Randy's Guide CXXXVIII (138)

Today is Australian singer Kylie Minogue's 41st and Phillippines' National Flag Day; Friday is Nigeria's Democracy Day; Saturday is suspended baseball player Manny Ramirez' 37th and Canary Islands Day; Sunday is World No Tobacco Day; Monday is mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade's 64th; Tuesday is "Star Trek" actor Zachary Quinto's 32nd and Italy's Republic Day; and Wednesday is "Lonesome Dove" writer Larry McMurtry's 63rd.


Local News
In light of the California Supreme Court decision to affirm Proposition 8, gay-marriage advocates have already scheduled their first major event: Fresno. Saturday's 14.5-mile morning walk from nearby Selma to Fresno City Hall will be followed by a speech-filled rally. www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/05/27/MNSK17RGTS.DTL


Change for Change
Charity to consider: Ashoka. Reader Darlene D's organization, started in 1980, supports socially responsible entrepreneurs and promotes infrastructure development in more than 60 nations. www.ashoka.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, San Francisco Women Against Rape, and Sustainable Conservation.


Bay Area Weekend Weather
Typical late-spring, with morning fog and afternoon breezes. Cooling trend for inland areas through Sunday.

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


Deal of the Week
Life's Abundance pet food is providing free dog or cat food and other treats. www.healthyanimaldiet.net/pet-food-samples


The Environment
Car washes should preferably be done professionally to prevent hazardous runoff into our water supply, or at home over absorbent grass or gravel with biodegradable, phosphate-free, water-based cleaners.

Previous:
Recycle your used ink/toner cartridges! RecyclePlace (www.recycleplace.com) or Advantage Cartridge (www.advantagecartridge.com) will pay you for each used inkjet cartridge, assuming you collect 20 to 30 inkjet cartridges. Or, Staples and Office Depot will give you $3 in rewards for each used cartridge.


Music Videos
"Don't Forget Sister" by Low vs Diamond (Los Angeles, Calif.)


Three University of Colorado students formed a band and moved west for the high life. This song from their debut album ranked #59 on Rolling Stone's 100 best songs of 2008. Currently, they're touring with Third Eye Blind, including stops in Denver (June 5), Houston (June 9), San Diego (June 14), and Los Angeles (June 25).

Previous:
"Eye on the Dollar" by Citay (San Francisco, Calif.)


Influences include Led Zeppelin, Joni Mitchell, The Bee Gees, Rufus Wainwright, and Miles Davis. Catch the band, heavy on instrumentals, in action at San Francisco's The Tempest (June 27), Los Angeles' Tangiers (July 2), or Monterey's The Lounge Underground (July 4).


Movies (domestic revenues through May 25)
Ben Stiller won the battle of sequels, as Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian (PG) scored $70.1 million (4096 screens, $17,102 per screen). Terminator Salvation (PG-13), with Christian Bale taking over for Arnold Schwarzenegger, opened with $51.9 million ($65.3 million overall, 3530 screens, $14,715 per screen). The Brothers Bloom (PG-13), co-starring Adrien Brody and Mark Ruffalo as con-men brothers, strongly moved into additional theatres with $0.5 million ($0.6 million overall, 52 theatres, $9,529 per screen).

Big Man Japan (PG-13): Drama; about a middle-aged slacker whose job involves being transformed into a multi-story-high giant to defend Japan

Departures (PG-13): Drama; about a young unemployed cellist who must take his family back to his hometown; winner of Best Foreign Film Oscar

Drag Me to Hell (PG-13): Horror; about an L.A. loan officer whose home loan rejection results in a devious curse placed upon her; directed by Sam Raimi

Easy Virtue (PG-13): Comedy; about a newly married couple battling with a mother-in-law intent on ruining the marriage; co-starring Jessica Biel, Kristin Scott Thomas, and Colin Firth

Up (PG): Animated; about an elderly man whose life dramatically changes with the help of an 8-year-old boy; co-voiced by Edward Asner and Christopher Plummer

DVD Pick - Zack and Miri Make a Porno (R): Familiar roles for Seth Rogen (lovable oaf) and Elizabeth Banks (golden-hearted beauty) are balanced with a clever script, steady direction from Kevin Smith, and an unexpected twist from Jason Mewes (Clerks). Domestic box office: $31.5 million; foreign box office: $8.7 million.


