Randy's Guide CVIII (108)

Today is UK and U.S. Mischief Night; Friday is Halloween; Saturday is Dia de los Muertos, All Saints' Day, and World Vegan Day; Sunday is Daylight Savings "Fall Back" and MSNBC commentator Pat Buchanan's 70th; Monday is Japan's Culture Day; Tuesday is Election Day, First Lady Laura Bush's 62nd, and comedian Kathy Griffin's 47th; and Wednesday is UK Guy Fawkes Night.


Election Recommendations
In lieu of local news, the below recommendations on key California and San Francisco propositions are meant as a guide - not a mandate. Always read the election manuals... or at least check out the summaries, supporters, and opponents on www.ballotpedia.com

California (12 total propositions)
* Proposition 1A: YES on high-speed rail between San Francisco and Los Angeles.
* Proposition 2: YES on improving conditions for farm animals.
* Proposition 4: NO on restricting abortion rights for minors.
* Propositions 7 and 10: NO on outside interests meddling with our strict environmental programs. Opposition includes the three major parties (Democrats, Republicans, and Greens); the Sierra Club; NRDC; San Francisco Chronicle; San Francisco Bay Guardian; and Los Angeles Times.
* Proposition 8: NO on eliminating marriage rights for same-sex couples. Join Governor Schwarzenegger, Senators Boxer and Feinstein, The Orange County Register, AsianWeek, PG&E, Apple, and the California Teachers Association in opposing this divisive measure.

San Francisco (22 total propositions)
* Proposition H: YES in joining Sacramento, Santa Clara, and other communities to move toward public, green power.
* Proposition K: NO on reducing law enforcement activities related to prostitution.
* Propositions R and U: NO on trivial measures renaming a sewage plant after President Bush and opposing additional funding for the Iraq War.
* Proposition V: YES in voicing support for reinstating JROTC programs in public high schools.


Change for Change
Congrats to San Francisco Health Services Coalition! I hope you all have reached out to this organization and supported its efforts.

New charity to consider: Natural Resources Defense Council. Reader Rene L. is a proud worker for NRDC and recommended its inclusion in the Guide. I appreciate its multi-pronged approach to environmental issues, with pressure placed upon various levels of our government. Though headquartered in New York City, NRDC has a regional office here in San Francisco. www.nrdc.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, Little Angel Fund, and now San Francisco Health Services Coalition.

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


Bay Area Weekend Weather
Likely showers throughout the weekend. Halloween revelers and Critical Mass riders be forewarned!

Highs: near 60 (coast) to near 70 (inland)
Lows: near 40 (north bay) to mid-40s (east bay) to near 50 (peninsula)


Environmental News
Let's try to avoid vinyl masks, disposable costumes, and chemical-laden makeup. Instead, try second-hand or homemade outfits, and use natural cosmetics that don't have parabens, phthalates, or formaldehyde.

Previous:
As part of the massive bailout passed by Congress, employers of bike commuters are now eligible for a $20 tax credit per month. In addition, solar tax credits (30% of purchase price) for homes and businesses have been extended for eight years.


Music Videos
"Kids" by MGMT (Brooklyn, N.Y.)

They've opened for Beck, Radiohead, M.I.A., and Of Montreal. Spin, Rolling Stone, and BBC have all lavished praise on the newcomers over the past year. Two dates in New York City this month, before heading to Europe in November, Asia and Australia in December.

Previous:
"My Old Ways" by Dr. Dog (Philadelphia, Pa.)

Dr. Dog, which evokes the psychedelic sounds of the '60s, has previously toured with The Strokes, The Ranconteurs, and Clap Your Hands Say Yeah. To celebrate its new album, the band will be on a month-long tour of Europe in November, including stops in Dublin, Stockholm, Zurich, Paris, and Amsterdam.


