Randy's Guide CXXIX (129)

Today is House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's (D-CA) 69th; Friday is writer-director Quentin Tarentino's 46th; Saturday is the Czech Republic's Teachers' Day; Sunday is actress-comedian Amy Sedaris' 48th; Monday is singer Norah Jones' 30th; Tuesday is Malta's Freedom Day; and Wednesday is April Fools' Day and commentator Rachel Maddow's 36th.


Local News
After 120 years serving the mentally and developmentally disabled, Agnews Developmental Center is closing by the end of this week. Roughly 340 patients have been moved into other settings. California's Department of General Services will take over the 81 acres and 46 buildings. www.mercurynews.com/ci_11989340


Deal of the Week
Tax season is upon us - and hooray for my refund. A special offer from reader Elizabeth D. will help ease your pain. Intuit's TurboTax Business federal product is available for a free download ($109.95 value), while any other TurboTax Online federal product is 20% off. Check out either http://turbotax.intuit.com/affiliate/intuitrefer or http://turbotax.intuit.com/go/friendbusiness for more details.


Change for Change
Charity to consider: Sustainable Conservation. Founded in 1993, the San Francisco-based nonprofit organization partners with businesses, government leaders, and private landowners to combat climate change and protect natural resources. The group has been recognized by the EPA, Governor Schwarzenegger, USA Today, and National Public Radio. www.suscon.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, Natural Resources Defense Council, Bay Localize, and San Francisco Women Against Rape.


Bay Area Weekend Weather
Nary a drop in sight. Westerly afternoon winds will be the biggest weather story.

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


Environmental Tips
Join thousands of cities across the globe in Earth Hour on this Saturday from 8:30-9:30pm. Shut off all lights and other electronics for one hour in a measure of soliarity and a statement in favor of environmental progress. www.voteearth2009.org

Previous:
A family trip to the farmers market will engage everyone - from meeting the farmer who grows the food, to seeing the wide array of organic produce and other edibles.


Music Videos
"Terminal Boredom" by The Cute Lepers (Seattle, Wash.)


The punksters will stop by San Francisco's Thee Parkside and San Jose's Blank Club in late April. Other shows until then will include Missoula (Mont.), Denver, Los Angeles, Portland, Chicago, Houston, Indianapolis, and Brooklyn.

Previous:
"I Love College" by Asher Roth (Morrisville, Pa.)


I guess I'm a bit behind, with over 3.4 million views for this video featuring the best of one's university days... namely, booze at fraternity parties, cheap pizza, and random hookups. The future looks bright for the 21-year-old rapper, whose debut album will be released in April.


Movies (domestic revenues through March 22)
#1 Knowing (PG-13): $24.6 million opening; 3332 screens; $7,384 per screen
#2 I Love You, Man (R): $17.8 million opening; 2711 screens; $6,570 per screen
#3 Duplicity (PG-13): $14.0 million opening; 2574 screens; $5,425 per screen
#16 Sunshine Cleaning (R): $0.7 million; $1.0 million overall (2nd weekend); 64 screens; $10,494 per screen; the indie comedy about a single mom entering the crime-scene business cleaned up during the first weekend of spring

Ballerina (NR): Documentary; about five rising women in the Russian ballet circuit

Haunting in Connecticut (PG-13): Horror; a true story about a family who relocates to a home formerly used as a mortuary

Monsters vs. Aliens (PG): Animation; about a team of mutant monsters who must save the earth from an evil alien; co-voiced by Reese Witherspoon, Seth Rogen, Hugh Laurie, and Stephen Colbert

Tokyo Sonata (PG-13): Drama; about a family in modern Japan who faces issues of pride, secrecy, and suspicion; winner of the Cannes Festival Jury Prize

12 Rounds (PG-13): Action; about a New Orleans police detective who faces a series of puzzles from a criminal mastermind intent on exacting revenge

DVD Pick - Chicago 10 (R): This stirring documentary details the days leading up to the infamous 1968 protests at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Co-narrated by Hank Azaria, Nick Nolte, and Mark Ruffalo. Domestic box office: $177 thousand.


