with renewable and carbon-free sources within 10 years


Environmental Tips
The latest e.coli outbreak in ground beef (affecting Kroger stores in the South) is a reminder of the problems with the mass production and distribution of meat. E.coli levels are much lower in grass-fed cattle. Once home, use the beef within four days in the refrigerator; otherwise, freeze it.

Previous:
With Governor Schwarzenegger's declaration of a statewide drought last month, it's time to look at our lawn-watering habits. Lawn sprinklers, set to release large drops of water close to the ground, should be aimed for lawns (not sidewalks) early in the morning (not mid-day).


Music Videos
"Rise Up with Fists" by Jenny Lewis and the Watson Twins (Los Angeles, Calif.)

The Silver Lake-based group propelled the Twins to fame, with a global tour and several reputable end-of-the-year top-ten lists. Now they're on their own, with a debut album released last month and a solo tour through Chicago (tonight), Denver (Monday), Portland (7/26), San Francisco (7/28), and Los Angeles (7/29).

Previous:
"Angels on the Moon" by Thriving Ivory (San Francisco, Calif.)

Fresh off the release of their debut album in June, the quintet has hit it big as one of VH1's You Oughta Know bands. Look for them later this month in Denver, Boston, Philadelphia, New York City, and Richmond.

"Where the Hell Is Matt?" by Matt Harding (Seattle, Wash.)

In about two weeks, over 6 million viewers have checked out his global tour of different locations, all with a common thread: dancing badly. The video-game engineer left his job in 2003 to travel the world, only to find corporate sponsorship and international fame at his footsteps.


Movies (through July 13)
#1 Hellboy II: The Golden Army (PG-13): $34.5MM opening; 3204 screens; $10,780 per screen
#2 Hancock (PG-13): $32.1MM; $164.1MM overall; 3965 screens; $8,091 per screen
#3 Journey to the Center of the Earth (PG): $21.0MM opening; 2811 screens; $7,477 per screen
#21 Tell No One (NR): $0.2MM; $0.5MM overall; 19 screens; $13,088 per screen; the Kristin Scott Thomas murder thriller continues to expand gracefully at selected theatres

Chris & Don: A Love Story (NR): Documentary; about the 35-year relationship between writer Chris Isherwood and painter Don Bachardy

The Dark Knight (PG-13): Thriller; about the Caped Crusader battling his old nemesis, The Joker; co-starring Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Aaron Eckhart, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Michael Caine, Gary Oldman, and Morgan Freeman; directed by Christopher Nolan

Elsa & Fred (PG): Comedy; about two aging widowers whose passion for love is reignited by a visit to Rome's Trevi Fountain

The Last Mistress (NR): Drama; about a young man torn between a French aristocratic woman and a devious courtesan; co-starring Asia Argento

Mamma Mia! (PG-13): Musical; about a daughter who invites her three potential fathers to her wedding on a Greek island; co-starring Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, and Stellan Skarsgard

Poultrygeist: Night of the Chicken Dead (NR): Comedy; about a dim-witted young man who finds that a new fast-food restaurant, the object of his ex-girlfriend's protests, is on the site of his first and only romantic encounter with her

Space Chimps (G): Animation; about three chimpanzees sent to a distant galaxy by NASA; co-voiced by Jeff Daniels

Netflix pick – Death at a Funeral (R): Comedy; about a dysfunctional British family encountering a slew of far-fetched problems at their father's funeral; $8.4MM box-office gross


Free Activities
3rd Annual PAL Blues Festival [Fri 6-8pm, Sat noon-11pm]: Featuring Craig Horton, Frank Bey, and others. At Courthouse Square and Angelica's Bistro (Redwood City). www.hopeinsite.com/palbluesfestival

Tour de Fat [Sat 9am-4pm]: Benefiting the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition and Bay Area Ridge Trails Council. Sponsored by New Belgium Brewing, makers of Fat Tire beer. In Speedway Meadow (SF). www.sfbike.org

