Randy's Guide CXXI (121)

Today is diver Greg Louganis' 49th; Friday is former Vice President Dick Cheney's 68th; Saturday is singer Justin Timberlake's 28th; Sunday is Super Bowl XLIII and the start of U.S. Black History Month; Monday is Groundhog Day; Tuesday is Imbolc, the start of the pagan spring; and Wednesday is boxer Oscar de la Hoya's 36th.


Local News
Greeted by a boisterous protest, former Weather Underground leader William Ayers spoke at the small Jesuit college of Saint Mary's in Moraga. An FBI informant from Ohio led the group of several hundred, which was countered by a camp supporting the speaker outside the Soda Center. www.contracostatimes.com/ci_11577357


Change for Change
Charity to consider: Bay Localize. The Oakland nonprofit, which promotes regional self-reliance, is working with Glide Memorial Church to produce vegetables atop its Tenderloin offices. Kale, turnips, carrots, and radishes are currently in full production. http://www.baylocalize.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, San Francisco Health Services Coalition, and Natural Resources Defense Council.


Bay Area Weekend Weather
Looks like more record highs will be set, with nary a cloud in sight. Is it really January?

Highs: mid-60s (coast-inland) to low-70s (bay)
Lows: upper-30s (inland) to upper-40s (coast)


Environmental Tips
Many of you may be considering upgrades to LCD or plasma televisions as part of the digital signal switch in February 2009. LCDs use slightly less energy per square inch of screen, and tend to come in smaller sizes - both of which mean less energy costs and hazardous chemicals to produce and consume. And, look for the Energy Star label!

Previous:
Switch one staple of your diet from conventional to organic. Choose something like eggs, milk, or apples that won't challenge your budget but will be a repeated purchase. The food should taste better and will not contain the chemicals found to be harmful to human health.


Music Videos
"Clouds" by The Morning Light (Pittsburgh, Pa.)


With their self-titled debut hitting stores a few months ago, the pop-rock band has hit the ground running. Appearances over the next month include stops in Dallas, Austin, Charlotte, New York City, Albany, Philadelphia, State College (Pa.), Milwaukee, and Chicago.

Previous:
"Again and Again" by The Bird and the Bee (Los Angeles, Calif.)


The duo has scored a number of appearances on films last year, including "Sex and the City" and "Forgetting Sarah Marshall." Their tour celebrating a new album will include February dates in San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland, and Seattle.


Movies (domestic revenues through January 25)
#1 Paul Blart: Mall Cop (PG): $21.6MM; 3144 screens; $6,878 per screen
#2 Underworld: Rise of the Lycans (R): $20.8MM opening; 2942 screens; $7,080 per screen
#3 Gran Torino (R): $16.2MM; $97.8MM overall; 3045 screens; $5,335 per screen
#20 The Reader (R): $1.4MM; $9.7MM overall; 367 screens; $3,824 per screen; the pensive drama about an older woman (Kate Winslet) and a teenage boy has quietly racked up awards for Winslet and 5 Oscar nominations, including Best Picture and Director.

Good (NR): Drama; about a German literature professor whose novel about euthanasia is enlisted by Nazi government officials; co-starring Viggo Mortensen

New in Town (PG-13): Comedy; about a businesswoman who is transferred from Miami to rural Minnesota; co-starring Renee Zellweger and Harry Connick Jr.

The Pope's Toilet (NR): Drama; about a visit by Pope John Paul II to a small town in Uruguay

Taken (PG-13): Action; about a former operative who seeks out an organization that has taken his daughter hostage; co-starring Liam Neeson

The Uninvited (PG-13): Horror; about a recently released psychiatric patient who tries to stop her father's intended marriage

Wendy and Lucy (R): Drama; about a young woman trying to reach Alaska to start a new life with her dog, only to be stranded in Oregon due to a car breakdown; co-starring Michelle Williams

DVD Pick - Be Kind Rewind (PG-13): A clever comedy, co-starring Jack Black and Mos Def, about a rundown video store that reinvigorates business (and civic pride) by making its own films. Domestic box-office: $11.2 million; foreign: $18.4 million.


