Randy's Guide CLV (155)

Today is South Africa's Heritage Day; Friday is broadcaster Barbara Walters' 80th; Saturday is tennis player Serena Williams' 28th; Sunday is Canadian singer Avril Lavigne's 25th; Monday is Czech Republic's Statehood Day; Tuesday is Argentina's Inventor's Day; and Wednesday is Romanian author Elie Wiesel's 81st.


Local News
San Jose's city council voted in favor of a law that bars retailers from giving customers single-use plastic bags. Paper bags with recycled materials could be sold for a fee. The environmental impact study will take place in 2010, and the ban could go into effect as early as 2011. www.mercurynews.com/ci_13405431


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 even at the coast, with peak heat coming on Saturday.

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


Deal of the Week
On Wednesday, September 30, sign up for two free tickets to a variety of shows, including Beach Blanket Babylon and Smuin Ballet. Ticket regions include San Francisco, North Bay, Peninsula/South Bay, East Bay, and Sacramento. Register in Union Square starting at 10am, or online beginning at 6pm. www.tixbayarea.com


The Environment
For clearing clogged drains, pour baking soda and vinegar down the drain, followed by three cups of boiling water. Don't use over-the-counter products like Drano, which will corrode the metal pipes and release toxic vapors into the home.

Previous:
The 25th Annual Coastal Cleanup Day was last Saturday. Check out photos and news at www.coastal.ca.gov/publiced/ccd/ccd.html.


Music Videos
"Feel" by Marie Digby (Los Angeles, Calif.)

Her version of Rihanna's "Umbrella" propelled her to fame, after getting over one million views and airtime on STAR 98.7 FM in Los Angeles. Now she's got three albums and seven singles under her belt. www.myspace.com/mariedigby

Previous:
"Suzanne" by Hope Sandoval (Los Angeles, Calif.)

Preceding her work with The Warm Inventions, which will release their second album later this month, Hope Sandoval worked with Mazzy Star, The Chemical Brothers, and Massive Attack. Her tour over the month will include stops at the Fillmore (Saturday), Denver's Bluebird (Oct 1), New York's Bowery Ballroom (Oct 12), and Los Angeles' Mayan (Oct 22). www.hopesandoval.com


Movies (domestic revenues through September 21)
Traditionally slow September woke up with a jolt from the animated "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs," which premiered with $30.3 million {rated PG, 3119 screens, $9,716 per screen}. Matt Damon's "The Informant!" coughed up $10.5 million {rated R, 2505 screens, $4,177 per screen}. "Love Happens," a romantic comedy with Jennifer Aniston and Aaron Eckhart, tallied $8.1 million {rated PG-13, 1898 screens, $4,245 per screen}. The Megan Hart thriller opened weakly in sixth place with $6.9 million {rated R, 2702 screens, $2,542 per screen}.

The Burning Plain (R): Drama; about a restaurant manager whose romantic destiny is linked to disparate characters throughout space and time; co-starring Charlize Theron

Crude (NR): Documentary; about the $27 billion "Amazon Chernobyl" legal case involving global politics and indigenous cultures

Fame (PG): Musical remake; about a talented group of artists at the New York City High School of Performing Arts

I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell (R): Comedy; about a charismatic man slated to be married, and the adventures of his last days of bachelorhood; co-starring Jesse Bradford

Pandorum (R): Sci-fi thriller; about two men with no memory of how they arrived in the middle of space with murderous warriors on board their ship; co-starring Dennis Quaid

Paris (R): Drama; about a heart transplant patient and the re-discovery of his sister; co-starring Juliette Binoche

Surrogates (PG-13): Sci-fi action; about a utopian world that is filled with robotic surrogates; co-starring Bruce Willis

You, the Living (NR): Comedy; about a series of characters who seek to find additional meaning in their bizarre lives

DVD Pick - Rachel Getting Married (R): Anne Hathaway is an absolute treasure as a young woman returning home for her sister's marriage after years of battling rehab. She won numerous critics' honors and was nominated for Best Actress by the Oscars and Golden Globes. The film by Jonathan Demme ("The Silence of the Lambs") shows a penchant for blunt, honest dialogue. Domestic box office: $12.8 million; foreign box office: $3.8 million.