Free Activities
Facing the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence [Fri 6:30p]: In honor of 30 years of existence, catch a rare glimpse at the creative ritual blessings and face makeup behind the charity group. RSVP required on Web site. At the YBCA (SF). www.ybca.org

Chocolate and Chalk Art Festival [Sat 10a-5p]: 13th annual. Featuring sidewalk drawing and chocolate samplings. Along Shattuck Avenue (Berkeley). www.chocolateandchalkart.com

American Sign Language Festival [Sat 10a-5p]: Featuring ASL storytellers, talent show, and community booths. At Justin Herman Plaza (SF). www.aslfestival.com

Foster City Arts & Wine Festival [Sat 11a-7p, Sun 11a-5p]: 38th annual. Featuring three stages of live entertainment, carnival rides, lagoon cruises, and more. At Leo J. Ryan Memorial Park (Foster City). www.fostercitychamber.com

Malcolm X Jazz Arts Festival [Sat 11a-7p]: Featuring graffiti battles, skateboarding contest, live jazz bands, DJs, and more. At San Antonio Park (Oakland). www.eastsideartsalliance.org

Circus Bella [Sat noon-4p]: Two performances filled with acrobatics, juggling, clowns, and a circus band. At Yerba Buena Gardens (SF). www.ybgf.org

An Afternoon with Chef Martin Yan [Sat 2p]: Discussion of ancient Chinese culture and cuisine. At the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Library (San Jose). www.sjlibrary.org

Union Design Festival [Sun 11a-6p]: Featuring 130 original, locally produced independent clothing designers. At Hayes and Octavia (SF). www.uniondesignsf.com

Green with Pride Business Expo [Tue 4-8p]: Kicking off Pride Month with a wide array of businesses offering samplings, live entertainment, a silent auction, and raffle. At Hotel Whitcomb (SF). www.ggba.com/expo/expoinfo.html


Paid Activities
Jenny Lewis concert [Thu 8p, Fri 9p]: Former Randy's Guide musical artist. With The Sadies opening. At the Fillmore (SF), $25. www.jennylewis.com

Mark Morris Dance Group [Fri-Sat 8p, Sun 3p]: Set to Handel's oratorio with 24 dancers, a full orchestra, and chorus. At Zellerbach Hall (Berkeley), $31-82. www.calperformances.org

The 25th Annual Putnam Spelling Bee [through June 7]: About smart misfit kids who are competing in a spelling bee. At the San Jose Repertory Theatre, $33-62. www.sjrep.com

Dead Man's Cell Phone [through June 13]: About a woman's increasing number of lies directed to people who call a dead man's cell phone. At the SF Playhouse, $40. www.sfplayhouse.org

Previous: Theatre - Best of Playground 13 [through Sunday in SF]; Theatre - Rabbi Sam [through June 7 in SF]


Upcoming July Activities
High Sierra Music Festival [July 2-5 in Quincy]; Fillmore Jazz Festival [July 4-5 in SF]; Tori Amos concert [July 13 in Oakland]

Randy's Guide CXXXVII (137)

Today is comedian and likely Minnesota senator Al Franken's 58th and English Olympic diver Tom Daley's 15th; Friday is businessman T. Boone Pickens, Jr.'s 81st and Martinique's Abolition Day; Saturday is Price Is Right host Drew Carey's 51st; Sunday is Bulgaria's Slavonic Literature Day; Monday is Memorial Day and Argentina's National Day; Tuesday is Australia's National Day of Healing and Fleetwood Mac singer Stevie Nicks' 61st; and Wednesday is former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger's 86th and television chef Jamie Oliver's 34th.


Local News
Former California State Controller Steve Westly spoke at his alma mater, Stanford University, to press his concerns for cleaner technologies. He mentioned electric cars, solar panels, wind turbines, and stricter efficiency standards as ways to boost the global economy, ensure American success, and protect the planet. www.stanforddaily.com/cgi-bin/?p=1031207


Change for Change
Charity to consider: Ashoka. Reader Darlene D's organization, started in 1980, supports socially responsible entrepreneurs and promotes infrastructure development in more than 60 nations. www.ashoka.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, San Francisco Women Against Rape, and Sustainable Conservation.