Movies (domestic revenues through October 26)
#1 High School Musical 3: Senior Year (G): $42.0MM opening; 3623 screens; $11,601 per screen
#2 Saw V (R): $30.1MM opening; 3060 screens; $9,822 per screen
#3 Max Payne (R): $7.8MM; $29.9MM overall; 3381 screens; $2,305 per screen
#24 Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas (PG): $0.4MM; 284 screens; $1,403 per screen; the popular Tim Burton animated film has a limited engagement run in advance of Halloween and Christmas

Christmas on Mars (NR): Sci-fi; about the first Christmas spent on Mars, as envisioned by The Flaming Lips band

Delwende (NR): Drama; about a young woman in Burkina Faso who must suffer through an arranged marriage, a village bout with meningitis, and accusations of witchcraft; winner of two Cannes Film Festival awards

Eden Lake (R): Suspense; about a couple seeking a romantic getaway but instead find savage teens

Fear(s) of the Dark (NR): Animated; six short films focusing on various phobias, from insects to superstitution

Hounddog (R): Drama; about an abused 12-year-old girl in the South during the 1950s; co-starring Dakota Fanning

I've Loved You So Long (PG-13): Drama; about a woman recently released from prison and the sister who takes her in; co-starring Kristin Scott Thomas

The Other End of the Line (PG-13): Romantic comedy; about a long-distance connection begun through a call center; co-starring Jesse Metcalfe

RocknRolla (R): Drama; about a powerful London mobster and the son he thought was dead; co-starring Tom Wilkinson; directed by Guy Ritchie

Tru Loved (R): Drama; about a San Francisco girl with mixed-race, gay parents who moves to conservative Southern California and is asked out by the closeted quarterback

Zack and Miri Make a Porno (R): Comedy; about two long-time friends - and roommates - who decide to make some money by filming an adult video; co-starring Seth Rogen and Elizabeth Banks

DVD Pick - My Kid Could Paint That (PG-13): Documentary; about the prodigy four-year-old girl who blasted onto the modern art scene in 2004 and has raked in hundreds of thousands of dollars for her paintings; $231,000 domestic box-office


Free Activities
San Francisco Halloween Festival [Fri 4-11:30pm]: Featuring live music, a haunted house, face painting, costume contests, and a pumpkin pie eating contest. At AT&T Park's Parking Lot A (SF). www.sfhalloweenfestival.com

North Beach Halloween Extravaganza [Fri 5:30-8pm]: Featuring a puppet show, costume parade and contest, pumpkin-carving contest, and more. Sponsored by The Friends of the Joe DiMaggio Playground, the Telegraph Hill Neighborhood Center, the Telegraph Hill Co-op and North Beach Kids. At the Joe DiMaggio Playground Clubhouse (SF). www.dimaggioplayground.org

Haunted Presidio Tour [Fri 6pm]: Meet at the Old Post Hospital (SF). Reservations required at 415-561-4323.

Halloween Skate [Fri 7:30-11pm]: Skate dance at Ferry Building, followed by 12-mile circuit around the City. At Ferry Plaza (SF). www.cora.org

Wonderfest 2008 [Sat 1-10pm, Sun 10am-6pm]: Featuring appearances by Professors William Dement, Robert Sapolsky, and Nobel Laureate Robert Chu. Discussions range from "Will Genetics Allow Us to Revive Extinct Species?" to "Are Dreams Psychologically Significant?" At Stanford and Berkeley campuses. www.wonderfest.org

Dia de los Muertos [Sat 5-8pm]: Featuring live entertainment, art demos, and more. At Courthouse Square (Redwood City). www.redwoodcity.org/events


Paid Activities
Event - Phantasmagorium [Fri 6-9pm]: Featuring spooky science exhibits, puppet theater, and more. At the Exploratorium (SF), free-$14 -- included with admission. www.exploratorium.edu

Event - Halloween Haunt [Fri-Sat 7pm-midnight]: Featuring haunted mazes, live shows, and scare zones. At Great America (Santa Clara), $35-40. www.cagreatamerica.com

Film - Rocky Horror Picture Show [Fri 11:55pm]: Special Halloween party and screening. At the Clay Theatre (SF), $8-10. www.landmarktheatres.com

