Randy's Guide CLVII (157)

Today is Croatia's Independence Day; Friday is Leif Erikson Day; Saturday is San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom's 42nd; Sunday is the 34th anniversary of the first Saturday Night Live; Monday is Columbus Day; Tuesday is singer Ashanti's 29th; and Wednesday is fashion designer Ralph Lauren's 70th.


Local News
In light of the massive Presidents' Cup tournament at Harding Park this weekend, this golf story from VIsitacion Valley seems particularly relevant. First Tee of San Francisco Learning Center offers middle-school students a brand new driving range, sand trap, and putting green as part of the school's playground facilities. Two professional golfers, Paul Azinger and Nick Faldo, gave 100 students a few lessons about swinging a golf club. www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/10/07/BAUI1A2E0A.DTL


Free Stuff
Hooray for my two free tall coffees from Starbucks... on Wednesday, sign up at www.tixbayarea.com for two free tickets to over 100 shows in the Bay Area. I've already attended Smuin Ballet (excellent) via September's ticket release. Opportunities include Beach Blanket Babylon and American Conservatory Theater.


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
Enjoy the temperate, dry weather before the first fall rain could hit early next week.

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


The Environment
With the first autumn rains approaching, it might be time to consider a rain barrel for harvesting water. The collected water is excellent for plants, car washes, and indoor cleaning jobs. Stop by your local hardware store to check out options.

Previous:
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.


Music
"One More Try" by Music for Animals (San Francisco, Calif.)

This group got a nice boost from LIVE 105 and Bay Area rock band Wallpaper. Stops later this month and next include San Jose's Blank Club (Friday), San Francisco's El Rio (Nov. 21), and Portland (Ore.). www.music4animals.com


Movies (domestic revenues through October 5)
"Zombieland" surprised a few observers with its strong $24.7 million opening {rated R, 3036 screens, $8,147 per screen}. Starting in third place is the re-release of "Toy Story" in 3-D, with $12.5 million {rated G, 1745 screens, $7,159 per screen}. Ricky Gervais' comedy "The Invention of Lying" premiered in fifth with $7.0 million {PG-13, 1707 screens, $4,117 per screen}. Drew Barrymore directorial debut, "Whip It," tossed up $4.7 million {PG-13, 1721 screens, $2,702 per screen}. Lastly, Michael Moore's latest rant, "Capitalism: A Love Story," expanded nicely into eighth, with $4.4 million {rated R, $4.8 million overall, 2nd weekend, $4,623 per screen}.

Boys Are Back (PG-13): Drama; about a father who suddenly must take care of his two sons after his wife passes away; co-starring Clive Owen

Chelsea on the Rocks (R): Documentary; about the legendary Chelsea Hotel in New York City; co-starring Dennis Hopper

Couples Retreat (PG-13): Comedy; about four Midwestern couples who stay at a tropical resort; co-starring Vince Vaughn and Jon Favreau

Eating Out 3: All You Can Eat (NR): Comedy sequel; about a series of young individuals in West Hollywood

Paranormal Activity (R): Horror; a highly touted film about a middle-class couple that may have a haunted home

A Serious Man (R): Drama; about a Midwestern man's search for truth during the 1960s; directed by the Coen Brothers

The Wedding Song (NR): Drama; about two adolescent girls living in Tunisia during the Third Reich's occupation

DVD Pick - The Wrestler (R): Director Darren Aronofsky, a critical darling for "Pi" and "Requiem for a Dream," hit art-house gold with this quiet film about a washed-up professional wrestler. Mickey Rourke really is that good, and Marisa Tomei shows us plenty of her lovely but aging body. Domestic box office: $26.2 million; foreign box office: $18.5 million.


Free Activities
Fleet Week [Thu noon-6p, Fri 1-6p, Sat 9a-10p, Sun 9a-7p]: Featuring the Blue Angels, ship parade, Navy Band performances, fireworks, ship tours, and more. At Pier 39, Fort Mason, and above San Francisco. www.military.com/fleetweek

One City One Book: Alive in Necropolis [Thu 6p, Sat 3p, Mon 6p, Tue 6p]: What a fabulous read. It's about a rookie cop in Colma who battles through ghosts, dead-end relationships, and an alcoholic teen. Come discuss the novel or meet the author, Doug Dorst. At Books Inc. Castro and Opera Plaza (SF), The Page Bar (SF), and the Main Library's Koret Auditorium (SF). http://sfpl.org/news/ocob/events09.htm

Dolores Park Movie Night [Thu 8p]: Bundle up for an outdoor screening of "Goonies." At Dolores Park (SF). www.doloresparkmovie.org

Oakland Walking Tour [Sat 10a]: The Uptown District's Art Deco influences is the focus, with stops at the Paramount Theatre, Fox Theater, and Sweet's Ballroom. RSVP to 510-238-3234. Meet at the Paramount Theatre (Oakland). www.oaklandnet.com

