Randy's Guide CXII (112)

Today is singer Tina Turner's 69th; Thursday is Thanksgiving and shoe designer Manolo Blahnik's 66th; Friday is Albania's Flag Day; Saturday is Arizona Governor (and prospective Homeland Security Secretary) Janet Napolitano's 51st; Sunday is singer Clay Aiken's 30th and actor Gael Garcia Bernal's 30th; Monday is World AIDS Day and comedian Sarah Silverman's 38th; Tuesday is Laos' National Day; and Wednesday is the International Day of Disabled Persons.


Local News
San Francisco is considering a congestion tax of up to $3 each way to reduce the number of commute-hour drivers and encourage the use of public transportation. A final decision will be made in February following two months of public discussion and planning studies. www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/11/26/MNS614C8S1.DTL


Change for Change
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. http://www.nrdc.org/

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

Previous organizations Randy's Guide has spotlighted and donated: Common Ground Relief, LYRIC, Aldea Inc., Glide Memorial, City CarShare, Maitri, Loaves and Fishes, Friends of the Urban Forest, Farm Sanctuary, Bay Area Community Services, Blue Energy, My New Red Shoes, College Track, Foundation for the People of Burma, Vital Life Services, Little Angel Fund, and San Francisco Health Services Coalition.


Bay Area Holiday Weekend Weather
Light showers today, followed by gradual clearing and warming through Sunday. Troublespots for national air travel are in New York (snow) and California (rain/fog).

Highs: Low-60s (coast), mid-60s (bay), upper-60s (inland)
Lows: Low-40s (inland), mid-40s (bay), upper-40s (coast)


Environmental News
Mayors of San Francisco, San Jose, and Oakland announced last week that they intend to help promote the nation's first electric-car network with major infrastructure investments and coordinated regulations. Over the next four years, Better Place plans to invest $1 billion to creating a system similar to ones the company has designed in Israel, Denmark, and Australia.

Previous:
The Chevy Volt, due in dealerships in 2011, combines a larger electric battery with a gasoline tank. The first 40 miles can be purely electric, and the car can plug into any standard 120- or 240-volt outlet.


Music Videos
"Check Yes Juliet" by We the Kings (Bradenton, Fla.)

The pop punk quartet met back in middle school and now have a debut album under its belt. Their last tour was with The Academy Is..., and now they're part of a couple of holiday shows in Orlando and Atlanta.

Previous:
"Ready, Set, Go!" by Tokio Hotel (Magdeburg, Germany)

Its oldest member turned 21 earlier this year. The East German quartet has amassed a plethora of awards, including several from MTV, and #1 singles around the world. You can either catch them in multi-band concerts next month in Phoenix and Anaheim, or watch their online television series.


Movies (domestic revenues through November 23)
#1 Twilight (PG-13): $69.6MM opening; 3419 screens; $20,368 per screen
#2 Quantum of Solace (PG-13): $26.7MM; $108.8MM overall; 3458 screens; $7,723 per screen
#3 Bolt (PG): $26.2MM opening; 3651 screens; $7,182 per screen
#11 Slumdog Millionaire (R): $0.9MM; $1.6MM overall; 32 screens; $29,619 per screen; about an illiterate orphan who becomes a contestant on the Hindi version of "Who Wants to be a Millionaire?"

Australia (PG-13): Romantic drama; about an English woman and a rough-and-tumble Australian local who battle to preserve her land; co-starring Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman; directed by Baz Luhrmann

Beauty in Trouble (NR): Drama; about a young Czech mother of two children who leaves her criminal husband for better times

Four Christmases (PG-13): Comedy; about a happily unmarried San Francisco couple who must visit four family festivities on Christmas; co-starring Vince Vaughn, Reese Witherspoon, and Robert Duvall

I Can't Think Straight (PG-13): Romantic comedy; about a soon-to-be-married Jordanian woman who encounters a young British Indian woman

Milk (R): Biopic; about the first openly gay man voted into public office; co-starring Sean Penn, Josh Brolin, James Franco, and Emile Hirsch; directed by Gus Van Sant

Transporter 3 (PG-13): Action; about an agent who must transport the kidnapped daughter of a government official to safety; co-starring Jason Statham

DVD Pick - The Valet (PG-13): Comedy; about a car-service valet who must agree to living with a beautiful supermodel in order to cover up a nasty affair; co-starring Daniel Auteuil and Kristin Scott Thomas; domestic box office: $1.9 million; foreign box office: $27.4 million.


