Thursday, June 25, 2009

Randy's Guide CXLII (142)

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Thursday, June 18, 2009

Randy's Guide CXLI (141)

Today is film critic Roger Ebert's 67th and Cambodia's Queen Mother's Birthday; Friday is Juneteenth and singer Paula Abdul's 47th; Saturday is Australian actress Nicole Kidman's 42nd; Sunday is Summer Solstice, Father's Day, World Music Day, and American Idol winner Kris Allen's 24th; Monday is activist Erin Brockovich-Ellis' 49th and El Salvador's Teacher's Day; Tuesday is Midsummer's Eve and Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas' 61st; and Wednesday is Quebec's St-Jean-Baptiste Day.


Local News
Mayor Gavin Newson announced an outsider, George Gascon, to lead San Francisco's police force for the first time in over three decades. Cuban-born Gascon most recently led 800 officers in Mesa, Ariz., as a strong advocate for illegal immigrants' rights. www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/06/17/MN29188GUH.DTL




Change for Change
Congrats to Ashoka, the latest recipient of a Randy's Guide donation! Please check out the group's Web site, and open up your pocketbooks. www.ashoka.org

New charity to consider: Old Skool Cafe. This San Francisco group, started and operated by Teresa Goines, trains and mentors at-risk youths for the restaurant and entertainment industries, in the hope of opening a 1940s-era supper club. In the meantime, they are available for event and catering services. www.oldskoolcafe.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, Sustainable Conservation, and now Ashoka.


Bay Area Weekend Weather
Warm start, but ending with a cooler Father's Day.

Highs: coast (low-70s -> low-60s); bay (low-80s -> upper-60s); inland (low-90s -> mid-70s)
Lows: upper-50s -> low-50s


Deal of the Week
Well, today's the last day. Claim your free coffee beverage (mochas and lattes qualify) at any Borders bookstore with Seattle's Best. www.bordersmedia.com/coup/erewardssbc0612.asp



The Environment
Home Green Home is a worker-owned cooperative that uses natural, non-toxic cleaning products for San Francisco homes. Sister cooperatives include Eco-Care (San Jose/South Bay), Emma's Eco-Clean (Peninsula), and Natural Home Cleaning Professionals (East Bay). Mention the Earth Day door hanger for the special offer. www.homegreenhomesf.com

Previous:
Instead of puttering in traffic along Highway 101, try out CalTrain as a neat driving alternative. Express trains in the morning and early-evening hours can get you from San Jose to downtown San Francisco in less than an hour. www.caltrain.com




Music Videos
"The Blood and the Wine" by David Berkeley (Brooklyn, N.Y.)





His third independent release hit stores a few weeks ago, with comparisons to Nick Drake and David Gray. One of his songs was featured on CBS' "Without a Trace." His next few shows will be in Scotland and England before performances in the Carolinas and Atlanta, Ga. in July. www.davidberkeley.com


Previous:
"Destination Unknown" by Crystal Waters (Silver Spring, Md.)






Put your dancing shoes on! Ms. Waters made a stop by San Jose's Pride Festival last Sunday. www.theoneandonlycrystalwaters.com


Movies (domestic revenues through June 14)
"The Hangover" continued its run at the top with $32.8 million (rated R, 3355 screens, $9,775 per screen). Disney-Pixar's "Up" racked up another $30.8 million (rated PG, $187.4 million overall, 3rd weekend, 3886 screens, $7,916 per screen). "The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3," with Denzel Washington and John Travolta, debuted with $23.4 million (rated R, 3074 screens, $7,603 per screen). Eddie Murphy's "Imagine That" bombed with $5.5 million (rated PG, 3008 screens, $1,830 per screen). And the delightful indie comedy "Away We Go" impressively expanded its viewership with $0.6 million (rated R, $0.8 million overall, 2nd weekend, 45 screens, $12,463 per screen).


