Randy's Guide CXLVII (147)

Today is California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's 62nd and Vanuatu's Independence Day; Friday is British writer J.K. Rowling's 44th; Saturday is Switzerland's National Day; Sunday is Costa Rica's Our Lady of the Angels; Monday is television personality Martha Stewart's 68th; Tuesday is President Barack Obama's 48th; and Wednesday is Burkina Faso's Independence Day.


Local News
The San Francisco Giants are in position to play in the playoffs for the first time since 2003. Over the past few days, the team has traded for first baseman Ryan Garko and second baseman Freddy Sanchez in exchange for two touted pitching prospects. www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/07/30/SP241912VE.DTL


Change for Change
Charity to consider: Darfur Sister Schools. Thanks to reader Megan D. for this tip. It's part of a conglomerate of programs patched together by the Education Partnership for Children of Conflict, which is co-chaired by Angelina Jolie. This particular effort focuses on more than 100,000 Sudanese children living in 12 refugee camps in eastern Chad. When you donate, please e-mail fundraiser Jason W. at jweeby@gmail.com for calculation purposes. www.educationpartnership.org/howtohelp/darfur

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, Ashoka, and Old Skool Cafe.


Bay Area Weekend Weather
Persistent fog along the coast and parts of the bay, with mild sunshine for inland areas.

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


Deal of the Week
Free premium concert tour on the loose! Check out The Offspring in San Francisco (Friday 8pm), Montgomery Gentry in Dallas (August 5), T-Pain in New Orleans (August 11), and Dierks Bentley in Atlanta (August 18). Shows in Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, and Nashville have yet to announce lineups. Register for tickets at www.samsungsummerkrush2009.com/tour.asp while they last.


Deal of the Week II
I don't condone fast food, but if one of the companies gives away free edibles, I'll take it and run. Jack in the Box is offering two free tacos on Tuesday, August 4. Print the coupon here: http://coupon.jackinthebox.com.


The Environment
Avoid deodorant aerosols and antiperspirants that contain zinc, aluminum, formaldehyde, DEA, triclosan, fragrance, and parabens. Burt's Bees and Crystal Body are a couple of good options that won't harm your skin or local waterways.

Previous:
Insulate your home with recycled denim fibers from old blue jeans. You lose the chemical irritants and volatile organic compounds from other insulation materials, yet you gain peace of mind from both the reduced sound transfer and the environmental factors. www.BondedLogic.com


Music Videos
"Woke Up Today" by Port O'Brien (Oakland, Calif.)

Tours with Modest Mouse and Bright Eyes brought them greater exposure. Their West Coast swing of concerts in June showed they can more than hold their own. Now their two albums' worth of material is heading to places like England, Germany, the Netherlands, Austria, and Belgium in August. www.PortOBrien.com

Previous:
"In the New Year" by The Walkmen (Brooklyn, N.Y.)

The boys like going vintage with their amplifiers and instruments, like the upright piano and Farfisa organ. They'll be at the Treasure Island Music Festival in October; earlier programs are in New York City (August), Cambridge (September), Philadelphia (September), and Austin (October). www.TheWalkmen.com


Movies (domestic revenues through July 26)
In a bit of an upset, the Disney animated film "G-Force" opened as the top film with $31.7 million [rated PG, 3697 screens, $8,576 per screen]. "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" fell to second place with $29.5 million [rated PG, $221.3 million overall, 4325 screens, $6,812 per screen]. The new Katherine Heigl comedy "The Ugly Truth" premiered strongly with $27.6 million [rated R, 2882 screens, $9,579 per screen]. And the horror film "Orphan" tallied $12.9 million [rated R, 2750 screens, $4,681 per screen].

Aliens in the Attic (PG): Family action; about kids on a family vacation who must battle diminuitive alien invaders; co-starring Ashley Tisdale

The Answer Man (R): Comedy; about a reclusive author, a single mom, and a man recently out of rehab; co-starring Jeff Daniels

The Collector (R): Suspense; about an ex-con who must escape a masked "collector" and save the family he was trying to rob

Funny People (R): Comedy; about a famous comedian who has a near-death experience; co-starring Adam Sandler, Seth Rogen, and Eric Bana

Lion's Den (NR): Drama; about a beautiful woman who kills her two lovers and gives birth to a son in prison

Shrink (R): Drama; about a top psychiatrist who decides to take his first pro bono case, a troubled Hollywood starlet; co-starring Kevin Spacey

Thirst (R): Horror; about a priest who turns into a vampire

24 City (NR): Drama; about a state-owned factory converted into a luxury apartment building

Youssou N'Dour (PG): Documentary; about the Senegalese pop sensation

DVD Pick - Stop-Loss (R): With the IED drama "The Hurt Locker" quietly racking up dollars (and whispers about Oscar nominations), this film from 2008 seems like a good companion piece for its focus on the practice of resending troops back into the Iraqi conflict. Great performances by Ryan Phillippe, Channing Tatum, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt. Domestic box office: $10.9 million; foreign box office: $0.3 million.


Free Activities
Santa Clara County Fair [Fri-Sun 10a-8p]: Featuring live music, pet parade, stroller parade, youth talent show, petting zoo, and more. At Santa Clara County Fairgrounds (San Jose). www.thefair.org

San Francisco Mime Troupe [Fri 6:30p, Sat 2p, Sun 2:30p, Wed 7p]: 50th anniversary. "Too Big to Fail" is the production. At Ho Chi Minh Park (Berkeley), Mesa Park (Bolinas, $20 donation), and Mitchell Park (Palo Alto). www.sfmt.org

Peddlers Faire [Sat 8a-4p]: Featuring live jazz music, antique sellers, kids zone, and recycled crafts. Along Main St. (Martinez). www.mainstreetmartinez.org

Aloha Festival [Sat-Sun 10a-5p]: 15th annual. Featuring Polynesian dance, music, cuisine, arts & crafts, and more. At the Presidio Main Post (SF). www.sanfranciscoalohafestival.org

Fremont Festival [Sat-Sun 10a-6p]: 26th annual. Featuring two live music stages, a Kid City, Green Acres, wine garden, and more. "Largest street festival west of the Mississippi." Near Mowry and Paseo Padre (Fremont). www.fremontfestival.net

Summer Gardening Fair [Sat 10a-3p]: Featuring the installation of a victory garden, the exploration of a beehive, sale of special plants, and exhibit of butterflies. At the Botanical Gardens (SF). www.sfbotanicalgardensociety.org