Activities
Most importantly, spend time with your friends, family, and loved ones!

Event - International Auto Show [Wed-Fri 10am-10pm, Sat 10am-9pm]: 51st annual. Featuring hundreds of 2009-model cars, SUVs, trucks, and vans. At Moscone Center (SF), $8. http://www.sfautoshow.com/

Event - San Jose Harvest Festival [Fri 9am-6pm, Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 10am-5pm]: At San Jose Convention Center, FREE-$9. http://www.harvestfestival.com/

Event - Parade of Lights [Fri noon-8pm]: 29th annual. Featuring snow sledding, a parade at 4pm, and tree lighting at 5:30pm. In downtown San Rafael, FREE. http://www.sresproductions.com/

Event - Ghiradelli Square Tree Lighting [Fri 1:30-6:30pm]: Tree lighting at 5:30pm. At Ghiradelli Square (SF), FREE. http://www.ghiradellisq.com/

Event - Union Square Tree Lighting [Fri 6-7pm]: Free Starbucks & Godiva, songs from the Wicked cast and the San Francisco Boys Chorus, and tree lighting at 6:30pm. In Union Square Park (SF), FREE. http://www.unionsquarepark.us/

Dance - Golden Dragon Acrobats [Fri 8pm, Sat 2pm/8pm, Sun 3pm]: Chinese acrobats and contortionists. At Zellerbach Hall (Berkeley), $12-46. http://www.calperformances.org/

Event - Celebration of Craftswomen [Sat-Sun 10am-5pm]: 30th annual. At Fort Mason Center (SF), $5.50-15. http://www.celebrationofcraftswomen.org/

Live Music - San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus [Mon 7pm]: 30th anniversary. In recognition of World AIDS Day. Featuring Jennifer Holliday. At Davies Symphony Hall (SF), $20-100. http://www.sfgmc.org/

Event - Great Dickens Christmas Fair [weekends through Dec 21, 11am-7pm]: 30th annual. Featuring Dickens-based entertainment on six stages and throughout the fair, brass bands, parades, a gift market, and more. At Cow Palace (Daly City), FREE-$22. http://www.dickensfair.com/

Musical - Phantom of the Opera [through Jan 4]: At Orpheum Theatre (SF), $33-98. http://www.shnsf.com/

Previous: Theatre - Insignificant Others [extended through Dec 7 in SF]; Theatre - Joe Turner's Come and Gone [through Dec 14 in Berkeley]; Art - Afghanistan: Hidden Treasures from the National Museum, Kabul [through Jan 5 in SF]; Art - Maya Lin: Systematic Landscapes [through Jan 18 in SF]


Upcoming January Activities
Harlem Globetrotters [Jan 16 in San Jose]; Wicked: The Musical [starts Jan 27 in SF]; Patti LaBelle [Jan 30 in Oakland]

Randy's Guide CXI (111)

Today is Vice President-elect Joe Biden's 66th; Friday is Icelandic singer Bjork's 43rd; Saturday is "Persepolis" author Marjane Satrapi's 39th; Sunday is actress Miley Cyrus' 16th; Monday is Evolution Day; and Tuesday are First Daughters Jenna and Barbara Bush's 27th.


Short Survey
Help reader Nicole C. with her MBA project. Check out http://snurl.com/borrowsurvey to answer a few questions about your borrowing habits.


Local News
Another one bites the dust. The Chrysler Jeep dealership in San Francisco's Mission District shuttered its doors, sending its remaining inventory off for auction. Forty people are now unemployed. www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/11/20/BUCJ147H10.DTL


Change for Change
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 San Francisco Health Services Coalition.

