Randy's Guide CIII (103)

Today is journalist Barbara Walters' 79th and Defense Secretary Robert Gates' 65th; Friday is Amazing Race winner (and model) Tyler Denk's 32nd; Saturday is Belgium's French Community Holiday; Sunday is The Philippines' Day of Awareness and Unity Against Child Pornography; Monday is Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi's 72nd; Tuesday is Oscar-winning actress Marion Cotillard's 33rd; and Wednesday is World Vegetarian Day and China's National Day.


Local News Story
118-year-old law firm Heller Ehrman, based in San Francisco, will dissolve on Friday. Hundreds of corporate attorneys across geographic lines will no longer be part of the firm that survived the 1906 earthquake and helped negotiate financing for the Golden Gate Bridge. www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/09/25/BUQF135ES8.DTL


Change for Change
New charity to consider: San Francisco Health Services Coalition. Two young volunteers found me on the sidewalks of Laurel Heights, and I signed on to a campaign for shelter beds for mothers. Founded last year, the nonprofit addresses the problems of homelessness and affordable housing. 90% of its funding goes directly to services, a remarkable rate among all charity organizations. www.sfhsc.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, Vital Life Services, and Little Angel Fund.

Donate through the nonprofit's Web site or your corporate donation program.


Bay Area Weekend Weather
Cool coastline, warm inland - the usual for early fall weather. Highs: coast (60s), bay (70s), inland (80s). Lows: low-to-mid 50s.


Environmental News
Toyota Motors will offer a plug-in hybrid by the year 2010. Toyota also promises to increase its natural-gas car production and offer more cars using its popular hybrid technology.

Previous:
Infant formula in China has killed several infants and sickened thousands due to melamine contamination. Always choose products from FDA-approved companies such as Abbott, Mead Johnson, Nestle, PBM, and Solus Products.


Music Videos
"Little Bit" by Lykke Li (Stockholm, Sweden)

Raising comparisons to Feist and Bjork, Lykke Li released her debut album in the States back in May. Her U.S. tour includes stops in Washington D.C., New York City, Boston, Chicago, Portland, Seattle, San Francisco and L.A. in October and November.

Previous:
"The Dearly Departed" by The Trophy Fire (San Francisco, Calif.)

The two founders met on the University of San Francisco campus. Now, they're drawing comparisons to Jimmy Eat World and have already played at SXSW and Noise Pop. Check out their new album just released this month.


Movies (domestic revenues through September 21)
#1 Lakeview Terrace (PG-13): $15.0MM opening; 2464 screens; $6,090 per screen
#2 Burn After Reading (R): $11.0MM; $36.1MM overall; 2657 screens; $4,151 per screen
#3 My Best Friend's Girl (R): $8.3MM opening; 2604 screens; $3,174 per screen
#4 Igor (PG): $7.8MM opening; 2339 screens; $3,336 per screen

Anita O'Day: The Life of a Jazz Singer (NR): Documentary; about the improvisational jazz singer Anita O'Day

Choke (R): Comedy; about an actor who starts to fake choking in restaurants in order to help pay for his mother's medical bills; co-starring Anjelica Huston and Sam Rockwell

The Duchess (PG-13): Drama; about a young English woman betrothed to an older man who has his eyes on an older woman; co-starring Ralph Fiennes and Keira Knightley

Eagle Eye (PG-13): Action; about two innocent people who receive menacing phone calls and then become fugitives; co-starring Shia LaBeouf and Michelle Monaghan

Humboldt County (R): Drama; about a young man who fails out of medical school and then takes up residence with pot farmers of Northern California

The Lucky Ones (R): Drama; about three Iraqi War veterans who return home to take a road trip to Las Vegas; co-starring Tim Robbins

Miracle at St. Anna (R): Drama; about black WWII army soldiers and a modern-day crime; co-starring Derek Luke; directed by Spike Lee

Nights in Rodanthe (PG-13): Romance; about two aching souls who cross paths during a storm in North Carolina; co-starring Richard Gere and Diane Lane

The Pool (NR): Drama; about a poor teen in India who dreams about a life of luxury, symbolized by a swimming pool

A Thousand Years of Good Prayers (NR): Drama; about an elderly Chinese man who befriends an Iranian immigrant in Spokane, Wash.; directed by Wayne Wang

ITunes film - Gone Baby Gone (R): Amy Ryan, in an Oscar-nominated performance, is electrifying as a single mom who is at the center of a Boston police investigation trying to locate her missing daughter; co-starring Casey Affleck, Ed Harris, and Morgan Freeman; directorial debut by Ben Affleck; $20.3 million domestic box-office


Free Activities
A Taste of Greece [Fri-Sat 11am-10pm, Sun noon-9pm]: At the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral (SF). www.annunciation.org - go to site for free ticket.