Lakefest Oakland [Sat-Sun 10a-6p]: 2nd annual. Featuring live music, a green expo, farmers market, and more. Along Lakeshore Ave (Oakland). www.oaklandlakefest.com

Beaver Festival [Sat 12:30-6:30p]: Featuring live music, environmental displays, and guided tours. At Beaver Park (Martinez). www.martinezbeavers.org

AfroSolo Arts Festival [Sat 1-4p]: 16th annual. Featuring vocalist Nicolas Bearde, pianist Frank Jackson, and singer Raja Rahim. At Yerba Buena Gardens (SF). www.afrosolo.org

Taming of the Shrew [Sat 1p/6p, Sun 1p]: Since 1998, San Francisco-based Woman's Will, an all-female production company, has performed free (and paid) shows throughout the Bay Area. At San Felipe Park (Hayward), Centennial Park (Pleasanton), and Rengstorff House (Mountain View). www.womanswill.org/shrew

Free Shakespeare in the Park [Sat-Sun 7:30p]: 27th season. Featuring "The Comedy of Errors" with a 12-actor cast. At Amador Valley Community Park (Pleasanton). www.sfshakes.org

Film Night in the Park [Sat 8p]: Featuring "Iron Man" in Mill Valley or "Pretty in Pink" in Dolores Park (SF). www.filmnight.org

Jerry Day 2009 [Sun noon-6p]: 7th annual. Featuring musical groups Melvin Seals & JGB, Stu Allen, Check Engine Light, and Loco Bloco. At Jerry Garcia Amphitheater in McLaren Park (SF). www.jerryday.org

Golden Gate Park Band [Sun 1p]: 127th season. This week's theme is The California Academy of Science. At the Music Concourse Bandshell in Golden Gate Park (SF). www.goldengateparkband.org

Stern Grove Festival - Kailash Kher's Kailasa [Sun 2p]: 72nd season. Featuring Bollywood superstar Kailash Kher and the Kamash brothers for an afternoon of Sufi folk rock. With Delhi 2 Dublin opening. At Stern Grove Amphitheatre (SF). www.sterngrove.org

Free Museum Days [Sun; Tue; Wed]: Asian Art Museum on Sunday; Cartoon Art Museum, de Young Museum, Legion of Honor, SF MOMA, and Yerba Buena Center Galleries on Tuesday; the Exploratorium (SF) and Bay Area Discovery Museum (Sausalito) on Wednesday. www.asianart.org www.cartoonart.org www.famsf.org www.sfmoma.org www.ybca.org www.exploratorium.edu www.baykidsmuseum.org


Paid Activities
The Fray concert [Sat 7p]: Modern rock. With Jack's Mannequin opening. At Shoreline Amphitheatre (Mountain View), $11-89. www.thefray.net www.jacksmannequin.com

The Unexpected Man [through Aug 15]: About two strangers on a train, one a famous novelist, the other an ardent fan. At the Exit Theatre (SF), $20. www.sparestage.com

Tinyard Hill [through Aug 16]: About love in Georgia during the 1960s, in the form of a country-pop musical. At Lucie Stern Theatre (Palo Alto), $29-67. www.theatreworks.org

Previous: Film - San Francisco Jewish Film Festival [through Aug 10 in SF]; Theatre - If You Give a Mouse a Cookie [through Aug 16 in Oakland]; Art - Lords of the Samurai [through Sep 20 in SF]


Upcoming September Activities
John Legend concert, with India.Arie [Sept 6 in Berkeley]; Monty Python's Spamalot [starts Sept 15 in San Jose]; Opera at the Ballpark: Verdi's Il Trovatore [Sept 19 in SF]

Randy's Guide CXLVI (146)

Today is Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy's 73rd; Friday is retired Giants outfielder Barry Bonds' 45th and National Tequila Day; Saturday is Galicia's National Day; Sunday is Japanese musician Keiko Matsui's 48th and Liberia's Independence Day; Monday is Olympic gold figure skater Peggy Fleming's 61st; Tuesday is Peru's Independence Day; and Wednesday is Project Runway judge Tim Gunn's 56th.


Local News
The San Jose Civic Auditorium reopens on Friday after much of the $13 million in City-approved renovation funds has been spent to upgrade sound, lighting, visuals, restrooms, and concession stands. Upcoming performances include High School Musical and Crosby, Stills, and Nash. www.mercurynews.com/ci_12893100


Change for Change
Charity to consider: Darfur Sister Schools. Thanks to reader Megan D. for this tip. It's part of a conglomerate of programs patched together by the Education Partnership for Children of Conflict, which is co-chaired by Angelina Jolie. This particular effort focuses on more than 100,000 Sudanese children living in 12 refugee camps in eastern Chad. When you donate, please e-mail fundraiser Jason W. at jweeby@gmail.com for calculation purposes. www.educationpartnership.org/howtohelp/darfur

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, Ashoka, and Old Skool Cafe.


Bay Area Weekend Weather
Slight warm-up by Saturday. Cool, foggy beaches; warm, windy valleys.

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


Deal of the Week
The weekend of August 15-16 will offer free entry to more than 100 national parks. Locations include Grand Canyon (Arizona); Joshua Tree (California); Muir Woods (California); Yosemite (California); Dinosaur Monument (Colorado/Utah); Everglades (Florida); Haleakala (Hawaii); Yellowstone (Idaho/Montana/Wyoming); Acadia (Maine); Glacier (Montana); Carlsbad Caverns (New Mexico); Crater Lake (Oregon); Bryce Canyon (Utah); and Olympic (Washington). www.nps.gov/findapark/FeeFreeParks.htm


The Environment
Insulate your home with recycled denim fibers from old blue jeans. You lose the chemical irritants and volatile organic compounds from other insulation materials, yet you gain peace of mind from both the warmer (or cooler) home and the environmental factors. www.BondedLogic.com

Previous:
EcoHaul has an excellent green debris removal service in the Bay Area. The company will recycle, reuse, and donate the materials leftover from remodels or moves. Their trucks even run on biodiesel. www.EcoHaul.com


Music Videos
"Four Provinces" by The Walkmen (Brooklyn, N.Y.)

The boys like going vintage with their amplifiers and instruments, like the upright piano and Farfisa organ. They'll be at the Treasure Island Music Festival in October; earlier programs are in Cleveland and Pittsburgh (July), New York City (August), and Morrison, Colo. (September). www.TheWalkmen.com

Previous:
"Half Asleep" by School of Seven Bells (Brooklyn, N.Y.)

