Randy's Guide XCIX (99)

Today is actor Jack Black's 39th; Friday is Arizona Senator John McCain's 72nd; Saturday is Turkey's Victory Day; Sunday is Malaysia's National Day; Monday is Labor Day and talk show host Dr. Phil's 58th; Tuesday is Germany's Sedan Day; and Wednesday is Tunisia's Memorial Day.


Local News Story
Del Martin, a lesbian activist since the 1950s, passed away at the age of 87. She most recently made history by marrying Phyllis Lyon, her partner since 1953, in both 2004 and 2008. www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/08/28/MNGI12JDIS.DTL


Event Alert
BAR AIDS is tonight! Two Castro bars (Mix and Harvey's) will be donating 50% of sales to supporting local HIV/AIDS organizations. Other bar sponsors include Underground SF (Haight), Gravity Room (Marina), Truck (Mission), and Wild Side West (Bernal Heights). www.stopaids.org/baraids


Event Alert
Free Museum Day is next week again. Take a break from work and check out the following: Tuesday is for SF MOMA (10am-5:45pm), Legion of Honor (9:30am-5:15pm), de Young (9:30am-5:15pm), and YBCA (noon-5pm); Wednesday is for Exploratorium (10am-5pm) and SF Zoo (residents only, 10am-5pm).


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

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.


Bay Area Holiday Weekend Weather
Hot today, then gradual cooling until Labor Day. Highs: Coast (80s Th, 70s Fri, 60s Sat-Mon); Bay (90s Th, 80s Fri, 70s Sat-Mon); Inland (100s Th, 90s Fri, 80s Sat-Mon). Lows: upper 50s.


Environmental Tips
Back to school time! Be a school activist and push for propane-powered buses and for diesel particular filters. Also, request that a no-idling zone for buses and cars exist near the school, to cut emissions and make the air cleaner for growing kids.

Previous:
As you or your friends look into new housing options, consider high-density locations that promote walking and taking public transit. Recent examples in the Bay Area include San Jose's Santana Row, San Mateo's proposed Bay Meadows, and West Oakland's Transit Village.


Music Videos
"In My Arms" by Teddy Thompson (New York, N.Y.)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEhWktE3njQ
The London-born country-light folk rocker recently released his fourth album, "A Piece of What You Need." The video of the first single includes a guest appearance by his friend, Rufus Wainwright. His U.S. tour includes September stops in Atlanta, Charlotte, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, before heading over to England, Ireland, and Scotland.

Previous:
"Paranoiattack" by The Faint (Omaha, Neb.)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtmhGthP7vk
Celebrate the new-wave band's latest album, "Fasciinatiion."


Movies (domestic revenues through August 24)
#1 Tropic Thunder (R): $16.3MM; $65.8MM overall; 3352 screens; $4,854 per screen
#2 The House Bunny (PG-13): $14.5MM opening; 2714 screens; $5,355 per screen
#3 Death Race (R): $12.6MM opening; 2532 screens; $4,985 per screen
#18 Bottle Shock (PG-13): $0.7MM; $1.7MM overall; 324 screens; $2,011 per screen; about the California winery who triumphs over elite French winemakers during a competition in the 1970s

America the Beautiful (R): Documentary; about one filmmaker's attempts to explore whether the United States has an unhealthy obsession with beauty

Babylon A.D. (PG-13): Sci-fi thriller; about a future Earth filled with monitoring satellites, radioactive wastelands, and war zones; co-starring Vin Diesel, Michelle Yeoh, and Gerard Depardieu

College (R): Comedy; about a high-school senior, recently dumped by his girlfriend, who is recruited as a fraternity pledge

Days and Clouds (NR): Drama; about a middle-aged Italian woman who suddenly must change her life

Disaster Movie (PG-13): Comedy spoof; about parodying disaster movies involving asteroids, tornadoes, and earthquakes

I Served the King of England (R): Drama; about an ambitious Czech waiter who wants to become a millionaire during the Communist era

No Regret (R): Romance; about an art designer forced into being a gay prostitute, and the son from a conservative family who chases him

Traitor (PG-13):Thriller; about an FBI agent investigating an international conspiracy; co-starring Don Cheadle and Guy Pearce

What We Do Is Secret (R): Musical biography; about the life of one of the founding members of The Germs; co-starring Shane West

Year of the Fish (NR): Animation; about a young girl who believes she is going to work at a beauty salon to help pay for her ailing father's bills, only to find out that she is stuck in a seedy massage parlor

Blockbuster pick - The Savages (R): Biting performances from Laura Linney and Philip Seymour Hoffman, as they slowly put aside their hefty differences to care for their aging father. Nominated for 2 Oscars (Actress and Screenplay), and winner of 2 Independent Spirit Awards (Actor and Screenplay). $6.6 million box-office revenues.