Schroeder's Street Party [Fri 4:40-9pm]: Celebrating the 115th anniversary of the venerable German resto-bar, and the kick-off to the Oktoberfest season. At Schroeder's (SF). www.schroederssf.com

Academy of Sciences Opening Gala [Sat 9:30am-9pm]: The grand re-opening of the museum in a new home, with live music, dancing, green technology demonstrations, and sustainable foods. Saves on what normally would be a $25 admission (and minus all the festivities). In Golden Gate Park (SF). www.calacademy.org

Pacific Coast Fog Fest [Sat-Sun 10am-6pm]: Featuring a parade, live music, a sand castle contest, and arts and crafts. Along Palmetto Avenue (Pacifica). www.pacificcoastfogfest.com

Sunset Community Festival [Sat 11am-4pm]: At the Sunset Recreation Center (SF). www.sfnpc.org/node/1787

Expo for Independent Arts [Sat 11am-6pm]: 9th annual. At Dolores Park (SF). www.artsandmedia.net/expo

Italian Family Festa [Sat noon-10pm, Sun noon-6pm]: 28th annual. In downtown Willow Glen (San Jose). www.downtownwillowglen.org

Public Library's Big Book Sale [Sun 10am-6pm]: 44th annual. Benefitting the SF Public Library system. The biggest book sale west of the Mississippi, with over 300,000 books and other media on sale. At Fort Mason (SF). www.friendsandfoundation.org

Folsom Street Fair [Sun 11am-6pm]: 25th annual. World's largest leather event. Featuring Berlin, Shiny Toy Guns, The English Beat, and the Presets. Along Folsom Street (SF). www.folsomsstreetfair.org

Out and About in Rockridge [Sun 11am-6pm]: Along College Avenue (Oakland). www.rockridgeoutandabout.com

2008 Comedy Day [Sun noon-5pm]: 28th annual. Featuring Supervisor Tom Ammiano, Will Durst, Diane Amos, and about 30 other comedians. In Golden Gate Park (SF). www.comedyday.com

~ Ongoing ~
Film Night in the Park [Fri-Sat 8pm]: "Amelie" and "Bridge over the River Kwai" (San Anselmo). www.filmnight.org

San Francisco Mime Troupe [Th-Fri 7pm, Sun 2:30pm]: Its latest sparkling production, "Red State," focuses on a small Kansas town that is the last to vote in the 2008 presidential election. At Sebastiani Theatre (Sonoma), Analy School (Sebastopol), and Walnut Park (Petaluma). www.sfmt.org


Paid Activities
Film - Rent: Filmed Live on Broadway [Th, Sat, Sun 7pm]: Special screenings of the Broadway musical. At select theatres, $20. www.thehotticket.net/rent

Live Music - Cold War Kids [Fri 8pm]: With We Barbarians opening. At Great American Music Hall (SF), $21. www.coldwarkids.com

Live Music - Rock 'n' Blues by the Lake [Sat 10am-7:30pm]: 6th annual. Featuring Third Eye Blind, Luvplanet, and Plain White Ts. Benefits Novato public schools. At Stafford Lake (Novato), $15-60. www.rocknbluesbythelake.com

Event - San Francisco Blues Festival [Sat-Sun 11am-6pm]: 36th annual. Featuring Johnny Winter, Hot Tuna, Buckwheat Zydeco, and more. At Fort Mason (SF), $35-80. www.sfblues.com

Event - Let the Children Play Music Festival [Sat noon-8pm]: 2nd annual. Featuring live music, arts and crafts, a kids zone, and more. At Guadalupe River Park (San Jose), free-$5. www.globalfusionmusic.com

Event - Festa Italiana [Sun 10am-4pm]: Sample Italian specialties and wines, along with live performances, cooking tips, and grape crushing. At Copia (Napa), $20 (including 5 wine tastings). www.copia.org/festaitaliana

Theatre - A Bronx Tale [through Oct 19]: Featuring Chazz Palminteri as 18 different characters in the Bronx, a reprisal of his career-making solo show two decades ago. At Golden Gate Theatre (SF), $40-85. www.shnsf.com

Previous: Theatre - Spitfire Grill [through Sunday in Palo Alto]; Opera - The Bonesetter's Daughter [through Oct 3 in SF]; Theatre - Yellowjackets [through Oct 12 in Berkeley]; Event - Renaissance Faire [through Oct 12 in Hollister]; Theatre - Spring Awakening [through Oct 12 in SF]; Theatre - Rock 'n' Roll [through Oct 18 in SF]; Art - Frida Kahlo [through Oct 26 in SF]; Theatre - Insignificant Others [extended through Dec 7 in SF]