Activities
Alternative Energy: The Future Is Now discussion [Thu 6-8p]: At the Santa Clara University Library, free. www.scu.edu/orradre

Adele [Thu 8p]: The British teen behind the Grammy-nominated "Chasing Pavements" will appear with James Morrison, opening. At the Warfield (SF), $24. http://www.adele.tv/

Colm O' Riain [Fri 8p]: The Irish violinist will be joined by a violinist, guitarist, and vocalist. At Red Poppy Art House (SF), $12-15. http://www.colmoriain.com/

DeVotchKa [Fri-Sat 8p]: What a great show in 2008, with a plethora of musical instruments and a stunning acrobatic display. Key contributors to the "Little Miss Sunshine" soundtrack. With Crooked Fingers opening. At the Fillmore (SF), $35. http://www.devotchka.net/

Labelle [Fri 8p]: The trio behind the '70s hit "Lady Marmalade" reunite to celebrate their first album in 32 years. At the Paramount Theatre (Oakland), $50-96. http://www.labelleisback.com/

Edwardian Ball [Fri-Sun 8p]: Featuring costumed events entitled World's Faire, Edwardian Ball, and Variety Night. At the Regency Grand (SF), $30-35. http://www.edwardianball.com/

AMA Supercross [Sat 12:30p-10p]: Qualifying and final rounds for the popular event. At AT&T Park (SF), $10-70. http://www.supercrossonline.com/

Jazz Vespers concert [Sun 5p]: Thank you reader Betty P. for another alternative to the Super Bowl. Featuring vocalist Claire Dee and the Ken French trio. At the Old First Church (SF), free. http://www.clairdee.com/

Rock Show exhibit [Sun 6p]: Featuring garage rock images by Geoffrey Ellis. At the Rite Spot Cafe (SF), free. http://www.ritespotcafe.net/

Kronos Quartet [Sun 7p]: As part of the group's Under 30 Project, which supports the young, up-and-coming artists. At Hertz Hall (Berkeley), $43-48. http://www.calperformances.org/

Mind Field film [Sun 7p/9p]: Featuring Alien Workshop's latest skateboarding video. At the Victoria Theatre (SF), free. http://www.sfindie.com/

Macbeth [through Sunday]: A modern, sexy take on the classic Shakespearean tragedy. At the Ashby Stage (Berkeley), $18-30. http://www.shotgunplayers.org/

Twentieth Century [through Feb 8]: A screwball comedy about a flamboyant producer and his Hollywood diva/ex-lover. At the Center for Performing Arts (Mountain View), $23-61. http://www.theatreworks.org/

Previous: Event - Dine about Town [through Saturday in SF]; Theatre - Trenchcoat in Common [through Sunday in SF]; Theatre - Rich and Famous [through Feb 8 in SF]; Theatre - Angry Black White Boy [through Feb 15 in SF]


Upcoming March Activities
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater [Mar 3-8 in Berkeley]; Beach Blanket Babylon [Mar 9 in San Jose]; Madeleine Peyroux [Mar 27 in SF]

Randy's Guide CXX (120)

Today is the 36th anniversary of Roe v. Wade; Friday is Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa's 56th; Saturday is actress-singer Tatyana Ali's 30th; Sunday is Russia's Tatiana Day; Monday is Australia Day and TV host-comedian Ellen DeGeneres' 51st; Tuesday is Chief Justice John Roberts' 54th and commentator Keith Olbermann's 50th; and Wednesday is Invocation pastor Rick Warren's 55th.


Local News
For those under-employed and unemployed, consider the U.S. Census Bureau for some good-paying work. The 2010 Census, as mandated by the Constitution, is rapidly approaching, and the Santa Clara County (in addition to other counties) is starting the application process for community leaders, recruiting specialists, and census takers. www.mercurynews.com/ci_11523175


Change for Change
Charity to consider: Bay Localize. The Oakland nonprofit, which promotes regional self-reliance, is working with Glide Memorial Church to produce vegetables atop its Tenderloin offices. Kale, turnips, carrots, and radishes are currently in full production. www.baylocalize.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, San Francisco Health Services Coalition, and Natural Resources Defense Council.


Bay Area Weekend Weather
The heat is gone. Slight chance of rain for the foreseeable future.