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


Bay Area Weekend Weather
After days of record heat, the climate returns to normalcy. Coastal fog and cool evenings.

Highs: Coast (low-60s), bay (mid-60s), inland (upper-60s)
Lows: Inland (low-40s), bay (mid-40s), coast (upper-40s)


Environmental News
The Chevy Volt, due in dealerships in 2011, combines a larger electric battery with a gasoline tank. The first 40 miles can be purely electric, and the car can plug into any standard 120- or 240-volt outlet.

Previous:
It's time to think about your Thanksgiving turkey. Opt for an organic or heritage turkey to promote sustainable, healthier practices. Good Bay Area selections include Diestel, Mary's, and Willie Bird.


Music Videos
"Monsoon" by Tokio Hotel (Magdeburg, Germany)

Its oldest member turned 21 earlier this year. The East German quartet has amassed a plethora of awards, including several from MTV, and #1 singles around the world. You can either catch them in multi-band concerts next month in Phoenix and Anaheim, or watch their online television series.

Previous:
"After Tonight" by Justin Nozuka (Toronto, Canada)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgGkJez6pcM
Just 20 years old - and Kevin Bacon's nephew - the half-Japanese acoustic singer will stop by concert festivals in San Diego, San Francisco, and Cleveland in December.


Movies (domestic revenues through November 16)
#1 Quantum of Solace (PG-13): $67.5MM opening; 3451 screens; $19,568 per screen
#2 Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa (PG): $35.0MM; $116.9MM overall; 4065 screens; $8,614 per screen
#3 Role Models (R): $11.2MM; $37.6MM overall; 2798 screens; $3,985 per screen
#19 The Boy in the Striped Pajamas (PG-13): $0.5MM; $0.8MM overall; 38 screens; $12,484 per screen; about the son of a Nazi officer who befriends a Jewish boy held in a concentration camp

Bolt (PG): Animation; about a super-dog star of a hit television show accidentally shipped to New York City; co-voiced by John Travolta and Miley Cyrus

A Christmas Tale (NR): Drama; about a dysfunctional family reuniting for the holidays; co-starring Catherine Deneuve

Twilight (PG-13): Thriller; about a young woman who falls for an intriguing young man who turns out to be a vampire

Were the World Mine (NR): Musical; about a high-school production of "A Midsummer Night's Dream," and the havoc of the infamous love potion turned into reality

DVD Pick - Kansas City (R): Robert Altman's drama, set during Prohibition times in Kansas City, explores the interwoven aspects of criminal gangs and politics with a heavy dose of jazz. Co-starring Jennifer Jason Leigh, Miranda Richardson, Harry Belafonte, Dermot Mulroney, and Steve Buscemi. Domestic gross: $1.4 million box office.


Free Activities
Norwegian Holiday Fair [Fri-Sat 10am-4pm]: At Norwegian Church (SF). http://sjomannskirken.no/sanfrancisco

Chanukah Faire [Sun 10am-2pm]: At Temple Emanu-el (San Jose). www.templesanjose.org

Sonoma Valley Holiday Artisan Faire [Sun noon-5:30pm]: At Sonoma Veterans Hall (Sonoma). www.sonomaartisanfaire.com

Pier 39 Holiday Tree Lighting [Sun 1-6pm]: Featuring holiday song performances and a tree lighting at 5:30pm. At Pier 39 (SF). www.pier39.com


Paid Activities
Event - Toni Morrison [Fri 8pm]: The writer of "Beloved" and "The Bluest Eye" speaks her mind as the first African-American woman to win the Nobel Prize. At Nob Hill Masonic Center (SF), $23. www.cityarts.net

Dance - Hip Hop Dancefest [Fri-Sat 8pm, Sun 1pm/7pm]: 10th annual. Featuring 22 companies from around the Bay Area and the world, a hip-hop documentary screening, and classes. At the Palace of Fine Arts (SF), $35-60. www.sfhiphopdancefest.com

