Randy's Guide CLI (151)

Today is fashion designer Tom Ford's 48th and Texas' Lyndon B. Johnson Day; Friday is Canadian singer Shania Twain's 44th; Saturday is the 4th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina; Sunday is top-ranked American (and fifth-ranked world) tennis player Andy Roddick's 27th; Monday is Malaysia's Hari Merdeka (National Day); Tuesday is Slovakia's Constitution Day and Cuban-American singer Gloria Estefan's 52nd; and Wednesday is Germany's Sedantag.


Local News
Trying to board MUNI for free? Think again, as "The Saturation" took full effect at 16th and Mission on Wednesday. Those who failed to show a valid transfer or pass were either given $75 citations or arrested. Be forewarned, as the inspection strategy will roll into the underground today and the avenues tomorrow. http://missionlocal.org/2009/08/muni-fare-beaters-slapped-with-75-fines


Change for Change
Charity to consider: Rebuilding Together San Francisco. Originally formed in response to the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, this nonprofit focuses on conducting makeovers of homes and community facilities. Recent projects include the Arab Cultural & Community Center in Forest Hill, Daniel Webster Elementary School in Potrero Hill, and the YMCA facility in the Mission. www.rebuildingtogethersf.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, Ashoka, Old Skool Cafe, and Darfur Sister Schools.


Bay Area Weekend Weather
Warm conditions through Friday, then slight cooling.

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

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


Deal of the Week
Free taco today at Taco del Mar! Take part in National Forgiveness Day by sending a greeting to friends, who will then receive a free taco. California locations include San Francisco, San Diego, and Sacramento. www.tacoforgiveness.com/index.php


The Environment
For those with housepets, treat flea problems with borate-based carpet treatments. Fleanix carpet treatment can control fleas in carpeting for up to a year.

Previous:
Santa Clara seems to be a hub for recycling technological gadgets. You can drop off electronics for free at Zak Enterprises (www.zakenterprises.com) or United Datatech Distributors (www.uniteddatatech.com), and your scrap toxic metal at ECS Refining (http://nauticus-usa.com/consul1.html).


Music Videos
"T Rex" by Wallpaper. (Oakland, Calif.)

To celebrate the band's new album, catch them free at Oakland's Uptown (Sep 5) and Berkeley's Amoeba Records (Sep 22). Other stops include Los Angeles (Saturday), San Francisco's Rickshaw Stop (Sep 26), Brooklyn (Oct 3), and San Jose's Blank Club (Oct 9). www.myspace.com/wallpaper

Previous:
"A Young One" by Bart Davenport (Oakland, Calif.)

He dabbled with a side project called Honeycut for a while, but now he's touring after releasing his fourth solo LP. Upcoming shows are in Santa Cruz (Sep 4) before a couple of weeks in Europe. www.bartdavenport.com


Movies (domestic revenues through August 23)
Quentin Tarentino's "Inglourious Basterds" opened at number one with $38.1 million {rated R, 3165 screens, $12,024 per screen}. The compelling Peter Jackson production "District 9" held on with $18.2 million {rated R, 3050 screens, 2nd weekend, $72.8 million overall, $5,972 per screen}. Family film "Shorts" premiered with just $6.4 million in sixth place {rated PG, 3105 screens, $2,065 per screen}. The mindless comedy "Post Grad" picked up only $2.7 million for 11th place {rated PG-13, 1959 screens, $1,354 per screen}. And Disney's "X Games 3D" earned only $0.8 million to reach 19th place {rated PG, 1399 screens, $598 per screen}.

The Final Destination: Death Trap 3D (R): Horror sequel; about a young man who foresees devastating events at a race-car competition

Halloween II (R): Horror sequel; about murderer Michael Myers and the aftermath of his first movie's rampage

It Might Get Loud (PG): Documentary; about the history of the electric guitar; co-starring Jimmy Page, The Edge, and Jack White

Play the Game (PG-13): Comedy; about a young ladies man who tries to teach his grandfather some dating tricks; co-starring Andy Griffith and Doris Roberts

Somers Town (NR): Drama; about two teenage boys, new to London, who forge an unlikely friendship in an immigrant district

Taking Woodstock (R): Drama; about a man working at his parents' motel who starts the path toward the Woodstock concert; directed by Ang Lee

White on Rice (PG-13): Comedy; about a 40-year-old divorced man who has to move into his sister's home

World's Greatest Dad (R): Comedy; about a high-school teacher whose lofty dreams might finally be met following a grave disaster; co-starring Robin Williams

DVD Pick - Gran Torino (R): This superb drama involving a stubborn Korean War veteran, played by Clint Eastwood, and his new Hmong neighbors packs a wallop. Winner of two National Board of Review awards (Best Actor, Best Original Screenplay). Domestic box office: $148.1 million; foreign box office: $121.4 million.