Free Activities
San Francisco Mime Troupe [Thu 7:30p, Sat 7p, Sun 7p]: 50th anniversary - Final Weekend. "Too Big to Fail" is the production. At Sebastiani Theatre (Sonoma), Community Park (Davis), and Southside Park (Sacramento). www.sfmt.org

Fall Pacific Fine Arts Festival [Fri-Sun 10a-5p]: 63rd semi-annual. Featuring 175+ artisans. In downtown Walnut Creek. www.walnutcreekdowntown.com

Dragon Boat Festival [Sat-Sun 8a-5p]: 14th annual. Featuring dragon boat racing, taiko drums, lion dance, tai chi, and more. At Treasure Island (SF). www.sfdragonboat.com

Tour de Fat 2009 [Sat 10a-5p]: Featuring a bicycle parade, live music from Sean Hayes and others, a car-for-bike trade-in, beer on tap, and more. At Golden Gate Park's Speedway Meadow (SF). www.newbelgium.com/tour-de-fat

Fog Fest [Sat 10a-5p]: 24th annual. Featuring a sand castle contest, three music stages, and 150+ artisan booths. Along Palmetto Ave (Pacifica). www.pacificcoastfogfest.com

Expo for Independent Arts [Sat 11a-6p]: 10th annual. Featuring independent art, music, and culture. At Golden Gate Park's Music Concourse (SF). http://artsandmedia.net/2009/08/the_10th_annual_expo_for_indep.html

Summerland [Sat 11a-5p]: Featuring 70 local designers, live local bands, DJs, plaza restaurants, and more. In Mint Plaza (SF). www.summerlandmintplaza.com

Salsa Festival [Sat noon-8p]: Featuring three stages of music, salsa dance competition, tequila tasting, salsa tasting awards, and more. In Courthouse Square (Redwood City). www.redwoodcity.org

A Taste of Greece [Sat-Sun noon-9p]: Featuring Greek food, music, dancing, wine tasting, and more. At Annunciation Cathedral (SF). Get free ticket voucher at www.annunciation.org/festival

Chamber Music Day [Sat 12:30-8p]: Featuring a variety of performances. At Old First Church (SF). www.oldfirstconcerts.org

Linda Tillery & the Cultural Heritage Choir [Sat 1-2:30p]: Grammy-nominated ensemble that evokes music with West African and Caribbean origins. At Yerba Buena Gardens (SF). www.ybgf.org

Folsom Street Fair [Sun 11a-6p]: 26th annual. Over 400,000 expected attendance. Featuring festivities for the leather/fetish community, including live demonstrations, local alternative bands, and more. Along Folsom St. between 7th and 12th St. (SF). www.folsomstreetevents.org

Out & About [Sun 11a-6p]: Featuring local artisans, musicians, cooking demos, and more. Along College Ave (Oakland). www.rockridgeoutandabout.com

Last Sundays Fest [Sun 11a-7p]: Featuring live bands including Dizzy Balloon, dozens of ArtCars, and more. Along Telegraph Ave. (Berkeley). www.lastsundaysfest.com

Alice 97.3 Now and Zen Fest [Sun noon-5p]: Featuring performances by Train, Colbie Caillat, Howie Day, and Dashboard Confessional. At Golden Gate Park's Sharon Meadow (SF). www.radioalice.com

Patrick Makuakane's Hawaiian Dance troupe [Sun 1-2:30p]: Featuring the dance company Na Lei Hulu I Ka Wekiu, with a blend of traditional and contemporary forms of hula. At Yerba Buena Gardens (SF). www.ybgf.org


Paid Activities
Rock'n Blues by the Lake [Sat 9a-8p]: Featuring multiple musical groups including The B-52s and America Idol's Blake Lewis. At Stafford Lake Park (Novato), $15-60. www.rnblake.com

Kids Faire [Sat-Sun 10a-5p]: Featuring live stage shows including High School Musical Jr., live bands including Girl Authority, attraction rides, appearances by SpongeBob and Dora, and more. At the Alameda County Fairgrounds (Pleasanton), $5-8. www.kidsfaire.com

A House in Bali opera [Sat 8p, Sun 7p]: American premiere. A combination of opera, contemporary music, and Balinese dance. At Zellerbach Hall (Berkeley), $32-68. www.calperformances.org

Brief Encounter [through Oct 11]: A local debut for England's Kneehigh Theatre production about an attempted affair in a 1930s railway station cafe. At ACT (SF), $9-82. www.act-sf.org

Previous: Theatre - Twelfth Night, or All You Need Is Love [through Sunday in San Rafael]; Theatre - As You Like It [through Sunday in San Jose]; Theatre - East 14th: True Tales of a Reluctant Player [through Oct 10 in SF]; Event - Northern California Renaissance Faire [through Oct 18 in Hollister]; Theatre - American Idiot [extended through Nov 1 in Berkeley]


Upcoming October Activities
Rent: The Broadway Tour [starts Oct 6 in SF]; Star Wars: In Concert [Oct 11 in San Jose]; Annual Exotic Erotic Ball [Oct 24 in Daly City]

Randy's Guide CLIV (154)

Today is Constitution Day; Friday is Brazilian soccer star Ronaldo's 33rd; Saturday is Saint Kitts and Nevis' Independence Day; Sunday is glass artist Dale Chihuly's 68th; Monday is film director Ethan Coen's 52nd; Tuesday is singer Joan Jett's 51st and the First Day of Autumn; and Wednesday is Celebrate Bisexuality Day.