22nd Annual Connoisseurs Marketplace [Sat-Sun 10am-6pm]: Featuring Draeger's cooking demonstrations, Organic Alley, Burt's Bees hand massages, and fresh margaritas. Along Santa Cruz Avenue (Menlo Park). www.miramarevents.com

Bay Street Arts Festival [Sat-Sun 11am-6pm]: Along Bay Street (Emeryville). www.baystreetemeryville.com

San Francisco AIDS Walk [Sun 9am-3pm]: In Golden Gate Park (SF). www.aidswalk.net/sanfran

Symphony in the Park [Sun 2pm]: Featuring works by Dvorak, Haydn, and Tchaikovsky. At Dolores Park (SF). www.sfsymphony.org

Stern Grove [Sun 2pm]: Alonzo King's LINES Ballet. At Stern Grove (SF). http://www.sterngrove.org

Film Night in the Park [Fri-Sat 8pm]: "Chariots of Fire" (Fri) and "Surf's Up" (Sat). In San Anselmo. www.filmnight.org

San Francisco Mime Troupe [Sat-Sun 1:30pm]: Its latest sparkling production, "Red State," focuses on a small Kansas town that is the last to vote in the 2008 presidential election. At Cedar Rose Park (Berkeley). www.sfmt.org

Shakespeare in the Park [Sat-Sun 7:30pm, through Aug 3]: 25 years of Free Shakespeare. Performing "Pericles." At Memorial Park Amphitheater (Cupertino). www.sfshakes.org


Paid Activities
Live Music - Coldplay [Fri 8pm]: British rock band. With Shearwater opening. At HP Pavilion (San Jose), $50-90. www.coldplay.com

Live Music - Feist [Sat 8pm]: Canadian alt-pop singer. With The Golden Dogs opening. At the Greek Theatre (Berkeley), $40. www.listentofeist.com

Live Music - Big Bad Voodoo Daddy [Sat 8pm]: With the San Francisco Symphony. At Davies Hall (SF), $10-68. www.sfsymphony.org

Live Music - Berkeley Jazz Festival [Sun noon-11pm]: Featuring Kenny G, Will Downing, Bill Culbertson, the Escovedo Family, and more. At the Greek Theatre (Berkeley), $46-90. www.berkeleyjazzfestival.com

Live Music - 14th Annual North Beach Jazz Fest [Sun-Wed]: At Mojito and other locations in North Beach (SF). Free-$15. www.nbjazzfest.com

Theatre - Los Gatos Shakespeare Festival [through Aug 9]: Performing "As You Like It," "The Tempest," and "Beauty and the Beast." At Oak Meadow Park (Los Gatos), $14-20. www.lgshakes.org

Previous: Theatre - Oh My Godmother! [through July 26 in SF]; Theatre - A Chorus Line [through July 27 in SF]; Theatre - Insignificant Others [extended through July 27 in SF]; Art - Women Impressionists [through Sept 21 in SF]; Art - Ming Dynasty [through Sept 21 in SF]; Art - Frida Kahlo [through Oct 26 in SF]


Upcoming Activities in August
John Mellencamp with Lucinda Williams [Aug 2 in Berkeley]; Wild 94.9 Comedy Jam [Aug 23 in Mountain View]; Slow Food Concert [Aug 30-31 in SF]

Randy's Guide XCII (92)

Today is "Entourage" actor Adrian Grenier's 32nd and activist Cindy Sheehan's 51st; Friday is Flemish Day and Free 7-Eleven Slurpee Day (its 80th birthday); Saturday is Sao Tome and Principe's Independence Day; Sunday is actor Harrison Ford's 66th; Monday is Bastille Day; and Tuesday is journalist Arianna Huffington's 58th.


Local News Story
The public has the chance to comment on five building designs to prevent suicides on the Golden Gate Bridge. Public hearings will be held on July 22 and 23 for the $45 million barrier. www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/07/09/MNR111LQTT.DTL


Change for Change
Congrats Vital Life Services with the latest donation from Randy's Guide! Hope other readers have opened their pocketbooks too.