Point Richmond Fall Festival [Sat 10a-8p]: 1st annual. Featuring an "Edible Garden" theme with live music, cooking tutorials, and more. Near Washington Ave. and Park Pl. (Richmond). www.pointrichmond.com

Pumpkins in the Park [Sat 10a-4p]: 15th annual. Featuring a large pumpkin patch, scarecrow display, and more. At Discovery Meadow (San Jose). www.grpg.org

San Carlos Art & Wine Festival [Sat-Sun 10a-5:30p]: 19th annual. Featuring wine tasting, a family fun zone, three stages of entertainment, and more. At Laurel Street Park (San Carlos). www.sancarloschamber.org

Indigenous Peoples Day Pow Wow & Indian Market [Sat 10a-6p]: 18th annual. Featuring exhibition dancing, American Indian culture, and more. At Civic Center Park (Berkeley). www.ipdpowwow.org

Oaktoberfest in the Dimond District [Sat 11a-6p]: Featuring a traditional biergarten, a homebrew competition, bratwurst, strudel, German street performers, an Eco Fair, and more. Near Fruitvale Ave. and MacArthur Blvd. (Oakland). www.oaktoberfest.org

ArtWalk Livermore [Sat 11a-5p]: Featuring working artist studios, local wine tastings, live music, food samplings, and more. In downtown Livermore. www.artwalklivermore.org

SF Bicycle Coalition Family Day [Sun 11a-3p]: 3rd annual. Featuring a bicycle course, safety clinic, scavenger hunt, free maintenance, parade, and more. Near Golden Gate Park's Doughboy Picnic Area (SF). www.sfbike.org

UNION Design Festival [Sun 11a-6p]: Hipsters unite as 130 independent clothing and accessories designers converge. At Hayes Valley Park (SF). www.uniondesignsf.com

Free Folk Festival [Sat noon-10p]: Featuring performances and workshops from 50+ musicians, jam sessions, open mic, and more. At WIndrush School (El Cerrito). www.elcerritofolkfest.org

Italian Heritage Parade [Sun 12:30p]: 141st annual. Featuring a variety of parade floats, Italian clubs, marching bands, open-air dining specials, and more. Starts at Fisherman's Wharf and ends in Washington Square (SF). www.sfcolumbusday.org

Golden Gate Park Band [Sun 1p]: Final performance of the season. Featuring "Swings the Thing," a swing, jazz, and rock concert. In Golden Gate Park's Music Concourse (SF). www.goldengateparkband.org

Sundays in the Redwoods [Sun 2p]: Featuring local performing artist Ledisi, the Montclair Farmers Market, and children's activities. At Woodminster Outdoor Amphitheater (Oakland). www.jeanquan.org


Paid Activities
Comedian Hal Sparks [Thu 8p, Fri-Sat 8p/10:15p, Sun 8p]: From "Talk Soup" to "Queer as Folk" to "Dude, Where's My Car," this comedian/actor has been across the board. At Cobb's Comedy Club (SF), $15-21. www.cobbscomedyclub.com

Chocolate Fest [Fri 7:30-10p, Sat 1:30-4p/7:30-10p, Sun 1:30-4p]: Featuring unlimited chocolate tastings and live jazz. At the UCC (Belmont), $20-25. www.uccbelmont.org

ODC Theater: Ame to Ame [Sat 8p, Sun 7p]: Based on the Japanese dance form butoh. At ODC Dance Commons (SF), $15-18. www.odctheater.org

Smuin Ballet: Fly Me to the Moon [through Sunday]: Varied and accessible program. Featuring three sets, one for Frank Sinatra's hits, one for the Greek tragedy "Medea," and the first (and best) is a multi-cultural affair. At Palace of Fine Arts (SF), $18-56. www.smuinballet.org

Mill Valley Film Festival [through Oct 18]: 32nd annual. Featuring opening night films "Precious" and "The Boys Are Back," and discussions with Clive Owen, Woody Harrelson, and Uma Thurman. At 142 Throckmorton Theatre (Mill Valley), Cinearts @ Sequoia (Mill Valley), and Smith Rafael Film Center (San Rafael), $5-125. www.mvff.com

Rent [through Oct 18]: The ground-breaking modern rock musical that paved the way for later hits "American Idiot" and "Spring Awakening." Featuring original Broadway cast members Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp. At Curran Theatre (SF), $30-99. www.shnsf.com

Previous: Theatre - East 14th: True Tales of a Reluctant Player [through Saturday in SF]; Theatre - Brief Encounter [extended through Oct 17 in SF]; Event - Northern California Renaissance Faire [through Oct 18 in Hollister]; Theatre - American Idiot [extended again through Nov 15 in Berkeley]


Upcoming November Activities
David Gray concert [Nov 8 in SF]; Green Festival [Nov 13-15 in SF]; Great Dickens Christmas Fair [starts Nov 27 in Daly City]