Event - International Auto Show [starts Saturday, through Nov 29, 10am-10pm]: 51st annual. Featuring hundreds of 2009-model cars, SUVs, trucks, and vans. At Moscone Center (SF), $8. www.sfautoshow.com

Live Music - International Taiko Festival [Sat 7pm, Sun 3pm]: 40th annual. Featuring taiko groups from the U.S. and Japan. At Zellerbach Hall (Berkeley), $38-49. www.sftaiko.com

Live Music - Hellogoodbye [Tue 7:30pm]: The catchy song "Here in Your Arms" blasted onto the radio and "The Real World" back in 1996. With Ace Enders and PlayRadioPlay! opening. At Slim's (SF), $16. www.hellogoodbye.net

Theatre - Joe Turner's Come and Gone [through Dec 14]: After seven years on a chain gang, an African American heads to Pittsburgh to reunite his family. At Berkeley Rep, $17-63. www.berkeleyrep.org

Previous: Theatre - Shining City [through Saturday in SF]; Theatre - The Quality of Life [through Sunday in SF]; Theatre - Angry Black White Boy [through Sunday in SF]; Theatre - Insignificant Others [extended through Dec 7 in SF]; Art - Afghanistan: Hidden Treasures from the National Museum, Kabul [through Jan 5 in SF]; Art - Maya Lin: Systematic Landscapes [through Jan 18 in SF]


Upcoming Activities in December
San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus [Dec 1 and 24 in SF]; Oasis, with Ryan Adams [Dec 2 in Oakland]; Charlie Hunter Trio [Dec 16-17 in Oakland, Dec 18-21 in SF]

Randy's Guide CX (110)

Today is "View" host Whoopi Goldberg's 53rd; Friday is Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice's 54th; Saturday is America Recycles Day and Austria's Saint Leopold's Day; Sunday is Nigerian author Chinua Achebe's 78th; Monday is Oklahoma Senator James Inhofe's 74th and drag queen RuPaul's 48th; Tuesday is Latvia's Independence Day and Oman's National Day; and Wednesday is designer Calvin Klein's 66th.


Local News
San Francisco City Hall, San Jose City Hall, and Oakland City Hall will be among the sites of a nationwide, coordinated effort to protest gay marriage bans in Florida, Arizona, and California. More conservative towns like Bakersfield, Huntington Beach, Modesto, and Rancho Cucamonga will likely have smaller turnouts but also potentially bigger impacts. Rallies will be held in all 50 states at 1:30pm EST. http://jointheimpact.wetpaint.com/


Change for Change
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. http://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 San Francisco Health Services Coalition.

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


Bay Area Weekend Weather
Unseasonably warm, with possible record highs across the region.

Highs: low-70s (coast); upper-70s (bay); low-80s (inland).
Lows: mid-40s (inland) to upper-50s (coast-bay)


Environmental News
It's time to think about your Thanksgiving turkey. Opt for an organic or heritage turkey to promote sustainable, healthier practices. Good Bay Area selections include Diestel, Mary's, and Willie Bird.

Previous:
RecycleBank awards recycling households with redeemable points that can be used to make purchases for various stores or brands. Currently, 13 states, with communities ranging from Wilmington, Del., Lincoln, Neb., and Philadelphia, Pa., work with RecycleBank. http://www.recyclebank.com/


Music Videos
"After Tonight" by Justin Nozuka (Toronto, Canada)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgGkJez6pcM
Just 20 years old - and Kevin Bacon's nephew - the half-Japanese acoustic singer will stop by concert festivals in San Diego, San Francisco, and Cleveland in December.

Previous:
"White Winter Hymnal" by Fleet Foxes (Seattle, Wash.)

Another up-and-coming American band with sold-out shows in Ireland, England, Belgium, and Australia. Their debut album came out in June, and their network television debut was on David Letterman in August.