Charity to consider: The Little Angel Fund. A tip from Elvin Z. points out this New York-based group of parents supporting premature infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and their families.

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, Bay Area Community Services, Blue Energy, My New Red Shoes, College Track, Foundation for the People of Burma, and now Vital Life Services.

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


Weekend Weather
Bay Area: Cooling off, with morning fog and afternoon breezes. Coast 60-69; bay 70-79; inland 80-89. Lows 50-59.

High 91, Low 69: Blue Springs, Miss. (chance of t-storms)
- In response to rising demand for hybrid cars and slowing sales for SUVs and large trucks, Toyota announced that it will build the Prius outside of Japan for the first time

High 99, Low 83: Las Vegas, Nevada (chance of t-storms)
- Palo Alto-based Ausra recently unveiled its solar thermal power factory, which aims to produce about 700 megawatts of solar collectors - enough to power 500,000 homes

High 90, Low 70: Washington, D.C. (partly cloudy)
- Recovering Sen. Edward Kennedy returned to the Senate floor to cast the deciding vote in favor of Medicare reform


Environmental Tips
With Governor Schwarzenegger's declaration of a statewide drought last month, it's time to look at our lawn-watering habits. Lawn sprinklers, set to release large drops of water close to the ground, should be aimed for lawns (not sidewalks) early in the morning (not mid-day).

Previous:
It's strawberry season! Buy local and organic, and use extras for smoothies, pancakes, and salad dressing.


Music Videos
"Angels on the Moon" by Thriving Ivory (San Francisco, Calif.)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=S38-mjy5NtA
Fresh off the release of their debut album in June, the quintet has hit it big as one of VH1's You Oughta Know bands. Look for them later this month in Denver, Boston, Philadelphia, New York City, and Richmond.

"Where the Hell Is Matt?" by Matt Harding (Seattle, Wash.)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlfKdbWwruY
In about two weeks, over 5 million viewers have checked out his global tour of different locations, all with a common thread: dancing badly. The video-game engineer left his job in 2003 to travel the world, only to find corporate sponsorship and international fame at his footsteps.

Previous:
"Shine a Light" by Wolf Parade (Montreal, Quebec, Canada)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=OpYtlEvBX6s
Wolf Parade parades its new album with stops this month in Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Hollywood, San Diego, Dallas, Raleigh, and New York City.


Movies (through July 6)
#1 Hancock (PG-13): $62.6MM opening; 3965 screens; $15,789 per screen
#2 WALL-E (G): $32.5MM; $127.2MM overall; 3992 screens; $8,144 per screen
#3 Wanted (R): $20.1MM; $90.2MM overall; 3185 screens; $6,295 per screen
#19 Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na (NR): $0.2MM opening; 33 screens; $6,218 ; about a young couple who falls in love

Blind Mountain (NR): Drama; about a young Chinese student sold into sex slavery by human traffickers

The Edge of Heaven (NR): Drama; about six individuals working toward reconciliation in Germany and Turkey

The Gits Movie (NR): Documentary; about the underground Seattle band, The Gits

Hellboy II: The Golden Army (PG-13): Action; about a horned superhero who must fight to stop a ruthless dictator and his army to save Earth; co-starring Ron Perlman and Selma Blair; directed by Guillermo del Toro

Journey to the Center of the Earth 3-D (PG): Action; about a mocked science professor and his nephew, who travel beneath the Earth's surface; co-starring Brendan Fraser

Meet Dave (PG): Comedy; about an ordinary man, operated by microscopic aliens, who must try to save their planet; co-starring Eddie Murphy

My Father My Lord (NR): Drama; about a young Israeli man growing up in an ultra-Orthodox family

Tell No One (NR): Thriller; about a reopened murder case and the pediatrician suspected of the crimes; co-starring Kristin Scott Thomas

The Wackness (R): Comedy; about the friendship of a teenage drug dealer and a psychiatrist in New York City; co-starring Ben Kingsley, Josh Peck, and Mary-Kate Olsen

Water Lilies (NR): Drama; about two Parisian teenage girls who befriend a third and eventually practice synchronized swimming together in the local pool

