Randy's Guide CLVI (156)

Apologies for the late (and abridged) Guide for the week!

Today is President Jimmy Carter's 85th and World Vegetarian Day; Friday is musician Sting's 58th; Saturday is author Gore Vidal's 84th; Sunday is "Clueless" actress Alicia Silverstone's 33rd; Monday is Indonesia's Army Day; Tuesday is Australia's Labour Day; and Wednesday is columnist Dan Savage's 45th.


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
Cool, clear nights... preceded by mild mostly sunny days, steadily getting cooler through Sunday.

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


Deal of the Week
Taste test Starbucks' new instant coffee, called VIA Ready Brew, for free between Friday and Monday. You'll also receive a coupon for a complimentary tall brewed coffee on the next visit. http://news.starbucks.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=271


The Environment
Natural Value sponges are made with 50% recycled cellulose, while its trash bags are fully compostable. Check them out at your local specialty grocery store or at www.naturalvalue.com.

Previous:
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.


Movies (domestic revenues through September 28)
"Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs" added another $25.0 million in its second weekend {rated PG, $60.5 million overall, 3119 screens, $8,028 per screen}. Bruce Willis' "Surrogates" opened with $14.9 million {rated PG-13, 2951 screens, $5,050 per screen}. The musical remake "Fame" weakly premiered with $10.0 million {rated PG, 3096 screens, $3,234 per screen}. The final major release was "Pandorum" with a paltry $4.4 million {rated R, 2506 screens, $1,765 per screen}.

A Beautiful Life (NR): Drama; about a girl who leaves her father for a strip bar

Capitalism: A Love Story (R): Documentary; about the effects of capitalism on ordinary Americans over the past few years; directed by Michael Moore

Coco Before Chanel (PG-13): Drama; about the famed high-culture woman, from her beginnings as an orphan; co-starring Audrey Tautou

Five Minutes of Heaven (NR): Drama; about militant fighting in Northern Ireland during the 1970s; co-starring Liam Neeson

The Invention of Lying (PG-13): Comedy; about a bad-luck loser who suddenly finds rewards for his ability to lie; co-starring Ricky Gervais and Jennifer Garner

Oblivion (NR): Documentary; about the lives of everyday people in Lima, Peru

Passing Strange (NR): Comedy; about a young black musician seeking to break outside of his middle-class bubble

Toy Story and Toy Story 2 (G): Animation; the beloved Disney-Pixar favorites get a return engagement in theatres with the 3-D treatment; co-voiced by Ton Hanks, Tim Allen, Kelsey Grammer, and Joan Cusack

Whip It (PG-13): Comedy; about a Texas beauty queen who joins a female roller derby team; co-starring Ellen Page and Juliette Lewis; directed by Drew Barrymore

Zombieland (R): Horror; about a team trying to survive in a world filled with zombies; co-starring Woody Harrelson, Abigail Breslin, and Jesse Eisenberg

DVD Pick - Burn After Reading (R): The madcap comedy, given the Coen Brothers' touch, is too hard to describe. What's important is that George Clooney, Frances McDormand, Brad Pitt, John Malkovich, and Tilda Swinton are largely used to the best of their acting capabilities. Domestic box office: $60.4 million; foreign box office: $100.8 million.


Free Activities
Free Museum Day [Thu; Sun; Tue; Wed]: Various open times for museums around the Bay Area. Check out the Asian Art Museum (Sunday), SF MOMA (Tuesday), de Young (Tuesday), Exploratorium (Wednesday), and several other options.