Free Activities
Slow Food Festival [Fri-Sun 9am-4pm]: Celebrate the Slow Food Movement, as championed by local celebrity chef Alice Waters. Live music, public speakers, the Victory Garden, a Farmers Market, and tasty local treats (Bi-Rite Creamery!). In Civic Center Plaza (SF). www.slowfoodnation.org

Millbrae Art & Wine Festival [Sat-Sun 10am-5pm]: 38th annual event. Along Broadway Avenue. www.miramarevents.com

Kings Mountain Art Fair [Sat-Mon 10am-5pm]: 45th annual event. Benefits the Kings Mountain Volunteer Fire Brigade and Kings Mountain Elementary School. At the Kings Mountain Community Center (Woodside). www.kingsmountainartfair.org

River Festival [Sun 4-9pm]: 16th annual event. Featuring the Napa Valley Symphony, river activities, and a fireworks display. At Veterans Memorial Park (Napa). www.friendsofthenapariver.org

Antiques and Art Faire [Mon 9am-3pm]: At Railroad Centre (Danville).

~ Ongoing ~
Film Night in the Park [Fri-Sun 8pm]: "Shaolin Soccer" (San Anselmo), "Mary Poppins" (San Anselmo), and "Juno" (San Anselmo). www.filmnight.org

Live Jazz in the Square [Th 6pm]: Featuring Claudia Villela. In Union Square Park (SF). www.sfjazz.org

San Francisco Mime Troupe [Sat-Mon 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 Dolores Park (SF). www.sfmt.org

Shakespeare in the Park [Sat 7:30pm, Sun-Mon 2:30pm]: 25 years of Free Shakespeare; this year, performing "Pericles." At Presidio Parade Ground (SF). www.sfshakes.org

Shotgun Players Theatre [Sat-Sun 4pm]: "Ubu for President." Through Sep 14. In John Hinkel Park (Berkeley). www.shotgunplayers.org

Yerba Buena Gardens Festival [Sat 1pm]: Featuring Brazilian percussion. At Yerba Buena Gardens (SF). www.ybgf.org


Paid Activities
Comedy - D.L. Hughley [Th 8pm, Fri-Sat 8pm/10:15pm, Sun 7pm]: The star from "The Original Kings of Comedy" and host of "Def Comedy Jam." At Cobb's Comedy Club (SF), $31-36. www.cobbscomedyclub.com

Event - Sausalito Art Festival [Fri 6pm-midnight, Sat-Mon 9am-5pm]: 56th annual event. Featuring more than 20,000 original works of art, and musical guests including The Neville Brothers, Brett Dennen, Richard Thompson, and The Cheeseballs. At Marinship Park (Sausalito), free-$30. www.sausalitoartfest.org

Live Music - Monterey Bay Reggae Fest [Fri noon-10pm, Sat-Sun 10am-10pm]: 13th annual event. Featuring Mighty Diamonds, Tribal Seeds, and Ky-Mani Marley, among others. At Monterey County Fairgrounds, $28-38. www.mbayreggaefest.net

Event - Oakland Art & Soul Festival [Sat-Mon noon-6pm]: 8th annual event. Featuring musical acts Bobby Hutcherson, the Matches, and Indigo Girls. Near 14th Street and Broadway (Oakland), free-$10. www.artandsouloakland.com

Event - Thai Art and Food Fair [Sat-Sun 10am-4pm]: Featuring Thai kickboxing, shadow puppets, food carving demonstrations, and handicrafts. In County Fair Building (SF), $5. www.watbuddhapradeep.org

Event - Greek Faire [Sat-Mon noon-8pm]: At the Greek Orthodox Church (Belmont), $2-5. www.goholycross.org