Free Activities
Feel Like Protesting? [Thu 5:15p, Fri 6p, Tue 7p]: You could march to Sacramento in favor of gay marriage (through Monday), protect city services and jobs with SEIU members (Thu 5:15p - Halladie Plaza), bike around town for Critical Mass (Fri 6p - Justin Herman Plaza), or explore Marxist classics with the Freedom Socialist Party and Radical Women (Tue 7p - El Cafetazo). FREE.

Sidewalk Fine Arts Festival [Fri-Sun 10a-5p]: At Carlmont Village Shopping Center (Belmont), FREE. www.pacificfinearts.com

Diesel Summer 2009 Launch [Fri 7-10p]: Check out the new collections while happy-houring on complimentary beer, wine, and appetizers. Dice game for prizes. At the Castro Diesel store (SF), FREE.

Greek Independence Day Parade & Festival [Sat noon-6p]: Parade starts at noon from 2nd/Market and proceeds to Civic Center Plaza. Festival runs until 6pm in Bill Graham Civic Auditorium. In downtown San Francisco, FREE. www.greeksf.org

St. Stupid's Day Parade [Wed noon]: 31st annual. A hodgepodge sure to arrive. Starts from Justin Herman Plaza (SF), FREE. www.saintstupid.com/event.html


Paid Activities
Salsa Festival [Thu-Fri 8p, Sat 10p-5a]: 1st annual. Featuring several live salsa DJs, instruction workshops, and live performances. At the Cathedral Hill Hotel and Cafe Cocomo (SF), $15-150. www.sfsalsafestival.com

A Celebration of Men's Spring Style [Fri 6-8p]: Co-sponsored by Details Magazine, this fashion party will include top designs from Ben Sherman, Armani Jeans, Marc by Marc Jacobs, 7 for all Mankind, and others. Featuring free cocktails and DJ music. At Macy's Men's Store (SF), $20 suggested donation. RSVP to 415.393.3724.

Scissors for Lefty [Fri 9p]: San Francisco-based rock band largely formed during college days in San Luis Obispo. They've previously toured with Arctic Monkeys and Smashing Pumpkins. At the Red Devil Lounge (SF), $12. www.scissorsforlefty.com

Hawaiian Dance Company [Sat 2p/8p]: Na Lei Hulu I Ka Wekiu's program "Oahu: Confessions of an Island" is sure to please, what with its 40 members performing hula and traditional Hawaiian music. At Zellerbach Hall (Berkeley), $10-32. www.calperformances.org

Rupa and the April Fishes [Wed 7:30p]: A San Francisco-based band mixing Indian ragas, Argentinean tangos, Gypsy waltzes, French lyrics, and Brazilian bossa nova. At the Independent (SF), $15-17. www.theaprilfishes.com

Water & Power [through Sunday]: A police-action drama about two Latino brothers, one in politics and the other in law enforcement. At the Mexican Heritage Plaza (San Jose), $7-50. www.teatrovision.org

Model Apartment [through April 5]: A dark comedy about the after-effects of the Holocaust. At the Traveling Jewish Theatre (SF), $34. www.atjt.com

Grease [through April 19]: Co-starring American Idol winner Taylor Hicks as Teen Angelin the 1970s hit musical. At the Golden Gate Theatre (SF), $30-99. www.shnsf.com

Previous: Theatre - Not a Genuine Black Man [through Saturday in SF]; It Ain't Nothing but the Blues [through April 11 in Palo Alto]; Burn the Floor [through April 12 in SF]


Upcoming May Activities
Celtic Woman: Isle of Hope concert [May 3 in San Jose, May 6 in Oakland]; Fleetwood Mac concert [May 20 in Oakland]; The Roots concert [May 30 in SF]

Randy's Guide CXXVIII (128)

Today is actor Bruce Willis' 54th; Friday is the Vernal Equinox (first day of spring); Saturday is Persian New Year's Day; Sunday is CNN newsman Wolf Blitzer's 61st; Monday is the Day of Hungarian-Polish Friendship; Tuesday is Colts' quarterback Peyton Manning's 33rd; and Wednesday is Dominos' founder Tom Monaghan's 71st.


Local News
San Francisco-based Gap Inc. announced that its Chairman-CEO Glenn Murphy will lower his salary by 15% this year, and its board will reduce in size by three members and take a 15% compensation cut. Merit-based salary increases will also be eliminated for most employees based at headquarters. www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2009/03/18/financial/f135540D66.DTL


Deal of the Week
Dr. Pepper is offering one free 20-ounce or 2-liter bottle per person. Register at www.freedietdrpepper.com by March 31 to receive your voucher by mail.