Event - SF Ski & Snowboard Festival [Sat-Sun 11am-6pm]: Enjoy wine or beer tastings as you peruse the latest in snow equipment. Free lift ticket with admission. At Fort Mason (SF), $15-40. www.sfskifest.com

Pop - Madonna: Sticky & Sweet Tour [Sat-Sun 8pm]: At Oracle Arena (Oakland), $55-350. www.madonna.com

Jazz - Bettye Lavette [Sat 8pm/10pm]: Veteran Motown star, including previous tours with Otis Redding and James Brown. At Yoshi's (Oakland), $26. www.yoshis.com

Symphony - Dia de Los Muertos Family Concert [Sun 2pm]: Featuring Aztec dancers, traditional refreshments, and orchestral works by Ravel and Copland. At Davies Symphony Hall (SF), $8-57. www.sfsymphony.org

Theatre - The Quality of Life [through Nov 23]: About a religious Midwestern couple visiting their liberal family members in the Berkeley hills. Co-starring Laurie Metcalf and JoBeth Williams. At ACT (SF), $15-80. www.act-sf.org

Art - Maya Lin: Systematic Landscapes [through Jan 18]: The environmental artist is perhaps best known for her Vietnam War Memorial creation. Also the subject of the 1994 Best Documentary Oscar. At the de Young Museum (SF), $10 surcharge on admission. www.famsf.org/deyoung

Previous: Theatre - Radio Golf [through Sunday in Mountain View]; Theatre - Insignificant Others [extended through Dec 7 in SF]; Art - Afghanistan: Hidden Treasures from the National Museum, Kabul [through Jan 5 in SF]


Upcoming Activities in December
Nutcracker by San Francisco Ballet [Dec 11-28 in SF]; Three Decembers, starring Frederica von Stade [Dec 11-14 in Berkeley]; Sarah Brightman [Dec 17 in San Jose]

Randy's Guide CVII (107)

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Randy's Guide CVI (106)

Today is Boss' Day; Friday is film critic Richard Roeper's 49th; Saturday is actor Zac Efron's 21st and Alaska Day; Sunday is psychic John Edward's 39th; Monday is rapper Snoop Dogg's 37th; and Wednesday is Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour's 61st.


Local News Story
Another study about bottled water, another reason to avoid buying it. The Environmental Working Group found that Wal-Mart's Sam's Choice brand, among others, had levels of trihalomethanes, arsenic, ammonia, caffeine, and other contaminants that exceeded legal limits of California tap water. www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/10/15/MNGV13H0L4.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
Continued heat through Saturday, then a return to seasonal weather.
Highs: coast (mid-70s, cooling to mid-60s); bay (low-80s, to low-70s); inland (mid-80s, to upper-70s)
Lows: low-50s


Environmental News
The ancient Japanese art of furoshiki is making a comeback for food and clothing purchases. Simply use a square piece of silk or nylon, and wrap items carefully to use as a shoulder bag or a grocery bag.

Previous:
Check out www.freecycle.org for giving new life to your unwanted items or scoring that vase you've always wanted for the coffee table.


Music Videos
"Wild Rumpus" by Jerry Douglas (Nashville, Tenn.)

Fresh off a successful performance at the Strictly Bluegrass Festival in San Francisco, Jerry Douglas and his band will be first making stops around Tennessee promoting his new album.

Previous:
"Banish Misfortune" by Lucia Comnes (San Francisco, Calif.)

She is known to infuse Irish folk songs with influences from India, Turkey, Greece, and Bulgaria. Catch her in San Francisco at Enrico's (Oct 26) or Bissap Baobab (Nov 9).