Bay Area Holiday Weekend Weather
Mild and seasonal, with morning fog and afternoon breezes. Warmest day should be Monday, just in time for outdoor BBQ and holiday shopping.

Highs: low-60s (coast); low-70s (bay); low-80s (inland)
Lows: upper-40s to low-50s


Deal of the Week
As if the Million Subs giveaway weren't enough, Quiznos is now offering a free flatbread Sammie with signup, along with a free cookie on your birthday. www.quiznos.com/subsandwiches/Offers/OffersLanding.aspx


The Environment
Recycle your used ink/toner cartridges! RecyclePlace (www.recycleplace.com) or Advantage Cartridge (www.advantagecartridge.com) will pay you for each used inkjet cartridge, assuming you collect 20 to 30 inkjet cartridges. Or, Staples and Office Depot will give you $3 in rewards for each used cartridge.

Previous:
With the influx of battery-based devices (digital cameras, remote controls, digital picture frames), switch from alkaline batteries to rechargeable ones. Right now, they come in two different types: the cheaper nickel metal hydride and the more-efficiency lithium ion. Regardless, though, when the battery's life has ended, recycle them at your local hardware or pharmacy for proper disposal.


Music Videos
"Eye on the Dollar" by Citay (San Francisco, Calif.)


Influences include Led Zeppelin, Joni Mitchell, The Bee Gees, Rufus Wainwright, and Miles Davis. Catch the band, heavy on instrumentals, in action at San Francisco's The Tempest (June 27), Los Angeles' Tangiers (July 2), or Monterey's The Lounge Underground (July 4).

Previous:
"Fools" by The Dodos (Lafayette, Calif.)


The Bay Area band picked up a ringing endorsement from the SF Bay Guardian as one of four winners of the 20th Annual Goldie Awards. Upcoming shows over the next few months include stops in Brooklyn, San Francisco (Aug 29), Seattle, Berlin, and Montreal.


Movies (domestic revenues through May 17)
Angels & Demons (PG-13), the follow-up to the global sensation Da Vinci Code, eked out a narrow victory with $46.2 million (3527 screens, $13,100 per screen). Star Trek (PG-13) continued to roll with $43.0 million ($147.6 million overall, 3860 screens, $11,149 per screen). Rudo y Cursi (R), which reunites the duo from Y Tu Mama Tambien, placed 15th with $0.4 million in limited release ($0.7 million overall, 219 screens, $2,028 per screen).

The Boys: The Sherman Brothers' Story (PG): Documentary; about the Oscar- and Grammy-winning songwriting brothers

The Brothers Bloom (PG-13): Action; about con-men brothers who take on one last job with an eccentric heiress; co-starring Adrien Brody, Mark Ruffalo, Rachel Weisz, and Rinko Kikuchi

Dance Flick (PG-13): Comedy; about a stream of parodies on dance films; co-starring Damon Wayans Jr. and Shawn Wayans

The Girlfriend Experience (R): Drama; about a high-end Manhattan call girl in the weeks leading up to the 2008 presidential election; directed by Steven Soderbergh

Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian (PG): Comedy; about night watchman Larry Daly's work in the Smithsonian; co-starring Ben Stiller, Amy Adams, Hank Azaria, and Owen Wilson

O'Horten (PG-13): Comedy; about a train driver entering his days of retirement

Summer Hours (NR): Drama; about two brothers and a sister who must get rid of their family belongings following their mother's death; co-starring Juliette Binoche

Terminator Salvation (PG-13): Action; about John Conner's latest efforts to battle against deadly machines; co-starring Christian Bale and Helena Bonham Carter

DVD Pick - Starter for 10 (PG-13): James McAvoy, perhaps better known in the States for his dramatic roles in The Last King of Scotland and Atonement, has a fun time here as a young scholar who escapes his dreary rural town for the high life as a university man. Tom Hanks is a co-producer. Domestic box office: $0.2 million; foreign box office: $1.5 million.