Hardly Strictly Bluegrass [Fri-Sun 11a-7p]: 9th annual. Featuring big-name artists such as Gillian Welch, Aimee Mann, Emmylou Harris, Steve Martin, Lyle Lovett, MC Hammer, Allen Toussaint, Dr. Dog, Neko Case, and countless others. In Golden Gate Park's Speedway, Marx, and Lindley Meadows (SF). www.strictlybluegrass.com

Greek Festival [Fri 5-9p, Sat 11a-9p, Sun noon-7p]: 38th annual. Featuring Greek dancing, music, food, and more. At Resurrection Church (Castro Valley). http://festival.cvresurrection.org

OktoberCreekFest [Fri 5-10p, Sat 1-10p]: Featuring live music, local comedian, carnival games, bratwurst, and of course beer. Along Locust St. (Walnut Creek). www.walnutcreekdowntown.com

Black Cowboy Parade & Festival [Sat 11a-2p]: 36th annual. Featuring a parade of black cowboys, live entertainment, pony rides, and more. In Frank Ogawa Plaza (Oakland). www.blackcowboyassociation.org

Veg Festival [Sat-Sun 10a-6p]: Featuring guest speakers, vegetarian cuisine demos, vegan speed dating, and more. At Golden Gate Park's County Fair Building (SF). www.sfvs.org

Los Altos Fall Festival [Sat-Sun 10a-5p]: 18th annual. Featuring a scarecrow contest, 150+ artisans, classic car show, and more. Near Main St. (Los Altos). www.losaltoschamber.org

Pacific Fine Arts Fest [Sat-Sun 10a-5p]: In Montclair Village (Oakland). www.montclairvillage.com

LovEvolution Parade & Festival [Sat noon-8 6th annual. Featuring a parade of internationally known DJs on floats, followed by a festival and various after-parties. Parade along Market St. (SF); festival in Civic Center Plaza (SF). www.sflovevolution.org

Film Night in the Park [Sat 8p]: Final performance of the season. Featuring "Slumdog Millionaire." In Washington Square Park (SF). www.filmnight.org

North Berkeley Spice of Life Festival [Sun 10a-6p]: 7th annual. Featuring local chef demos and samples, farmers market, yoga demos, and live music on three stages. Along Shattuck Ave. (Berkeley). www.gourmetghetto.org

Art & Olive Festival [Sun 10a-5p]: Featuring olive demonstrations, live music, artisans, and more. At Canada Community College (Redwood City). www.olivefest.com

Castro Street Fair [Sun 11a-6p]: 36th annual. Featuring two live music stages (including Wonderbread 5), two entertainment stages, and more. Along Castro Street (SF). www.castrostreetfair.org

Excelsior Festival [Sun 11a-5p]: 7th annual. Featuring local music, artisans, and more. Near Mission and Ocean Ave. (SF). www.excelsiorfestival.org

Save the Music Festival [Sun 11a-5p]: 7th annual. Featuring three stages of varied musical performances. At Twin Pines Park (Belmont). http://savethemusic.schoolforce.org

Country Fair Day & Parade [Sun 11a-3p]: Featuring a parade, three entertainment stages, and more. Along San Anselmo Ave. (San Anselmo). www.townofsananselmo.org

Latin Jazz [Sun 12:30-3:30p]: Featuring Francisco Aguabella and various performers. In Yerba Buena Gardens (SF). www.ybgf.org

Golden Gate Park Band [Sun 1p]: Featuring audience favorites, as requested. In Golden Gate Park's Music Concourse (SF). www.goldengateparkband.org


Paid Activities
Oktoberfest By the Bay [Fri 3p-midnight, Sat 11a-midnight, Sun 11a-6p]: 10th annual. Featuring Chico Bavarian Band, German food and drink, dancing, and more. At Pier 48 (SF), $15-35. www.oktoberfestbythebay.com

Youth Science Institute Day [Sun 11a-4p]: 24th annual. Touch or meet various animals, participate in hands-on science activities, and a live falconry presentation. At Alum Rock Park (San Jose), $6 vehicle fee and $5 suggested family donation. www.ysi-ca.org

Previous: Theatre - East 14th: True Tales of a Reluctant Player [through Oct 10 in SF]; Theatre - Brief Encounter [through Oct 11 in SF]; Event - Northern California Renaissance Faire [through Oct 18 in Hollister]; Theatre - American Idiot [extended again through Nov 15 in Berkeley]