Local News
Energy 92.7 FM, a progressive dance-oriented radio station in the Bay Area for the past five years, has been sold to Golden State Broadcasting. The staff of about 35 was dismissed, including popular morning show hosts Fernando and Greg. The new format, nicknamed Rev FM, will be top-40 mainstream and beamed in from Palm Springs for now. www.mercurynews.com/ci_13318940


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
Last weekend's thunderstorms will be a distant memory, as inland temperatures approach triple digits early next week during this extended heat wave.

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


Deal of the Week
Perfect timing! Jamba Juice has a special offer to buy one smoothie, get one for a buck. Print out the coupon, and use it by September 27. Note: there are 11 Jamba Juices in San Francisco alone! www.summerblissisback.com/couponbog1.php


The Environment
The 25th Annual Coastal Cleanup Day is this Saturday, from 9am until noon. San Francisco locations are for the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy (volunteer@parksconservancy.org) and Literacy for Environmental Justice (heronshead@lejyouth.org). Ample locations across the Bay Area and the state can be found at www.coastal.ca.gov/publiced/ccd/ccd.html.

Previous:
Use a broom - not a hose - to clean up garden waste. And, collect the clippings and deposit into a compostables bin, instead of the gutter.


Music Videos
"Suzanne" by Hope Sandoval (Los Angeles, Calif.)

Preceding her work with The Warm Inventions, which will release their second album later this month, Hope Sandoval worked with Mazzy Star, The Chemical Brothers, and Massive Attack. Her tour over the month will include stops at the Fillmore (Sep 26), Denver's Bluebird (Oct 1), New York's Bowery Ballroom (Oct 12), and Los Angeles' Mayan (Oct 22). www.hopesandoval.com

Previous:
"Relator" by Scarlett Johansson and Pete Yorn

The 24-year-old actress has garnered four Golden Globe nominations and is perhaps best known for her role in "Lost in Translation." Last year, she released her own album, largely composed of Tom Waits covers, and will showcase her collaboration with Pete Yorn next week. www.myspace.com/scarlettalbum


Movies (domestic revenues through September 14)
Tyler Perry continued his success of independent production, as "I Can Do Bad All By Myself" opened with a whopping $23.4 million {rated PG-13, 2255 screens, $10,398 per screen}. The post-apocalyptic animated film "9" tallied $10.7 million {rated PG-13, $15.2 million overall, 1661 screens, $6,466 per screen}. Carrie Fisher's cameo couldn't pull up "Sorority Row," as it premiered in sixth place with $5.1 million {rated R, 2665 screens, $1,899 per screen}. Finally, the thriller in Antarctica, "Whiteout," limped into seventh with $4.9 million {rated R, 2745 screens, $1,791 per screen}.

Amreeka (PG-13): Comedy; about a single mom and her teenage son who leave the West Bank for small-town Illinois

Bright Star (PG): Drama; about the final years of the young 19th century poet John Keats; directed by Jane Campion ("The Piano")

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (PG): Animation; based on the beloved children's novel about a scientist who attempts to solve world hunger; co-voiced by Bill Hader

Fuel (NR): Documentary; about our dependence on foreign oil and the prospect of biodiesel

The Headless Woman (NR): Drama; about a middle-aged female dentist who may have run over a young boy

The Informant! (R): Comedy; about a corporate insider who turns into a whistleblower; co-starring Matt Damon and Scott Bakula; directed by Steven Soderbergh ("Ocean's Eleven")

Jennifer's Body (R): Thriller; about a cheerleader who gets possessed and becomes a serial killer; co-starring Megan Fox and Amy Sedaris

Love Happens (PG-13): Romantic comedy; about a self-help author who might have met Ms. Right; co-starring Aaron Eckhart, Jennifer Aniston, and Martin Sheen

No Impact Man (NR): Documentary; about an author who vows to make zero environmental impact for one year... meaning no public transportation, electricity, non-local food, or material consumption

Under Our Skin (NR): Documentary; about the science and politics of Lyme disease

White on Rice (PG-13): Comedy; about a 40-year-old divorced man who shares a room with his 10-year-old nephew

DVD Pick - Synecdoche, New York (R): The writer behind "Being John Malkovich" and "Adaptation" took the director's helm for the first time here, and it's a bizarre trip. Philip Seymour Hoffman stars as a disillusioned writer who receives a grant to create a life's masterpiece production. A parade of indie women stars, including Samantha Morton and Hope Davis, are in the mix too. Domestic box office: $3.1 million; foreign box office: $1.2 million.