The Dehezas, who are identical twin sisters, met Benjamin Curtis while both opening for Interpol and formed a band named after a mythical South American pickpocket training academy. Catch their dreamy pop in August (New York City); September (Philadelphia, Atlanta, and Washington, D.C.); and October (San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego, Portland, and Seattle). www.SchoolofSevenBells.com


Movies (domestic revenues through July 19)
"Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" swept to a remarkable opening with $77.8 million [rated PG, $158.0 million overall, 4325 screens, $17,997 per screen]. "Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs" picked up another $17.6 million [rated PG, $151.9 million overall, 3rd weekend, 3807 screens, $4,601 per screen]. Sacha Baron Cohen's "Bruno" plummeted to fourth place at $8.3 million [rated R, $49.5 million overall, 2nd weekend, 2759 screens, $3,015 per screen]. And Joseph Gordon-Levitt starred in the fresh indie comedy "(500) Days of Summer," which earned an excellent $0.8 million [rated PG-13, 27 screens, $30,907 per screen].

Captain Abu Raed (NR): Drama; about a lonely janitor at a Jordanese airport who finds a captain's hat

G-Force (PG): Animation; about a team of trained guinea pigs who are armed with the latest spy equipment

In the Loop (NR): Comedy; about a backwards attempt to stop a war envisioned by the United States and the UK; co-starring James Gandolfini

Irene in Time (PG-13): Drama; about the relationships between fathers and daughters

Lake Tahoe (NR): Drama; about a teenage boy who crashes his family's car and seeks help for its repair

Orphan (R): Horror; about an adopted girl named Esther who wreaks havoc on a married couple who previously lost a child during pregnancy

The Ugly Truth (R): Comedy; about a single television producer who is paired with a brash TV personality; co-starring Katherine Heigl and Gerard Butler

DVD Pick - I've Loved You So Long (PG-13): A knock-out performance by Kristin Scott Thomas, which rightfully earned her an Oscar nomination, anchors this thoughtful drama about a French woman released from prison and placed with her sister. Domestic box office: $3.2 million; foreign box office: $16.2 million.


Free Activities
San Francisco Mime Troupe [Thu 7p, Sat 8p, Sun 7p, Wed 7p]: 50th anniversary. "Too Big to Fail" is the production. At Victory Park (Stockton); Mateel Center (Redway, $20-22); Cotton Auditorium (Fort Bragg, $20); and Arena Green Park (San Jose). www.sfmt.org

San Francisco Marathon Expo [Fri 11a-6p, Sat 9a-5p]: Featuring a variety of speakers, fitness vendors, samples, and race registration. Marathon on Sunday morning. At the Design Center (SF). www.runsfm.com

Taming of the Shrew [Fri 6p, Sat-Sun 1p]: Since 1998, San Francisco-based Woman's Will, an all-female production company, has performed free (and paid) shows throughout the Bay Area. At Hillside Lawn (Walnut Creek), Mosswood Park (Oakland), and Dimond Park (Oakland). www.womanswill.org/shrew

Film Night in the Park [Fri-Sat 8p]: Featuring "Who Killed the Electric Car?" & "Hidden Bounty of Marin" on Friday, "Forbidden Planet" on Saturday, all in San Anselmo. www.filmnight.org

2009 Bank of the West Classic [Sat-Sun 10a-8p]: Qualifying matches for next week's women's tennis tournament, which includes players Venus Williams, Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova, and Jelena Jankovic. At Taube Tennis Center (Stanford). www.bankofthewestclassic.com

Berkeley Kite Festival [Sat-Sun 11a-5p]: Featuring free kite making, taiko drummers, candy drops, Japanese kite teams, and more. At Cesar Chavez Park (Berkeley). www.highlinekites.com

Festival of the Chariots [Sat 11a-6p]: Featuring a free vegetarian lunch, parade, live music, and dance. At Golden Gate Park's Sharon Meadow (SF). www.garrywilliams.com/iskcon

Urban Arts Festival [Sat 1-6p]: 13th annual. Participate in aerosol and traditional painting, breakdancing, and refreshments provided by Rainbow Grocery. At Precita Park (SF). www.precitaeyes.org

Macy's Preview of SF Chefs Event [Sat 2p]: Featuring local chefs cooking up favorites, as a preview of the annual 4-day food and wine celebration in Union Square. At Macy's Cellar (SF). www.macys.com

Free Shakespeare in the Park [Sat-Sun 7:30p]: 27th season. Featuring "The Comedy of Errors" with a 12-actor cast. At Amador Valley Community Park (Pleasanton). www.sfshakes.org

Festa Italiana Street Fair [Sun 10a-5p]: 23rd annual. Featuring bocce ball, Italian cuisine, chalk art gallery, a 10am parade, 15 live bands, and more. Along B Street (San Mateo). www.festafoundation.org

San Francisco Theater Festival [Sun 11a-5p]: 6th annual. Featuring over 75 theater companies on 17 stages of 160 short performances, including Beach Blanket Babylon and Wicked. In Yerba Buena Gardens and nearby indoor facilities (SF). www.SFTheaterFestival.org

Up Your Alley Fair [Sun 11a-6p]: Leather and fetish event. Along Dore Alley, Folsom Street, and 10th Street (SF). www.folsomstreetevents.org/alley

Golden Gate Park Band [Sun 1p]: 127th season. This week's theme is Franz Schubert. At the Music Concourse Bandshell in Golden Gate Park (SF). www.goldengateparkband.org

Stern Grove Festival - The Lyrics Born Re-View [Sun 2p]: 72nd season. Featuring local hip-hop group The Lyrics Born Re-View. With The Mighty Underdogs opening. At Stern Grove Amphitheatre (SF). www.sterngrove.org


Paid Activities
Gilroy Garlic Festival [Fri-Sun 10a-7p]: 31st annual. Featuring ample garlic-laced foods (e.g. ice cream and alligator), professional chef cook-offs, four music stages, children's entertainment stage, and more. Over 100,000 in attendance last year. At Christmas Park (Gilroy), FREE-$12. www.gilroygarlicfestival.com

San Francisco Symphony with James Earl Jones [Fri 8p]: Featuring music by American composers Aaron Copland, Samuel Barber, and George Gershwin, as performed by the San Francisco Symphony. Narration of Copland's "Lincoln Portrait" by James Earl Jones. Special performance by the UC Berkeley Marching Band. At Davies Hall (SF), $20-100. www.sfsymphony.org