Upcoming Activities in October
Asian Culinary Forum [Oct 10-12 in SF]; Flower Drum Song [starts Oct 28 in San Jose]; Joe Turner's Come and Gone [starts Oct 31 in Berkeley]

Randy's Guide CII (102)

Today is cyclist Lance Armstrong's 37th; Friday are Canadian singers Tegan and Sara's 28th; Saturday is artist Dale Chihuly's 67th; Sunday is gold medalist swimmer Ben Wildman-Tobriner's 24th; Monday is Car Free Day and the First Day of Autumn (Northern hemisphere); Tuesday is Celebrate Bisexuality Day; Wednesday is South Africa's Heritage Day.


Local News Story
The ongoing Halloween party saga has taken another turn, as the event near AT&T Park appears to now be free (instead of $31) and will feature fewer booths. City officials are trying to reduce crowds and criminal activity that have previously centered on the Castro district. www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/09/17/MN8P1301NJ.DTL


Change for Change
Charity to consider: San Francisco Health Services Coalition. Two young volunteers found me on the sidewalks of Laurel Heights, and I signed on to a campaign for shelter beds for mothers. Founded last year, the nonprofit addresses the problems of homelessness and affordable housing. 90% of its funding goes directly to services, a remarkable rate among all charity organizations. www.sfhsc.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, Vital Life Services, and Little Angel Fund.

Donate through the nonprofit's Web site or your corporate donation program.


Bay Area Weekend Weather
Much cooler than normal, with a slight chance of rain on Friday. Highs: coast, near 60; bay, near 70; inland, upper 70s. Lows: 50-55.


Environmental Tips
Infant formula in China has killed several infants and sickened thousands due to melamine contamination. Always choose products from FDA-approved companies such as Abbott, Mead Johnson, Nestle, PBM, and Solus Products.

Previous:
For brown-bag lunches, use cloth napkins, Tupperware, and reusable lunch sacks to reduce waste and cost.


Music Videos
"The Dearly Departed" by The Trophy Fire (San Francisco, Calif.)

The two founders met on the University of San Francisco campus. Now, they're drawing comparisons to Jimmy Eat World and have already played at SXSW and Noise Pop. Check out their new album just released this month.

Previous:
"Balloons" by Foals (Oxford, England)

Foals' debut album came out in April here in the States, and you can find the dance-pop band in San Francisco for the Treasure Island Festival on Saturday. Other stops this month include San Diego (tonight) and Los Angeles (Friday).


Movies (domestic revenues through September 14)
#1 Burn After Reading (R): $19.1MM opening; 2651 screens; $7,215 per screen
#2 Tyler Perry's The Family That Preys (PG-13): $17.4MM opening; 2070 screens; $8,397 per screen
#3 Righteous Kill (R): $16.3MM opening; 3152 screens; $5,168 per screen
#4 The Women (PG-13): $10.1MM opening; 2962 screens; $3,415 per screen

Battle in Seattle (R): Action; about a group of protesters who converge in Seattle during the WTO meetings held there in 1999; co-starring Charlize Theron, Andre 3000, Woody Harrelson, and Ray Liotta

Flow (NR): Documentary; about the global water crisis and the growing privatization of the resource
Forbidden Lie$ (NR): Documentary; about a fraudulent best-selling novel focused on experiences in Jordan

Ghost Town (PG-13): Comedy; about a man brought back to life who now has the unfortunate ability to see ghosts; co-starring Ricky Gervais, Greg Kinnear, and Tea Leoni

Igor (PG): Animation; about a hunchbacked lab assistant who aims to win at the annual Evil Science Fair; co-voiced by John Cusack, Steve Buscemi, John Cleese, and Jay Leno

Lakeview Terrace (PG-13): Thriller; about an interracial couple who fights with their next-door neighbor, a black LAPD officer; directed by Neil LaBute

My Best Friend's Girl (R): Comedy; about a rebound specialist who starts falling in love with his best friend's ex; co-starring Dane Cook, Kate Hudson, Alec Baldwin, and Jason Biggs

Return to Goree (NR): Documentary; about the history of African singer Youssou N'Dour and jazz music

Surfer, Dude (R): Comedy; about a surfer who returns to Malibu only to find it corrupted with corporate sponsorships; co-starring Matthew McConaughey and Willie Nelson

Towelhead (R): Drama; about an Arab-American girl who moves to Houston to live with her father; co-starring Aaron Eckhart, Toni Collette, and Maria Bello; directed by Alan Ball

Video Cafe rental - Michael Clayton (R): A lawyer specializing in cleaning up messes gets entangled with a corporation bent on preserving its image; co-starring George Clooney, Tilda Swinton, Tom Wilkinson, and Sydney Pollack. Winner of one Oscar (best supporting actress) and nominated for six others (including best picture and director). $49.0 million domestic box-office gross.