Free Activities
2009 PARK(ing) Day [Friday]: 5th annual. Metered parking spaces are transformed into public parks. Started in San Francisco, but has since spread worldwide. www.parkingday.org

San Francisco Mime Troupe [Fri 7:30p, Sun 3p, Wed 7p]: 50th anniversary. "Too Big to Fail" is the production. At Analy High School (Sebastopol), Walnut Park (Petaluma), and Chabot College Performing Arts Center (Hayward). www.sfmt.org

Oakland's Got Seoul Festival [Sat 11:30a-6:30p]: 1st annual. Featuring a Korean BBQ contest, ARTcart Project, UC Berkeley Tae Kwon Do demonstration, and more. Near Telegraph and 25th (Oakland). www.koreatownnorthgate.org

Sit for Change - Bay Area [Sat 10a-4p]: Celebrate International Day of Peace with music, spoken word, and a meditation circle. At MLK Park (Berkeley). http://sitforchange.kintera.org

Bark in the Park [Sat 10a-5p]: 12th annual. Featuring all things dog - costume contest, silly tricks, herding demo, and more. At William Street Park (San Jose). www.barksanjose.org

Autumn Moon Festival [Sat-Sun 11a-6p]: Featuring two parades, Chinese acrobats, lion dancers, moon cakes, martial artists, and more. Along Grant Avenue and Pacific Street (SF). www.moonfestival.org

Family Day Kite Festival [Sat-Sun 11a-6p]: 32nd annual. Featuring kite competitions, kite-making demonstrations, wind-power exhibits, and more. At Marina Green (SF). www.fdkf.org

Festa Coloniale Italiana [Sat 11:30a-7p]: Featuring live entertainment, meatball subs, ravioli rollers, cooking demos, and more. Along Stockton St. in North Beach (SF). www.sfiac.org/festa.html

Printing Street Fair [Sat noon-5p]: 6th annual. Featuring dozens of print vendors, community artists, and local bands. At SF Center for the Book. www.sfcb.org

Queens of New Orleans [Sat 1-3p]: Featuring the varied music forms from New Orleans. At Yerba Buena Gardens (SF). www.ybgf.org

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

Opera in the Ballpark [Sat 8p]: Crowd favorite Verdi's "Il Trovatore" will be simulcast onto the giant jumbotron. Featuring Marco Berti and Dmitri Hvorostovsky. At AT&T Park (SF). www.sfopera.com

Film Night in the Park [Sat 8p]: Featuring "The Dark Knight," with the late Heath Ledger's Oscar-winning performance as the Joker. At Dolores Park (SF). www.filmnight.org

2009 Comedy Day [Sun noon-5p]: 29th annual. Featuring 30 listed comedians (and a few surprise guests). Past featured guests include Robin Williams, Margaret Cho, Garry Shandling, Rob Schneider, Janeane Garofalo, Dave Chappelle, and Whoopi Goldberg. At Golden Gate Park's Sharon Meadow (SF). www.comedyday.com

Progressive Festival [Sun noon-5p]: 12th annual. Featuring liberal speakers, a live performance by the San Francisco Mime Troupe, live music, and local nonprofits. At Walnut Park (Petaluma). www.progressivefestival.org


Paid Activities
This Land Is Your Land concert [Fri 8p]: Featuring Pete Seeger in a tribute to Woody Guthrie and John Steinbeck. At Nob Hill Masonic Auditorium ($49-75). www.livenation.com

Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival [Sat-Sun 10a-5p]: Featuring artisans amidst the redwoods. At Old Mill Park (Mill Valley), free-$8. www.mvfaf.org

Valley Blues Festival [Sat 11a-5p]: Featuring live local blues musicians. At Rowell Ranch (Castro Valley), $20-25. www.valleybluesfestival.com

Channel 104.9 presents The Big Show 2009 [Sat 5p]: Featuring Flogging Molly, All-American Rejects, Jack's Mannequin, The Limousines, and more. At San Jose State Event Center, $30. www.channel1049.com

As You Like It [through Sep 27]: Based on the Shakespearean comedy. At San Jose Repertory Theatre, $42-51. www.sjrep.com

Northern California Renaissance Faire [weekends through Oct 18]: Featuring seven stages of entertainment, street troupes, a medieval marketplace, and theme weekends. At Casa de Fruta (Hollister), free-$150. www.norcalrenfaire.com

Previous: Art - Lords of the Samurai [through Sunday in SF]; Theatre - Twelfth Night, or All You Need Is Love [through Sep 27 in San Rafael]; Theatre - East 14th: True Tales of a Reluctant Player [through Oct 10 in SF]; Theatre - American Idiot [extended through Nov 1 in Berkeley]


Upcoming October Activities
Joan Rivers comedy show [Oct 2-3 in SF]; San Francisco Love Parade [Oct 3 in SF]; Noam Chomsky discussion [Oct 3 in Oakland]

Randy's Guide CLIII (153)

Today is golfer Arnold Palmer's 80th; Friday is Patriot Day, in memory of the 9/11 attacks; Saturday is Cape Verde's National Day; Sunday is the 195th anniversary of Francis Scott Key's "The Star Spangled Banner"; Monday is rapper Nas' 36th; Tuesday is Costa Rica's Independence Day; and Wednesday is Mexico's Independence Day.