Previous: Theatre - Oh My Godmother! [extended through Sunday in SF]; Theatre - Uncle Vanya [through Sunday in Orinda]; Theatre - Grey Gardens [through Sep 14 in Mountain View]; Art - Women Impressionists [through Sep 21 in SF]; Theatre - Insignificant Others [extended through Sep 21 in SF]; Art - Ming Dynasty [through Sep 21 in SF]; Art - Frida Kahlo [through Oct 26 in SF]


Upcoming Activities in September
Opera in the Park [Sep 7 in SF]; This Land Is Your Land concert [Sep 20 in Concord]; Kenny G [Sep 27 in San Rafael]

Randy's Guide XCVIII (98)

Today is Jamaican sprinter (and double gold medalist) Usain Bolt's 22nd and Philippines' Ninoy Aquino Day; Friday is "Brokeback Mountain" writer E. Anne Proulx's 73rd; Saturday is Ukraine's Flag Day and basketballer Kobe Bryant's 30th; Sunday is comedian Dave Chappelle's 35th; Monday is TV chef Rachael Ray's 40th and Uruguay's Independence Day; Tuesday is politician Tom Ridge's 63rd; and Wednesday is Texas' Lyndon B. Johnson Day.


Local News Story
After spending 12 years at its South of Market location, Trannyshack - and host drag queen Heklina - is closing up its Tuesday midnight tradition. One final party will be held this Saturday at San Francisco's Regency Center. www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/08/18/DDLV12B6SI.DTL


Event Alert
BAR AIDS is coming next Thursday, August 28. Two Castro bars (Harvey's and Mix) will be donating 50% of sales to supporting local HIV/AIDS organizations. Other bar sponsors include Hobson's Choice (Haight), Gravity Room (Marina), Truck (Mission), and Wild Side West (Bernal Heights). www.stopaids.org/baraids


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

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.


Bay Area Weekend Weather
Slight warming trend to Sunday. Highs: 60-65 coast, 65-80 bay; 80-90 inland. Lows: 50-60.


Environmental Tips
As you or your friends look into new housing options, consider high-density locations that promote walking and taking public transit. Recent examples in the Bay Area include San Jose's Santana Row, San Mateo's proposed Bay Meadows, and West Oakland's Transit Village.

Previous:
Pets matter too! It's no surprise that dog or cat food can be certified organic, which means that the producers don't use GMOs or irradiation. Also check out PETA's list on companies that do not test their products on animals.


Music Videos
"Paranoiattack" by The Faint (Omaha, Neb.)

Celebrate the new-wave band's latest album, "Fasciinatiion."

Previous:
"Bartender Song" by Rehab (Atlanta, Ga.)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRC77brGYWs
The country rap-rockers have gotten a second release of their album "Graffiti the World" ... mighty generous by the hands at Universal. They're touring the East Coast this month, before opening for Kid Rock on the West Coast in September.


Movies (domestic revenues through August 17)
#1 Tropic Thunder (R): $25.8MM opening; 3319 screens; $7,777 per screen
#2 The Dark Knight (PG-13): $16.4MM; $471.1MM overall; 3590 screens; $4,562 per screen
#3 Star Wars: The Clone Wars (PG): $14.6M opening; 3452 screens; $4,233 per screen
#10 Vicky Cristina Barcelona (PG-13): $3.8MM opening; 692 screens; $5,427 per screen

Death Race (R): Action; about a corporation's use of overcrowded jails for televised sport; co-starring Jason Statham and Joan Allen

Hamlet 2 (R): Comedy; about a failed actor and (now) teacher in Tucson who stages a risque sequel to Shakespeare's Hamlet; co-starring Steve Coogan and Amy Poehler

Hats Off (NR): Documentary; about a 93-year-old actress ("Sex in the City" and "Across the Universe") who continues to strive for small film roles

The House Bunny (PG-13): Comedy; about a Playboy bunny who unexpectedly has to find a new job on a nearby campus; co-starring Anna Faris and Katharine McPhee

I.O.U.S.A. (PG): Documentary; about the growing federal debt, aging U.S. population, and increased competition from China and India; co-starring Ron Paul

A Jihad for Love (NR): Documentary; about eight gay and lesbian Muslims filmed without permission in their home countries

The Longshots (PG): Sports drama; about a former high-school football star who becomes a local team's coach and leads his niece to be quarterback; co-starring Ice Cube; directed by Fred Durst

Love Comes Lately (NR): Drama; about an aging writer who must reassess his life

The Rocker (PG-13): Musical comedy; about a failed drummer who has a second chance with his nephew's high-school band; co-starring Christina Applegate

Warchild (NR): Drama; about a Bosnian mother who finds out that her daughter has been adopted and raised by a family in Germany

Netflix pick - The Host (R): A delirious South Korean monster tale that harkens to the days of Godzilla; highest-grossing South Korean film of all time, with $60 million in revenues in South Korea, $2 million in the U.S.