Netflix pick – Persepolis (PG-13): Animated; about the autobiographical story of Marjane Satrapi, who comes of age in Iran and France during the 1970s; $4.3MM box-office gross


Free Activities
Dolores Park Movie Night [Th 8:30pm]: 1981 Bill Murray classic "Stripes." With Maestro providing entertainment starting at 7pm. In Dolores Park (SF). www.doloresparkmovie.org

Film Night in the Park [Fri-Sat 8pm]: "Across the Universe" on Friday (San Anselmo); "Field of Dreams" on Saturday (San Rafael). www.filmnight.org

Cirque de la Bastille [Sat-Sun 11am-7pm]: Circus performers, chef demonstrations, fashion shows, French poodle parade, and more. Along Santana Row (San Jose). www.santanarow.com

Art Under the Oaks [Sat-Sun 11am-4pm]: At Alden Lane Nursery (Livermore). www.aldenlane.com

Obon Festival [Sat-Sun noon-8pm]: Bon Odori folk dancing, taiko, carnival games, bingo, and food booths. At Jackson and 5th Street (San Jose). www.jtown.org

LGBT Wedding Expo [Sun 12:30-3:30pm]: Featuring more than 45 screened gay-friendly businesses. At the Holiday Inn Golden Gateway (SF). www.samelovesamerights.com

Rachid Taha [Sun 2pm]: French-Algerian artist. With MC Rai opening. In Stern Grove (SF). www.sterngrove.org

Tango No. 9 [Sun 6pm]: Tango nuevo. At Cafe Royale (SF). www.caferoyale-sf.com

San Francisco Mime Troupe [Sat-Sun 1:30pm, Wed 6:30pm]: Its latest production, "Red State," focuses on a small Kansas town that is the last to vote in the 2008 presidential election. At Mosswood Park (Oakland), Yerba Buena Gardens (SF), and Montclair Ball Field (Montclair). www.sfmt.org


Paid Activities
Festival - Solano County Fair [Th-Sun 11am-11pm]: Featuring musical acts Keith Sweat and Rooney, Guitar Hero contest, Demolition Derby, and more. At Solano County Fairgrounds (Vallejo), free-$29. www.scfair.com

Comedy - Kathy Griffin [Fri 7:30pm, Sat 8pm]: At the Mountain Winery (Saratoga), $50-90; and the Sleep Train Pavilion (Concord), $35-75. www.kathygriffin.net

Film - 13th Annual Silent Film Festival [Fri-Sun]: 12 films in all. At the Castro Theatre (SF), $14-140. www.silentfilm.org

Theatre - The Kinsey Sicks [Fri 8pm]: San Francisco-based "dragapella" quartet hosts an informal, raunchy talk show. Audience participation permitted. At the Herbst Theatre (SF), $25-35. www.kinseysicks.com

Film - Midnight Mass [Sat 11:55pm]: Special screening of "Barbarella" hosted by Peaches Christ. Featuring an on-stage production of "Bearbarella," performance by The Devilettes, and the Orgasmatron Challenge. At the Bridge Theatre (SF), $13. www.peacheschrist.com

Live Music - Scissors for Lefty vs. Locksley [Wed 8pm]: With elephone, The Matches, and Murder of Lilies opening. At the Great American Music Hall (SF), $13. www.musichallsf.com

Theatre - A Chorus Line [through July 27]: Musical about the narrowing down of 17 dancers to 8 for the final production. At the Curran Theatre (SF), $25-99. www.shnsf.com

Art - Ming Dynasty collection [through Sept 21]: At the Asian Art Museum (SF), free-$12. www.asianart.org

Previous: Theatre - Oh My Godmother! [through July 26 in SF]; Theatre - Insignificant Others [extended through July 27 in SF]; Art - Women Impressionists [through Sept 21 in SF]; Art - Frida Kahlo [through Oct 26 in SF]


Upcoming Activities in August
Bill Maher [Aug 7 in Saratoga]; San Jose Jazz Festival [Aug 8-10 in San Jose]; Nihonmachi Street Fair [Aug 9-10 in SF]

Randy's Guide XCI (91)

Thursday is actor Tom Cruise's 46th; Friday is the Fourth of July and Oakland Raiders' President Al Davis' 79th; Saturday is Venezuela, Algeria, and Cape Verde's Independence Days; Sunday is actor Sylvester Stallone and President George W. Bush's 62nd; Monday is Japan's Tanabata (star festival); Tuesday is Heroes actor Milo Ventimiglia's 31st; Wednesday is singer Courtney Love's 44th.