Local News
A six-week pilot program effective September 29 will end all eastbound traffic for much of Market Street. Cars will be urged to turn at 10th Street and will be required to turn at 8th Street. Delivery trucks, taxis, and buses will be exempt from the temporary restriction. www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/09/10/MNNI19KOK8.DTL


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 two days, then cool two days.

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

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


Deal of the Week
Claim a free 2010 wildlife calendar by September 15 (Tuesday). You can fill out an online form, call, fax, or mail the organization. www.wildlifeforever.org/PAGES%20NEW/FREECALENDAR.aspx


The Environment
Use a broom - not a hose - to clean up garden waste. And, collect the clippings and deposit into a compostables bin, instead of the gutter.

Previous:
For the smokers out there, please use ashtrays and garbage cans for your used butts. They are the number one item found during annual beach clean-up days.


Music Videos
"Relator" by Scarlett Johansson and Pete Yorn

The 24-year-old actress has garnered four Golden Globe nominations and is perhaps best known for her role in "Lost in Translation." Last year, she assembled her own album, largely composed of Tom Waits covers, and will release her collaboration with Pete Yorn next week. www.myspace.com/scarlettalbum

Previous:
"In Color" by Jamey Johnson

The 34-year-old country singer served in the Marine Corps for eight years before churning out two albums. This particular song won an award at the Academy of Country Music Awards, and was nominated at the Grammys. Look for his third album later this year, as he is touring Los Angeles (Sep 24) and parts of the Midwest and South over the next few months. www.jameyjohnson.com


Movies (domestic revenues through September 8)
"The Final Destination" held off the competition over Labor Day weekend to notch $15.3 million {rated R, 2nd weekend, 3121 screens, $4,901 per screen}. "Inglourious Basterds" scored $15.0 million {rated R, 3rd weekend, 3358 screens, $4,452 per screen}. The new Sandra Bullock comedy "All About Steve" tallied $14.1 million {rated PG-13, 2251 screens, $6,245 per screen}. "Gamer" premiered with $11.2 million {rated R, 2502 screens, $4,478 per screen}. And Mike Judge's "Office Space" follow-up "Extract" opened with $5.5 million {rated R, 1611 screens, $3,422 per screen}.

Beeswax (NR): Drama; about twin sisters living in Austin and dealing with their problems

Cloud 9 (NR): Romance; about a happily married seamstress whose passion is aroused by one of her new clients

Earth Days (NR): Documentary; about the modern environmental movement as narrated by nine Americans

9 (PG-13): Science-fiction animation; about a small group of stitchpunk creations that fight against the world's machines in a post-apocalyptic world; co-voiced by John C. Reilly and Martin Landau

September Issue (PG-13): Documentary; about the legendary editor-in-chief of Vogue magazine, Anna Wintour; co-starring Oscar De La Renta

Sorority Row (R): Horror; about five sorority girls who cause the murder of one of their sisters and then fend off a mysterious killer who is after them; co-starring Carrie Fisher

Tony Manero (NR): Drama; about a man set on winning a dance-like-Travolta TV contest, amid the clampdown by Pinochet's dictatorship government

Tyler Perry's I Can Do Bad All By Myself (PG-13): Comedy; about Madea's niece April who undergoes a transformation once two grandkids and a handsome Mexican immigrant move into her home; co-starring Mary J. Blige and Taraji P. Henson

Whiteout (R): Thriller; about a U.S. marshal sent to investigate a homicide in Antarctica; co-starring Kate Beckinsale and Tom Skerritt

A Woman in Berlin (NR): Drama; about the Red Army invasion of Berlin in 1945

DVD Pick - The Counterfeiters (R): This compelling historical film centers on a Jewish counterfeiter who leads an operation at a concentration camp for the Nazi Party. Oscar Winner for Best Foreign Film. Domestic box office: $5.5 million; foreign box office: $13.1 million.