Spencer Day [Fri-Sat 8p/10p, Sun 7p]: Young American jazz singer, born in Utah and raised in Arizona, has just released his third CD. At Yoshi's (SF), $20-30. www.spencerday.com

Traveling Circus and Medicine Show [Sun 7p]: Featuring Counting Crows, Michael Franti & Spearhead, and Augustana. At the Greek Theatre (Berkeley), $40-86. www.travelingcircusshow.com

San Francisco Jewish Film Festival [through Aug 10]: 29th annual. Featuring 71 films from 18 countries. At Castro Theatre (SF), Swedish American Hall (SF), Cellspace (SF), Jewish Community Center (SF), Roda Theatre (Berkeley), Cinearts (Palo Alto), and Smith Film Center (San Rafael). FREE-$225. www.sfjff.org

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie [through Aug 16]: Based on the beloved children's book by Laura Numeroff. At Children's Fairyland (Oakland), $10-12. www.activeartstheatre.org

Previous: Theatre - Wishful Drinking [through today in Berkeley]; Art - Lords of the Samurai [through Sep 20 in SF]


Upcoming August Activities
Better Than Ezra concert [Aug 12 in SF]; Third Eye Blind concert [Aug 17 in Oakland]; Cajun Zydeco Festival [Aug 22 in Fremont]

Randy's Guide CXLV (145)

Today is Representative Barbara Lee's 63rd (D-CA); Friday is Brentwood resident and comedian Phyllis Diller's 92nd and actor David Hasselhoff's 57th; Saturday is People Magazine's hottest bachelor Chace Crawford's 24th and astronaut John Glenn's 88th; Sunday is Burma's Martyrs' Day; Monday is Brazilian model Gisele Bundchen's 29th and Argentina's Friendship Day; Tuesday is Doonesbury cartoonist Garry Trudeau's 61st and Singapore's Racial Harmony Day; and Wednesday is designer Oscar de la Renta's 77th.


Local News
The number of millionaire households in the nine-county Bay Area actually increased in 2008, up 10.2 percent to 136,120. These individuals, who have at least $1 million worth of investable assets (excluding primary residence and collectibles), bucked a nationwide and global trend of a declining number of millionaire households. www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/07/16/BUBM18P5VH.DTL


Change for Change
Congrats to Old Skool Cafe! Please check out the group's service offering and consider a donation to them. www.oldskoolcafe.org

New charity to consider: Darfur Sister Schools. Thanks to reader Megan D. for this tip. It's part of a conglomerate of programs patched together by the Education Partnership for Children of Conflict, which is co-chaired by Angelina Jolie. This particular effort focuses on more than 100,000 Sudanese children living in 12 refugee camps in eastern Chad. When you donate, please e-mail fundraiser Jason W. at jweeby@gmail.com for calculation purposes. www.educationpartnership.org/howtohelp/darfur

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, Ashoka, and now Old Skool Cafe.


Bay Area Weekend Weather
After a flare-up of heat earlier this week, things have turned seasonal. Morning low clouds, followed by afternoon sunshine and breezes.

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


Deal of the Week
Every Sunday afternoon in the Mission District, the Free Farm Stand is set up to dole out whatever is in season. Last Sunday, green beans, tomatoes, plums, loquats, lemons, herbs, zucchini, red peppers, and greens were part out of the bounty. Pick up or donate some produce for this popular community effort. www.freefarmstand.org


The Environment
EcoHaul has an excellent green debris removal service in the Bay Area. The company will recycle, reuse, and donate the materials leftover from remodels or moves. Their trucks even run on biodiesel. www.EcoHaul.com

Previous:
Ammonia and bleach are both toxic and can seep into the ecosystem to produce volatile organic compounds. Instead, use hydrogen peroxide or sodium percarbonate as disinfectants.


Music Videos
"My Cabal" by School of Seven Bells (Brooklyn, N.Y.)

The Dehezas, who are identical twin sisters, met Benjamin Curtis while both opening for Interpol and formed a band named after a mythical South American pickpocket training academy. Catch their dreamy pop in August (New York City); September (Philadelphia, Atlanta, and Washington, D.C.); and October (San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego, Portland, and Seattle). www.schoolofsevenbells.com

Previous:
"I've Got Your Number" by Passion Pit (Cambridge, Mass.)

The synth pop group was named Best New Act in The Boston Phoenix, and #9 in BBC's Sound of 2009 list. July shows in Europe are followed by August shows in Chicago, Minneapolis, and Philadelphia, and September-October programs in San Francisco, New York City, Austin, Morrison (Colo.), and Hollywood. www.passionpitmusic.com


Movies (domestic revenues through July 12)
Highly publicized "Bruno" did edge to the top of the charts with $30.6 million [rated R, 2756 screens, $11,110 per screen]. "Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs" held on to second with $27.6 million [rated PG, $119.7 million overall, 4102 screens, $6,730 per screen]. The girl from "Heroes" couldn't save "I Love You, Beth Cooper," which bombed with $4.9 million in seventh place [rated PG-13, 1858 screens, $2,648 per screen]. "The Hurt Locker," an Iraqi war drama with Ralph Fiennes and Guy Pearce, successfully expanded into the Bay Area and earned $0.6 million [rated R, $1.1 million overall, 60 screens, $10,686 per screen].

Burma VJ (NR): Documentary; about a 27-year-old undercover video journalist during the massive uprising in Burma in 2007

(500) Days of Summer (PG-13): Comedy; about a young man's unpredicable year of romance; co-starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince (PG): Fantasy action; about Voldemort's tightening reign and Dumbledore's preparations for the upcoming final battle; co-starring Daniel radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Helena Bonham Carter

Humpday (R): Comedy; about two college bad boys who have taken different paths and who agree to co-star in an adult film together

Jerichow (NR): Drama; about three inhabitants of a small, poor German town

Seraphine (NR): Drama; about the 20th century French painter Seraphine

Soul Power (PG-13): Documentary; about the three-day music festival Zaire '74; co-starring Muhammed Ali, B.B. King, and James Brown

The Window (NR): Drama; about a bedridden gentleman who awaits his famous, long-absent son

DVD Pick - Tropic Thunder (R): This comedy garnered "Bruno"-esque charges last year, largely for the blackface (and Oscar-nominated) performance by Robert Downey Jr. He and Tom Cruise carry the oddball film about a crew marooned in the jungles of southeast Asia. Domestic box office: $110.5 million; foreign box office: $77.6 million.