Highs: mid-50s
Lows: low-40s (inland) to upper-40s (coast)


Environmental Tips
Switch one staple of your diet from conventional to organic. Choose something like eggs, milk, or apples that won't challenge your budget but will be a repeated purchase. The food should taste better and will not contain the chemicals found to be harmful to human health.

Previous:
Join a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture), and receive periodic shipments of local, organic produce at your doorstep. Some good Bay Area farms with delivery programs include Full Belly Farm, Marin Sun Farms, and Mariquita Farms.


Music Videos
"Polite Dance Song" by The Bird and the Bee (Los Angeles, Calif.)

The duo has scored a number of appearances on films last year, including "Sex and the City" and "Forgetting Sarah Marshall." Their tour celebrating a new album will include February dates in San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland, and Seattle.

Previous:
"Make You Crazy" by Brett Dennen (Oakdale, Calif.)

The Central Valley native has toured with John Mayer, Colbie Caillat, and Guster. His first tour as a headliner will take him through a wide range of cities over the next three months, including San Francisco, L.A., San Diego, Denver, Portland, St. Louis, Madison (Wis.), Chicago, Minneapolis, Ann Arbor, Boston, New York City, Philadelphia, Austin, Falls Church (Va.), Nashville, and New Orleans.


Movies (domestic revenues through January 19)
#1 Paul Blart: Mall Cop (PG): $39.2MM opening; 3144 screens; $12,479 per screen
#2 Gran Torino (R): $25.6MM; $76.6MM overall; 2972 screens; $8,616 per screen
#3 My Bloody Valentine 3D (R): $24.1MM opening; 2534 screens; $9,512 per screen
#10 Slumdog Millionaire (R): $7MM; $43.9MM overall; 582 screens; $12,065 per screen; a clever, energized string of short stories focusing on the likeable protagonist - said "slumdog" - as he explains how he could know so many of the answers on India's version of "Who Wants to be a Millionaire?"; nominated for 10 Oscars, including Best Picture, Director, and Adapted Screenplay

Inkheart (PG): Sci-fi; about a man whose ability to bring book characters to life brings him danger in the form of a power-hungry villain; co-starring Brendan Fraser and Helen Mirren

Outlander (R): Sci-fi; about a space craft that enters the time of the Vikings; co-starring Jim Caviezel

Scott Walker: 30 Century Man (NR): Documentary; about reclusive musician Scott Walker and his influences on Sting and Radiohead

Underworld: Rise of Lycans (R): Suspense; about the origins of a long-running battle between vampies and their onetime slaves

DVD Pick - Glory Road (PG): A fitting tribute to breaking down racial barriers, this time in college basketball during the 1960s. Co-starring Josh Lucas, Derek Luke, and Jon Voight. Domestic box office: $42.6 million; foreign box office: $0.3 million.


Activities
The Great Tennessee Monkey Trial [Thu 8p]: Based on the infamous 1925 trial about teaching evolution in the classroom. Co-starring Ed Asner and John Heard. At the JCCSF (SF), $30-50. www.jccsf.org

Noche Flamenca [Fri-Sat 8p]: Featuring the Madrid-based dance group, led by Soledad Barrio. At Zellerbach Hall (Berkeley), $19-48. www.calperformances.org

2009 All-Breed Dog Show [Sat-Sun 8:30a-5p]: 103rd annual. Featuring agility demonstrations, a dog fashion show, Animal Planet host Dina Zaphiris, and over 1,000 breeders and owners. At the Cow Palace (Daly City), $7-12 (discounts at Pet Food Express). www.goldengatekc.com

Lunar New Year Flower Market [Sat 10a-3p]: Entertainment and craft activities, along with the requisite plants and flowers for sale. At San Francisco Botanical Garden, free. www.sfbotanicalgarden.org

Chinese New Year Flower Market Fair [Sat 10a-8p, Sun 9a-6p]: In Chinatown (SF), free. www.chineseparade.com

Speakeasy's End of the Dark Ages Celebration [Sat noon-5p]: Live music and fresh poured brews for sale. Always a fun crowd. At Speakeasy Ales & Lagers (SF), free. www.goodbeers.com

Dmitri Hvorostovsky in Recital [Sat 8p]: The great baritone has assembled a program including Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninoff. At Davies Symphony Hall (SF), $25-81. www.sfsymphony.org