Free Activities
San Francisco Mime Troupe [Thu-Fri 7:30p, Sat 7p, Sun 6p, Wed 7p]: 50th anniversary. "Too Big to Fail" is the production. At Miner's Foundry (Nevada City, $20); Bidwell Park (Chico); Victory Park (Stockton); and Laney College (Oakland). www.sfmt.org

San Francisco Symphony [Fri noon]: Perfect for lunch-time! At Justin Herman Plaza (SF). www.sfsymphony.org

Power to the Peaceful Festival [Sat 9a-5p]: 11th annual. Featuring group yoga, performances by Alanis Morissette and Michael Franti + Spearhead, speakers including Cynthia McKinney, and more. In Speedway Meadow (SF). www.powertothepeaceful.org

Castro Valley Fall Festival [Sat-Sun 10a-6p]: 37th annual. Featuring live music, a classic car show, arts & crafts, and more. Along Castro Valley Blvd. www.castrovalleychamber.com

Mountain View Art & Wine Festival [Sat-Sun 10a-6p]: 38th annual. Featuring live music, green demonstrations, a kids' park, and more. Along Castro Street (Mountain View). www.miramarevents.com/mountainview

Great American Blues & BBQ Festival [Sat 11a-6p]: Featuring blues musicians, music-related vendors, 10+ barbecue vendors, and more. Along Fourth Street (San Rafael). www.teamproevent.com/events/Blues-BBQ.html

Ghirardelli Square Chocolate Festival [Sat-Sun noon-5p]: 14th annual. Chef demonstrations from Top Chef finalist Casey Thompson and Kara's Cupcakes founder Kara Lind, ice-cream eating contest, and certainly chocolate-based delicacies. In Ghirardelli Square (SF). Free to attend; $20 for 15 tastings - benefits Project Open Hand. www.ghirardellisq.com/ghirardellisq/events.php?id=2

Taste of Saratoga [Sat noon-8p]: Featuring Santa Cruz Mountain wine tasting, local restaurants and shops, a Fun Zone, and more. Along Big Basin Way (Saratoga). www.saratogachamber.org

Yosvany Terry concert [Sat 1-2:30p]: Afro-Cuban jazz musician will be joined by an ensemble featuring conga drums, a bass guitar, and a piano. At Yerba Buena Gardens (SF). www.ybgf.org

Viva Las Americas [Sat 1-5p]: Salsa lessons, Latin American crafts, mariachi bands, and more. At Pier 39 (SF). www.pier39.com/events/events.htm

A Hot Day in Ephesus [Sat-Sun 2p]: Based on Shakespeare's "The Comedy of Errors." At Old Mill Park (Mill Valley). www.curtaintheatre.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

Film Night in the Park [Sat 8p]: Featuring "Rushmore" (Fairfax). www.filmnight.org

Solano Stroll [Sun 8a-6p]: Featuring a pancake breakfast, parade, carnival games, Green Zone, and live performers. Along Solano Avenue (Berkeley). www.solanoavenueassn.org

San Francisco Zoo Grandparents Day [Sun 10a-4p]: Bring in a hand-colored picture of a zoo animal for each child, and the grandparents, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren get in free! At SF Zoo. www.sfzoo.org

Opera in the Park [Sun 1:30p]: Featuring arias from the upcoming fall-winter season. In Golden Gate Park's Sharon Meadow (SF). www.sfopera.com


Paid Activities Recommendation
American Idiot [extended through Nov 1]: Based primarily on Green Day's "American Idiot" album, this musical bursts with energy, crisp voices, and a dynamic set. I strongly urge you to check out this world premiere before it heads off to Broadway. At Berkeley Repertory Theatre, $19-95. Note that those under 30 years of age get half-price tickets. www.berkeleyrep.org


Paid Activities
Ardenwood Shakespeare Festival & Renaissance Faire [Sat-Sun 10a-6p]: Featuring 900+ costumed entertainers, 100+ shopkeepers, the Knights of Mayhem jousting troupe, and more. At Ardenwood Farms (Fremont), free-$18. www.ardenwoodfaire.com

Brews by the Bay [Sat noon-5p, Sun 1-5p]: 6th annual. Featuring 40+ artisan beers from 7 SF breweries, live music, and a rib shack. On the SS Jeremiah O'Brien off Pier 45 (SF), $35-45. www.sfbrewersguild.org

The Killers [Sat 7:30p]: With New York Dolls opening. At Shoreline Amphitheatre (Mountain View), $19-81. www.thekillersmusic.com

Opening Night in the South Bay [Sat 8p]: Featuring conductor Michael Tilson Thomas, pianist Ilya Yakushev, and the San Francisco Symphony in a waltz-themed program with Liszt, Ravel, and Prokofiev. Complimentary pre-show talk and post-show champagne reception. At Flint Center (Cupertino), $15-71. www.sfsymphony.org