Free Activities
San Francisco Mime Troupe [Thu 7p, Sat-Sun 2p]: 50th anniversary. "Too Big to Fail" is the production. At Montclair Ball Field (Oakland) and Cedar Rose Park (Berkeley). www.sfmt.org

Temescal Street Cinema [Thu 8p]: Final night. Featuring "Migrations," a series of short films about moving from place to place around the world. At the Bank of the West Building on Temescal Street (Oakland). www.temescaldistrict.org/cinema.html

Film Night in the Park [Fri-Sat 8p]: Featuring "Blade Runner" and "Back to the Future," both in San Anselmo. www.filmnight.org

Cotati Kids Day [Sat 7a-3p]: Featuring a parade, pie eating contests, and live music. At La Plaza Park (Cotati). www.ci.cotati.ca.us

Niles Dog Show [Sat 9a-3p]: 11th annual. Featuring dog demonstrations and competitions. At Niles Park (Fremont). www.niles.org

Connoisseurs' Marketplace [Sat-Sun 10a-6p]: 23rd annual. Featuring 250 top artists and craftsmakers, a Kids' Fun Zone, and live Bay Area bands. Along Santa Cruz Avenue (Menlo Park). www.miramarevents.com

Renegade Craft Fair [Sat-Sun 11a-7p]: 2nd annual. Featuring 200+ artists, hands-on workshops, a free photo booth, free raffles, and more. At Fort Mason Festival Pavilion (SF). www.renegadecraft.com

Mission Creek Music Festival [Sat 11:30a-8p]: 13th annual. Featuring Kelley Stoltz, Persephone's Bees, Dead Meadow, Xoel Lopez, and more. Music starts at 4pm. At McLaren Park (SF). www.mcmf.org

Taming of the Shrew [Sat 1p/6p, Sun 1p]: Since 1998, San Francisco-based Woman's Will, an all-female production company, has performed free (and paid) shows throughout the Bay Area. At John Hinkel Park (Berkeley) and Town Green (Danville). www.womanswill.org

YBGF - Ibig: Pulse of Desire [Sat-Sun 1p]: Featuring the Alleluia Panis Dance Theater with a take on Filipino martial arts and dance. At the Yerba Buena Gardens (SF). www.ybgf.org

Macy's Preview of SF Chefs Event [Sat 2p]: Featuring local chefs cooking up favorites, as a preview of the annual 4-day food and wine celebration in Union Square. At Macy's Cellar (SF). www.macys.com

Free Shakespeare in the Park [Sat-Sun 7:30p]: 27th season. Featuring "The Comedy of Errors" with a 12-actor cast. At Amador Valley Community Park (Pleasanton). www.sfshakes.org

Sunday Streets [Sun 10a-2p]: Always fun. It's the fourth incarnation this year (and sixth overall in San Francisco). Free bicycle rentals, roller skate rentals, Mission walk tour, bike maintenance, Afro-Brazilian martial art demonstrations, free swing and salsa dance lessons, and more. Along 24th Street and Valencia Street. www.sundaystreetssf.com

West End Village Celebration [Sun 11a-8p]: Featuring free kids' games, live music, skate park, and street vendors. Along 4th Street (San Rafael). www.westendvillagecelebration.com

Golden Gate Park Band [Sun 1p]: 127th season. This week's theme is Great Band Music. At the Music Concourse Bandshell in Golden Gate Park (SF). www.goldengateparkband.org

Free Symphony in the Park [Sun 2p]: Weather should be ideal for listening to favorites such as Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake and Beethoven's 5th Symphony. At Dolores Park (SF). www.sfsymphony.org

Stern Grove Festival - Sergent Garcia [Sun 2p]: 72nd season. Featuring the guitarist performing with his hip-hop/salsa band. With Brazilian funk band Curumin opening. At Stern Grove Amphitheatre (SF). www.sterngrove.org


Paid Activities
Wanda Sykes [Fri-Sat 8p/10:15p]: Emmy-nominated comedian who starred in "Wanda Does It" and "The New Adventures of Old Christine." At Cobb's Comedy Club (SF), $41. www.wandasykes.com

Bugs Bunny on Broadway [Fri 8p]: Featuring classic Warner Bros. Looney Tunes on a giant projection screen, with the San Francisco Symphony performing the scores live. At Davies Symphony Hall (SF), $30-80. www.sfsymphony.org

Indigo Girls [Sat 7:30p, Tue 8p]: With Common Rotation opening. At the Mountain Winery (Saratoga) and Fillmore (SF), $38-48. www.indigogirls.com

Previous: Theatre - Jack Goes Boating [through Sunday in Berkeley]; Event - Giants County Fair [through Sunday in SF]; Art - Watchmen [through Sunday in SF]; Theatre - Wishful Drinking [through July 23 in Berkeley]; Art - Lords of the Samurai [through Sep 20 in SF]


Upcoming August Activities
Melissa Etheridge concert [Aug 9 in Saratoga]; Pete Yorn concert [Aug 24 in SF]; KMEL Summer Block Party, featuring R. Kelly and Keyshia Cole [Aug 28 in Oakland]

Randy's Guide CXLIV (144)

Today is The White Stripes' lead vocalist Jack White's 34th and Morocco's Youth Day; Friday is British tennis player Virginia Wade's 64th (last Briton to win Wimbledon); Saturday is Mongolia's Naadam Holiday and musician Andrew Bird's 36th; Sunday is fitness trainer Richard Simmons' 61st; Monday is actor Harrison Ford's 67th; Tuesday is Bastille Day; and Wednesday is former Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura's 58th.


Local News
San Jose resident Joey Chestnut remained as champion of Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest on Coney Island. During the 10-minute competition, Chestnut chomped 68 hot dogs, besting six-time titleholder Takeru Kobayashi's 64 1/2. Grand prize is $10,000. www.fresnobee.com/641/story/1514547.html


Change for Change
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 Ashoka.


Bay Area Weekend Weather
Same as last weekend: morning clouds, followed by afternoon sunshine and light winds.

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


Deal of the Week
Starbucks is offering 800 pints of ice cream every hour until July 19. Go to http://apps.facebook.com/starbucksicecream, and the recipient will receive a voucher in the mail.


The Environment
Ammonia and bleach are both toxic and can seep into the ecosystem to produce volatile organic compounds. Instead, use hydrogen peroxide or sodium percarbonate as disinfectants.