Free Activities
Carnaval [Sat-Sun 10a-6p]: Featuring seven blocks of Cuban, Jamaican, and Brazilian music; Polynesian and African dancers; Japanese taiko drums; and more. Parade on Sunday morning. Along Harrison St, between 16th and 22nd St. (SF). www.carnavalsf.com

Sephardic Music Experience [Sat 1-2:30p]: Featuring Jazz vocalist Kat Parra in an exploration of Sephardic Jewish music. In Yerba Buena Gardens (SF). www.ybgf.org

Film Night in the Park [Sat 8p]: Featuring Oscar-winning Wall-E. At Creek Park (San Anselmo). www.filmnight.org

Antiques & Collectibles Faire [Sun 8a-4p]: Featuring more than 400 dealers and appraiser Steve Yvaska. Along Main St (Pleasanton). www.pleasantonantiquefaire.com

SF Popfest [Sun 1p]: Featuring Let's Whisper, Pocketbooks (Dan & Emma of), Gregory Webster, Antarctica Takes It!, Land of Ill Earthquakes, and Apple Orchard. At Dolores Park (SF). www.sfpopfest.com

Memorial Day at the Presidio [Mon 10:30a]: Parade at 10:30a led by the 191st Army Band; formal program at 11a in the National Cemetery; 21-gun salute at noon; cemetery walks to highlight noteworthy soldiers. In the Presidio (SF). www.presidio.gov/calendar/memorial.htm

Memorial Day Tribute [Mon 10a]: 106th annual. Featuring music by the Hayward Municipal Band, an F-16 fighter jet flyover, Huey Helicopter display, and a free BBQ lunch. At Lone Tree Cemetery (Hayward). http://haywardmunicipalband.blogspot.com


Paid Activities
B.B. King [Thu 8p, Fri 7:30p]: The venerable 83-year-old blues singer has two stops in the Bay Area. At the Fillmore (SF) and the Mountain Winery (Saratoga), $55-98. www.bbking.com

Best of Playground 13 [through May 31]: Featuring seven one-acts, from 176 entries. At the Thick House (SF), $28-40. www.playground-sf.org

Previous: Art - Watercolor Exhibit [through Sunday in SF]; Theatre - The Lieutenant of Inishmore [through Sunday in Berkeley]; Theatre - Rabbi Sam [through June 7 in SF]


Upcoming June Activities
Great American Food and Music Fest [Jun 13 in Mountain View]; Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon [June 13-14 in SF]; Chelsea Handler comedy show [Jun 27 in Saratoga]

Randy's Guide CXXXVI (136)

Today is Australian actress Cate Blanchett's 40th; Friday is painter Jasper Johns' 79th and Paraguay's Independence Day; Saturday is singer Janet Jackson's 43rd; Sunday is Democratic Republic of the Congo's Liberation Day; Monday is actress Tina Fey's 39th and Turkmenistan's Revival, Unity, and Poetry of Magtymguly Day; Tuesday is Turkey's Commemoration of Ataturk Day; and Wednesday is rapper Busta Rhymes' 37th and East Timor's Independence Day.


Local News
San Francisco-based Craigslist has agreed to replace its erotic services section with an "adult services" category that will have each of its ads reviewed by employees. The Web site had been under pressure to modify its practices following the murder of a masseuse who posted in Boston's erotic services area. www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/05/14/MNHL17JT07.DTL


Change for Change
Charity to consider: Ashoka. Reader Darlene D's organization, started in 1980, supports socially responsible entrepreneurs and promotes infrastructure development in more than 60 nations. www.ashoka.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, San Francisco Women Against Rape, and Sustainable Conservation.


Bay Area Weekend Weather
Another warming trend, with fair skies and light afternoon breezes. Perfect weather to stake out a spot on Sunday morning and watch the costumed (and nude) of Bay to Breakers.

Highs: coast (mid-70s); bay (mid-80s); inland (low-90s)
Lows: coast (low-50s); bay (mid-50s); inland (upper-50s)


Deal of the Week
Restaurant discounts are becoming more frequent in local newspapers, mailings, and the Internet. Restaurant.com offers discounted restaurant gift certificates, and I've used several of them (such as for Goood Frikin' Chicken and Hyde Street Bistro) without a hitch. For an additional 70% savings through Saturday, enter discount code "TASTY" at checkout and hit "apply." This means $25 certificates will only cost you $3. Special thanks to reader Adriana C-V. for the tip. www.restaurant.com


The Environment
With the influx of battery-based devices (digital cameras, remote controls, digital picture frames), switch from alkaline batteries to rechargeable ones. Right now, they come in two different types: the cheaper nickel metal hydride and the more-efficiency lithium ion. Regardless, though, when the battery's life has ended, recycle them at your local hardware or pharmacy for proper disposal.