East 14th: True Tales of a Reluctant Player [through Oct 10]: About the coming-of-age upbringing of Don Reed on Oakland's East 14th Street during the 1970s. At The Marsh (SF), $20-50. www.themarsh.org

Previous: Theatre - The Farm [through Sunday in Berkeley]; Theatre - El Otro [through Sunday in SF]; Art - Lords of the Samurai [through Sep 20 in SF]; Theatre - Twelfth Night, or All You Need Is Love [through Sep 27 in San Rafael]


Upcoming October Activities
Fleet Week [Oct 7-11 in SF]; Treasure Island Music Festival, featuring MGMT and The Decemberists [Oct 17-18 in SF]; Mika concert [Oct 24 in Oakland]

Randy's Guide CLII (152)

Today is Qatar's Independence Day and Canadian Merchant Navy Day; Friday is Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer's (D) 54th and singer-actress Beyonce Knowles' 28th; Saturday is India's Teacher's Day; Sunday is Stillbirth Remembrance Day; Monday is Labor Day, new Rockies player Jason Giambi's 39th, and Brazil's Independence Day; Tuesday is singer Pink's 30th; and Wednesday is North Korea's Republic Day.


Traffic Alert
You have been forewarned, as local news stations, newspapers, and billboards have repeatedly instructed people to avoid the Bay Bridge this coming weekend. The bridge will be closed for a major repair operation from Thursday 8pm (tonight) until Tuesday 5am. BART will be running 24-hour service from limited stations, and additional ferries will run from the East Bay and Marin areas. www.baybridgeinfo.org


Local News
The Century 25 domed theater in Saratoga has now been converted to the Retro Dome. Its first venture, a month-long production of Schoolhouse Rock Live!, will be followed by tributes to Marilyn Monroe and Judy Garland, as well as a performance by Beach Blanket Babylon and screenings of "The Wizard of Oz" and "Indiana Jones." www.mercurynews.com/ci_13256623


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
Slight cooling through the weekend, with a return of limited coastal fog and continued afternoon breezes.

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 Chewy Trail Mix Bar, New Granola Nut Clusters pouch, and Eat Better America Newsletter - all courtesy of Nature Valley. http://freesample.naturevalley.com


The Environment
For the smokers out there, please use ashtrays and garbage cans for your used butts. They are the number one item found during annual beach clean-up days.

Previous:
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.


Music Videos
"In Color" by Jamey Johnson

The 34-year-old country singer served in the Marine Corps for eight years before churning out two albums. This particular song won an award at the Academy of Country Music Awards, and was nominated at the Grammys. Look for his third album later this year, as he is touring Los Angeles (Sep 24) and parts of the Midwest and South over the next few months. www.jameyjohnson.com

Previous:
"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


Movies (domestic revenues through August 30)
"The Final Destination," the fourth version of the 2000 surprise hit, opened with $27.4 million {rated R, 3121 screens, $8,782 per screen}. "Inglourious Basterds," starring Brad Pitt, picked up another $19.3 million {rated R, 2nd weekend, 3165 screens, $6,099 per screen}. Rob Zombie's "Halloween II" started off with a moderate $16.3 million {rated R, 3025 screens, $5,405 per screen}. And the latest from Ang Lee, "Taking Woodstock," underwhelmed with $3.5 million {rated R, 1393 screens, $2,482 per screen}.

All About Steve (PG-13): Comedy; about a crossword puzzle constructor who has problems finding a suitable mate; co-starring Sandra Bullock, Bradley Cooper, and Thomas Haden Church

The Baader Meinhof Complex (R): Drama; about fringe German attempts to battle American imperialism during the 1970s

Beautiful Person (NR): Romance; about a student who falls for her Parisian teacher; co-starring Louis Garrel ("The Dreamers")

Bliss (NR): Drama; about a teenage girl who might fall victim to her family's strict moral code

Extract (R): Comedy; about a flavor extract factory owner whose attempts to sell his business are put into jeopardy; co-starring Jason Bateman and Ben Affleck; directed by Mike Judge ("Office Space")

Gamer (R): Action; about the future in which humans battle in a mass-scale, multiplayer online game; co-starring Gerard Butler, Kyra Sedgwick, and Chris 'Ludacris' Bridges

My One and Only (PG-13): Comedy; about the early years of actor George Hamilton when he tracked down his mother ex-boyfriends; co-starring Renee Zellweger

Still Walking (NR): Drama; about the 15th anniversary of a young boy's death

DVD Pick - Role Models (R): A surprise. This rollicking comedy focuses on two Peter Pans, played by Seann William Scott and Paul Rudd, who are ordered by a judge to perform community service at a children's program. Domestic box office: $67.3 million; foreign box office: $25.1 million.