Free Activities
Palo Alto Festival [Sat-Sun 10am-6pm]: 27th annual event. Along University Avenue (Palo Alto). www.mlaproductions.com

United in Health 3 [Sat 10am-2pm]: Featuring health screenings, demonstrations, and prizes. At the Ella Hill Hutch Center (SF). www.afrosolo.org

Shakespeare on the Square [Sat-Sun 7pm]: "Macbeth" on Saturday, "Taming of the Shrew" on Sunday. In Courthouse Square (Redwood City). www.redwoodcity.org/events

Escape from the Rock Triathlon [Sun 7:20am]: 28th annual event. Check out the athletes who can do 1.5 miles of swimming, 2.5 miles of running, 13 miles of biking, and finally about 7 miles of running. Near Aquatic Park (SF). www.envirosports.com/events

Rock Make Street Festival [Sun 11am-6pm]: Featuring 12 local indie bands and 50 artisans. At Treat and 18th Street (SF). www.myspace.com/rockmakestreetfestival

~ Ongoing ~
Film Night in the Park [Fri-Sat 8pm]: "Ratatouille" (Mill Valley) and "Breaking Away (Fairfax). www.filmnight.org

Live Jazz in the Square [Th 6pm]: Featuring Le Jazz Hot & Friends. In Union Square Park (SF). www.sfjazz.org

San Francisco Mime Troupe [Sat-Sun 1:30pm, Wed 6/8:30pm]: Its latest sparkling production, "Red State," focuses on a small Kansas town that is the last to vote in the 2008 presidential election. At Live Oak Park (Berkeley) and Bindery (Denver, Colo.). www.sfmt.org

Shakespeare in the Park [Sat 7:30pm, Sun 5pm]: Closing weekend of "Pericles" in San Mateo. 25 years of Free Shakespeare. At Central Park (San Mateo). www.sfshakes.org

Shotgun Players Theatre [Sat-Sun 4pm]: "Ubu for President." Through Sep 14. In John Hinkel Park (Berkeley). www.shotgunplayers.org

Walking Tours in the Presidio [Wed/Sun 2pm]: Through August 27. At Presidio Officers' Club (SF). www.presidio.gov

Yerba Buena Gardens Festival [Sat 1pm]: Featuring fiddler Tom Rigney and his ensemble Flambeau. At Yerba Buena Gardens (SF). www.ybgf.org


Paid Activities
Live Music - Outside Lands Music & Arts Festival [Fri 2:30-10pm, Sat-Sun 11am-10pm]: Featuring Radiohead, Tom Petty, Jack Johnson, Wilco, Widespread Panic, Cake, Beck, Ben Harper, Primus, Nicole Atkins, Sharon Jones, Broken Social Scene, and more. At Golden Gate Park (SF), $85-695. www.sf.outsidelands.com

Event - Tony Hawk's Boom Boom HuckJam [Fri 6:30pm]: Featuring superstars of skateboarding, BMX, and motocross. At Shoreline Amphitheatre (Mountain View), $31. www.boomboomhuckjam.com

Comedy - Kung Pao Kosher Comedy [Fri 7:30pm]: 4th and a Half Annual event. At Dolores Park Cafe (SF), $7-15. www.koshercomedy.com

Event - Tiburon Festival [Sat 11am-7pm, Sun 10am-6pm]: At Historic Ark Row (Tiburon), $5. www.tiburon-artfestival.com

Theatre - Grey Gardens [through Sep 14]: About the reclusive cousin of Jackie Kennedy Onassis. At Center for the Performing Arts (Mountain View), $21-59. www.theatreworks.org

Previous: Theatre - Oh My Godmother! [extended through Aug 31 in SF]; Theatre - Uncle Vanya [through Aug 31 in Orinda]; 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 September
Janet Jackson [Sep 13 in Oakland]; The Fratellis [Sep 17 in SF]; James Blunt [Sep 28 in Saratoga]

Randy's Guide XCVII (97)

Today is comedian Steve Martin's 63rd, basketballer Magic Johnson's 49th, and actress Halle Berry's 42nd; Friday is V-J Day and India's Independence Day; Saturday is singer Madonna's 50th; Monday is International Lighthouse Day; Tuesday is former President Bill Clinton's 62nd; and Wednesday is Hungary's St. Stephen's Day.