Trenchcoat in Common [through Feb 1]: An original theatric comedy about a teen who comes to live with her sperm-donor father and spies on a wacky array of neighbors for her blog. At Magic Theatre in Fort Mason (SF), $20-40. www.encoretheatrecompany.com

Previous: Art - Afghanistan: Hidden Treasures from the National Museum, Kabul [through Sunday in SF]; Event - Dine about Town [through Jan 31 in SF]; Theatre - Rich and Famous [through Feb 8 in SF]


Upcoming February Activities
Social Distortion [Feb 6 in Oakland]; 20th annual Woo at the Zoo [Feb 7-8, 14 in SF]; State Ballet Theatre of Russia: Cinderella [Feb 8 in Cupertino]

Randy's Guide CXIX (119)

Today is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day; Friday is National Religious Freedom Day; Saturday is future First Lady Michelle Obama's 45th and singer Kid Rock's 38th; Sunday is "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" actor Jason Segel's 29th; Monday is Texas' Confederate Heroes Day; Tuesday is Inauguration Day and astronaut Buzz Aldrin's 79th; and Wednesday is Quebec's Flag Day.


Local News
A second march and protest - largely more peaceful and featuring Oakland Mayor Ron Dellums - took place Wednesday evening in response to the New Year's Eve killing of an unarmed BART passenger by a former BART police officer. Only about a dozen of over 1,000 protesters did not heed calls for a non-violent protest, proceeding to smash several downtown businesses before getting arrested by police. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/01/15/MNK115ADNQ.DTL


Change for Change
Charity to consider: Bay Localize. The Oakland nonprofit, which promotes regional self-reliance, is working with Glide Memorial Church to produce vegetables atop its Tenderloin offices. Kale, turnips, carrots, and radishes are currently in full production. http://www.baylocalize.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, San Francisco Health Services Coalition, and Natural Resources Defense Council.


Bay Area Weekend Weather
Continued above-normal temperatures, with light offshore winds. Take a hike around Mount Diablo, explore Half Moon Bay, or taste some wine in Sonoma.

Highs: mid-to-upper-60s (everywhere)
Lows: upper-30s (inland) to upper-40s (coast)


Environmental News
Join a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture), and receive periodic shipments of local, organic produce at your doorstep. Some good Bay Area farms with delivery programs include Full Belly Farm, Marin Sun Farms, and Mariquita Farms.

Previous:
Packaging makes up one-third of all garbage created in the U.S. Cut back on buying single servings of snacks and drinks. Yes, those small bags of chips and 8-ounce bottles add up. Instead, plan bulk purchases in advance, and portion them out into reusable containers.


Music Videos
"Ain't No Reason" by Brett Dennen (Oakdale, Calif.)

The Central Valley native has toured with John Mayer, Colbie Caillat, and Guster. His first tour as a headliner will take him through a wide range of cities over the next three months, including San Francisco, L.A., San Diego, Denver, Portland, St. Louis, Madison (Wis.), Chicago, Minneapolis, Ann Arbor, Boston, New York City, Philadelphia, Austin, Falls Church (Va.), Nashville, and New Orleans.

Previous:
"Sleepwalking through the Mekong" by Dengue Fever (Los Angeles, Calif.)

Two brothers found Cambodian lead singer Chhom Nimol in a Long Beach nightclub, and the group (six in all) has released three albums infusing Khmer lyrics with psychedelic rock.


Movies (domestic revenues through January 11)
#1 Gran Torino (R): $29.5MM; $40.5MM overall; 2808 screens; $10,500 per screen
#2 Bride Wars (PG): $21.1MM opening; 3226 screens; $6,528 per screen
#3 The Unborn (PG-13): $19.8MM opening; 2357 screens; $8,405 per screen
#9 Not Easily Broken (PG-13): $5.3MM opening; 724 screens; $7,340 per screen; about a happily married couple who faces some difficult decisions following a devastating auto crash

Chadni Chowk to China (NR): Comedy; about a simple cook who is mistaken for a reincarnated ancient warrior in a small Chinese village

Che (R): Drama; about the famous Argentine doctor who took part in Fidel Castro's revolution and later became an invaluable resource for guerrilla fighting; co-starring Benicio Del Toro; directed by Steven Soderbergh