Free Activities
San Francisco Mime Troupe [Thu 7p, Sat-Mon 2p]: 50th anniversary. "Too Big to Fail" is the production. At Jastro Park (Bakersfield) and Dolores Park (SF). www.sfmt.org

Classical Music Revolution [Thu 8p]: Chamber music. At the Red Poppy Art House (SF). www.redpoppyarthouse.org

Film Night in the Park [Fri-Sun 8p]: Featuring "Klunkerz," "Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure," and "Rear Window" (all in San Anselmo). www.filmnight.org

Millbrae Art & Wine Festival [Sat-Sun 10a-5p]: 39th annual. Featuring live performances including Tainted Love, 250+ artisans, taiko drums, and more. Along Broadway Ave. (Millbrae). www.miramarevents.com/millbrae

Kings Mountain Art Fair [Sat-Mon 10a-5p]: 46th annual. Featuring juried artists, a Kiddie Hollow, volunteer-made breakfast and lunch. Proceeds prrimarily benefit the Volunteer Fire Brigade and the Kings Mountain Elementary School. At Kings Mountain Fire Station (Woodside). www.kingsmountainartfair.org

Tapestry Arts Festival [Sat-Mon 10a-5p]: 34th annual. Oldest and largest outdoor festival in San Jose. Featuring a rock climbing wall, trash art fashion show and contest, and live entertainment. In Plaza Park (San Jose). www.tapestryarts.org

Balinese Music [Sat 1-3p]: Featuring 50 performers of Gamelan Sekar Jaya, as well as instrumentalists from Pusaka Sunda. In Yerba Buena Gardens (SF). www.ybgf.org

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

Sunday Streets [Sun 10a-2p]: The sixth for 2009, and eighth overall for San Francisco. Featuring free one-hour bike rentals, skate rentals, live music stages, electric bike demos, swing and waltz lessons, and children's activities through the California Academy of Sciences. In Golden Gate Park and along the Great Highway (SF). www.sundaystreetssf.com

Hairrison Street Fair [Sun 11a-6p]: Featuring four music areas, live entertainment, and a Team Bear Community Zone. Near 12th and Folsom (SF), $5-10 donation requested. www.hairrisonstreetfair.com

Golden Gate Park Band [Sun-Mon 1p]: 127th season. This week's themes are "Great Band Music" and "Labor Day Concert: Celebrate the American Worker in Music." At the Music Concourse Bandshell in Golden Gate Park (SF). www.goldengateparkband.org


Paid Activities
Kathy Griffin [Fri 8p]: The Emmy Award-winning comedian, recently rumored to be dating Bristol Palin's ex-fiance Levi Johnston, returns to the Bay Area. At Davies Symphony Hall (SF), $45-75. www.kathygriffin.net

Sausalito Art Festival [Sat-Mon 9a-5p]: 58th annual. Voted #1 outdoor fine art festival in the nation by Art Fair Source Book. Featuring 270+ artisans, three music stages (including Jefferson Starship and Tainted Love), Woodstock Photo Exhibit, and more. In downtown Sausalito, FREE-$20. www.sausalitoartfestival.org

Scottish Highland Games [Sat-Sun 10a-6p]: 144th annual. Featuring the 1st Battalion Scots Guards (from London), Celtic rock group 1916, whisky seminar, highland dance competitions, British automobiles, and more. At the Alameda County Fairgrounds (Pleasanton), FREE-$20. www.caledonian.org

Belmont Greek Festival [Sat-Mon noon-8p]: 39th annual. Featuring Greek traditional foods (e.g. baklava and spanakopita), cooking demos, Greek bands, live mythology theatre, and traditional dances with handmade costumes. At the Holy Cross (Belmont), FREE-$5. www.goholycross.org

Livermore Valley Harvest Wine Celebration [Sun-Mon noon-5p]: 28th annual. Featuring over 40 wineries, evenly split between Robertson Park and at the wineries themselves. Sunday bus shuttle provided. In Livermore, $10-75. www.lvwine.org

Burning Man: Evolution [through Monday]: 24th annual. In Black Rock City (Nevada), $300-360. www.burningman.com

El Otro [through Sep 13]: About a teenage girl's attempt to piece together the identity of her parents. At Thick House (SF), $15-30. www.thickhouse.org

Twelfth Night, or All You Need Is Love [through Sep 27]: About a fusion of Shakespeare's classic comedy with Beatles and other music from the 1960s. At Dominican University's Forest Meadows Amphitheatre (San Rafael), $15-30. www.marinshakespeare.org

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


Upcoming October Activities
Chaim Potok's The Chosen play [starts Oct 7 in Mountain View]; Jason Mraz concert [Oct 9 in Berkeley]; Ingrid Michaelson concert [Oct 9 in SF]