Free Activities
California Coastal Cleanup Day [Sat 9am-noon]: Clean up California's coast! www.coast4u.org

Community Day [Sat 10am-5pm]: Featuring exhibits on ice cream, bubbles, and other areas. At Lawrence Hall of Science (Berkeley). www.lawrencehallofscience.org

Pleasanton Art & Heritage Festival [Sat-Sun 10am-5pm]: 25th annual event. Along Main Street (Pleasanton). www.pleasantondowntown.net

Lafayette Art & Wine Festival [Sat-Sun 10am-6pm]: 13th annual event. In downtown Lafayette. www.lafayettechamber.org

Aloha Festival [Sat 10am-6pm]: At Napa Valley Exposition (Napa). www.manaleohcf.org

Benicia Annual Fair [Sat 10am-4pm]: 35th annual event. Along First Street (Benicia). www.visitbenicia.com

A World of Fun [Sat-Sun 10am-5pm]: Featuring a petting zoo, face painting, wild animal shows, and more. At Emerald Glen Park (Dublin). www.dayontheglen.com

Bluesfest and Sidewalk Sale [Sat 11am-7pm]: Along Chestnut Street (SF).

Redwood City Salsa Festival [Sat noon-8pm]: Featuring salsa music, dancing, and a salsa-making contest. In downtown Redwood City. www.redwoodcityevents.com/salsafest.html

~ Ongoing ~
Film Night in the Park [Fri-Sat 8pm]: "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" (Dolores Park, SF). www.filmnight.org

San Francisco Mime Troupe [Th-Fri 7pm, Sun 5pm, Wed 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 Center for the Arts (Grass Valley), Cedar Grove (Chico), and Chabot College (Hayward). www.sfmt.org

Shakespeare in the Park [Sat 7:30pm, Sun 2:30pm]: The closing weekend of "Pericles." At Presidio Parade Ground (SF). www.sfshakes.org


Paid Activities
Live Music - Monterey Jazz Festival [Fri 6:30pm-midnight, Sat noon-midnight, Sun noon-9pm]: Featuring Cassandra Wilson, Derek Trucks, Herbie Hancock, Spencer Day, and others. At the Fairgrounds (Monterey), $15-110. www.montereyjazzfestival.org

Live Music - Treasure Island Music Festival [Sat-Sun 11:30am-11pm]: Featuring Justice, Raconteurs, Tegan & Sara, Goldfrapp, CSS, Foals, and other local bands. At Treasure Island, $65-115. www.treasureislandfestival.com

Live Music - This Land Is Your Land Festival [Sat 2-11pm]: Featuring Sheryl Crow, the Black Keys, Son Volt, and others channeling Woody Guthrie and John Steinbeck. At Concord Pavilion, $19-81. www.livenation.com

Theatre - Rock 'n' Roll [through Oct 18]: A mix of Czech politics, Marxist academics, rock music, and the Cold War. At the ACT (SF), $9-80. www.act-sf.org

Event - Renaissance Faire [through Oct 12]: Pageantry, romance, and revelry. At Casa de Fruta (Hollister), $10-35. www.norcalrenfaire.com

Previous: Art - Women Impressionists [through Sunday in SF]; Art - Ming Dynasty [through Sunday in SF]; Theatre - Spitfire Grill [through Sep 28 in Palo Alto]; Opera - The Bonesetter's Daughter [through Oct 3 in SF]; Theatre - Yellowjackets [through Oct 12 in Berkeley]; Theatre - Spring Awakening [through Oct 12 in SF]; Art - Frida Kahlo [through Oct 26 in SF]; Theatre - Insignificant Others [extended through Dec 7 in SF]


Upcoming Activities in October
LoveFest [Oct 4 in SF]; Radio Golf [starts Oct 8 in Mountain View]; Kirov Ballet [Oct 14-19 in Berkeley]

Randy's Guide CI (101)

Today is U.S. Patriot Day, Ethiopia's New Year's Day, and rapper Ludacris' 31st; Friday is L.A. congressman Henry Waxman's 69th and Houston Rockets basketballer Yao Ming's 28th; Saturday is talk show host Tavis Smiley's 44th; Sunday is Russian President Dmitry Medvedev's 43rd; Monday is the International Day for Democracy; Tuesday is Mexico's Independence Day; and Wednesday is director Baz Luhrmann's 46th.