Previous:
If you're one of the 20% of Californians who change your car's motor oil, remember to take the used oil and filter to a collection center, not dump them down the drain or into the garbage. State Certified Collection Centers will even pay 16 cents per gallon for used oil. Visit www.ciwmb.ca.gov/UsedOil/Centers to find the nearest location.


Music Videos
"Fools" by The Dodos (Lafayette, Calif.)


The Bay Area band picked up a ringing endorsement from the SF Bay Guardian as one of four winners of the 20th Annual Goldie Awards. Upcoming shows over the next few months include stops in Brooklyn, San Francisco (Aug 29), Seattle, Berlin, and Montreal.

Previous:
"Worn Me Down" by Rachael Yamagata (Washington, D.C.)


Her alt-light rock is perfect for such television show soundtracks as Grey's Anatomy, One Tree Hill, and The O.C. Her second studio album received rave reviews. She's making a special guest appearance on 30 Rock tonight.


Movies (domestic revenues through May 10)
Star Trek (PG-13) wowed audiences - including this writer - to a spectacular $75.2 million weekend gross ($79.2 million overall, 3849 screens, $19,539 per screen). X-Men: Wolverine (PG-13) had a steep drop-off from last week's opening to $26.4 million ($129.0 million overall, 4102 screens, $6,438 per screen). Next Day Air (R), a cocaine comedy, stumbled to a $4.1 million opening (1138 screens, $3,613 per screen). And Little Ashes (R), co-starring Twilight's Robert Pattinson as Salvador Dali during his early encounters with Federico Garcia Lorca and Luis Bunuel, picked up a respectable $73 thousand (12 screens, $6,116 per screen).

Adoration (R): Drama; about a high-school French teacher who assigns a terrorism news story as a homework exercise; co-starring Scott Speedman; directed by Atom Egoyan

Angels & Demons (PG-13): Thriller; about symbologist Robert Langdon returning to investigate certain religious forces strongly desire to advance their goals; co-starring Tom Hanks, Ewan McGregor, and Armin Mueller-Stahl; directed by Ron Howard

Beast Stalker (NR): Action; about a traffic accident that brings together a wanted criminal, a public prosecutor, and a policy sergeant

Il Divo (NR): Drama; about a feared politician in Italy

Management (R): Comedy; about a chance encounter between a motel owner's son and an overnight guest; co-starring Jennifer Aniston, Woody Harrelson, and Steve Zahn

Rudo y Cursi (R): Drama; about two sibling rivals within the world of professional soccer; co-starring Gael Garcia Bernal and Diego Luna

Treeless Mountain (NR): Drama; about a young girl who is left by her single mom in the hands of her alcoholic aunt

DVD Pick - Scotland, PA (R): A clever modernist look at Shakespeare's "Macbeth," as we shift to 1970s Pennsylvania at Duncan's Restaurant. Co-starring Maura Tierney and Christopher Walken. Domestic box office: $384 thousand.


98th Annual Bay to Breakers www.baytobreakers.com
ING Greater Body Expo [Fri 11a-7p, Sat 9a-7p]: Pick up your official packets and racing bibs; or, register for the race. Also featuring apparel and fitness gear, interactive displays, and ample free samples. At Bill Graham Civic Auditorium (SF).

The Race [Sun 8a-noon]: 12K race, with cash prizes for the fastest man and woman. Please, leave your kegs at home, pick up your garbage, and don't defecate on people's property. Starts in the Financial District and proceeds through South of Market, Civic Center, Hayes Valley, Western Addition, Alamo Square, Panhandle, Golden Gate Park, and finally Ocean Beach. Drivers, watch for street closures!

Southwest Airlines Costume Contest [Sun 8-11:30a]: Featuring prizes (two round-trip tickets) for Best California, Best Green, Best Creative, and Best Current Event costumes. At Golden Gate Park's Conservatory of Flowers.

Footstock [Sun 9:30a-2p]: Featuring band Music for Animals, beer and wine gardens, food samples, event merchandise, and participant t-shirt pick up. In Golden Gate Park's Polo Field.