Movies (domestic revenues through November 9)
#1 Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa (PG): $63.1MM opening; 4056 screens; $15,559 per screen
#2 Role Models (R): $19.2MM opening; 2792 screens; $6,865 per screen
#3 High School Musical 3: Senior Year (G): $9.2MM; $75.6MM overall; 3464 screens; $2,644 per screen
#26 Synecdoche, New York (R): $0.3MM; $0.7MM overall; 35 screens; $8,390 per screen; Charlie Kaufman's latest oddball comedy starring Philip Seymour Hoffman as an upstate New York theater director who braves the Big Apple for his latest production

Good Dick (R): Romantic comedy; about a lonely girl and the porn-store video clerk who likes her; co-starring Jason Ritter

JCVD (R): Drama; about Jean-Claude Van Damme being accused of a bank robbery upon returning to his native Brussels; co-starring Jean-Claude Van Damme

Quantum of Solace (PG-13): Action; about the latest adventures of James Bond, this time involving terrorists in a latin American country; co-starring Daniel Craig and Judi Dench

Slumdog Millionaire (R): Drama; about an uneducated street kid accused of cheating in an Indian game show; directed by Danny Boyle

The World Unseen (PG-13): Drama; about an Indian woman managing a cafe in South Africa during apartheid, and the married woman who catches her attention

DVD Pick - In the Valley of Elah (R): Paul Haggis follows up his Oscar-winning "Crash" with a compelling investigation drama that focuses on a former military officer attempting to uncover the truth behind his son's disappearance after his return from Iraq. Tommy Lee Jones received an Oscar nomination for his role as the father, with strong performances by Charlize Theron and Susan Sarandon. $6.8 million domestic box office; $16.1 million worldwide.


Free Activities
Fit, Form and Function [Thu 6-8pm]: 4th annual. Featuring the latest styles from Calvin Klein, Hugo Boss, 2(X)ist, and Emporio Armani. Enjoy light hors d'oeuvres and hosted bar drinks. At Macy's Men's Store (SF). RSVP: 415.393.3724

Holiday Extravaganza [Fri 10am-8pm, Sat 9am-5pm]: 37th annual. At the Pleasant Hill Community Center. http://www.jhfestivals.com/

Cornucopia [Sun 10am-4pm]: Featuring live entertainment, art activities, a "Green" zone, and more. At Black Pine School (Berkeley). www.blackpinecircle.org/cornucopia

Light Up the Row [Tue 6:30-9pm]: 7th annual. Featuring NBC 11's Brent Cannon and Laura Garcia-Cannon, and Katee Shean of "So You Think You Can Dance." Along Santana Row (San Jose). http://www.santanarow.com/


Paid Activities
Event - Harvest Festival [Fri-Sun 10am-5pm]: Featuring 24,000 American handmade arts and crafts, live entertainment, a Kidzone, and more. At the San Mateo Event Center, free-$9 ($2 off coupons in the Chronicle). http://www.harvestfestival.com/

Event - San Francisco Green Festival [Fri noon-7pm, Sat 10am-7pm, Sun 11am-6pm]: 7th annual. Featuring 400 eco-friendly businesses (with ample free samples), 125 speakers (including Cornel West and Van Jones), organic vegetarian cuisine, and more. At the Concourse Exhibition Center (SF), free-$45. Note: Free entry with three canned food items. http://www.greenfestivals.org/

Live Music - The B-52s [Fri 8pm]: At the Marin Center (San Rafael), $35-90. www.myspace.com/theb52s

Live Music - k.d. lang [Sat 8pm]: At the Paramount Theater (Oakland), $25-61. http://www.kdlang.com/

Live Music - Joan Baez [Tue-Wed 8pm]: At Herbst Theater (SF), $50. http://www.joanbaez.com/

Theatre - Shining City [through Nov 22]: About a recently widowed man who sees his late wife, and the psychotherapist who tries to help him. At the SF Playhouse, $20-40. http://www.sfplayhouse.org/

Theatre - Angry Black White Boy [through Nov 23]: A satire/expose about efforts to manipulate race, culture, and history. At Intersection for the Arts (SF), $5-25. http://www.theintersection.org/

Previous: Theatre - The Quality of Life [through Nov 23 in SF]; Theatre - Insignificant Others [extended through Dec 7 in SF]; Art - Afghanistan: Hidden Treasures from the National Museum, Kabul [through Jan 5 in SF]; Art - Maya Lin: Systematic Landscapes [through Jan 18 in SF]