Local News Story
San Francisco residents have tripled the number of informal property assessment requests to Assessor-Recorder Phil Ting's office. Between May 2007 and May 2008, the City's median home sale price dropped over 11 percent. The deadline to file the request is Friday, August 15. www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/08/14/BAB112AFOD.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

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.


Bay Area Weekend Weather
Much cooler and more morning fog by Saturday. Highs: 60-65 coast, 65-80 bay; 80-90 inland. Lows: 50-60.


Environmental Tips
Pets matter too! It's no surprise that dog or cat food can be certified organic, which means that the producers don't use GMOs or irradiation. Also check out PETA's list on companies that do not test their products on animals.

Previous:
A new driver term has been founded: hypermiler. It is an individual who strives to achieve every last mile per gallon possible. Some key tips: parking with the front of the car facing out (to exit without braking); slowing down well before a red light (to prevent idling); and using the car's momentum while on flat or downhill roads (to avoid rapid starts and stops).


Music Videos
"Bartender Song" by Rehab (Atlanta, Ga.)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRC77brGYWs
The country rap-rockers have gotten a second release of their album "Graffiti the World" ... mighty generous by the hands at Universal. They're touring the East Coast this month, before opening for Kid Rock on the West Coast in September.

Previous:
"Hurricane Jane" by Black Kids (Jacksonville, Fla.)

They've hit the top 10 in the UK charts with their debut album, and Rolling Stone and the BBC both have spotlighted them for 2008. No surprise, they're touring twice in Europe over the next few months, with a few October U.S. dates including Atlanta, Boston, Minneapolis, Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, and San Diego.


Movies (domestic revenues through August 10)
#1 The Dark Knight (PG-13): $26.1MM; $441.6MM overall; 4025 screens; $6,489 per screen
#2 Pineapple Express (R): $23.2MM opening; $41.3MM overall; 3072 screens; $7,567 per screen
#3 The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor (PG-13): $16.5MM; $71.0MM overall; 3778 screens; $4,365 per screen
#14 Singh Is Kinng (NR): $1.2MM opening; 112 screens; $10,703 per screen; the latest Bollywood comedy

Frozen River (R): Drama; a Native American woman starts smuggling illegal immigrants to survive

Fly Me to the Moon (G): 3-D animation; about three houseflies that join the Apollo 11 mission; co-voiced by Edwin E. Aldrin Jr., Christopher Lloyd, and Tim Curry

Henry Poole Is Here (PG): Comedy; about a man who, facing death, seeks out seclusion - only to have his neighbors disrupt his peace; co-starring Luke Wilson and Adriana Barraza

In Search of a Midnight Kiss (NR): Comedy; about a young man, new to Los Angeles, who posts a personal ad on Craigslist

The Judge and the General (NR): Documentary; about a magistrate investigating crimes during the era of Augusto Pinochet

A Man Named Pearl (G): Documentary; about a famed gardening artist in South Carolina, whose career began when faced with racial discrimination in the housing market

Mirrors (R): Thriller; about a security man who is trying to solve unexplained deaths at the store; co-starring Kiefer Sutherland

Star Wars: The Clone Wars (PG): Animation; about the classic struggle between the Jedi Knights and the dark side

Transsiberian (R): Drama; about an American couple whose lives are disrupted during the lengthy train ride from Beijing to Moscow; co-starring Woody Harrelson and Ben Kingsley

Tropic Thunder (R): Comedy; about a small group of actors who are marooned in the dangerous Southeast Asia jungle; co-starring Ben Stiller, Jack Black, Robert Downey Jr., and Nick Nolte

Trumbo (PG-13): Documentary; about the screenwriter's tumultuous journey through Hollywood; co-starring Joan Allen, Michael Douglas, Danny Glover, and Nathan Lane