Previous:
Those free newspapers often clutter up our driveways, generate considerable waste, and flutter into the streets with reckless abandon. To stop delivery of the San Francisco Examiner, go to www.examiner.com/delivery/cancel; for those outside the San Francisco zone, you can check www.stopfreepapers.org to see if your newspaper group is listed.


Music Videos
"Sleepyhead" by Passion Pit (Cambridge, Mass.)


This video's nearing 1.5 million hits - and no surprise, as it was spotlighted by iTunes, MTV, and Sony PlayStation. The synth pop group was named Best New Act in The Boston Phoenix, and #9 in BBC's Sound of 2009 list. July shows in Europe are followed by August shows in Chicago, Minneapolis, and Philadelphia, and September-October programs in New York City, Austin, Morrison (Colo.), and Hollywood. www.passionpitmusic.com

Previous:
"Who Can Say" by The Horrors (London, England)


The garage rock band released its second album earlier this year. Their current tour passes through England, Ireland, Spain, Italy, Japan, and France... catch them while traipsing through Europe or Asia this summer. www.thehorrors.co.uk


Movies (domestic revenues through July 5)
Shia LaBeouf held off the competition, as "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen" picked up $42.3 million during its second weekend [rated PG-13, $293.3 million overall, 4234 screens, $9,995 per screen]. "Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs" brought in the families to the tune of $41.7 million [rated PG, $66.7 million overall, 4099 screens, $10,171 per screen]. And the Johnny Depp gangster tale "Public Enemies" ushered in the adults with $25.3 million [rated R, $40.1 million overall, 3334 screens, $7,580 per screen]. In limited play, the Woody Allen comedy "Whatever Works" garnered $1.0 million [rated PG-13, $1.9 million overall, 3rd weekend, 353 screens, $2,720 per screen].

Blood: The Last Vampire (R): Horror; about a beautiful teenage girl who is actually a 400-year-old half-human, half-vampire

Bruno (R): Comedy; about an Austrian fashionista who travels the world; co-starring Sacha Baron Cohen

The Country Teacher (NR): Drama; about a teacher who leaves for the countryside, a teenage boy whom he mentors, and an ex-boyfriend who haunts him

The Hurt Locker (R): Action; about a small group of American forces who are specially trained to handle Improvised Explosive Devices in Iraq; co-starring Ralph Fiennes and Guy Pearce

I Love You, Beth Cooper (PG-13): Comedy; about a nerdy valedictorian and the hot popular girl who connect up on graduation night; co-starring Hayden Panettiere

Julia (R): Drama; about an alcoholic, compulsive liar who decides to commit a risky act; co-starring Tilda Swinton

$9.99 (R): Excellent film! Stop-motion animation; about a young man's interactions with a home-bound retired man, a debt-ridden magician, a boy with a piggy bank, and others in his apartment building; co-voiced by Geoffrey Rush and Anthony LaPaglia

DVD Pick - Wall-E (G): OK, so perhaps I'm one of the last to have seen this marvelous, ingenious film. Emeryville-based Pixar has done it again, as a lonely trash compactor on Earth meets a modern robot named Eve and escapes to a spaceship holding all of Earth's now-bloated descendants. Oscar Winner for Best Animated Film. Domestic box office: $223.8 million; foreign box office: $311.0 million.


Free Activities
InterHarmony International Music Festival [Thu 8p, Sat 3p]: Thursday's program is Student Festival Showcase II; Saturday's program is the Final Concert, featuring works by Handel, Vivaldi, Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninov, and Bizet. At SFSU's Knuth Hall (SF). www.interharmony.com

Temescal Street Cinema [Thu 8p]: Featuring "19 Arrests and No Convictions," a documentary by Judy Irving ("Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill") about an Italian-American bar owner who regularly swam from Alcatraz to the mainland. At the Bank of the West Building on Temescal Street (Oakland). www.temescaldistrict.org/cinema.html

Film Night in the Park [Fri 8p, Sat 8p]: Featuring "Help!" on Friday in San Anselmo, "Buena Vista Social Club" on Saturday in San Geronimo, and "Manhattan" on Saturday in SF's Union Square. www.filmnight.org

Newark Hawaiian Festival [Sat 10a-5p]: 9th annual. Featuring Hawaiian entertainment, food, and crafts. At Swiss Park (Newark). http://home.netcom.com/~halkop/events.html

Palo Alto Clay & Glass Festival [Sat-Sun 10a-5p]: 17th annual. Featuring 175+ clay and glass artisans. At the Palo Alto Art Center. www.acga.net

Los Altos Festival [Sat-Sun 10a-6p]: 30th annual. Featuring three stages of live entertainment and six local wine vintners. In downtown Los Altos. www.downtownlosaltos.org/events/aw_main.html

Bastille Weekend [Sat-Tue 11a-9p]: Featuring Saturday 7p concert with Opera San Jose, Sunday 1p French Poodle parade, Monday and Tuesday petanque, and Tuesday 7p/8:30p Cirque de la Bastille. At Santana Row (San Jose). www.santanarow.com

San Jose Obon Festival [Sat-Sun noon-8p]: Featuring taiko drums, buddhism lecture, chidori band, bingo, and more. At the San Jose Buddhist Church. www.sjbetsuin.com

Taming of the Shrew [Sat-Sun 1p]: Since 1998, San Francisco-based Woman's Will, an all-female production company, has performed free (and paid) shows throughout the Bay Area. At John Hinkel Park (Berkeley). www.womanswill.org

San Francisco Mime Troupe [Sat-Sun 1:30p; Wed 6:30p]: 50th anniversary. "Too Big to Fail" is the production. At Golden Gate Park's Peacock Meadow (SF) on Saturday, Glen Park (SF) on Sunday, and Mill Valley Community Center on Wednesday. www.sfmt.org

California Fresh BBQ Event [Sat 2p]: Wexler's Executive Chef Charlie Kleinman will be showcasing barbecue food with a healthier take. At Macy's Cellar (SF). www.macys.com/store/event/index.ognc?action=search&storeId=212

Chinatown Night Market [Sat 4-9p]: Featuring live entertainment, chef demonstrations, and multiple food vendors. In Pacific Renaissance Plaza (Oakland). www.oacc.cc

Petaluma Art & Garden Festival [Sun 11a-5p]: 8th annual. Featuring a Santana tribute band and free ice cream for kids. In historic downtown Petaluma. www.petalumadowntown.com