Change for Change
Congrats to San Francisco Women Against Rape (SFWAR)! Hopefully you have made some effort to support the organization.

New charity to consider: Sustainable Conservation. Founded in 1993, the San Francisco-based nonprofit organization partners with businesses, government leaders, and private landowners to combat climate change and protect natural resources. The group has been recognized by the EPA, Governor Schwarzenegger, USA Today, and National Public Radio. www.suscon.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, Natural Resources Defense Council, Bay Localize, and now San Francisco Women Against Rape.


Bay Area Weekend Weather
Mild weather will give way to a showery weekend.

Highs: low-60s (coast) to low-70s (inland) dropping to mid-50s on Sunday
Lows: low-50s dropping to low-40s on Sunday


Environmental Tips
A family trip to the farmers market will engage everyone - from meeting the farmer who grows the food, to seeing the wide array of organic produce and other edibles.

Previous:
An MIT team appears to have figured out how to quick charge lithium-ion batteries in a matter of seconds, rather than minutes or hours. This could prove especially useful as plug-in hybrids, electric cars, lightweight laptops, smart phones, and other advanced electronics will become increasingly common in the marketplace.


Music Videos
"I Love College" by Asher Roth (Morrisville, Pa.)


I guess I'm a bit behind, with over 2.5 million views for this video featuring the best of one's university days... namely, booze at fraternity parties, cheap pizza, and random hookups. The future looks bright for the 21-year-old rapper, whose debut album will be released in April.

Previous:
"Strange Lights" by Deerhunter (Atlanta, Ga.)


The ambient punk band recently made a stop in San Francisco for Noise Pop. Previous tours they've opened include Nine Inch Nails, The Smashing Pumpkins, and Yeah Yeah Yeahs. The quartet is en route to Europe for stops including London, Glasgow, Dublin, Paris, Helsinki, and Brussels.


Movies (domestic revenues through March 15)
#1 Race to Witch Mountain (PG): $24.4 million opening; 3187 screens;
#2 Watchmen (R): $17.8 million; $85.8 million overall (2nd weekend); 3611 screens;
#3 The Last House on the Left (R): $14.1 million opening; 2401 screens;
#23 Two Lovers (R): $0.4 million; $1.6 million overall (5th weekend); about a young troubled man who returns home and promptly meets two different, though appealing, women; co-starring Joaquin Phoenix and Gwyneth Paltrow

Cherry Blossoms (NR): Drama; about a widower who travels to Japan and meets a Butoh dancer

Duplicity (PG-13): Drama; a so-so espionage tale about two former agents who enter the corporate world to score millions; co-starring Julia Roberts, Clive Owen, Paul Giamatti, and Tom Wilkinson

The Great Buck Howard (PG): Comedy; about a law-school dropout who helps a mentalist regain his fame; co-starring Tom Hanks, Colin Hanks, and John Malkovich

I Love You, Man (R): Comedy; about a real estate agent who scrambles to find a Best Man for his wedding; co-starring Paul Rudd and Jason Segel

Knowing (PG-13): Sci-fi; about a professor's attempts to uncode a girl's cryptic message about devastating events; co-starring Nicolas Cage

Portrait of a Beauty (NR): Romance; about a woman who disguises herself as a man to pursue a career in artistry during 17th century Korea

Sin Nombre (R): Thriller; about a Mexican teenager who kills his gang's leader and then joins a family of immigrants travelling to the United States

Sunshine Cleaning (R): Comedy; this season's "Juno" or "Little Miss Sunshine," about a single mom who convinces her sister to start up a crime-scene clean-up business; co-starring Amy Adams, Alan Arkin, and Steve Zahn

Tokyo! (NR): Drama; a triptych of short films about Tokyo

DVD Pick - Kung Fu Panda (PG): Very amusing and clever, this DreamWorks-Paramount co-production focuses on a panda whose destiny lies in kung fu, not noodle making; co-voiced by Jack Black, Dustin Hoffman, Angelina Jolie, Jackie Chan, Lucy Liu, and Seth Rogen. Domestic box office: $215.4 million; foreign box office: $416.5 million.