Movies (domestic revenues through October 12)
#1 Beverly Hills Chihuahua (PG): $17.5MM; 3218 screens; $5,439 per screen
#2 Quarantine (R): $14.2MM opening; 2461 screens; $5,775 per screen
#3 Body of Lies (R): $12.9MM opening; 2710 screens; $4,754 per screen
#25 Rachel Getting Married (R): $0.4MM; $0.9MM overall; 27 screens; $16,505 per screen; about a woman who leaves rehab to attend her sister's wedding; co-starring Anne Hathaway and Debra Winger

Ashes of Time Redux (R): Action; about an expert swordsman living in the remote Chinese desert; directed by Wong Kar Wai

Ballast (NR): Drama; about a man grieving for his brother and a single mom

Boogieman: The Lee Atwater Story (NR): Documentary; about the conservative behind the infamous Willie Horton ad

Callback: The Unmaking of Bloodstain (NR): Horror; about sketchy characters who are forced to halt a movie production

Max Payne (R): Action; about the video game-based cop who is on a mission to avenge the deaths of his family and officer partner

Morning Light (PG): Documentary; about 15 young sailors who train and compete in the Transpacific Yacht Race

Patti Smith: Dream of Life (NR): Documentary; about the famed musician, her bandmates, and other colleagues

The Secret Life of Bees (PG-13): Drama; about a young girl and her caretaker who flee to South Carolina; co-starring Jennifer Hudson, Queen Latifah, Alicia Keys, and Dakota Fanning

Sex Drive (R): Comedy; about a virgin male who goes on a road trip with his buddies to hook up with a girl; co-starring James Marsden and Seth Green

Sukiyaki Western Django (R): Action; about a gunslinger who is sent in to settle a dispute between rival gangs

Under the Bombs (NR): Drama; about a family torn apart by the Israel-Lebanon war in 2006

W. (PG-13): Comedy-drama; about the life of our current President, George W. Bush; co-starring Josh Brolin, Richard Dreyfuss, James Cromwell, and Thandie Newton; directed by Oliver Stone

What Just Happened? (R): Comedy; about a stressed movie producer trying to get his new film made; co-starring Robert De Niro, Bruce Willis, Stanley Tucci, and John Turturro

DVD Pick - Donnie Darko (R): Okay, so I'm a bit late on seeing this cult favorite. Seven years old or not, it makes for a genuinely thought-provoking, chilling journey through one troubled teen's mind... and with a bizarre bunny to boot. Co-starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Patrick Swayze, Drew Barrymore, and Noah Wyle. $1.3MM domestic box-office gross.


Free Activities
Sidewalk Arts & Crafts Festival [Fri-Sun 10am-5pm]: 12th annual. Along Santa Cruz Avenue (Menlo Park). www.menloparkchamber.com

Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival [Sat-Sun 9am-5pm]: 38th annual. Featuring contests in pumpkin carving, pumpkin weight, and pumpkin pie. Also featuring live music, a parade with Grand Marshal Will Clark, pumpkin pancakes, and pumpkin sausages. Along Main Street (Half Moon Bay). www.miramarevents.com/pumpkinfest

Potrero Hill Festival [Sat 10am-5pm]: 18th annual. Along Southern Heights (SF). http://potrerolibrarysfpl.blogspot.com/2008/10/potrero-hill-festival-2008.html

Campbell Oktoberfest [Sat-Sun 10am-5pm]: In historic downtown Campbell. www.campbellchamber.com/pages/specialevents/oktoberfest.htm

Concord Oktoberfest [Sat 11am-6pm]: In Todos Santos Plaza (Concord). www.communityconcerts.com

Red Bull Soapbox Race [Sat 11am-4pm]: Held since 2000, the global races come to San Francisco, with more than 30 teams shooting down Dolores Street. At Dolores Park. www.redbullsoapboxusa.com

Family Festival [Sat 11am-3pm]: Featuring the Latin Jazz Youth Ensemble, Paul Green's School of Rock, the Samoan Dance Group, comedian Shaun Landry, and many others. Also more than 100 parent resources will be on hand from various government- and community-based organizations. At Yerba Buena Gardens (SF). www.dcyf.org

Brazilian Festival [Sat 11:30am-6pm]: Featuring a parade and live Brazilian music. At Civic Center Park (Berkeley). www.capoeiraarts.com

Spice of Life [Sun 10am-6pm]: 6th annual. Featuring a range of cooking demos from neighborhood chefs. Along Shattuck Avenue (Berkeley). www.spiceoflifefestival.com