Oakland Museum of California [Sun noon-5p]: Featuring exhibits on the African presence in Mexico, California artist Squeak Carnwath, Oakland High's Visual Arts Academy student collages and totems, and the future of Sequoias. www.museumca.org

Stern Grove Festival - Joan Baez [Sun 2p]: 72nd season. The long-time folk singer, who has taken up root in Woodside, will likely sing in front of a packed crowd. With Blame Sally, a modern folk collaboration of four San Francisco area women, opening. At Stern Grove Amphitheatre (SF). www.sterngrove.org

Merola Summer Concert [Sun 2p]: Semi-staged excerpts from opera favorites, as performed by the Merola Opera Program. At Yerba Buena Gardens (SF). www.ybgf.org


Paid Activities
Midnight Mass [Fri-Sat 11:59p]: 12th annual (and final). Featuring host Peaches Christ and actress Linda Blair. "Roller Boogie" on Friday night, "The Exorcist" on Saturday night. At the Bridge Theatre (SF), $13. www.peacheschrist.com

Scottish Highlands Games [Sat-Sun 10a-5p]: 35th annual. Featuring sheep dog demonstrations, mansion tours, bagpipe bands, and highland dance. At Dunsmuir Estate (Oakland), $8-12. www.dunsmuir.org

Death Cab for Cutie concert [Sat 6:30p]: With Andrew Bird opening. At the Greek Theatre (Berkeley), $43. www.deathcabforcutie.com

Chris Botti with the SFS [Sat 8p, Sun 2p]: Featuring the jazz trumpeter with the San Francisco Symphony and conductor Sarah Hicks in her debut. At Davies Symphony Hall (SF), $20-85. www.sfsymphony.org

Golden Gate Park Band [Sun 1p]: 127th season. This week's theme is Bastille Day Celebration. At the Music Concourse Bandshell in Golden Gate Park (SF). www.goldengateparkband.org

Tori Amos concerts [Mon-Tue 8p]: At the Paramount Theatre (Oakland) and Center for the Performing Arts (San Jose), $40-56. www.toriamos.com

Giants County Fair [through July 19]: With specialty days such as SF Zoo Day (July 12), LGBT Day (July 15), and Filipino Celebration Day (July 16). At McCovey Cove (SF), free-$20. www.sfgiants.com/fair

Watchmen exhibit [through July 19]: Featuring artwork from the Dave Gibbons comic and subsequent hit film. At the Cartoon Art Museum (SF), free-$6. www.cartoonart.org

Wishful Drinking [through July 23]: Two-hour autobiographical show with Carrie Fisher. At the Roda Theatre (Berkeley), $16-71. www.berkeleyrep.org

Previous: Theatre - Jack Goes Boating [through July 19 in Berkeley]; Art - Lords of the Samurai [through Sep 20 in SF]


Upcoming August Activities
Rod Stewart concert [Aug 4 in San Jose]; SF Chefs: Food & Wine event [Aug 6-9 in SF]; Julius Caesar [opens Aug 21 in San Rafael]

Randy's Guide CXLIII (143)

Today is the Year's Midpoint (182 days before; 182 days after) and Curacao's Flag Day; Friday is actor Tom Cruise's 47th; Saturday is the Fourth of July, reporter Geraldo Rivera's 66th, Yankees owner George Steinbrenner's 79th, and Raiders owner Al Davis' 80th; Sunday is Cape Verde's Independence Day; Monday is former President George W. Bush's 63rd, rapper 50 Cent's 34th, and Comoros' Independence Day; Tuesday is Ukraine's Ivan Kapala Day; and Wednesday is the annual Soapy Smith wake (in Skagway, Alaska and Hollywood, Calif.).


Local News
No Fisher Museum for San Francisco's Presidio...at least for now. Gap founder Don Fisher has called off efforts to build a contemporary art museum housing the family's prized collection. The Fishers will continue to look in San Francisco and elsewhere in the Bay Area for a suitable site. www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/07/02/MNJL18HMBA.DTL


Change for Change
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 Ashoka.


Bay Area Weekend Weather
Seasonal, with morning low clouds and fog, clearing to afternoon sunshine and warmth inland.

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


Deal of the Week
San Francisco-based 7x7 Magazine, with a particular focus on events in San Francisco, is offering a free annual subscription. Go to www.7x7.com/promo and enter code X906MKT.


The Environment
Those free newspapers often clutter up our driveways, generate considerable waste, and flutter into the streets with reckless abandon. To stop delivery of the San Francisco Examiner, go to www.examiner.com/delivery/cancel; for those outside the San Francisco zone, you can check www.stopfreepapers.org to see if your newspaper group is listed.

Previous:
Summer driving season is here. That, undoubtedly, means extra stops at the fuel station. Try to refuel early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid fuel vapor leakage and to improve the density of the fuel purchased. Also, avoid topping off the tank beyond the automatic shutoff point.


Music Videos
"Sea within a Sea" by The Horrors (London, England)


The garage rock band released its second album earlier this year. Their current tour passes through England, Ireland, Spain, Italy, Japan, and France... catch them while traipsing through Europe or Asia this summer. www.thehorrors.co.uk

Previous:
"Stella" by Ida Maria (Nesna, Norway)


Her music has been showcased on "Gossip Girl" and Time Magazine. Her tour includes a stop in San Francisco on July 27, as well as shows in Costa Mesa (Calif.), Hollywood, San Diego, Las Vegas, Dallas, Chicago, and Morrison (Colo.). www.myspace.com/idamaria


Movies (domestic revenues through June 28)
"Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen" overcame dismal reviews to muscle up $109.0 million over the weekend [rated PG-13, $200.1 million overall, 4234 screens, $25,736 per screen]. THe Sandra Bullock-Ryan Reynolds comedy "The Proposal" collected another $18.6 million [rated PG-13, $69.2 million overall, 2nd weekend, 3058 screens, $6,075 per screen]. "My Sister's Keeper," co-starring Abigail Breslin and Cameron Diaz, under-performed with $12.4 million [rated PG-13, 2606 screens, $4,774 per screen]. And lastly, the May-December romance "Cheri," with Michelle Pfeiffer, rolled out to an adequate $0.4 million [rated R, 76 screens, $5,338 per screen].