Herb & Dorothy (NR): Documentary; about a married couple specializing in contemporary art collection

Katyn (NR): Drama; about Polish officers murdered by the Soviet secret service during WWII

Moon (R): Science fiction; about an astronaut who encounters some difficulties while wrapping up his mission living on the moon; co-starring Sam Rockwell and Kevin Spacey

The Proposal (PG-13): Comedy; about a top book executive and her assistant who head to Alaska to stage a marriage as a way to avoid deportation; co-starring Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds

Sleep Dealer (PG-13): Science fiction; about a young Mexican man who loses his family to drones and migrates to Tijuana for electronic transport across the border

Tetro (NR): Drama; about an immigrant family in Buenos Aires who faces fierce generations-long rivalries; co-starring Vincent Gallo; directed by Francis Ford Coppola

Year One (PG-13): Comedy; about two men living during biblical times; co-starring Jack Black and Michael Cera

DVD Pick - Beaufort (NR): This elegant tale centers on the Israeli army's withdrawal from a historic fort in Lebanon. Oscar-nominated for Best Foreign Film; winner of Best Director at Berlin Film Festival. Domestic box office: $103K; foreign box office: $153K.


Free Activities
Temescal Street Cinema [Thu 8p]: "Bay Area Icons" is a series of short films focusing on eccentric Bay Area characters such as Frank Chu of 12 Galaxies sign fame. Free popcorn and live music. At the Bank of the West Building on Temescal Street (Oakland). www.temescaldistrict.org/cinema.html

Total Wellness Event [Fri 11a-2p]: Featuring complimentary massages, fitness demonstrations, health screenings, and more. At Embarcadero Center (SF). www.embarcaderocenter.com

SalmonAid [Fri 6:30p, Sat-Sun noon-7p]: Featuring a free traditional tribal salmon bake on Friday at Ocean Beach (SF), followed by the weekend festivities in Jack London Square (Oakland). www.salmonaid.org

Sacramento Pride [Sat 9:30a-6p]: 22nd annual. 9:30a rally from State Capitol and parade to Southside Park for festivities (Sacramento). www.sacramentopride.org

San Francisco's Juneteenth Celebration [Sat-Sun 10a-7p]: Featuring Saturday's parade at 11:30a. Celebrate African-American history and culture with live music, performing arts, and other cultural activities. Parade from Union Square to Civic Center Plaza, for festivities (SF). www.sfjuneteenth.org

Rock Art by the Bay [Sat 10a-5p]: Hosted by the Rock Poster Society as a celebration of poster art both young and old. At Fort Mason (SF). www.trps.org

NorCal Pirate Festival [Sat-Sun 10a-6p]: 3rd annual. Featuring pirate entertainers, sword fights, craftspeople, nautical music, and more. Along the historic waterfront (Vallejo). www.norcalpiratefestival.com

Summer Sailstice [Sat 11a-10p]: Featuring free sailboat rides, a boat-building contest, four live bands, a kid's treasure hunt, and more. At Treasure Island's Clipper Cove (SF). www.summersailstice.com/sf


King of the County BBQ Challenge & Music Festival [Sat-Sun 11a-6p]: 3rd annual. Featuring an amateur BBQ competition, 100+ arts vendors, live bands, a car show, and more. At Waterfront Park (Martinez). www.countybbq.com

Solar Fair [Sat 11a-6p]: Featuring speakers, panels, vendors, and workshops about solar energy and energy efficiency, in honor of Summer Solstice. Live music provided by a solar-powered stage, and green jobs offered by several groups. At Finley Community Park (Santa Rosa). www.solarsonomacounty.com

San Jose's Juneteenth in the Park Festival [Sat-Sun noon-7p]: Featuring Church in the Park, a fashion show, live jazz, and more. At Plaza de Cesar Chavez (San Jose). www.bayareajuneteenth.org

Venezuelan music conert [Sat 1-3p]: Featuring Maestros of the Joropo Oriental and the Bay Area's Venezuelan Music Project. At Yerba Buena Gardens (SF). www.ybgf.org

Vietnamese-American Family Festival [Sat 2:30-6p]: Featuring traditional Vietnamese food, a qigong demonstration, calligraphy, raffle, and more. At the Asian Cultural Center (Oakland). www.vacceb.net