Local News Story
The Warfield theater, built in 1922 and home to such acts as Bob Dylan and Louis Armstrong, will reopen on Saturday under new management and a renovated interior. Comedian George Lopez will have shows over the weekend, and dates for the Kooks, the Dandy Warhols, and Rancid are forthcoming. www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/09/11/DDUN12Q9BQ.DTL


Change for Change
New charity to consider: San Francisco Health Services Coalition. Two young volunteers found me on the sidewalks of Laurel Heights, and I signed on to a campaign for shelter beds for mothers. Founded last year, the nonprofit addresses the problems of homelessness and affordable housing. 90% of its funding goes directly to services, a remarkable rate among all charity organizations. www.sfhsc.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, Vital Life Services, and Little Angel Fund.

Donate through the nonprofit's Web site or your corporate donation program.


Bay Area Weekend Weather
Back to coastal morning fog and mostly sunny inland. Highs: 60s coast, 70s bay, 80s inland. Lows: 50s


Environmental Tips
For brown-bag lunches, use cloth napkins, Tupperware, and reusable lunch sacks to reduce waste and cost.

Previous:
When replacing your carpet, take it to one of the following: a nonprofit for reuse, to SF Carpet Recycling, or through Norcal Waste Systems for recycling. Then, make sure that the new carpet is made from recycled materials and can be easily recycled (such as Type 6 Nylon).


Music Videos
"Cassius" by Foals (Oxford, England)

Foals' debut album came out in April here in the States, and you can find the dance-pop band in San Francisco for the Treasure Island Festival on Sep. 20. Other stops this month include San Diego, Los Angeles, Pomona, Las Vegas, Salt Lake City, and Morrison (Colo.).

Previous:
"You Belong" by Hercules and Love Affair (New York, N.Y.)

With DJ Andy Butler as the foundation, the artsy disco group released its first album in March and is currently on tour in the U.K.


Movies (domestic revenues through September 7)
#1 Bangkok Dangerous (R): $7.8MM opening; 2650 screens; $2,937 per screen
#2 Tropic Thunder (R): $7.2MM; $96.5MM overall; 3446 screens; $2,098 per screen
#3 The Dark Knight (PG-13): $5.5MM; $512.0MM overall; 2575 screens; $2,142 per screen
#24 Elegy (R): $0.5MM; $2.3MM overall; 142 screens; $3,390 per screen; about Professor David Kepesh (Ben Kingsley), who gets too close to his student, Consuela Castillo (Penelope Cruz)

Burn After Reading (R): Comedy; about a government employee's lost memoir and the two gym employees who try to exploit their find; co-starring George Clooney, Frances McDormand, John Malkovich, Tilda Swinton, and Brad Pitt; directed by the Coen Brothers

A Girl Cut in Two (NR): Romantic comedy; about a married ladies man and the weathergirl he falls for

Mister Foe (NR): Drama; about a teenage boy who fantasizes after his stepmother and later becomes obsessed with a girl who resembles his mother; co-starring Jamie Bell

Righteous Kill (R): Drama; about a pair of veteran NYPD detectives tracking a serial killer; co-starring Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Donnie Wahlberg, and 50 Cent

Stealing America: Vote by Vote (NR): Documentary; about the disappearance of reliable election polls and the questions about the voting process raised by the past two elections

Tyler Perry's The Family That Preys (PG-13): Comedy; about a socialite woman and her working-class friend who become mired in family turmoil; co-starring Alfre Woodard

Wind Man (NR): Drama; about an old man who falls from the sky and becomes a small boy in a remote village

Women (PG-13): Comedy; about a group of women in New York City's fashion and publishing industries; co-starring Meg Ryan, Annette Bening, Debra Messing, Jada Pinkett-Smith, and Eva Mendes

Le Video rental - Shaun of the Dead (R): Horror comedy; about a slacker and his best friend who try to save their friends from flesh-eating zombies; $13.5 million domestic box-office gross.


Free Activities
Napa Wine & Crafts Faire [Sat 10am-5:30pm]: 32nd annual event. In downtown Napa. www.napadowntown.com

Castro Valley Fall Festival [Sat-Sun 10am-6pm]: 34th annual event. Along Castro Valley Blvd. www.castrovalleychamber.com

Webster Street Jam [Sat-Sun 10am-5pm]: Featuring a dozen bands ranging from Scottish dance to Brazilian to Unauthorized Rolling Stones. Along Webster Street (Alameda). www.westalamedabusiness.com

Cupertino Fall Festival [Sat-Sun 10am-5pm]: 4th annual event. At Civic Center Library Field (Cupertino). www.cupertinofallfest.com

Aki Matsuri [Sat 11am-4pm]: 76th annual event. Enjoy Japanese-American cuisine, taiko drums, and other cultural activities. At Wesley United Methodist Church (San Jose). www.wesleysj.net/AkiMatsuri.htm