Bernal Fiesta on the Hill [Sun 11am-6pm]: 20th annual. Featuring live music from SambaDa, the Creole Belles, and others. Along Cortland Avenue (SF). www.bhnc.org

Family Day at the Contemporary Jewish Museum [Sun 11am-4pm]: Celebrate Sukkot and harvest traditions at the Target-sponsored event. At the Contemporary Jewish Museum (SF). www.thecjm.org


Paid Activities
Live Music - Randy Newman [Fri 8pm]: Featuring works from both his new album and his classics. At Davies Symphony Hall (SF), $20-80. www.randynewman.com

Dance - Kirov Ballet [Fri 8pm, Sat 2pm/8pm, Sun 3pm]: Featuring performances of Don Quixote. At Zellerbach Hall (Berkeley), $50-125. www.kirov.com

Live Music - Kings of Leon [Fri-Sat 8pm]: With We Are Scientists and The Stills opening. At the Warfield (SF), $42. www.kingsofleon.com

Event - Biketoberfest 2008 [Sat 11am-6pm]: Featuring guided bike tours, a vintage bike exhibit, and, of course, beer. At Anselmo Plaza (Fairfax), $20. www.biketoberfest2008.org

Previous: Theatre - Rock 'n' Roll [through Saturday in SF]; Theatre - A Bronx Tale [through Sunday in SF]; Art - Frida Kahlo [through Oct 26 in SF]; Theatre - Insignificant Others [extended through Dec 7 in SF]


Upcoming Activities in November
Jake Shimabukuro [Nov 9 in SF]; Trans-Siberian Orchestra [Nov 16 in San Jose]; Alanis Morissette [Nov 17 in Oakland]

Randy's Guide CV (105)

Today is musician Sean Lennon's 33rd and Yom Kippur; Friday is Taiwan's Double Ten Day; Saturday is National Coming Out Day; Sunday is Columbus Day; Monday is Senator (D-WA) Maria Cantwell's 50th; Tuesday are American fashion designers Ralph Lauren's 69th and Isaac Mizrahi's 47th; and Wednesday is chef Emeril Lagasse's 49th.


Local News Story
Yosemite's Curry Village, established in 1899, evacuated over 1,000 people and closed nearby trails after a massive rockslide into the area. Only three people received minor injuries. www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/10/09/MNHH13DJRN.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
Cool gusty winds, with sunny skies and possible overnight frost.
Highs: low-60s (coast); upper-60s (bay); mid-70s (inland)
Lows: upper-30s (inland) to upper-40s (coast)


Environmental News
Check out www.freecycle.org for giving new life to your unwanted items or scoring that vase you've always wanted for the coffee table.

Previous:
Donate your hair! Local nonprofit Matter of Trust can weave hair into effective oil sponges, which detoxify noxious oil spills. And Locks of Love provides hairpieces to disadvantaged children.


Music Videos
"Banish Misfortune" by Lucia Comnes (San Francisco, Calif.)

She is known to infuse Irish folk songs with influences from India, Turkey, Greece, and Bulgaria. Catch her in San Francisco at Enrico's (Oct 26) or Bissap Baobab (Nov 9).

Previous:
"Mr Rock & Roll" by Amy MacDonald (Glasgow, Scotland)

Her debut album topped the charts in the UK, Denmark, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Belgium. She made her debut on U.S. television on Craig Ferguson and Ellen earlier this month.


Movies (domestic revenues through October 5)
#1 Beverly Hills Chihuahua (PG): $29.3MM opening; 3215 screens; $9,114 per screen
#2 Eagle Eye (PG-13): $17.7MM; $54.6MM overall; 3516 screens; $5,037 per screen
#3 Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist (PG-13): $11.3MM opening; 2421 screens; $4,672 per screen
#10 Religulous (R): $3.4MM opening; 502 screens; $6,792 per screen; Bill Maher's critical look at religion and its devoted followers

Body of Lies (R): Thriller; about a CIA man who oversees missions carried out by a younger operative; co-starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Russell Crowe; directed by Ridley Scott