Vicky Cristina Barcelona (PG-13): Comedy; about two young Americans who become romantically intertwined with a flamboyant couple in Spain; co-starring Javier Bardem, Patricia Clarkson, Penelope Cruz, and Scarlett Johansson; directed by Woody Allen

Netflix pick – Before the Devil Knows You're Dead (R): A clever, twisting drama from the hands of director Sidney Lumet; co-starring Ethan Hawke, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Marisa Tomei, and Albert Finney; $7.1MM domestic box-office gross


Free Activities
Bernal Heights Neighborhood Garage Sale [Sat 9am-4pm]: 15th annual. Near Cortland Avenue (SF). www.sresproductions.com

Celebrate Milpitas! [Sat-Sun 10am-6pm]: 3rd annual. In downtown Milpitas. www.milpitaschamber.org

San Rafael Festival [Sat 11am-5pm]: 2nd annual. At Falkirk Center (San Rafael). www.sresproductions.com

Art in the Park [Sun 10am-5pm]: 39th annual. At Susana Street Park (Martinez). www.martinezarts.org

The Good Person of Szechuan [Fri 6pm, Sat 4pm, Sun 1pm]: Presented by Woman's Will, the Bay Area's all-female Shakespeare company. At Yerba Buena Garden and Dolores Park (SF). www.womanswill.org

~ Ongoing ~
Dolores Park Movie Night [Tonight 8pm]: "Jaws 3" in 3-D. At Dolores Park (SF). www.doloresparkmovie.org

Film Night in the Park [Fri-Sun 8pm]: "Touch of Evil," "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire," and "American Graffiti" (San Anselmo). www.filmnight.org

Live Jazz in the Square [Th 6pm]: Featuring Nobody from Ipanema. In Union Square Park (SF). www.sfjazz.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 Glen Park and Washington Square Park (SF). www.sfmt.org

Shakespeare in the Park [Sat 7:30pm, Sun 5pm]: 25 years of Free Shakespeare. Performing "Pericles." At Central Park (San Mateo). www.sfshakes.org

Shotgun Players Theatre [Sat-Sun 4pm]: "Ubu for President." Through Sep 14. In John Hinkel Park (Berkeley). www.shotgunplayers.org

Stern Grove Festival [Sun 2pm]: Featuring San Francisco Opera. At Stern Grove (SF). www.sterngrove.org

Walking Tours in the Presidio [Wed/Sun 2pm]: Through August 27. At Presidio Officers' Club (SF). www.presidio.gov


Paid Activities
Theatre - Mikado [Fri 8pm, Sat 2pm/8pm, Sun 2pm]: At Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (SF), $11-44. www.ybca.org

Event - Golden Gate Renaissance Festival [Sat-Sun 10am-5pm]: 5th annual. Featuring over 900 costumed entertainers and 100 shopkeepers. In Golden Gate Park (SF), free-$18. www.ggfaire.com (check out the site's $2 coupon)

Live Music - Rock the Bells Tour [Sat 11am]: Featuring Mos Def, A Tribe Called Quest, Nas, Method Man and Redman, and more. At Shoreline Amphitheatre (Mountain View), $35-75. www.guerillaunion.com/rockthebells

Comedy - Lewis Black [Sun 7:30pm]: Comedy Central star. At Mountain Winery (Saratoga), $50-70. www.lewisblack.com

Previous: Live Music - Idols in Concert [through Saturday in SF]; Theatre - The Drowsy Chaperone [through Sunday in SF]; Theatre - Oh My Godmother! [extended through Aug 31 in SF]; Theatre - Uncle Vanya [through Aug 31 in Orinda]; 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 September
Opening Night Gala - San Francisco Symphony [Sep 3 in SF]; Brian Wilson [Sep 5 in Oakland]; Jennifer Hudson [Sep 11 in SF]

Randy's Guide XCVI (96)

Today is "X-Files" actor David Duchovny's 48th and British Columbia Day; Friday is the start of the Beijing Olympics, a Very Lucky Day indeed (8-8-08); Saturday is Singapore's National Day and singer Whitney Houston's 45th; Sunday is National Smores Day; Monday is Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf's 65th and Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak's 58th; Tuesday is financier George Soros' 78th; and Wednesday is International Left-Handers' Day.