Film Night in the Park [Sat 8p]: Featuring "Goldfinger." At Dolores Park (SF). www.filmnight.org

Save Our Parks Festival [Sun 10a-3p]: Featuring a petting zoo, pony rides, field games - all in the hope of identifying alternatives to proposed park funding cutbacks. At Moscone Recreation Center (SF). www.saveourparkssf.org

Native Contemporary Arts Festival [Sun 11a-3p]: Includes a prayer ceremony, traditional song and dance performances, and children's activities. At Yerba Buena Gardens (SF). www.ybgf.org

Alice's Summerthing Concert [Sun noon-5p]: 7th annual. Featuring Gavin Rossdale (of "Bush" fame), Matt Nathanson, Sugar Ray, and Parachute. At Golden Gate Park's Speedway Meadow (SF). www.radioalice.com

Stern Grove Festival - Roberta Flack [Sun 2p]: The 72nd season of free outdoor concerts kicks off with Grammy Award-winning R&B singer Roberta Flack, best known for her song "Killing Me Softly." New Orleans pianist Davell Crawford opens. At Stern Grove Amphitheatre (SF). www.sterngrove.org

World Music Day [Sat 1-7p, Sun 5-8p]: Featuring impromptu musical stages along MacArthur Boulevard (Oakland) on Saturday, and University Avenue (Palo Alto) on Sunday. www.laurelsummersolsticemusicfestival.org www.pamusicday.org

Lindy in the Square [Wed 6-8p]: Introductory dance lessons followed by an open dance floor. At Union Square Plaza (SF). www.unionsquarepark.us


Paid Activities
Circus Center's Annual Showcase [Thu-Fri 7p, Sat 2p/7p, Sun 1p/4p]: Great performance at Haight Street Festival = plug for top students at the Clown Conservatory. At the Circus Center (SF), $10-25. www.circuscenter.org

Marin Art Festival [Sat-Sun 10a-6p}: Featuring 250+ artisans, taiko drummers, swing and salsa live musicians, cultural dancers, and more. At Marin Civic Center Fairgrounds (San Rafael), free-$10. www.marinartfestival.com

Grizzly Bear [Sun-Mon 8p]: Folk rock with strings and choirs. With Here We Go Magic opening. At the Fillmore (SF), $22. www.grizzly-bear.net

Frameline33 - San Francisco International LGBT Film Festival [through June 28]: The world's largest and oldest LGBT film festival. Featuring 210 films from 20 countries, filmmaker discussions, and opening and closing night parties. At Castro, Victoria, and Roxie Theatres (SF); the Elmwood Theatre (Berkeley); and Terra Gallery (SF). $7-725. www.frameline.org/festival


You, Nero [through June 28]: About the ruthless Roman emperor Nero and a playwright sought to dramatize his life. At the Thrust Stage (Berkeley), $16-52. www.berkeleyrep.org

Giuseppe Verdi's La Traviata [through July 5]: Featuring soprano superstar Anna Netrebko as a courtesan seeking love. At the War Memorial Opera House (SF), $10-290. www.sfopera.com

Previous: Theatre - Faust, Part 1 [through Sunday in Berkeley]; Art - Looking In: Robert Frank's The Americans [through June 27 in SF]; Opera - The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess [through June 27 in SF]; Theatre - Monty Python's Spamalot [through July 5 in SF]


Upcoming July Activities
City of San Francisco Fourth of July Waterfront Celebration [July 4 in SF]; Midsummer Mozart Festival [July 16 in Santa Clara and July 23 in San Jose]; Free Shakespeare in the Park - Comedy of Errors [begins July 18 in Pleasanton]

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Randy's Guide CXL (140)

Today is "Transformers" actor Shia LaBeouf's 23rd and Hawaii's Kamehameha Day; Friday is Philippines' Independence Day; Saturday is Nobel Prize-winning mathematician John Forbes Nash's 81st and Weezer musician Rivers Cuomo's 39th; Sunday is Oscar-winning "Little Miss Sunshine" screenwriter Diablo Cody's 31st and Malawi's Freedom Day; Monday is Cy Young Award-winning Giants pitcher Tim Lincecum's 25th and L.A. Lakers owner Jerry Buss' 75th; Tuesday is Ireland's Bloomsday (in honor of James Joyce); and Wednesday is House member John "Jack" Murtha's (D-PA) 77th and politician Newt Gingrich's 66th.