Breakfast with Scot (PG-13): Comedy; about a former professional hockey player in a gay relationship who reexamines his life following the arrival of an effeminate boy; co-starring Tom Cavanagh

City of Ember (PG): Fantasy; about two teenagers who come to the rescue of an underworld city about to lose electricity; co-starring Bill Murray, Tim Robbins, and Martin Landau

The Express (PG): Drama; about the first African American football player to win the Heisman trophy; co-starring Rob Brown and Dennis Quaid

Happy-Go-Lucky (R): Comedy; about a cheery London schoolteacher who encounters dour people around her; directed by Mike Leigh

Johnny Got His Gun (NR): Drama; about a WWI soldier who communicates his feelings through Morse code

Quarantine (R): Horror; about a quarantined Los Angeles apartment building and the television news crew footage from inside; co-starring Jay Hernandez

Rachel Getting Married (R): Drama; about a woman who leaves rehab to attend her sister's wedding; co-starring Anne hathaway and Debra Winger

Public Library DVD - Dan in Real Life (PG-13): Steve Carell plays against type as a widow who reluctantly goes to his family retreat but unexpectedly meets a lovely woman... who happens to be his jockish brother's girlfriend. Co-starring Juliette Binoche, Dane Cook, Dianne Wiest, John Mahoney, and Amy Ryan. $47.6MM domestic box-office gross.


Free Activities
Fleet Week [Th noon-5pm, Fri 1-4pm, Sat-Sun 11am-7pm, Mon-Tue 11am-4pm]: Featuring the Blue Angels, the Fleet Week Ships, and celebratory festivals. At Pier 39, Fort Mason, and other locations throughout San Francisco. www.fleetweek.us

Big Blue Bucket Fair [Sat 10am-2pm]: Get your free compost and tools, turn in your old medicines, and drop off used cooking oil. At Jerrold and Phelps (SF). www.bigbluebucket.org

San Carlos Art & Wine Faire [Sat-Sun 10am-5:30pm]: Near Laurel St. and San Carlos Ave. www.sancarloschamber.org

Pumpkins in the Park [Sat 10am-4pm]: 14th annual. At Discovery Meadow (San Jose). www.grpg.org

Super Saturday Family Fest [Sat 11am-3pm]: 7th annual. At John F. Kennedy Park (Richmond). www.firstfivecc.org

LitCrawl 2008 [Sat 6-10pm]: Featuring writers and themed readings at dozens of bookstores, cafes, and bars across the Mission district (SF). www.litquake.org

Polish Festival [Sun 10am-5pm]: At County Fair Building (SF). www.poloniasf.org

Italian Heritage Parade [Sun 12:30pm]: 140th annual. Featuring Grand Marshal Tommy Lasorda. Along Columbus Avenue (SF). www.sfcolumbusday.org


Paid Activities
Live Music - Plastic People of the Universe [Th 8pm]: The featured band in Tom Stoppard's play, "Rock 'n' Roll." With Little Cow and Diego's Umbrella opening. At Slim's (SF), $15. www.plasticpeople.cz

Comedy - Brian Regan [Fri 8pm]: At Marin Center (San Rafael), $38. www.brianregan.com

Event - Asian Culinary Forum [Fri 5:30-7:30pm, Sat 9:30am-5:30pm, Sun 8:30am-5:30pm]: Featuring culinary tours, tastings, demonstrations, and panel discussions. At the Ferry Building, free-$185. www.asianculinaryforum.com

Live Music - New Kids on the Block [Fri 8pm]: With Natasha Bedingfield and Lady GaGa opening. At HP Pavilion (San Jose), $38-78. www.nkotb.com

Live Music - Joan Osborne [Sat 8pm]: With Matt Morris opening. At Great American Music Hall (SF), $28. www.joanosborne.com

Dance - Hula Show 2008 [Sat 8pm, Sun 4pm]: At the Palace of Fine Arts Theatre (SF), $35-85. www.naleihulu.org

Live Music - Panic at the Disco [Sat 8pm]: With Dashboard Confessional, Plain White T's, and The Cab opening. At San Jose State Event Center, $36. www.rockbandlivetour.com