Activities
Bela Fleck & Toumani Diabate [Thu-Sat 8p/10p, Sun 2p/7p]: Hot off of a documentary about his travels in Africa, Bela Fleck brings his famed banjo for several shows. At Yoshi's (Oakland), $5-35. www.belafleck.com

Daniel Everett: Endangered Languages, Lost Knowledge and the Future [Fri 7p]: The field linguist discusses his 20 years living among the Amazon's Piraha tribe. At Cowell Theatre of Fort Mason (SF), $10. www.longnow.org

San Francisco Chocolate Salon [Sat 10a-6p]: 3rd annual. Over 50 chocolatiers and other culinary artisans. At Fort Mason (SF), FREE-$25. www.sfchocolatesalon.com

Harvey Milk Academy Not So Silent Auction and Carnival [Sat noon-5p]: 12th annual. Featuring a petting zoo, live music, food, and games. Silent auction items include gift certificates to Rainbow Grocery, diPietro Todd Salon, Books Inc., Foreign Cinema, and Firefly Restaurant, and a private lunch with Supervisor Bevan Dufty. At Harvey Milk Civil Rights Academy (SF), FREE. www.harveymilk.com

Googoosh [Sat 8p]: This famous Iranian entertainer was forbidden to sing for two decades under house arrest and finally fled the nation to pursue freedom. At the Paramount Theatre (Oakland), $49-250. www.googoosh.com

It Ain't Nothing but the Blues [through April 11]: This retraces the story of the blues from spirituals and chants to the nightclubs of Chicago. At Lucie Stern Theater (Palo Alto), $24-65. www.theatermania.com

Burn the Floor [through April 12]: A Latin and ballroom dance extravaganza that precedes recent television hits "So You Think You Can Dance" and "Dancing with the Stars." At the Post Street Theatre (SF), $30-69. Half-price tickets at www.theatrebayarea.org. Other information at www.unionsquaretheatres.com

Previous: Theatre - Bat Boy, the Musical [through Sunday in Los Altos Hills]; Film - International Asian American Film Festival [through Sunday in San Jose, SF, and Berkeley]; Theatre - Not a Genuine Black Man [through Mar 28 in SF]


Upcoming April Activities
Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band concert [Apr 1 in San Jose]; B.B. King concert [April 16 in Oakland]; Dr. Dog concert [April 16 in SF]

Randy's Guide CXXVII (127)

Today is actor Ron Jeremy's 56th; Friday is singer Common's 37th; Saturday is Andorra's Constitution Day; Sunday is Japan's Honen Matsuri (harvest festival); Monday is comedian Jerry Lewis' 83rd; Tuesday is St. Patrick's Day and Boston Celtics' president Danny Ainge's 50th; and Wednesday is Aruba's Flag Day.


Local News
California's 14th district, which includes Palo Alto, Mountain View, and Santa Clara, scored as the nation's most content congressional district in the nation. The Gallup poll also placed the 8th district (San Francisco) and 12th district (San Mateo to Daly City) in the top 3%. California's 37th district (Compton-South Central LA) ranked dead last. www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/03/11/MNK816CRTB.DTL


Deal of the Week
Kashi, a small natural-foods company in Southern California, is offering a free frozen entree to households. Register for your coupon at www.kashi.com by Sunday.


Change for Change
Charity to consider: San Francisco Women Against Rape (SFWAR). Providing free rape crisis services for over 30 years, the San Francisco-based organization also offers information and resources to healthcare workers, educators, and law enforcement officers. www.sfwar.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, Natural Resources Defense Council, and Bay Localize.


Bay Area Weekend Weather
Very seasonal and dry. Slight chance of rain in Napa/Sonoma counties on Saturday. Record heat possible next Monday-Wednesday, so get on your Irish.

Highs: upper-50s (coast); low-60s (bay); mid-60s (inland)
Lows: low-to-mid-40s


Environmental Tips
An MIT team appears to have figured out how to quick charge lithium-ion batteries in a matter of seconds, rather than minutes or hours. This could prove especially useful as plug-in hybrids, electric cars, lightweight laptops, smart phones, and other advanced electronics will become increasingly common in the marketplace.