Free Activities
Dolores Park Movie Night [Thu 8p]: Featuring the French hit film "Amelie." At Dolores Park (SF). www.doloresparkmovie.org

Oakland Greek Festival [Fri-Sat 10a-11p, Sun 11a-9p]: Featuring traditional Greek dances, musical performances, and homemade moussaka and baklava. At Greek Orthodox Cathedral (Oakland), FREE-$6. www.oaklandgreekfestival.com (free from 10a-4p Fri and 6-9p Sun; $1 discount on Web site)

A La Carte & Art [Sat-Sun 10a-6p]: 13th annual. Featuring handicrafts, microbrews, green products showcase, farmers market, and more. Along Castro Street (Mountain View). www.miramarevents.com

Asian Heritage Street Celebration [Sat 11a-6p]: 5th annual. Featuring hip-hop dance group Downe-FX, anime-themed fashion show, kickboxing demonstration, SF Bay Guardian's "Best of the Bay Singer Songwriter" Curt Yagi, and more. Along Larkin St, from the Asian Art Museum to Little Saigon (SF). www.asianfairsf.com

Life Is Good Family Festival [Sat 11a-5p]: Featuring musical guest ALO (previous tour with Jack Johnson), puppet show, badminton, and other family-friendly activities. At Golden Gate Park's Speedway Meadow (SF). www.lifeisgood.com

Immigrants Day Festival [Sat noon-5p]: Featuring performances by Basque, Filipino, Croatian, Portuguese, African-American, and other ethnic groups. In Courthouse Square (Redwood City). www.historysmc.org

Asian American Heritage Festival [Sat 12:30-5p]: 16th annual. Featuring taiko drummers, Thai classical dancers from Fremont's Wat Buddhanusorn, hula dancers, and more. At Southern Alameda County Buddhist Church (Union City). www.aafc-ca.org

Balinese Shadow Play [Sat 8-9p]: About the Mahabharata myth cycle, in which five brothers battle 100 jealous cousins for power and love. At Yerba Buena Gardens (SF). www.ybgf.org

Burlingame Green Street Fair [Sun 9a-3p]: Featuring environmental vendors and demonstrations, and a farmer's market. Near Park Road and Burlingame Ave. www.burlingame.org/sustainable

Healthy Living Fair [Sun 10a-2p]: Featuring complimentary neck massages, green beauty products, pilates mini classes, cooking demonstrations, a kids bouncey house, and more. At the Jewish Community Center (SF). www.jccsf.org

Jazz on Fourth Street Festival [Sun noon-5p]: 14th annual. Featuring live jazz music. Benefits Berkeley High Jazz Bands. Along Fourth Street (Berkeley). www.fourthstreet.com


Paid Activities
Charlie Hunter jazz concert [Thu-Sat 8p]: Featuring Terrence Higgins on his first self-release album over his 15-year career. At Yoshi's (SF), $20. www.charliehunter.com

Joan Rivers [Fri 8p]: Check out the famed comedian who recently won Donald Trump's Celebrity Apprentice. With Linda Clifford opening. At the Castro Theatre (SF), $35-75. www.joanrivers.com

O'Reilly's Oysterfest [Sat 11a-?]: 10th annual. Featuring music by Michael Franti and Spearhead, cooking demonstrations, oyster shuck & suck competition, and more. Benefits Team in Training. At Fort Mason's Great Meadow (SF), free-$60. www.sfoysterfest.com

Rabbi Sam [through June 7]: A one-man performance about a Jewish congregation coping with a new progressive rabbi. At the Marsh (SF), $18-50. www.themarsh.org

Previous: Theatre - Miss Julie [through Sunday in Berkeley]; Art - Watercolor Exhibit [through May 24 in SF]; Theatre - The Lieutenant of Inishmore [through May 24 in Berkeley]


Upcoming June Activities
Juneteenth Festival in Cesar Chavez Park [June 20 in San Jose]; 72nd Stern Grove Festival opener Roberta Flack [June 21 in SF]; Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood [June 29 in Oakland]

Randy's Guide CXXXV (135)

Today is 49ers quarterback Alex Smith's 25th; Friday is V-E Day and Canadian musician Martha Wainwright's 33rd; Saturday is Romania's Independence Day; Sunday is Mother's Day; Monday is the 89th anniversary of the federal establishment of Montana's Glacier National Park; Tuesday is International Nurses Day; Wednesday is comedian Stephen Colbert's 45th and controversial Miss California 2009 Carrie Prejean's 22nd; and Thursday is Bike to Work Day.