Live Music - Santana [Sat-Sun 7pm]: With Salvador Santana Band opening. At Shoreline Amphitheater (Mountain View), $25-75 and Concord Pavilion, $28-75. www.santana.com

Event - Otsukimi Moon Viewing Festival [Sun 5pm]: Telescope into the universe and tour the bonsai garden, with live jazz and taiko. At Lakeside Park (Oakland), $15. www.oakland-fukuoka.org

Previous: Theatre - Yellowjackets [through Sunday in Berkeley]; Event - Renaissance Faire [through Sunday in Hollister]; Theatre - Spring Awakening [through Sunday in SF]; Theatre - Rock 'n' Roll [through Oct 18 in SF]; Theatre - A Bronx Tale [through Oct 19 in SF]; Art - Frida Kahlo [through Oct 26 in SF]; Theatre - Insignificant Others [extended through Dec 7 in SF]


Upcoming Activities in November
Madonna [Nov 1-2 in Oakland]; The B-52s [Nov 14 in San Rafael]; Green Festival [Nov 14-16 in SF]

Randy's Guide CIV (104)

Today is photographer Annie Leibovitz's 59th; Friday is author Gore Vidal's 83rd and German Unity Day; Saturday is World Animal Day; Sunday is Portugal's Republic Day; Monday is Indianapolis Colts' coach Tony Dungy's 53rd; Tuesday is columnist Dan Savage's 44th; and Wednesday is actor Matt Damon's 38th.


Free Theater Alert
Get your free tickets for theaters in San Francisco and surrounding areas for the month of October. Check online at www.theaterbayarea.org today, and each Wednesday this month for ticket availability.


Local News Story
Stanford University unveiled plans for a new Green Dorm, wind energy importation, and the eco-friendly Knight Management Center. www.stanforddaily.com/cgi-bin/?p=273


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
Our first dose of autumn rain! Clearing by Saturday evening, with warmer conditions for Sunday. Highs: coast (low-60s), bay (upper-60s), inland (low-70s). Lows: low-50s.


Environmental News
Donate your hair! Local nonprofit Matter of Trust can weave hair into effective oil sponges, which detoxify noxious oil spills. And Locks of Love provides hairpieces to disadvantaged children.

Previous:
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.


Music Videos
"This Is the Life" by Amy MacDonald (Glasgow, Scotland)

Her debut album topped the charts in the UK, Denmark, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Belgium. She made her debut on U.S. television on the Craig Ferguson program yesterday, and will make an appearance on Ellen on Friday.

Previous:
"I'm Good, I'm Gone" 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.


Movies (domestic revenues through September 28)
#1 Eagle Eye (PG-13): $29.2MM opening; 3510 screens; $8,305 per screen
#2 Nights in Rodanthe (PG-13): $13.4MM opening; 2704 screens; $4,962 per screen
#3 Lakeview Terrace (PG-13): $7.0MM; $25.7MM overall; 2467 screens; $2,824 per screen
#14 Choke (R): $1.3MM opening; 435 screens; $3,033 per screen; about an actor who fakes choking while in restaurants to shore up some funds for his mom's health care bills

Allah Made Me Funny (NR): Comedy; about three American Muslims as part of a comedy troupe

An American Carol (PG-13): Comedy; about a portly, lefty documentarian who attempts to ban the Fourth of July; co-starring Jon Voight, Kelsey Grammer, Bill O'Reilly, and Gary Coleman

Appaloosa (R): Drama; about two lawmen for a small town, and the young widow who complicates issues; co-starring Ed Harris, Viggo Mortensen, Renee Zellweger, and Jeremy Irons

Beverly HIlls Chihuahua (PG): Animation; about a spoiled dog who has a rough go while in Mexico; co-voiced by Drew Barrymore, Andy Garcia, Salma Hayek, and Placido Domingo

Blindness (R): Drama; about a woman who somehow is not affected by a mass epidemic of blindness; co-starring Julianne Moore, Danny Glover, and Gael Garcia Bernal