Local News Story
San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom launched an exploratory committee to consider a run for Governor of California in the 2010 election. His expected Democratic opponents include Attorney General Jerry Brown and Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. www.sacbee.com/111/story/1054712.html


Another Magazine
A free subscription to Pathways, a magazine on poverty, inequality, and social policy. Check it out at www.stanford.edu/group/scspi/media_magazines.html


Change for Change
Charity to consider: Vital Life Services. Founded in 1987 in Berkeley, this organization provides hot meals, transportation, housing, and other services to those with HIV/AIDS and other critical illnesses. The group will move into the former site of Your Black Muslim Bakery once renovation is completed. www.vitalcalifornia.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, Bay Area Community Services, Blue Energy, My New Red Shoes, College Track, and Foundation for the People of Burma.

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


Weekend Weather
Bay Area: Coastal fog, warm inland. Coast 61-68; bay 69-76; inland 77-86. Lows 48-56.

High 74, Low 56: Seattle, Wash. (chance of rain, then weekend clearing)
- Mega-coffee chain Starbucks announced that it would close a total of 600 stores and lay off up to 12,000 workers by year-end

High 88, Low 76: St. Petersburg, Fla. (chance of t-storms)
- The Tampa Bay Devil Rays swept the Boston Red Sox for the second time this season, pushing them further into first place for the American League East division

High 83, Low 45: Yosemite, Calif. (sunny)
- Hans Florine and Yuji Hirayama scaled the steep nose of El Capitan in a record 2 hours and 43 minutes


Environmental Tips
It's strawberry season! Buy local and organic, and use extras for smoothies, pancakes, and salad dressing.

Previous:
As we ponder our summer travel plans, consider easing your carbon footprint by going local and checking out that restaurant you wouldn't normally try or hotel you wouldn't book. Or, try out Amtrak by using its flex pass that allows for flexibility.


Music Videos
"I'll Believe in Anything" by Wolf Parade (Montreal, Quebec, Canada)

Wolf Parade will show off its new album with stops this month in Chicago, Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Hollywood, San Diego, Raleigh, and New York City.

Previous:
"Handlebars" by Flobots (Denver, Colo.)

This alternative rock-rap group hit it big this year with its third album, and will be on a July tour through Anaheim, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Salt Lake City, and Houston.


Movies (through June 29)
#1 WALL-E (G): $63.1MM opening; 3992 screens; $15,803 per screen
#2 Wanted (R): $50.9MM opening; 3175 screens; $16,040 per screen
#3 Get Smart (PG-13): $20.2MM; $77.5MM overall; 3915 screens; $5,163 per screen
#23 Kit Kittredge: An American Girl (G): $0.1MM; $0.5MM overall; 5 screens; $21,404 per screen

Animation Show 4 (NR): Animation; 24 animated shorts, presented by Mike Judge

Constantine's Sword (NR): Documentary; about the consequences of religious influence on current foreign policy and previous nations; co-narrated by Natasha Richardson

Gonzo: The Life and Work of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson (R): Documentary; about the inventor of gonzo journalism; narrated by Johnny Depp

Hancock (PG-13): Action; about an ill-tempered superhero and the PR executive he saves; co-starring Will Smith and Charlize Theron

Hank and Mike (NR): Comedy; about two foul-mouthed men whose lives unravel following a series of odd jobs; co-starring Wes Bentley and Joe Mantegna

Kit Kittredge: An American Girl (G): Family drama; about an aspiring reporter who stumbles upon a mysterious plot; co-starring Stanley Tucci and Abigail Breslin