Local News
Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has returned to Stanford University for a position at the Hoover Institute think tank. Rice has met and dined with students at Roble Hall and FroSoCo; one heated exchange has been posted on YouTube and featured on MSNBC. www.stanforddaily.com/cgi-bin/?p=1030289


Change for Change
Latest charity to consider: Ashoka. Reader Darlene D's organization, started in 1980, supports socially responsible entrepreneurs and promotes infrastructure development in more than 60 nations. www.ashoka.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, San Francisco Women Against Rape, and Sustainable Conservation.


Bay Area Weekend Weather
Warmer and drier, perfect for taking mom to an outdoor brunch.

Highs: mid-60s (coast) to low-70s (bay) to low-80s (inland)
Lows: low-50s


Deal of the Week
In an effort to raise additional capital with the absorption of Washington Mutual, JPMorganChase is offering $100 for any new checking account member. Simply bring in a voucher, commit to a direct deposit, and receive all the benefits that WaMulians have come to embrace (free checks, free overdraft per year, free ATM cash withdrawals). Ask me for the e-mail voucher.


The Environment
If you're one of the 20% of Californians who change your car's motor oil, remember to take the used oil and filter to a collection center, not dump them down the drain or into the garbage. State Certified Collection Centers will even pay 16 cents per gallon for used oil. Visit www.ciwmb.ca.gov/UsedOil/Centers to find the nearest location.

Previous:
Electric cars are set to join plug-in hybrids on car lots later next year. Nissan's version should cost less than $30,000 and be able to charge 80% of its lithium ion battery in less than 30 minutes. Ford, Mitsubishi, Chrysler, and Subaru are also slated to release versions by 2011.


Music Videos
"Worn Me Down" by Rachael Yamagata (Washington, D.C.)


Her alt-light rock is perfect for such television show soundtracks as Grey's Anatomy, One Tree Hill, and The O.C. Her second studio album received rave reviews. She has a free upcoming performance in Philadelphia on Saturday.

Previous:
"Geraldine" by Glasvegas (Glasgow, Scotland)


The award-winning quartet will make a Bay Area appearance at Shoreline's BFD music festival on June 6.


Movies (domestic revenues through May 3)
X-Men Origins: Wolverine (PG-13) met expectations with a hefty $85.1 million opening weekend (4099 screens, $20,751 per screen). The Matthew McConaughey romantic comedy Ghosts of Girlfriends Past (PG-13) started with $15.4 million (3175 screens, $4,854 per screen), while the Beyonce thriller Obsessed (PG-13) picked up an additional $12.1 million in its second weekend ($46.9 million overall, 2514 screens, $4,794 per screen). The animated Battle for Terra (PG) bombed with $1.1 million (1160 screens, $933 per screen).

Every Little Step (PG-13): Documentary; about the full scope of a production of A Chorus Line, from initial conception to the current revival on Broadway

Lemon Tree (NR): Drama; about the suspicious lemon trees of a Palestinian villager whose home now neighbors an Israeli minister of defense

The Limits of Control (R): Thriller; about a mysterious criminal in Spain; co-starring Bill Murray, Tilda Swinton, and Gael Garcia Bernal; directed by Jim Jarmusch

Little Ashes (R): Drama; about the arrival of a young artist named Salvador Dali at a Madrid university; co-starring Robert Pattinson

The Merry Gentleman (R): Drama; about a divorced woman who meets a depressed hit man and witnesses a murder; co-starring Michael Keaton

Next Day Air (R): Comedy; about two low-grade criminals who stumble across a package of cocaine; co-starring Mike Epps and Dante 'Mos Def' Smith

Outrage (NR): Documentary; about closeted politicians in Washington, D.C.; co-starring Barney Frank

Star Trek (PG-13): Sci-Fi action; about the exciting, well-staged beginnings of James Kirk and Spock, and their philosophical clashes aboard the Enterprise; co-starring Chris Pine, John Cho, Simon Pegg, and Bruce Greenwood; directed by J.J. Abrams

Tulpan (NR): Drama; about a Kazakh soldier who returns to his farming village

Tyson (R): Documentary; about former boxing champion Mike Tyson, and his examination of his childhood and early career

DVD Pick - 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days (NR): Two university students must make a tragic decision whether to abort a pregnancy during the last days of Communism in Romania. It won the top prize (Palme d'Or) at Cannes Film Festival, best European Film and Director at the European Film Awards, and ranked as the best film of 2007 for A.O. Scott (The New York Times). Domestic box office: $1.2 million; foreign box office: $8.6 million.