Great American Blues & BBQ Festival [Sat 11am-6pm]: 3rd annual event. Featuring live music and gourmet soul food. Along Fourth St (San Rafael). www.teamproevent.com/events/Blues-BBQ.html

What's the Big Idea Day? [Sat noon-5pm]: Enjoy film screenings, art activities led by Red Poppy Art House, live music, and artist exclusives for Bay Area Now 5 exhibit. At YBCA (SF). www.ybca.org

Sunday Streets [Sun 9am-1pm]: Run the bases of AT&T Park, take yoga or skating lessons, or go on a guided walk tour along the Embarcadero. Between Chinatown and Bayview districts (SF). www.sundaystreetssf.com

Solano Stroll [Sun 10am-6pm]: 34th annual event. Mile-long block party, with music, food, a parade, arts & crafts, and more. Along Solano Ave (Berkeley-Albany). www.solanostroll.org

Leland Avenue Street Fair [Sun 10am-4pm]: 3rd annual event. Along Leland Avenue in Visitacion Valley (SF). www.vvboom.org

~ Ongoing ~
Film Night in the Park [Fri-Sat 8pm]: "Oklahoma!" (San Geronimo) and "Enchanted" (San Rafael). www.filmnight.org

Dolores Park Movie Night [Th 8pm]: "The Incredibles." In Dolores Park (SF). www.doloresparkmovie.org

San Francisco Mime Troupe [Th 6:30pm, Sat-Sun 2:30pm]: Its latest sparkling production, "Red State," focuses on a small Kansas town that is the last to vote in the 2008 presidential election. At Lakeside Park (Oakland) and San Lorenzo Park (Santa Cruz). 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 Sunday. In John Hinkel Park (Berkeley). www.shotgunplayers.org

Yerba Buena Gardens Festival [Sat 1-3pm]: Featuring Carne Cruda and Santero. At Yerba Buena Gardens (SF). www.ybgf.org


Paid Activities
Live Music - Jennifer Hudson [Th 9pm]: At Ruby Skye (SF), $38. www.jenniferhudsononline.com

Sports - AVP Volleyball [Fri 10:30am-8:30pm, Sat 8:30am-8:30pm, Sun 11:15am-5pm]: Featuring Olympic champions Misty May-Treanor, Kerri Walsh, Phil Dalhausser, and Todd Rogers. At Pier 30/32 (SF), $15-100. www.avp.com/events/index.jsp?eventId=1035 - use discount code SPIKE

Comedy - Margaret Cho [Fri 7:30pm]: At the Mountain Winery (Saratoga), $45-55. www.margaretcho.com

Event - Brews on the Bay [Sat-Sun noon-4:30pm]: 5th annual event. Featuring over 50 beers from seven San Francisco microbreweries, including Gordon Biersch, Beach Chalet, and Anchor Steam. At Pier 45 (SF), $40. www.sfbrewersguild.org

Live Music - Janet Jackson [Sat 7:30pm]: At Oracle Arena (Oakland), $38-124. www.janetjackson.com

Event - Macy's Passport [Tue 5pm, Wed 6pm]: 26th annual event, in support of HIV/AIDS organizations. Featuring the latest in fashion design. At Fort Mason (SF), $85-200. www.macys.com/passport

Theatre - Spitfire Grill [through Sep 28]: About the happenings at a small-town restaurant in Wisconsin. At the Lucie Stern Theater (Palo Alto), $20-31. www.paplayers.org

Opera - The Bonesetter's Daughter [world premiere Sat 8pm, through Oct 3]: The world premiere of the novel from San Francisco's Amy Tan. At the Opera House (SF), $10-290. www.sfopera.com

Theatre - Spring Awakening [through Oct 12]: About a group of teenagers discovering their sense of sexuality in late 19th c. Germany. Winner of 8 Tony Awards, including best musical, score (by Duncan Sheik), and direction. At the Curran Theatre (SF), $30-99. www.shnsf.com

Previous: Theatre - Grey Gardens [through Sunday 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]; Theatre - Yellowjackets [through Oct 12 in Berkeley]; Art - Frida Kahlo [through Oct 26 in SF]


Upcoming Activities in October
Soweto Gospel Choir [Oct 11 in San Rafael]; Splitting Infinity [opens Oct 11 in San Jose]; The World of Nick Adams [Oct 27 in SF]

Randy's Guide C (100)

A historic milestone! Make use of the great fall weather, and enjoy the loads of activities listed in Guide #100...