Defiance (R): Drama; about four Jewish brothers who escape Nazi rule in Poland and build a village in the forest that saves over 1,200 other Jews; co-starring Daniel Craig and Jamie Bell

Hotel for Dogs (PG): Comedy; about two resourceful kids who start up a dog hotel when their new parents refuse to allow pets; co-starring Don Cheadle, Lisa Kudrow, and Emma Roberts

Last Chance Harvey (PG-13): Romantic comedy; about an unlikely pairing between a down-and-out New Yorker and a spry London woman; co-starring Dustin Hoffman and Emma Thompson

My Bloody Valentine 3-D (R): Horror; about a cursed mining town and the man who caused the accident

Notorious (R): Musical drama; about the musician Notorious B.I.G.; co-starring Angela Bassett and Derek Luke

Otto; or, Up with Dead People (NR): Comedy; about a young zombie who is discovered in Berlin by an underground documentary filmmaker

Paul Blart Mall Cop (PG): Comedy; about a single dad who takes a job as a security officer at a local mall

Yonkers Joe (R): Drama; about a gambler looking to make one more huge run for money; co-starring Chazz Palminteri and Christine Lahti

DVD Pick - Kung Fu Hustle (R): Winner of multiple awards in China, as well as Best Foreign Film awards here in the U.S., this action comedy evokes the grandiose fight sequences in "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" with a wry smile. Look for the sequel to come out next year. Domestic box office: $17.1 million; foreign box office: $83.8 million.


Activities
Lenka [Thu 8p]: Aussie pop star with hints of Yael Naim and Ingrid Michaelson. At the Independent (SF), $13-15. http://www.lenkamusic.com/

San Francisco Home Show [Fri 11a-10p, Sat 10a-8p, Sun 10a-6p]: At the Cow Palace (SF), free-$10 ($2 discount online). http://www.sanfranhomeshow.com/

Willie Nelson [Fri-Tues 8p]: The famed activist country singer hits town for five shows. At the Fillmore (SF), $55. http://www.willienelson.com/

Flamenco [Fri-Sat 8p]: Carolina Lugo's flamenco group in Concord combines with Spanish guitarist Angel Romero. At Fox Theatre (Redwood City) and Flint Center (Cupertino), $29-34. http://www.peninsulasymphony.org/

National Acrobats of China [Sat 2p/8p, Sun 3p]: Founded more than 50 years ago as an acrobatic troupe that uses everyday objects as props. At Zellerbach Hall (Berkeley), $24-46. http://www.calperformances.org/

Tet Festival [Sun 9:30a-6p]: 12th annual event. Celebrate the Vietnamese Lunar New Year with live entertainment, celebrity guests, and authentic foods. Near Ellis and Larkin (SF), free.

Martin Luther King Day of Service [Mon 9a-1p]: Call to Action for Richmond. Meet at Shimada Friendship Park (Richmond), free. http://www.thewatershedproject.org/

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration [Mon 10:45a-4p]: At Bill Graham Civic Auditorium (SF), free. http://www.norcalmlk.org

Obama Inauguration Simulcast [Tue 7a-12p]: Bring a new pair of socks or underwear for admission. At Civic Center Plaza (SF), free. http://www.nextarts.org/

Barack Obama Presidential Inauguration Skaters' Ball [Tue 7-11p]: Dress up in your favorite disco or politician outfit. At FunkyTown Roller Rink (SF), free-$15. http://www.cora.org/FunkyTown.htm

Pajama Party Bingo [Wed 7-10p]: Monthly fundraiser for the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. Over $4,000 in cash and prizes awarded each evening. At the Green Room in the War Memorial Building (SF), $20-40. http://www.sistersbingo.com/

Dine about Town [through Jan 31]: Check out one of 100 top San Francisco restaurants with three-course lunches for $21.95 and dinners for $34.95. Some good options include Dosa on Fillmore, Fish & Farm, Jeanty at Jack's, Maverick, and Town Hall. http://www.onlyinsanfrancisco.com/dineabouttown

Rich and Famous [through Feb 8]: In its first major revival since its 1976 debut, this comedy satire focuses on a playwright seeking to get his first big hit. At ACT (SF), $14-80. http://www.act-sf.org/