Local News Story
Your charitable contributions may not be getting to their intended source. According to a Los Angeles Times recent audit, more than 12% of 5,800 nonprofit fundraising campaigns over the past decade either cost the charity money or raised nothing, after accounting for the fundraising company's fees. Local examples include the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and the San Francisco Ballet. www.sfbg.com/entry.php?entry_id=6864&catid=4


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: Continued cool, with Sunday being warmest. Highs 55-65 coast, 65-75 bay, 75-85 inland. Lows 50-55.

High 86, Low 58: Denver, Colo. (slight chance of t-storms)
- More than half of the 75,000 seats at Invesco Field will be given to Colorado residents, in the build-up to Barack Obama's speech during the Democratic Convention

High 77, Low 61: Detroit, Mich. (showers, then weekend clearing)
- Embattled Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick will spend at least one night in jail, following an unauthorized trip to Canada in July

High 94, Low 76: Houston, Tex. (mostly cloudy)
- Victoria Osteen, who helps lead a local megachurch with her husband, sat in court to defend herself against allegations that she assaulted a Continental Airlines flight attendant in 2005


Environmental Tips
A new driver term has been founded: hypermiler. It is an individual who strives to achieve every last mile per gallon possible. Some key tips: parking with the front of the car facing out (to exit without braking); slowing down well before a red light (to prevent idling); and using the car's momentum while on flat or downhill roads (to avoid rapid starts and stops).

Previous:
Compost bags tend to run a bit pricey and are a bit hard to find in local stores. Use your empty juice or milk cartons (half-gallon) for composting your food scraps, q-tips, used coffee grounds, and dirty napkins.


Music Videos
"I'm Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How to Dance with You" by Black Kids (Jacksonville, Fla.)

They've hit the top 10 in the UK charts with their debut album, and Rolling Stone and the BBC both have spotlighted them for 2008. No surprise, they're touring twice in Europe over the next few months, with a few October U.S. dates including Atlanta, Boston, Minneapolis, Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, and San Diego.

Previous:
"I Do" by Larkin Gayl (Fairfax, Calif. and Santa Fe, N.M.)

The Bay Area native's debut album largely came about from winning a Marin Idol contest. Now she has Norah Jones' drummer and Sting's guitarist to support her, with an upcoming performance at the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco (Aug 22).


Movies (revenues through August 3)
#1 The Dark Knight (PG-13): $42.7MM; $393.8MM overall; 4266 screens; $10,001 per screen
#2 The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor (PG-13): $40.5MM opening; 3760 screens; $10,760 per screen
#3 Step Brothers (R): $16.5MM; $63.2MM overall; 3094 screens; $5,335 per screen
#13 Brideshead Revisited (PG-13): $1.2MM; $1.7MM overall; 189 screens; $6,156 per screen; the Emma Thompson romantic drama expanded well in its second weekend

Bottle Shock (PG-13): Comedy; about a small American winery that defeated the best French wines in a 1976 competition; co-starring Bill Pullman

Boy A (R): Drama; about a young man given a new identity following his release from a juvenile institution

Elegy (R): Drama; about a skirt-chasing professor who gets too close to one of his students; co-starring Penelope Cruz, Ben Kingsley, and Dennis Hopper

Forsaken Land (NR): Drama; about an isolated home in a forsaken land

Hell Ride (R): Action; about two rival biker gangs

Man on Wire (PG-13): Documentary; about a young Frenchman who planned several years for his successful walk on a wire between the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in 1974

Pineapple Express (R): Comedy; about a lazy stoner and his dealer's rare new marijuana strain; co-starring James Franco and Seth Rogen

Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 (PG-13): Sequel drama; about four life-long friends who remain in close contact even after their first year of college; co-starring America Ferrera

To the Limit (NR): Documentary; about two German brothers who strive to speed climb up Yosemite's El Capitan

Netflix pick – Grbavica (NR): This character-driven drama packs an emotional wallop by focusing on a woman still recovering from the Bosnian conflict with Serbia; winner of three prizes at the Berlin Film Festival, including Best Film; $43,000 U.S. box-office gross


Free Activities
Best of the Bay Party [Th 8pm]: Featuring the best vendors in San Francisco, along with live music and burlesque acts. At 1015 Folsom (SF). www.sfbg.com/bobparty