Local News
All major broadcast television stations in the Bay Area and nationwide will shift from analog to digital signals on Friday. This transition helps to offer clearer pictures and transmit more signals in a given frequency range. Digital antennas, converter boxes, and televisions all can be used as ways to access the programming. www.mercurynews.com/ci_12563692



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
One of the coolest Junes on record. Continued persistent coastal and bay clouds; mild inland.

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


Deal of the Week
Hershey's is offering up a total of 5.5 million free chocolate bars, with its online promotion. You can claim your coupons every Friday until September 25, 2009. Limit of one coupon per e-mail address per Friday, and four coupons per household during the entire giveaway. www.realchocolate.com


The Environment
Instead of puttering in traffic along Highway 101, try out CalTrain as a neat driving alternative. Express trains in the morning and early-evening hours can get you from San Jose to downtown San Francisco in less than an hour. www.caltrain.com

Previous:
When upkeeping your garden, choose a less-toxic or non-toxic pesticide such as Greenlight products or a homemade ammonia or dishwashing soap solution. Conventional pesticides may kill not only unwanted pests but also beneficial insects such as ladybugs and aquatic animals like fish and crustaceans.



Music Videos
"100% Pure Love" by Crystal Waters (Silver Spring, Md.)


A nod back to the danceable '90s, Ms. Waters will be making a special appearance at San Jose's Pride Festival

Previous:
"Very Busy People" by The Limousines (Campbell, Calif.)



Local electronica group hits the big time, with a spot at the LIVE 105 BFD show this past Saturday.


Movies (domestic revenues through June 7)
Raunchy comedy "The Hangover" surprised insiders with $45.0 million (rated R, 3269 screens, $13,759 per screen), enough to push "Up" to second place (rated PG, $44.1 million, $137.2 million overall, 2nd weekend, 3818 screens, $11,561 per screen). Neither "Land of the Lost" (PG-13, $18.8 million, 3521 screens, $5,350 per screen) nor "My Life in Ruins" (PG-13, $3.2 million, 1164 screens, $2,769 per screen) found its target audience and opened weakly in third and ninth, respectively.


Away We Go (R): Comedy-drama; about a couple expecting their first child and searching North America for their new residence; co-starring John Krasinski, Maya Rudolph, Jeff Daniels, Allison Janney, and Maggie Gyllenhaal; directed by Sam Mendes; written by Dave Eggers

Food, Inc. (PG): Documentary; highly recommended; about the U.S. food industry and the corporations that now control most of our food supply; co-starring "Fast Food Nation" author Eric Schlosser and "Omnivore's Dilemma" author Michael Pollan

Imagine That (PG): Comedy; about a financial executive who suddenly must re-engage with his young daughter to boost his career; co-starring Eddie Murphy and Martin Sheen

Munyurangabo (NR): Drama; about two teens who travel from the city to the countryside of Rwanda in a search for justice after the lengthy genocide

The Song of Sparrows (PG): Drama; about an ostrich farmer who searches for work in the city in order to support his family

The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 (R): Action; about a subway dispatcher matching wits with a criminal hijacker; co-starring Denzel Washington, John Travolta, and James Gandolfini

DVD Pick - Sweet Land (PG): With its genuine heart and wondrous story-telling style, this romantic drama focuses on a Norwegian-speaking German mail-order bride's entry into a Norwegian-American town in rural Minnesota during the post-WWI period. Winner of Best First Feature at the Independent Spirit Awards. Co-starring Ned Beatty and Alan Cumming. Domestic box office: $1.7 million; foreign box office: $69 thousand.