Previous: Art - Maya Lin: Systematic Landscapes [through Sunday in SF]; Theatre - The Arabian Nights [through Sunday in Berkeley]; Event - Holiday Ice Skating [through Monday in SF]; Art - Afghanistan: Hidden Treasures from the National Museum, Kabul [through Jan 25 in SF]


Upcoming February Activities
Michael Franti & Spearhead [Feb 7 in Oakland]; SAP Open [Feb 9-15 in San Jose]; Susan Tedeschi [Feb 17 in SF]

Randy's Guide CXVIII (118)

Today is physicist Stephen Hawking's 67th; Friday is Panama's Martyrs' Day; Saturday is the 53rd anniversary of the opening of the United Nations General Assembly; Sunday is Nepal's Unity Day; Monday is radio host Howard Stern's 55th; Tuesday is Sweden's St. Knut's Day and English actor Orlando Bloom's 32nd; and Wednesday is the Eastern Orthodox New Year's Day and journalist Andy Rooney's 90th.


Local News
Beware what you write online about businesses. A San Francisco artist has been sued for libel and invasion of privacy by a local chiropractor for negative comments about his billing practices posted on Yelp. The back-and-forth between the two men has been ongoing since November 2007 and may go to trial in March in San Francisco Superior Court. www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/01/08/MNN81559L2.DTL


Change for Change
Charity to consider: Bay Localize. The Oakland nonprofit, which promotes regional self-reliance, is working with Glide Memorial Church to produce vegetables atop its Tenderloin offices. Kale, turnips, carrots, and radishes are currently in full production. http://www.baylocalize.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, San Francisco Health Services Coalition, and Natural Resources Defense Council.


Bay Area Weekend Weather
Gradual warming trend, no rain in sight. Possible record-breaking temperatures Sunday and Monday.

Highs: low-60s (coast) to low-70s (inland)
Lows: mid-30s (inland) to mid-40s (coast)


Environmental News
Packaging makes up one-third of all garbage created in the U.S. Cut back on buying single servings of snacks and drinks. Yes, those small bags of chips and 8-ounce bottles add up. Instead, plan bulk purchases in advance, and portion them out into reusable containers.

Previous:
25 million Christmas trees are sold each holiday season. Please recycle your tree so that your local community can turn it into valuable mulch, trail chippings, and shoreline erosion barriers. Remove tinsel, decorations, lights, and non-wood tree stands. For San Francisco residents, Sunset Scavenger will collect the trees during the regular pick-up day next week, January 5-11.


Music Videos
"Seeing Hands" by Dengue Fever (Los Angeles, Calif.)

Two brothers found Cambodian lead singer Chhom Nimol in a Long Beach nightclub, and the group (six in all) has released three albums infusing Khmer lyrics with psychedelic rock. Upcoming shows are in Hoboken (Saturday) and New York City (Sunday).

Previous:
"The Show" by Lenka (Los Angeles, Calif. / Sydney, Australia)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nTSU-mFWGs
Lenka, a popular Czech-Slovak name, derives from her dad (who immigrated from Czechslovakia to Australia). You might have heard her song on an Old Navy commercial, or perhaps "Ugly Betty." She'll make a stop in San Francisco on January 15, in addition to shows in Denver, Chicago, Minneapolis, Washington DC, Portland, and Charlottesville.


Movies (domestic revenues through January 4)
#1 Marley & Me (PG): $24.3MM; $106.7MM overall; 3505 screens; $6,923 per screen
#2 Bedtime Stories (PG): $20.5MM; $85.5MM overall; 3684 screens; $5,565 per screen
#3 The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (PG-13): $18.7MM; $79.3MM overall; 2988 screens; $6,255 per screen; nominated for 5 Golden Globes, including Best Picture and Actor (Brad Pitt)
#17 The Reader (R): $1.6MM; $3.6MM overall; 398 screens; $4,016 per screen; about a 15-year-old boy who begins a lifetime of chance meetings with an older woman; co-starring Kate Winslet and Ralph Fiennes; nominated for 4 Golden Globes, including Best Picture and Supporting Actress (Winslet)