Flash of Genius (PG-13): Drama; about a man who invented the intermittent windshield wiper; co-starring Greg Kinnear, Lauren Graham, and Alan Alda

How to Lose Friends & Alienate People (R): Comedy; about one journalist's interaction with Vanity Fair; co-starring Simon Pegg, Gillian Anderson, Kirsten Dunst, and Jeff Bridges

Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist (PG-13): Romantic comedy; about two New Jersey teens who fall for each other over the course of 24 hours in New York City; co-starring Michael Cera

Religulous (R): Documentary; about Bill Maher's attempts to question people about their religious beliefs

Save Me (NR): Drama; about a Christian retreat in New Mexico for gays to recover from their preferences

Two Lives Plus One (NR): Drama; about a proper French schoolteacher who decides to try her hand at writing a novel

Amoeba Music DVD - Manufactured Landscapes (NR): A stirring documentary based on Edward Burtynsky's photographs and rolling camera shots of the great industrialization of China and other developing nations. Domestic box-office gross: $240,000.


Free Activities
Black Cowboy Festival [Sat 10am-5pm]: Featuring a parade, line dancing, and plenty of horses and cowboys. In Frank Ogawa Plaza (Oakland). www.blackcowboyassociation.org

Dragon Boat Festival [Sat-Sun 10am-5pm]: 13th annual. Featuring dragon boating, entertainment, arts and crafts, and food. On Treasure Island (SF). www.sfdragonboat.com

Tilden Park Carousel Grand Reopening [Sat 10am-12:30pm]: Featuring free rides, ice cream, and cookies. In Tilden Park (Berkeley). www.ebparks.org

Spirit of Japantown Festival [Sat 10am-6pm]: 2nd annual. Featuring Japanese flower arrangements, taiko, comedy cooking demos, bonsai, and more. In Japantown (San Jose). www.spiritofjapantownfestival.com

Fine Arts Fall Fest [Sat 10am-5pm]: 14th annual. In downtown Montclair (Oakland). www.montclairvillage.com

Los Altos Fall Festival [Sat 10am-5pm]: In downtown Los Altos. www.losaltoschamber.org

Hardly Strictly Bluegrass [Sat-Sun 11am-7pm]: Featuring Emmylou Harris, Robert Plant, Alison Krauss, Loudon Wainwright III, and others. In Speedway Meadow (SF). www.strictlybluegrass.com

Aki Matsuri Festival [Sat-Sun 11am-5pm]: Featuring karaoke, bonsai exhibits, anime films, taiko drums, and more. In Japantown (SF). www.japantownparking.com

LoveFest [Sat noon-8pm]: Featuring parade with world-class DJs down Market Street. After-parties throughout the City. At San Francisco Civic Center Plaza. www.sflovefest.org

Film Night in the Park [Sat 8pm]: Closing night. "Vertigo" in Union Square (SF). www.filmnight.org

Castro Street Fair [Sun 11am-6pm]: 35th annual. Along Castro Street and 18th Street (SF). www.castrostreetfair.org

Excelsior Festival [Sun 11am-5pm]: 6th annual. In Persia Triangle (SF). www.excelsiorfestival.org


Paid Activities
Event - Oktoberfest by the Bay [Fri 5pm-midnight, Sat 11am-midnight, Sun 11am-7pm]: 9th annual event. Featuring a Bavarian oompah band and plenty of beers. At Fort Mason (SF), $5-35. www.oktoberfestbythebay.com

Live Music - Sigur Ros [Fri 8pm]: Fresh from Iceland. At Greek Theatre (Berkeley), $43. www.sigur-ros.co.uk

Previous: Opera - The Bonesetter's Daughter [through Friday 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]; Theatre - A Bronx Tale [through Oct 19 in SF]; Art - Frida Kahlo [through Oct 26 in SF]; Theatre - Insignificant Others [extended through Dec 7 in SF]


Upcoming Activities in November
Joan Baez concert [Nov 18-19 in SF]; Cal-Stanford Big Game [Nov 22 in Berkeley]; Around the World in 80 Days [starts Nov 22 in San Jose]