Free Activities
Taiwanese-American Cultural Festival [Sat 10a-6p]: Featuring Taiwanese aboriginal and indie-pop bands, orchid exhibits, Taiwanese foods, and more. In Union Square (SF). www.sftafest.org

Pagan Festival [Sat 10a-5:30p]: 8th annual. Featuring a parade, temple of change, altars, Celtic song, and more. Next to farmer's market. At MLK Civic Center Park (Berkeley). www.thepaganalliance.org

Flavors of the Gardens [Sat 10a-5p]: Featuring local foodmakers in cheese, pickles, jams, gelato, honey, bread, and more. Live entertainment and other arts. At Allied Arts Guild (Menlo Park), suggested $5 donation. www.alliedartsguild.org

Asian Pacific American Heritage Celebration [Sat 10a-5p]: 9th annual. Featuring Urisawe Korean Drum Group, Filipino Association of Foster City Choir, Shamisen Jazz and Pop, and more. MCs Jana Katsuyama and Lloyd LaCuesta of KTVU Channel 2 News. At San Mateo Central Park Recreation Center. www.asianamericanbooks.com

The Glories of Arab Music [Sat 1-2:30p]: Featuring the Georges Lammam Ensemble with Naser Musa. At Yerba Buena Gardens (SF). www.ybgf.org

In Conversation with Bill T. Jones [Sat 2p]: Discussing his efforts to portray Lincoln's legacy for his upcoming bicentennial. At YBCA Forum, RSVP required. www.ybca.org

Koret Museum Day [Sun 10a/11a/noon - 5p]: 17 Bay Area museums will open their doors on Mother's Day. Check out the Contemporary Jewish Museum, San Francisco Zoo, Exploratorium, San Jose Museum of Art, or Oakland Museum of California. www.koretmuseumdays.org

Sunday Streets II [Sun 10a-2p]: The 2nd round of outdoor fun in San Francisco this year. Featuring free bike rentals, bike maintenance booth, guided nature walks, hula hoops, yoga, and more. From AT&T Park to Bayview along 3rd Street. www.sundaystreetssf.com

How Weird Street Faire [Sun noon-7p]: 10th annual. Featuring local dance music companies. Near 2nd St./Mission (SF), suggested $5-10 donation. www.howweird.org

Direct from Taiwan! [Sun 1-3p]: Featuring the O-Kai Singers and Hsieh Yuwei Ensemble. At Yerba Buena Gardens (SF). www.ybgf.org


Paid Activities
Keiko Matsui [Fri-Sat 8p/10p, Sun 7p/9p]: Elegant contemporary jazz. At Yoshi's (SF), $28. www.keikomatsui.com

KFOG KaBoom [Sat 4-10p]: Featuring Los Lonely Boys, Susan Tedeshi, and Chuck Prophet. And of course the famed fireworks show. At Piers 30-32 (SF), $15-100. www.kfog.com

The Lieutenant of Inishmore [extended through May 24]: About Irish terrorism toward humans... and cats. At the Roda Theatre (Berkeley), $18-57. www.berkeleyrep.org

Indigo Girls [Wed 8p]: The famed folk-rock duo celebrates its eleventh studio album, though this one is its first independently produced album since 1987. With Matt Morris opening. At Zellerbach Hall (Berkeley), $39. www.indigogirls.com

Previous: Film - San Francisco International Film Festival [through today in SF and Berkeley]; Theatre - Miss Julie [through May 17 in Berkeley]; Art - Watercolor Exhibit [through May 24 in SF]


Upcoming June Activities
Julio Iglesias concert [June 3 in Saratoga]; Bolshoi Ballet [June 4-7 in Berkeley]; Pride 2009 [June 27-28 in SF]