World Hoop Day [Fri 1-8pm]: 2nd annual event, with special appearances by HoopGirl Allstars and the founder of World Hoop Day. On Treasure Island (SF). http://www.worldhoopday.org/

Olympics Telecast [Fri 6pm]: Featuring live Olympic telecast, music, free drawings, and more. At Courthouse Square (Redwood City). http://www.redwoodcityevents.com/

Burlingame Festival [Sat-Sun 10am-6pm]: 16th annual event. On Burlingame Avenue. http://www.burlingamechamber.org/

Nihonmachi Street Fair [Sat-Sun 11am-6pm]: 35th annual event, featuring live music and Asian-American artisans. On Post Street in Japantown (SF). http://www.nihonmachistreetfair.org/

Pistahan [Sat-Sun 11am-5pm]: 15th annual event celebrating Filipino-American culture, featuring musical guests Nerio DeGracia Mambo Jazz Quintet and Little Brown Brother. At Yerba Buena Gardens (SF). http://www.ybgf.org/

Japanese Summer Festival [Sat 1-10pm, Sun noon-8:30pm]: Featuring bon odori folk dancing, taiko drumming, calligraphy and judo demonstrations, and more. At Concord Japanese Cultural Center. http://www.diablojaclub.com/

The Good Person of Szechuan [Sat-Sun 1pm]: Presented by Woman's Will, the Bay Area's all-female Shakespeare company. At Dolores Park (SF). http://www.womanswill.org/

~ Ongoing ~
Film Night in the Park [Fri-Sat 8pm]: "What Ever Happened to Baby Jane" (Fri, San Anselmo); "The Goonies" (Sat, San Anselmo); "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" (Sat, SF Union Square). http://www.filmnight.org/

Live Jazz in the Square [Th 6pm]: Featuring Lavay Smith & Her Red Hot Skillet Lickers. In Union Square Park (SF). http://www.sfjazz.org/

San Francisco Mime Troupe [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 Golden Gate Park (SF). http://www.sfmt.org/

Shakespeare in the Park [Sat 7:30pm, Sun 5pm]: 25 years of Free Shakespeare. Performing "Pericles." At Central Park (San Mateo). http://www.sfshakes.org/

Shotgun Players Theatre [Sat-Sun 4pm]: "Ubu for President." Through Sep 14. In John Hinkel Park (Berkeley). http://www.shotgunplayers.org/

Stern Grove Festival [Sun 2pm]: Featuring One Hawai'i, an all-star line-up of Hawaiian performers. At Stern Grove (SF). http://www.sterngrove.org/

Walking Tours in the Presidio [Wed/Sun 2pm]: Through August 27. At Presidio Officers' Club (SF). http://www.presidio.gov/


Paid Activities
Event - San Jose Jazz Festival [Fri 5pm-midnight, Sat noon-midnight, Sun noon-8pm]: 19th annual event, featuring 11 stages of live jazz. In downtown San Jose, free-$25. http://www.sanjosejazz.org/

Comedy - Bill Maher [Fri 8pm]: At Davies Symphony Hall (SF), $40-66. http://www.billmaher.com/

Event - US Air Guitar Championships [Fri 8pm]: At the Grand Ballroom (SF), $20. http://www.usairguitar.com/

Live Music - Projekt Revolution [Sat 1pm]: Featuring Linkin Park, Chris Cornell, and the Bravery. At Shoreline Amphitheatre (Mountain View), $20-71. http://www.projektrevolution.com/

Live Music - Robin Thicke [Tue 7pm]: At Mezzanine (SF), $45. http://www.robinthicke.com/

Theatre - Uncle Vanya [through Aug 31]: As part of the California Shakespeare Theater season. At Bruns Amphitheatre (Orinda), $32-62. http://www.calshakes.org/

Previous: Theatre - What You Will [through Saturday in SF]; Theatre - Los Gatos Shakespeare Festival [through Saturday in Los Gatos]; Art - Dead Sea Scrolls [through Sunday in SF]; Film - 28th Jewish Film Festival [through Monday in SF, Berkeley, Palo Alto, and San Rafael]; Live Music - Idols in Concert [through Aug 16 in SF]; Theatre - The Drowsy Chaperone [through Aug 17 in SF]; 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 September
Margaret Cho [Sept 12 in Saratoga]; Herbie Hancock [Sept 20 in SF]; A Bronx Tale [starts Sept 23 in SF]