Previous:
San Francisco has put together a citywide "buy local" campaign that supports sustainability and smart-growth practices. Petaluma, the Peninsula, Novato, and Oakland are among the other Bay Area cities with such trade groups. www.sfloma.org www.hometownpeninsula.org www.shopoakland.com www.sustainablenovato.org


Music Videos
"Agoraphobia" by Deerhunter (Atlanta, Ga.)

The ambient punk band recently made a stop in San Francisco for Noise Pop. Previous tours they've opened include Nine Inch Nails, The Smashing Pumpkins, and Yeah Yeah Yeahs. The quartet is en route to Europe for stops including London, Glasgow, Dublin, Paris, Helsinki, and Brussels.

Previous:
"Semi Precious Weapons" by Semi Precious Weapons (New York, N.Y.)


Glam rock makes a comeback, as even Rock Band 2 has this song for download. Bisexual frontman Justin Tranter has a jewelry line sold in Barney's and Urban Outfitters. Colorful, indeed. Catch the Village Voice's top NYC band for 2007 at Red Devil Lounge in SF tonight, along with upcoming shows in San Jose, Las Vegas, Portland, Seattle, and Austin (for SXSW).


Movies (domestic revenues through March 8)
#1 Watchmen (R): $55.2 million opening; 3611 screens; $15,291 per screen
#2 Tyler Perry's Madea Goes to Jail (PG-13): $8.5 million; $76.2 million overall (3rd weekend); 2151 screens; $3,967 per screen
#3 Taken (PG-13): $7.3 million; $117.9 million overall (6th weekend); 3016 screens; $2,432 per screen
#27 The Class (PG-13): $0.3 million; $2.0 million overall (12th weekend); 88 screens; $3,330 per screen; about a French schoolteacher who works in an up-and-coming neighborhood; Oscar-nominated for Best Foreign Film

Crossing Over (R): Drama; about a government worker in immigration and various lives that intersect with him; co-starring Harrison Ford, Ray Liotta, and Ashley Judd

Everlasting Moments (NR): Drama; about a woman whose life changes after winning a camera during early 20th-century Sweden

Harvard Beats Yale, 29-29 (PG): Documentary; the epic 1968 game featuring undefeated Yale and Harvard in the final of the season; co-narrated by Tommy Lee Jones, who was a Harvard lineman and roommate of Al Gore

Last House on the Left (R): Horror; about a prison crew who terrorizes two young women at a lake house

Miss March (R): Comedy; about a young man who awakens from a lengthy coma to find out that his virginal high-school sweetheart is now a men's magazine centerfold

Race to Witch Mountain (PG): Family adventure; about a taxi driver who befriends two teens with supernatural powers; co-starring Dwayne Johnson

The Soloist (PG-13): Drama; about a journalist who discovers a former music prodigy on the streets of Los Angeles; co-starring Jamie Foxx and Catherine Keener

Throw Down Your Heart (NR): Documentary; about banjo player Bela Fleck travelling through Africa to trace the instrument's origins

12 (PG-13): Thriller; about one juror on a murder trial who tries to convince the others about his perspective

DVD Pick - Hellboy (PG-13): With all the hoopla around Watchmen, this 2004 comic-book film from the hands of Guillermo del Toro ("Pan's Labyrinth") is appropos. Ron Perlman is the title character, a creature from another world utilized by the government to battle other monsters. Domestic box office: $59.6 million; foreign box office: $39.7 million.


St. Patrick's Day Activities
City of Dublin Festival [Sat-Sun 10a-5p]: Featuring sheepherding competitions, hurling demonstrations, corned beef sandwiches, Irish dancers and bands, and more. In Dublin City Center, FREE. www.dublinstpats.com

St. Patrick's Day Parade and Festival [Sat 10a-5p]: 158th annual. 11:30a parade from 2nd/Market to City Hall. Live Irish bands and dancing, and beer of course. In Civic Center Plaza (SF), FREE. www.sresproductions.com/sfstpatricksday.html

Festival & Barbeque [Sun noon-4p]: 53rd annual. Hearty chicken or oyster dinner spread, generous raffle, homemade goodies, and ample games. At the Dance Palace Community Center (Point Reyes), $7-15. www.dancepalace.org