Today is Argentina's Immigrants' Day; Saturday is Stillbirth Remembrance Day and McCain economic adviser Carly Fiorina's 54th; Sunday is Mozambique's Victory Day; Monday is singer Pink's 29th; Tuesday is California's Admission Day; and Wednesday is commentator Bill O'Reilly's 59th and American Idol contestant Sanjaya Malakar's 19th.


Local News Story
UC Berkeley has been given the green light to move ahead with the construction of an athletic center at Memorial Stadium. The ruling by the court of appeals in San Francisco comes after 20 months of legal maneuvering to save the Oak Grove by three plantiff groups: the city of Berkeley, the Panoramic Hill Association, and the California Oak Foundation. www.dailycal.org/article/102479


Change for Change
Congrats to Little Angel Fund. Hope some of you called in donations to this great organization.

New charity to consider: San Francisco Health Services Coalition. Two young volunteers found me on the sidewalks of Laurel Heights, and I signed on to a campaign for shelter beds for mothers. Founded last year, the nonprofit addresses the problems of homelessness and affordable housing. 90% of its funding goes directly to services, a remarkable rate among all charity organizations. www.sfhsc.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, Vital Life Services, and now Little Angel Fund.

Donate through the nonprofit's Web site or your corporate donation program.


Bay Area Weekend Weather
The autumn heat has arrived.
-Coast: Fri-Sat (low-70s); Sun (mid-60s). Lows near 55.
-Bay: Fri (mid-80s); Sat (near 80); Sun (mid-70s). Lows near 55.
-Inland: Fri-Sun (mid-90s). Lows near 60.


Environmental Tips
When replacing your carpet, take it to one of the following: a nonprofit for reuse, to SF Carpet Recycling, or through Norcal Waste Systems for recycling. Then, make sure that the new carpet is made from recycled materials and can be easily recycled (such as Type 6 Nylon).

Previous:
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.


Music Videos
"Blind" by Hercules and Love Affair (New York, N.Y.)

With DJ Andy Butler as the foundation, the artsy disco group released its first album in March and is currently on tour in the U.K.

Previous:
"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.


Movies (domestic revenues through September 1)
#1 Tropic Thunder (R): $14.6MM; $86.9MM overall; 3473 screens; $4,204 per screen
#2 Babylon A.D. (PG-13): $11.5MM opening; 3390 screens; $3,405 per screen
#3 The Dark Knight (PG-13): $11.1MM; $504.8MM overall; 2750 screens; $4,046 per screen
#11 Vicky Cristina Barcelona (PG-13): $3.5MM; $13.3MM overall; 692 screens; $5,095 per screen; Woody Allen's latest film, co-starring Scarlett Johansson as one of two American girls who get swept up in romantic travails while in Spain

Another Gay Sequel: Gays Gone Wild (NR): Comedy sequel; about four gay men who head to Fort Lauderdale, Fla., for spring break

Bangkok Dangerous (R): Action; about a hit man who travels to Bangkok with several missions, only to fall in love with a woman; co-starring Nicolas Cage

Beautiful Losers (NR): Documentary; about artists from the worlds of skateboarding, graffiti, and hip-hop in New York during the 1990s

Grocer's Son (NR): Drama; about a young Parisian who must take over his father's grocery-truck business in the French countryside

Order of Myths (NR): Documentary; about two large traditional celebrations of Mardi Gras in Mobile, Ala.

Ping Pong Playa (PG-13): Comedy; about a Chinese American who loves both hip-hop and basketball; directed by Palo Alto native Jessica Yu

Trouble the Water (NR): Documentary; about two lives affected by Hurricane Katrina; winner of the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance

Yella (NR): Thriller; about a young woman from a small German town who joins a corporation

Hollywood Video pick - Sicko (PG-13): Documentary. Director Michael Moore, ever the far-reaching activist, builds the argument that the ailing U.S. health-care industry is best seen from the perspective of specific individuals and corporate actions. Winner of Best Documentary awards from several film-critic groups, including Chicago, St. Louis, Phoenix, and New York. $24.5 million box-office gross.


Free Activities
Songs of the Soul Concert [Fri 8pm]: A musical tribute to Sri Chinmoy. At Herbst Theatre (SF). Call 415-664-1327 to make reservations. www.pilgrimageyoga.com/concert

East Bay AIDS Walk [Sat 9am-1pm]: Walk en masse, then enjoy barbecue and entertainment afterwards. Meet at Edoff Memorial Bandstand of Lake Merritt (Oakland). www.eastbayaidswalk.org

Mountain View Art & Wine Festival [Sat-Sun 10am-6pm]: 37th annual event. Along Castro Street (Mountain View). www.miramarevents.com