Free Activities
Temescal Street Cinema [Thu 8p]: Featuring Bay Area filmmakers. This week is a documentary about bilingual education, "Speaking in Tongues," preceded by a program of shorts made by kids at Children's Hospital of Oakland. At Telegraph and 49th (Oakland). www.temescaldistrict.org

Dolores Park Movie Night [Thu 8:30p]: Featuring "Sita Sings the Blues." At Dolores Park (SF). www.doloresparkmovie.org

Grace Cathedral concert [Fri 6:30-8:30p]: Featuring harpist Diana Stork and rare-instrumentalist Jaron Lanier. At Grace Cathedral (SF). www.multiculturalmusicfellowship.org

Muni Diaries [Fri 7-9:30p]: Open stage for MUNI- and BART-related stories. At Make-Out Room (SF). www.makeoutroom.com

Film Night in the Park [Fri-Sat 8p]: Featuring "Over the Hedge" on Friday (Fairfax Central Field) and "Kung Fu Panda" on Saturday (Mill Valley Old Mill Park). www.filmnight.org

Italian Street Painting Festival [Sat-Sun 9a-7p]: 16th annual. Featuring hundreds of street painters, live entertainment stages, Italian food and drink, and more. Near Fifth Ave. and A St. (San Rafael). www.youthinarts.org

Dia de Portugal Festival [Sat 10a-6p]: 11th annual. Celebrating Portuguese culture with cooking demos, the Portuguese Historical Museum, children's activities, and more. At History Park (San Jose). www.diadeportugalca.org

North Beach Festival [Sat-Sun 10a-6p]: 55th annual. Featuring animal blessings, live music stages, world champion pizza tosser Tony Gemignani, street chalk art, and more. In and around Washington Square (SF). www.sfnorthbeach.org

Juneteenth Festival [Sat 10a-5p]: Featuring African-American performances, food, and culture. Along Adeline and Alcatraz (Berkeley). www.berkeleyjuneteenth.org

Novato Festival of Art, Wine & Music [Sat-Sun 10a-6p]: 26th annual. Featuring a petting zoo, two live music stages, high school battle of the bands, and more. Along Grant Avenue. www.novatochamber.com

Fiesta FIlipina USA [Sat-Sun 10a-6p]: Featuring competitions for Rubik's Cube, Idol, Dance Crew, Binibining, and Ginoong. In Civic Center Plaza (SF). www.fiestafilipinausa.net

Live Oak Park Fair [Sat-Sun 10a-6p]: 39th annual. Featuring 110 arts & crafts booths and live music amid oaks and redwoods. At Live Oak Park (Berkeley). www.liveoakparkfair.com

Art in the Park [Sat-Sun 10a-5p]: 39th annual. Featuring arts & crafts, live music, and children's activities. In Washington Park (Burlingame). www.pacificfinearts.com

Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon [Sat 11a-6p, Sun 5a-3p]: 30th annual. Fitness festival at the Marina Green; triathlon begins with swim at 8a. At Marina Green, Presidio, and Golden Gate Park (SF). www.escapefromalcatraztriathlon.com

Free Folk Festival [Sat-Sun noon-10p]: 33rd annual. Featuring about 100 music and dance workshops, 50+ concerts, and evening dances. At Presidio Middle School (SF). www.sffolkfest.org

Realistic Orchestra [Sat 1-2:30p]: Featuring 20 Bay Area jazz musicians. At Yerba Buena Gardens (SF). www.ybgf.org

Haight Street Festival [Sun 11a-5:30p]: 32nd annual. Featuring live entertainment, arts & crafts, food, and a children's alley. Along Haight Street (SF). www.haightashburystreetfair.org


Paid Activities
Harmony Festival [Fri 1-10p, Sat-Sun 10a-10p]: 31st annual. Featuring musical guests Cake, India.Arie, and Michael Franti & Spearhead, an Eco-Village, and a speaker series including Julia Butterfly Hill. At Sonoma County Fairgrounds (Santa Rosa), free-$119. www.harmonyfestival.com