Other Activities
National Hawaiian Treasures Celebration Tour [Fri 8p/10p]: Featuring three Hawaiian greats - Richard Ho'opi'i, Dennis Kamakahi, and George Kahumoku, Jr. At Yoshi's (Oakland), $25. www.yoshis.com

Arbor Day Celebration 2009 [Sat 11a-1p]: Tree climbing demonstration, kids games, and more. At Pioneer Memorial Park (Mountain View), FREE. www.ci.mtnview.ca.us

Valerie Troutt and the Fear of the Fat Planet Crew [Sat 8p]: Modern jazz. At the Red Poppy Art House (SF), $12-15. www.myspace.com/valerietroutt

London Symphony Orchestra [Sun 7p, Mon 8p]: With conductor Valery Gergiev. Focusing on the works of Prokofiev. At Davies Hall (SF), $20-95. www.sfsymphony.org

In Conversation with Ang Lee [Mon 8p]: With longtime producing partner and screenwriter, Berkeley alumnus James Scharmus. At Zellerbach Hall (Berkeley), $11-30. www.calperformances.org

Sisters Bingo [Wed 7p]: Monthly charity event, with hefty cash and other prizes. Theme is "Burning Man" in honor of an opera based on the annual festival in the desert. At the War Memorial's Green Room (SF), $20-40. www.sistersbingo.com

International Asian American Film Festival [through Mar 22]: 27th annual. Best productions look to include Kiyoshi Kurosawa's "Tokyo Sonata," H.P. Mendoza's "Fruit Fly" (after 2006's underground hit "Colma: The Musical"), and local filmmaker Jennifer Phang's "Half-Life." At the Kabuki (SF), Castro (SF), YBCA (SF), Camera 12 (San Jose), and PFA (Berkeley). Tickets start at $7.50. www.asianamericanmedia.org/2009

Previous: Theatre - In the Next Room (or the vibrator play) [through Sunday in Berkeley]; Theatre - Souvenir [through Sunday in SF]; Event - International Children's Film Festival [through Sunday in SF and San Jose]; Theatre - Bat Boy, the Musical [through Mar 22 in Los Altos Hills]; Theatre - Not a Genuine Black Man [through Mar 28 in SF]


Upcoming April Activities
Rupa & the April Fishes in concert [Apr 1 in SF]; Ventriloquist Jeff Dunham [Apr 18 in San Jose]; Writer David Sedaris in conversation [Apr 26 in Berkeley]

Randy's Guide CXXVI (126)

Today is the 239th anniversary of the Boston Massacre; Friday is basketball player Shaquille O'Neal's 37th and Texas' Alamo Day; Saturday is Albania's Teacher's Day; Sunday is International Women's Day; Monday is French actress Juliette Binoche's 45th; Tuesday is Zimbabwe Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai's 57th; and Wednesday is Berkeley author Christopher Rice's 31st.


Local News
Thousands have gathered outside the California Supreme Court building in San Francisco, as seven justices hear arguments from attorneys on both sides of the same-sex marriage debate. The core dispute rests on whether Proposition 8 is an amendment or a revision to the California Constitution. www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/03/05/BALP169S4U.DTL


Deal of the Week
Free bagels on Fridays and free coffee on Mondays. Noah's Bagels has this nationwide promotion running through the end of March, so look for the ad insert in your local newspaper or mailbox. I have several extras if you wish to get them directly from me.


Change for Change
Charity to consider: San Francisco Women Against Rape (SFWAR). Providing free rape crisis services for over 30 years, the San Francisco-based organization also offers information and resources to healthcare workers, educators, and law enforcement officers. www.sfwar.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, Natural Resources Defense Council, and Bay Localize.


Bay Area Weekend Weather
Drying out after several days of steady rain or snow. Tahoe anyone?

Highs: mid-50s (coast) to low-60s (inland)
Lows: upper-30s (inland) to mid-40s (coast)


Environmental Tips
San Francisco has put together a citywide "buy local" campaign that supports sustainability and smart-growth practices. Petaluma, the Peninsula, Novato, and Oakland are among the other Bay Area cities with such trade groups. www.sfloma.org www.hometownpeninsula.org www.shopoakland.com www.sustainablenovato.org

Previous:
Dirty disposable diapers - the EPA estimates that we send 3.5 million tons of them every year. Look into either cloth diapers or flushable diapers (www.gdiapers.com) as better solutions.