San Francisco Bicycle Coalition's Family Day [Sat 10am-2pm]: 2nd annual event. Featuring a bike parade, a training wheels course, scavenger hunt, and more. At the 14th Avenue picnic area in Golden Gate Park (SF). www.sfbike.org

Electric Car Rally [Sat 10am-4pm]: Featuring electric vehicles used by Bay Area residents, with test rides and prizes available. Other green vendors will be present as well. At Palo Alto High School. www.eaasv.org/rally.html

Armenian Festival [Sat 11am-10pm]: At St. Andrew Armenian Church (Cupertino). www.standrewarmchurch.org

Power to the Peaceful Festival [Sat 11am-5pm]: 10th annual event. Featuring speeches by Namkha Rinpoche of Tibet and Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey (D-Petaluma), performances by Ziggy Marley and Michael Franti, and cultural exhibits focusing on human rights and the promotion of peace. At Speedway Meadow (SF). www.powertothepeaceful.org

Autumn Moon Festival [Sat-Sun 11am-6pm]: 18th annual event. Featuring acrobatics, martial arts, and moon cakes of all flavors. Along Grant Avenue (SF). www.moonfestival.org

Chocolate Festival [Sat-Sun noon-5pm]: 13th annual event. Benefits Project Open Hand. Featuring chocolate tastings from Kara's Cupcakes (Saturday only), Sugar Bowl Bakery, Ciao Bella Gelato, Ana Mandara, and more. Also showcasing an ice-cream eating contest, a Cost Plus chocolate & wine bar, and chef demonstrations. In Ghirardelli Square (SF). Tastings cost $10 for 6, $20 for 15. Be advised to arrive early to avoid crowds. www.ghirardellisq.com

Ethiopia New Year's Day Celebration [Sun 11am-5pm]: Featuring Mesgana Dancers from Ethiopia. At Lake Merritt Park (Oakland). www.coeef.org

Montclair Village Jazz & Wine Festival [Sun 11am-6pm]: 6th annual event. In Montclair Village (Oakland). www.montclairjazzandwine.org

Opera in the Park [Sun 1:30pm]: Featuring arias from the fall season opera stars (Dmitri Hvorostovsky, Barbara Frittoli, and others), accompanied by the San Francisco Opera Orchestra and conductor Donald Runnicles. In Sharon Meadow of Golden Gate Park (SF). www.sfopera.com

~ Ongoing ~
Film Night in the Park [Sat 8pm]: "Il Postino" (Washington Square Park, SF). www.filmnight.org

San Francisco Mime Troupe [Sat-Sun 4:30pm, Tue 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 Southside Park (Sacramento), Community Park (Davis), and Laney College (Oakland). 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 [Sun noon-4pm]: Grind for the Green, a solar-powered festival focusing on giving hip-hop youths the chance to advance professionally. At Yerba Buena Gardens (SF). www.ybgf.org


Paid Activities
Live Music - Jane Monheit [Fri-Sat 8pm/10pm, Sun 2pm/7pm]: Canadian jazz star. At Yoshi's (Oakland), $5-24. www.yoshis.com

Live Music - San Francisco Electronic Music Festival [Fri-Sat 8pm, Sun 7pm]: 9th annual event. Featuring electroacoustic, electronics, and chamber ensemble works. At Project Artaud Theater (SF), $13-18. www.sfemf.org

Live Music - Dave Matthews Band [Fri - Sun]: Jam rock band. With Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings opening. At the Greek Theatre (Berkeley), $65. www.davematthews.com

Event - Bay Area Pet Fair [Sat-Sun 10am-5pm]: 3rd annual event. Featuring a pet adoptathon, dog competitions, and exhibitors. At Marin Center (San Rafael), free-$7. See website for $1 coupon. www.bayareapetfair.com

Live Music - Angela Gheorghiu [Sat 7:30pm]: Soprano making her Cal Performances recital debut. At Zellerbach Hall (Berkeley), $35-100. www.calperformances.org

Comedy - Sarah Silverman [Sun 7:30pm]: With Harris Wittels opening. At Nob Hill Masonic Auditorium (SF), $45-75. http://sarahsilverman.comedycentral.com

Sports/Live Music - Miko Marks with San Francisco Giants [Wed 12:30pm]: Catch the rising country star live before the San Francisco Giants game against the Arizona Diamondbacks. www.mikomarks.com

Theatre - Yellowjackets [through Oct 12]: About life at Berkeley High School in 1994, as racial tensions, gang violence, and student profiling plagued the campus. At Berkeley Repertory Theatre, $33-71. www.berkeleyrep.org

Previous: 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 October
Oktoberfest by the Bay [Oct 2-5 in SF]; Mill Valley Film Festival [starts Oct 2]; Spice of Life Festival [Oct 19 in Berkeley]