San Jose Pride Parade and Festival [Sat-Sun 11a-7:30p]: 34th annual. On Saturday, free community day and women's concert with live performances. On Sunday, 11a parade and performances by Brandy, Crystal Waters, Cheer SF, and more. In Discovery Meadow (San Jose). Free Saturday, $15 Sunday. www.sanjosepride.com

Great American Food and Music Fest [Sat noon-10p]: Featuring chefs Bobby Flay and Guy Fieri, cooking demonstrations, restaurants including Katz's Deli and Pink's Chili Dogs, and musical guests Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. First plate of food free. At Shoreline Amphitheatre (Mountain View), $35. www.greatamericanfoodandmusicfest.com

The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess [through June 27]: Featuring Broadway classics such as "Summertime" and "I Got Plenty o' Nuttin'." At the Opera House (SF), $10-290. www.sfopera.com

Monty Python's Spamalot [through July 5]: A musical remake of "Monty Python and the Holy Grail." At the Golden Gate Theatre (SF), $30-99. www.shnsf.com

Previous: Theatre - Dead Man's Cell Phone [through Saturday in SF]; Theatre - Faust, Part 1 [through June 21 in Berkeley]; Art - Looking In: Robert Frank's The Americans [through June 27 in SF]


Upcoming July Activities
The Preservation Hall Jazz Band with fireworks [Jul 4 in Napa]; Death Cab [Jul 11 in Berkeley]; for Cutie concert, with Andrew Bird Glasvegas concert [Jul 27 in SF]

Thursday, June 4, 2009

Randy's Guide CXXXIX (139)

Today is the 20th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square riots; Friday is financial advisor Suze Orman's 58th and Yemen's Arbor Day; Saturday is Sweden's National Day; Sunday is musician Prince's 51st; Monday is comedian Joan Rivers' 76th; Tuesday is actor Johnny Depp's 46th; and Wednesday is politician John Edwards' 56th.


Local News
It appears a second Gunn High School student has committed suicide, via oncoming CalTrain vehicle, within the past month. Events geared toward recognizing depression and combatting suicide are to be held in Menlo Park and Palo Alto. www.smdailyjournal.com/article_preview.php?type=lnews&id=111282



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
A bit more unusual, with a small prospect of thunderstorms through Saturday.

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


Deal of the Week
San Francisco-based Yelp has collected over 35 premium spas and salons in San Francisco for its Hawt on Yelp Week, which offers 50% off various skin, body, and hair treatments. Check out the participating locations, and make your reservations for June 8-14! www.yelp.com/events/san-francisco-hawt-on-yelp


The Environment
When upkeeping your garden, choose a less-toxic or non-toxic pesticide such as Greenlight products or a homemade ammonia or dishwashing soap solution. Conventional pesticides may kill not only unwanted pests but also beneficial insects such as ladybugs and aquatic animals like fish and crustaceans.

Previous:
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.



Music Videos
"Very Busy People" by The Limousines (Campbell, Calif.)


Local electronica group hits the big time, with a spot at the LIVE 105 BFD show on Saturday.

Previous:
"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).


Movies (domestic revenues through May 31)
Up (PG) soared for another Pixar victory, with $68.1 million in its first weekend (3766 screens, $18,085 per screen). Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian (PG) continued to bring in viewers, with $24.4 million ($104.2 million overall, 2nd weekend, 4101 screens, $5,939 per screen). Sam Raimi's return to horror, Drag Me to Hell (PG-13), opened decently in fourth, with $15.8 million (2508 screens, $6,310 per screen).


Fados (NR): Documentary; about the Portuguese music form of fado, which has influences from South America and Africa

The Hangover (R): Comedy; about four guys who head to Vegas for a bachelor party; co-starring Bradley Cooper and Heather Graham

Land of the Lost (PG-13): Comedy; about three scientists who get transported into an alternate universe; co-starring Will Ferrell

My Life in Ruins (PG-13): Comedy; about a Greek tour guide who finds new meaning in life during one of her tours; co-starring Nia Vardalos and Richard Dreyfuss

Newcastle (NR): Drama; about a teenage surfer who battles issues of self-confidence

Revanche (NR): Drama; about the driver for a brothel owner and his secret affair with one of the women

DVD Pick - Starting Out in the Evening (PG-13): This thoughtful drama starring Frank Langella (one-half of the Frost-Nixon duo) focuses on an aging, obscure writer trying to finish his last novel and an idealistic graduate student who wants to write an upbeat thesis about him to jumpstart his career. Domestic box office: $0.9 million.