Free Activities
Eat Real Food Festival [Fri 4-9p, Sat 10a-9p, Sun 10a-5p]: Featuring gourmet street food, local beers, and cooking demos. At Jack London Square (Oakland). www.eatrealfest.com

Film Night in the Park [Fri-Sat 8p]: Featuring "Cool Runnings" (San Geronimo) and "Dumbo" (Mill Valley). www.filmnight.org

Assyrian Festival [Sat-Sun 11a-8p]: 17th annual. Featuring folklore dances, cultural exhibits, traditional food, and live music. At Mar Yosip (San Jose). www.maryosipparish.com

Italian Family Festival [Sat-Sun 11a-6p]: Featuring traditional foods, bocce ball, grape stomping contest, and more. In downtown Willow Glen (San Jose). www.iahfsj.org

Hostelling International Party Progressive [Sat 11:30-6p]: Featuring a pancake and mimosa brunch (11:30a-1:30p, 312 Mason St.), a wine and cheese reception (1-3p, 685 Ellis St.), and bayside bbq and concert (2:30-6p, Fort Mason #240). 100th anniversary party. www.sfhostels.com

Duboce Dog Days [Sat noon-3p]: Featuring all things dog - licensing, massage, psychic, games, food, and more. At Duboce Park (SF).

Marcus Shelby Jazz Orchestra [Sat 1-2:30p]: The renowned 15-piece band makes a return visit for the YBGF. At Yerba Buena Gardens (SF). www.ybgf.org

Blues, Brews & BBQs [Sat 1-6p]: Featuring three musical stages, 20 microbrews, and lots of BBQ. In downtown Napa. www.napadowntown.com

San Francisco Mime Troupe [Sat-Sun 2p, Wed 7p]: 50th anniversary. "Too Big to Fail" is the production. At Mosswood Park (Oakland), Circle of Palms (San Jose), and Emerson Park (San Luis Obispo). www.sfmt.org

Free Shakespeare in the Park [Sat 7:30p, Sun 2:30p]: 27th season. Featuring "The Comedy of Errors" with a 12-actor cast. At The Presidio's Main Post (SF). www.sfshakes.org

Golden Gate Park Band [Sun 1p]: 127th season. This week's theme is "Ukrainian-American Day," featuring Ukrainian music, song, and dance. At the Music Concourse Bandshell in Golden Gate Park (SF). www.goldengateparkband.org


Paid Activities
Outside Lands Festival [Fri-Sun noon-10p]: 2nd annual. Featuring a wide range of performers, including M.I.A., Pearl Jam, Dave Matthews Band, Jason Mraz, Tom Jones, Silversun Pickups, Lucinda Williams, and Black Eyed Peas. At eight stages in Golden Gate Park (SF), $90-595. www.sfoutsidelands.com

KMEL Summer Block Party [Fri 7:30p]: Featuring R. Kelly, Keyshia Cole, and more. At Oracle Arena (Oakland), $24-119. www.kmel.com

National Single Cougars Convention [Fri 7:30p]: Primarily for younger men and older women. Dressy attire recommended. At Dinah's Garden Hotel (Palo Alto), $20. www.thepartyhotline.com

Happy Days [through Sep 6]: A discussion on mortality, based on Samuel Beckett's work. At Bruns Amphitheatre (Orinda), $32-68. www.calshakes.org

Previous: Theatre - August: Osage County [through Sep 6 in SF]; Theatre - The Farm [through Sep 13 in Berkeley]; Art - Lords of the Samurai [through Sep 20 in SF]


Upcoming October Activities
Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival, featuring Emmylou Harris, Aimee Mann, and Steve Martin [Oct 2-4 in SF]; Bob Dylan concert [Oct 10-11 in Berkeley]; Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival [Oct 17-18 in Half Moon Bay]