Quid Pro Quo (R): Drama; about a paraplegic public-radio reporter who falls for an art restorer; co-starring Nick Stahl

Netflix pick – I'm Not There (R): $3.7MM box office; about six different actors who combine to portray different elements of Bob Dylan's life; co-starring Cate Blanchett (nominated for her role), Heath Ledger, Richard Gere, and Christian Bale


Free Activities
San Francisco Mime Troupe [Fri-Sun 1:30pm]: Its latest production, Red State, opens on the Fourth of July. At Dolores Park (SF). www.sfmt.org

24th Annual Fillmore Jazz Festival [Sat-Sun 10am-6pm]: Three stages of live jazz entertainment are the highlight. Along Fillmore Street (SF). www.fillmorejazzfestival.com

Asian Art Museum [Sun 10am-5pm]: Sponsored by Target. Check out the new Ming collection on display. In Civic Center Plaza (SF). www.asianart.org

Allen Toussaint of New Orleans [Sun 2pm]: Live jazz from a New Orleans legend. With up-and-coming Trombone Shorty (also of The Big easy) opening. Arrive early for prime seating. In Stern Grove (SF). www.sterngrove.org

Cardboard Tube Fighting Tournament [Sun 4pm]: At Dolores Park (SF). www.tubeduel.com/sf


Paid Activities
Film - Midnight Mass [Fri-Sat 11:55pm]: Special screening of Showgirls, hosted by Peaches Christ and featuring live cast interviews. At the Bridge Theatre (SF), $13. www.peacheschrist.com

Event - Hapa Benefit Concert [Sat 6pm]: Featuring the live Hawaiian music and dance performances. At the Palace of Fine Arts (SF), $40-75. www.nihonmachistreetfair.com

Festival - Marin County Fair [through Sunday]: Featuring the live music of Joan Jett, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, America, and Los Lobos. At the Marin County Fairgrounds (San Rafael), free-$14. www.marinfair.org

Festival - Napa County Fair [through Sunday]: Featuring the Budweiser Clydesdale horses. At the Napa County Fairgrounds (Calistoga), free-$7. www.napacountyfairgrounds.com

Theatre - Oh My Godmother! [through July 26]: A gay twist on the classic Cinderella tale. At the Zeum Theatre (SF), $25-35. www.ohmygodmother.com

Art - Frida Kahlo exhibit [through Oct 26]: A diverse selection of her paintings and photographs. At MOMA (SF), $5 surcharge on top of museum entrance. www.sfmoma.org

Previous: Opera - Lucia di Lammermoor [through Saturday in SF]; Theatre - 'Tis Pity She's a Whore [through Sunday in SF]; Theatre - Insignificant Others [extended through July 27 in SF]; Art - Women Impressionists [through Sept 21 in SF]


Fourth of July
Concord [8am-2pm]: In Todos Santos Plaza. www.ci.concord.ca.us

Danville [9am]: Along Hartz Ave. www.kiwanis-srv.org/parade.asp

Redwood City [9am-9:30pm]: Downtown Redwood City. www.parade.org

Corte Madera [9:30am-5pm]: At Town Park. www.cortemadera.org

El Cerrito [10am-4pm]: At Cerrito Vista Park. www.el-cerrito.org

Sausalito [10am-9:15pm]: At Dunphy Park. www.ci.sausalito.ca.us

Foster City [10am-9:30pm]: At Foster City Recreation Center. www.fostercity.org

Berkeley [11am-9:30pm]: Along Berkeley Marina. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us

San Jose [11am-10pm]: In Discovery Meadow. www.americafestival.com

Benicia [noon-9pm]: At Benicia City Park. www.ci.benicia.ca.us

San Francisco [1-9:30pm]: At Pier 39. www.pier39.com


Upcoming Activities in August
Aloha Festival [Aug 2-3 in SF]; San Francisco Marathon [Aug 3]; Outside Lands Music & Arts Festival [Aug 22-24 in SF]