Free Activities
Berkeley World Music Festival [Sat noon-9p]: Featuring music from Zimbabwe, Romani, India, and more. Along Telegraph Avenue (Berkeley). www.berkeleyworldmusic.com


Opera at the Ballpark [Fri 8-11p]: Giacomo Puccini's classic Tosca hits the Jumbotron in a live simulcast feed from the Opera House. Do arias and garlic fries mix? At AT&T Park (SF). www.sfopera.com/simulcast

National Trails Day [Sat 9a-noon]: Featuring trail maintenance, habitat restoration, and forest stewardship. Register online. In the Presidio (SF). www.presidio.gov/volunteer

Pista Sa Nayon [Sat 9a-6p]: 23rd annual. In celebration of Filipino Independence Day. Along Vallejo waterfront. www.vallejopistasanayon.com

Union Street Eco-Urban Festival [Sat-Sun 10a-6p]: 33rd annual. Featuring recycled and sustainable arts and crafts, two stages of live entertainment, and bistro cafes. Along Union Street (SF). www.unionstreetfestival.com

Art and Wine 2009 [Sat-Sun 11a-6p]: 28th annual. At Heather Farm Park (Walnut Creek). www.walnut-creek.com

What's the Big Idea Party [Sat 9p-3a]: Featuring live performances by Pansy Division and Ex-Boyfriends, a drag show featuring the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, free tattoos, and a gourmet food market. At Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (SF). www.ybcafree.org

Sunday Streets [Sun 10a-2p]: Round three. Featuring free bike rentals and maintenance, lacrosse demonstration, flamenco dance lessons, guided mural tours, and free skating lessons. Along York Street, 24th Street, Valencia Street, and 19th Street (SF). www.sundaystreetssf.com

World Oceans Day [Sun 10a-noon]: Clean up the seashore. At Ocean Beach's Judah entrance (SF). www.oceandaysf.org

Israel in the Gardens Festival [Sun 11a-5p]: Featuring live Israeli music, foods, resource tables, and more. In Yerba Buena Gardens (SF). www.ybgf.org

Temescal Street Fair [Sun noon-6p]: 6th annual. Featuring a culinary stage, green pavilion, local artists and entertainers. Along Telegraph Avenue (Oakland). www.temescaldistrict.org


Paid Activities
Bolshoi Ballet [Thu-Fri 8p, Sat 2p/8p, Sun 3p]: Featuring the legendary dance troupe performing 19th-century classics. At Zellerbach Hall (Berkeley), $45-100. www.calperformances.org

BFD festival [Sat noon-11p]: Featuring 36 bands on 4 stages, including The Offspring, 311, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Glasvegas, Alkaline Trio, and Dizzy Balloon. At Shoreline Amphitheatre (Mountain View), $25-50. www.live105.com

Faust, Part 1 [through June 21]: An updated version of Goethe's epic drama. At Ashby Stage (Berkeley), $18-25. www.shotgunplayers.org

Looking In: Robert Frank's The Americans exhibit [through June 27]: An excellent photographic look at life in the U.S. during the 1950s. At San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, free-$15. www.sfmoma.org

Previous: Theatre - Rabbi Sam [through Sunday in SF]; Theatre - The 25th Annual Putnam Spelling Bee [through Sunday in San Jose]; Theatre - Dead Man's Cell Phone [through June 13 in SF]


Upcoming July Activities
All-American Rejects concert [Jul 5 in Kelseyville]; No Doubt concert [Jul 21 in Concord and Jul 25 in Mountain View]; Gilroy Garlic Festival [Jul 24-26 in Gilroy]