Downloading Nancy (NR): Drama; about a married woman who meets a man online and leaves her husband, who is left to figure out her whereabouts; co-starring Maria Bello and Jason Patric

Eldorado (NR): Drama; about a vintage car dealer who journeys with a would-be burglar to his parents' home

The Girl from Monaco (R): Drama; about a sharp French attorney who falls for a beautiful woman while on trial in Monaco

Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs (PG): Animated; about two woolly mammoths, a saber-toothed tiger, and a sloth who hijack some dinosaur eggs; co-voiced by Ray Romano, John Leguizamo, Queen Latifah, and Denis Leary

Public Enemies (R): Drama; about John Dillinger and his infamous gang; co-starring Johnny Depp, Christian Bale, Marion Cotillard, and Channing Tatum; directed by Michael Mann

Surveillance (R): Drama; about two federal officers who investigate a roadside rampage; co-starring Bill Pullman and Julia Ormond; co-produced by David Lynch

DVD Pick - Elizabeth: The Golden Age (PG-13): Though certainly not at the caliber of its Oscar-winning predecessor, this second look into Elizabeth's reign, with Cate Blanchett as the fierce Queen, is stirring and beautifully staged. It focuses on a heated battle over the seas between the nascent British and the powerful Spanish. Domestic box office: $16.4 million; foreign box office: $57.9 million.


Free 4th of July Activities [Sat, unless noted]
Antioch [2-10p]: 11th annual. Featuring a show & shine car show, hometown parade, and fireworks display. Along the historic downtown waterfront. http://rivertownevents.wordpress.com/fourth-of-july

Ben Lomond [11:30a-2p]: 114th annual. Featuring a flag raising, BBQ lunch, history tour, raffle, and more. At Alba Schoolhouse.

Berkeley [noon-10p]: Featuring an adventure playground, clown acts, sailboat rides, and a firework display. Along Berkeley Marina. www.anotherbullwinkelshow.com

Hayward [11a-3p]: Featuring patriotic art activities, races, and games. At Meek Park. www.haywardareahistory.org

Richmond [FRI 7-10p]: Featuring the Oakland East Bay Symphony and fireworks display. At Craneway Pavilion. www.oebs.org

San Francisco [1-9:30p]: Featuring cover band Tainted Love and a fireworks display. At Pier 39. www.pier39.com

San Jose [10a-3p]: 2nd annual. Featuring a parade and festival. Along The Alameda. www.rwbparade.org

Santa Clara [10a-10p]: Featuring a pancake breakfast, flag dedication ceremony, a petting zoo, and fireworks display. At Central Park. http://santaclaraca.gov/events/fourth-of-july.html

Saratoga [10a-noon]: Featuring a parade, ice cream and US flag for kids, and a volunteer band. At Azule Park. www.saratogahistory.com


Free Activities
Lavay Smith & the Red Hot Skillet Lickers [Thu 6-7:30p]: Internationally known for being one of the leading performers of classic jazz and blues. At Jessie Square (SF). www.ybgf.org

Temescal Street Cinema [Thu 8p]: "Drylongso" is about an Oakland woman who tires of her job and starts to document young black men in the community. "Smitten" is a documentary about eccentric art collector Rene di Rosa, who lives in Napa Valley. At the Bank of the West Building on Temescal Street (Oakland). www.temescaldistrict.org/cinema.html

WorldOne Festival [Fri 5-7p, Sat 10:30a-7p]: 11th annual. Sponsored by KECG 88.1 FM and 97.7 FM. Featuring live DJs, bluegrass music, reggae, and more. At Cerrito Vista Park (El Cerrito). www.worldoneradio.org

Fillmore Jazz Festival [Sat-Sun 10a-6p]: About 100,000 will descend onto 10 blocks for four stages of live jazz, including Kim Nalley, Spencer Day, Lavay Smith, and Marcus Shelby. Get some fried catfish, chicken & sausage jambalaya, crawfish etoufee, and peach cobbler while you're there. Along Fillmore Street, between Eddy and Jackson (SF). www.fillmorejazzfestival.com

San Francisco Mime Troupe [Sat-Sun 1:30p; Wed 6:30p]: 50th anniversary. "Too Big to Fail" is the production. Free shows at Dolores Park (SF) on Sat-Sun; $15-25 tickets required for John Wright Theatre (Fresno) on Wed. www.sfmt.org

Stern Grove Festival - San Francisco Symphony [Sun 2p]: 72nd season. Including performances of Tchaikovsky's "Swan Lake" and Gershwin's "An American in Paris." With Inouye Jazz opening. At Stern Grove Amphitheatre (SF). www.sterngrove.org

Free Museum Day [Thu; Sun; Tue]: Berkeley Art Museum and Burlingame Pez Museum free today; Asian Art Museum free on Sunday; Cartoon Art Museum, de Young Museum, Legion of Honor, SF MOMA, and Yerba Buena Center Galleries free on Tuesday. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu www.burlingamepezmuseum.com www.asianart.org www.cartoonart.org www.famsf.org www.sfmoma.org www.ybca.org


Paid Activities
Preservation Hall Jazz Band [Sat 7p, Sun 2p/4p]: Famed New Orleans-based group. At Robert Mondavi Winery (Oakville), $60-190; and Marin County Fair (San Rafael), free-$14. www.PreservationHall.com

The All-American Rejects [Sun 6:45p]: Rock band from Stillwater, Okla., with hits including "Gives You Hell" and "Move Along." At Konocti Harbor (Kelseyville), $39-88. www.AllAmericanRejects.com

What the Butler Saw [through Sunday]: About a mental hospital spinning out of control. At the Marin Theatre Company (Mill Valley), $20-51. www.marintheatre.org

Jack Goes Boating [through July 19]: About modern love in Manhattan. At the Aurora Theatre (Berkeley), $40-42. www.auroratheatre.org

Lords of the Samurai exhibit [through Sep 20]: Featuring more than 160 works from the Hosokawa family clan, including suits of armor, swords, calligraphy, tea wares, and more. At the Asian Art Museum (SF), $5 surcharge for exhibit. www.asianart.org

Previous: Theatre - Monty Python's Spamalot [through Sunday in SF]; Opera - Giuseppe Verdi's La Traviata [through Sunday in SF]; Theatre - Monty Python's Spamalot [through Sunday in SF}; Theatre - Edward Albee's At Home at the Zoo [through Sunday in SF]


Upcoming August Activities
Art & Soul Festival [Aug 15-16 in Oakland]; Outside Lands Music Festival, featuring Pearl Jam, Dave Matthews Band, and Beastie Boys [Aug 28-30 in SF]; Burning Man [Aug 31-Sep 7 in Black Rock City, Nev.]