Upcoming Activities in December
A John Denver Holiday Concert [Dec 4-14 in Walnut Creek]; Vienna Teng [Dec 13 in SF]; Dancing with the Stars: The Tour [Dec 19 in San Jose]

Randy's Guide CIX (109)

Today is journalist Maria Shriver's 53rd and Finnish Swedish Heritage Day; Friday is evangelist Billy Graham's 90th; Saturday is actress Parker Posey's 40th; Sunday is World Freedom Day; Monday is Georgia Senator Saxby Chambliss' 65th; Tuesday is Veterans Day and actor Leonardo DiCaprio's 34th; and Wednesday is soul musician Booker T. Jones' 64th.


Local News
Results from the historic election on Tuesday are nearly finalized. The $70 million-plus spent on Proposition 8 resulted in a 53-47% victory for same-sex marriage opponents. San Francisco is still tabulating ranked-choice votes for three key Supervisor district seats. And Americans got their fill of free Starbucks coffee, Ben & Jerry's ice cream, and Krispy Kreme donuts on Tuesday...

California (12 total propositions)
--Proposition 1A: YES on high-speed rail between San Francisco and Los Angeles. PASSED
--Proposition 2: YES on improving conditions for farm animals. PASSED
--Proposition 4: NO on restricting abortion rights for minors. REJECTED
--Propositions 7 and 10: NO on outside interests meddling with our strict environmental programs. BOTH REJECTED
--Proposition 8: NO on eliminating marriage rights for same-sex couples. PASSED

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


Change for Change
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 San Francisco Health Services Coalition.

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


Bay Area Weekend Weather
Mostly sunny, aside from a slight chance of rain in the North Bay on Saturday.

Highs: Near 60 (coast), mid-60s (bay), near 70 (inland)
Lows: Mid-40s (inland), near 50 (coast and bay)


Environmental News
RecycleBank awards recycling households with redeemable points that can be used to make purchases for various stores or brands. Currently, 13 states, with communities ranging from Wilmington, Del., Lincoln, Neb., and Philadelphia, Pa., work with RecycleBank. www.recyclebank.com

Previous:
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.


Music Videos
"White Winter Hymnal" by Fleet Foxes (Seattle, Wash.)

Another up-and-coming American band with sold-out shows in Ireland, England, Belgium, and Australia. Their debut album came out in June, and their network television debut was on David Letterman in August.

Previous:
"Time to Pretend" by MGMT (Brooklyn, N.Y.)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVnRzEjpUmE
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. It's off to Europe for several shows, then Asia and Australia in December.


Movies (domestic revenues through November 2)
#1 High School Musical 3: Senior Year (G): $15.3MM; $62.0MM overall; 3626 screens; $4,224 per screen
#2 Zack and Miri Make a Porno (R): $10.1MM opening; 2735 screens; $3,680 per screen
#3 Saw V (R): $9.7MM; $45.5MM overall; 3084 screens; $3,159 per screen
#4 Changeling (R): $9.4MM; $10.0MM overall; 1850 screens; $5,055 per screen; Clint Eastwood's latest film starring Angelina Jolie as a Prohibition-era mother whose son is kidnapped

All for Free (NR): Drama; about a man who offers free items from his cafe-bar as he roams around post-war Bosnia

The Boy in Striped Pajamas (PG-13): Drama; about a German boy whose father is a Nazi and whose friend is in one of the Holocaust camps

The Fish Fall in Love (NR): Romance; about a woman who runs a restaurant along the Caspian coast in the home of her former fiancee

The Haunting of Molly Hartley (PG-13): Suspense; about a girl about to turn 18 who stumbles upon the supposed evil in her path

Let the Right One In (R): Suspense; about a 12-year-old Swedish boy who befriends a vampire

Loins of Punjab Presents (NR): Comedy; about seven contestants who sing in a Bollywood-style reality game show

Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa (PG): Animated sequel; about a lion and his three pals as they trek through Africa; co-voiced by Ben Stiller, Sacha Baron Cohen, David Schwimmer, Chris Rock, and Jada Pinkett-Smith

Repo! The Genetic Opera (R): Musical; about a future dark Earth where organ failures are frequent and a corporation emerges as the main source for organ transplants

Role Models (R): Comedy; about two energy drink company drivers who are sentenced to community service; co-starring Paul Rudd and Seann William Scott

Soul Men (R): Comedy; about two aging soul singers who take a road trip to attend a musical tribute at the Apollo Theater; co-starring Samuel L. Jackson and Bernie Mac

Stranded: I've Come from a Plane That Crashed in the Mountains (NR): Documentary; about the Uruguayan rugby players who survive for two months in the snowy Andes; featured in the Ethan Hawke film "Alive"

Synecdoche, New York (R): Drama; about a stressed theater director in upstate New York who decides to lead a production in New York City after winning a major grant; co-starring Philip Seymour Hoffman and Catherine Keener; directed by Charlie Kaufman

DVD Pick - La Vie en Rose (PG-13): Marion Cotillard scored an Oscar - the first for a French-language role - as singer Edith Piaf. Her remarkable rise from a flophouse and travelling circus to international star is detailed in a non-linear fashion. $10.1MM domestic gross; $81.9MM worldwide.


Free Activities
Buena Vista Cafe 56th Anniversary [Sat-Mon 9am-2am]: Celebrate the Irish Coffee with bagpipes, Celtic bands, and dancers. At Buena Vista Cafe (SF). www.thebuenavista.com

Peninsula French Fair [Sat 10am-6pm]: A day in France, with various imports and authentic crepes. At Hillview Community Center (Los Altos). http://frenchfair2008.blogspot.com

Armenian Food Festival [Sat noon-9pm]: Featuring traditional Armenian music, desserts, and handicrafts. At Calvary Church (SF). www.cacc-sf.org

Starry Plough 35th Anniversary [Sat 3pm-2am]: Featuring about a dozen local bands. At the Starry Plough (Berkeley). www.starryploughpub.com

Tyler Florence [Sat 5pm]: Meet The Food Network chef during a book signing and cooking demonstration. At Sur La Table (San Jose). www.tylerflorence.com


Paid Activities
Live Music - Stephen Schwartz and Friends [Th-Fri 8pm, Sat 2pm/8pm, Sun 1:30pm/5pm]: The composer of Wicked will perform his works with lyrics help from Broadway performers. At the San Mateo Performing Arts center, $25-45. www.broadwaybythebay.org

Event - Fabulous Food Festival [Sat-Sun 10am-5pm]: Featuring live music, food demonstrations, and more. At the Concourse Exhibition Center (SF), $7-10. www.pacificexpositions.com

Live Music - Jake Shimabukuro [Sun 3pm/7pm]: Famed young ukelele star. At the Palace of Fine Arts Theatre (SF), $5-50. www.jakeshimabukuro.com

Dance - Theatre Flamenco [Sun 7pm]: Performing El Camino Perfecto, with guest artists from Spain. At Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, $32. www.theatreflamenco.org

Live Music - Preservation Hall Jazz Band [Mon 8pm/10pm]: Featuring the world-travelling jazz band whose home is New Orleans' Preservation Hall. At Yoshi's (SF), $12-20. www.yoshis.com

Previous: Theatre - The Quality of Life [through Nov 23 in SF]; Theatre - Insignificant Others [extended through Dec 7 in SF]; Art - Afghanistan: Hidden Treasures from the National Museum, Kabul [through Jan 5 in SF]; Art - Maya Lin: Systematic Landscapes [through Jan 18 in SF]


Upcoming Activities in December
The Christmas Ballet by Smuin [Dec 3-7 in Mountain View]; A Christmas Carol by ACT [Dec 4-27 in SF]; NSSN 08, featuring The Killers, Death Cab for Cutie, Bloc Party, Franz Ferdinand, and Jack's Mannequin [Dec 11 in Oakland]