Music Videos
"Magnetic Baby" by Semi Precious Weapons (New York, N.Y.)


Glam rock makes a comeback, as even Rock Band 2 has this song for download. Bisexual frontman Justin Tranter has a jewelry line sold in Barney's and Urban Outfitters. Colorful, indeed. Catch the Village Voice's top NYC band for 2007 at Red Devil Lounge in SF on March 12, along with shows in San Jose, L.A., San Diego, Las Vegas, Portland, and Austin.

Previous:
"Mexico City" by Jolie Holland (San Francisco, Calif.)


Bred in Houston and now living in New York City, Ms. Holland released her fourth album in October of last year. Her next gig is at Carnegie Hall on March 11.


Movies (domestic revenues through March 1)
#1 Tyler Perry's Madea Goes to Jail (PG-13): $16.2 million; $64.5 million overall (2nd weekend); 2052 screens; $7,883 per screen
#2 Jonas Brothers: The 3D Concert Experience (G): $12.5 million opening; 1271 screens; $9,843 per screen
#3 Slumdog Millionaire (R): $12.0 million; $115.0 million overall (16th weekend); 2943 screens; $4,086 per screen
#18 Milk (R): $1.5 million; $30.0 million overall (14th weekend); 828 screens; $1,792 per screen; about the first openly gay politician, San Francisco Supervisor Harvey Milk; fresh off two Oscar victories, for Best Actor (Sean Penn) and Best Original Screenplay (Dustin Lance Black)

Azur & Asmar (PG): Animation; about two children with different features who are raised by the same nanny as brothers

Examined Life (NR): Documentary; about nine individuals who explore the contemporary philosophical movement

Medicine for Melancholy (NR): Drama; about two African-American twenty-somethings who wake up in bed and spend the day in San Francisco trying to piece things together and get to know each other

Watchmen (R): Action; about a murder spree on former costumed heroes, and the effort to uncover the killer; co-starring Billy Crudup

DVD Pick - Lars and the Real Girl (PG-13): Ryan Gosling shines (and received Golden Globe and SAG nominations in 2008) for his quirky role as an introverted young man who dates a blow-up doll. A film made with heart and substance. Domestic box office: $6.0 million; foreign box office: $5.3 million.


Activities
Pacific Orchid Exposition [Thu 6:30-10p, Fri 10a-6p, Sat 9a-6p, Sun 10a-5p]: 57th annual. More than 150,000 orchids on display. At Fort Mason (SF), FREE-$40. www.orchidsanfrancisco.org

Watchmen Advanced Screening Benefit [Thu 7p]: Catch the highly anticipated comic-book film in advance of its Friday opening. 100% of the proceeds go to the Cartoon Art Museum. At the Metreon (SF), $25-250. www.cartoonart.org

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre [Thu-Fri 8p, Sat 2p/8p, Sun 3p]: As part of the 50th anniversary season. At Zellerbach Hall (Berkeley), $31-62. www.calperformances.org

International Women's Day Celebration [Fri-Sat 8p, Sun 2p]: 14th annual. Festivities include dance, music, poetry, and visual arts. At the Women's Building (SF), $5-10. www.locobloco.org

Crab Crawl Festival [Sat 10a-5p]: 3rd annual. Featuring live music, seafood vendors, demonstrations, samples, and kiddie jump houses. At Jack London Square (Oakland), FREE. www.jacklondonsquare.com

Not a Genuine Black Man [through Mar 28]: An autobiographical monologue by KGO-AM's Brian Copeland, about his experiences growing up in San Leandro during the 1970s. At the Marsh (SF), $25-50. www.themarsh.org

Previous: Theatre - Angry Black White Boy [extended through Sunday in SF]; Theatre - Betrayed [through Sunday in Berkeley]; Theatre - In the Next Room (or the vibrator play) [through Mar 15 in Berkeley]; Theatre - Souvenir [through Mar 15 in SF]; Event - International Children's Film Festival [through Mar 15 in SF and San Jose]; Theatre - Bat Boy, the Musical [through Mar 22 in Los Altos Hills]


Upcoming April Activities
San Francisco Symphony Music for Families [Apr 4 in Cupertino]; Franz Ferdinand [Apr 15 in Oakland]; San Francisco International Beer Festival [Apr 25 in SF]