Bride Wars (PG): Comedy; about childhood best friends who are helping to plan the details of their respective weddings; co-starring Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway

Che (R): Drama; about the famous Argentine doctor who took part in Fidel Castro's revolution and later became an invaluable resource for guerrilla fighting; co-starring Benicio Del Toro; directed by Steven Soderbergh

How About You (NR): Comedy; about four rude residents in an elderly home, and the woman in charge of the home during Christmas; co-starring Vanessa Redgrave

Last Chance Harvey (PG-13): Romantic comedy; about an unlikely pairing between a down-and-out New Yorker and a spry London woman; co-starring Dustin Hoffman and Emma Thompson

Not Easy Broken (PG-13): Drama; about a happily married couple who faces some difficult decisions following a devastating auto crash; co-starring Morris Chestnut

The Unborn (PG-13): Horror; about a young woman (previously an orphan) who begins to see strange dreams and ghosts; co-starring Gary Oldman

Waltz with Bashir (R): Animation; about a director and his friend's investigation into a recurring nightmare about 26 vicious dogs

DVD Pick - Introducing the Dwights (R): Co-star Brenda Blethyn ("Secrets and Lies"), a single mom who dreams of reigniting her comedy career, contends with her two sons' pursuits. Domestic box office: $0.4 million; foreign box office: $1.6 million (mostly Australia).


Activities
Chinese New Year's Spectacular [Thu-Fri 7:30p, Sat 2:30p/7:30p, Sun 2:30p, Tue 7:30p, Wed 2:30p/7:30p, Thu 7:30p]: Classical Chinese dance and music, based on ancient legends and featuring elaborate costumes. At Opera House (SF) and Flint Center (Cupertino), $30-180. http://www.sfshow.net/

Downtown Ice [Thu 5-10p, Fri 5pm-midnight, Sat noon-midnight, Sun noon-10p]: Ice skating around the Circle of Palms in downtown San Jose. $11-15. www.sjdowntown.com/eve_eve_ice.html

Tony Martin [Thu-Sat 7p]: The 96-year-old crooner steps out of mourning for his recently deceased wife for a local stop. At Rrazz Room (SF), $50. http://www.therrazzroom.com/

South Bay Home & Garden Show [Fri noon-8p, Sat 11a-7p, Sun 11a-6p]: At Santa Clara Convention Center, FREE-$11. $3 online savings. http://www.southbayhomeshow.com/

Jack London's Birthday Celebration [Sat noon-2p]: Featuring a history walk around Jack London Square, birthday cake reception, a book reading, and more. At Jack London Square (Oakland), FREE. http://www.jacklondonsquare.com/

Walking Tours of the Presidio [Sat-Sun 1p]: 90-minute tours, entitled "Little War, Big Impact" (Sat) and "Buffalo Soldiers in a Jim Crow Army" (Sun). Meet at Presidio Officers' Club (SF), FREE. http://www.presidio.gov/

Qadim Ensemble [Sat 7:30p]: Music from the Middle East, northern India, and the Mediterranean regions. At Red Poppy Art House (SF), $12-15. http://www.redpoppyarthouse.org/

Family Appreciation Day [Sun various hours]: For San Francisco families with children ages 0-18, free entry to 32 museums and attractions. Featuring AT&T Park tours, California Academy of Sciences, Coit Tower, Exploratorium, Golden Gate Park Carousel, Japanese Tea Garden, and San Francisco Zoo. Free MUNI rides for kids too! At various SF museums, FREE. http://www.sfkids.org/

John Legend [Mon 8p]: At the Paramount Theatre (Oakland), $51-77. http://www.johnlegend.com/

Previous: Theatre - Macbeth [through Sunday in Berkeley]; Art - Maya Lin: Systematic Landscapes [through Jan 18 in SF]; Theatre - The Arabian Nights [through Jan 18 in Berkeley]; Event - Holiday Ice Skating [through Jan 19 in SF]; Art - Afghanistan: Hidden Treasures from the National Museum, Kabul [through Jan 25 in SF]


Upcoming February Activities
Kodo [Feb 6 in San Rafael]; Music in 12 Parts, by Philip Glass [Feb 16 in SF]; Monster Jam Monster Truck Racing [Feb 28 in Oakland]