Randy's Guide CLX (160)

An early edition, in advance of my move within San Francisco tomorrow. Wish me luck!

Today is Liberan President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf's 71st; Friday is the 35th anniversary of the "Rumble in the Jungle"; Saturday is Halloween and actor Brent Corrigan's 23rd; Sunday is Day of the Dead and All Saints Day; Monday is jazz musician Kurt Elling's 43rd; Tuesday is Election Day; and Wednesday is comedian Kathy Griffin's 49th.


Local News
At least one more day of living without the Bay Bridge, much to the chagrin of 260,000 commuters, will be forthcoming. A cable snapped on Tuesday night due to heavy winds and car vibrations. Additional BART cars and Golden Gate ferries will be in operation. www.mercurynews.com/traffic/ci_13664703


Deal of the Week
Free blackjack taco at all Taco Bell locations from 6pm until midnight on Halloween. I found out about this one while watching my beloved Angels lose Game 6. www.tacobell.com/freeblackjacktaco


Change for Change
Charity to consider: Asian & Pacific Islander Wellness Center. I walked by its home offices the other day en route to KFC, and this section of Polk Gulch is a mess. The group has promoted sexual health and broken down barriers within the Asian and Pacific Islander communities since 1987. Its support of the LGBT community, abused women, and no-insurance individuals includes an alliance with health care providers and organizations. www.apiwellness.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, Darfur Sister Schools, and Rebuilding Together San Francisco.


Bay Area Weekend Weather
Looking good for tricks and treats. Mostly clear skies, even at the coast.

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


The Environment
The Electrolux UltraSilencer Green canister vacuum is made from shredded cars and packaged in recycled cardboard. The filter is washable, and the sound-insulated motor releases about as much noise as an electric shaver. Find it at Bed Bath & Beyond and other retailers. www.electrolux.com.au/node38.aspx?productId=20673


Music
"What Matters More" by Derek Webb

From reader Joseph F. comes this popular award-winning Christian music artist whose latest album was deemed too controversial. So instead he turned to the Web, and his current tour is going through Florida, Texas, Missouri, and Ohio. www.derekwebb.com


Movies (domestic revenues through October 25)
The excellent scare film "Paranormal Activity" surged to the top spot in its fifth week of release, with $21.1 million {rated R, $61.6 million overall, 1945 screens, $10,850 per screen}. Torture flick "Saw VI" tallied a relatively low $14.1 million, good for second place {rated R, 3036 screens, $4,650 per screen}. Families didn't turn out for "Astro Boy" {rated PG, $6.7 million opening, 3014 screens, $2,224 per screen}. "Cirque Du Freak" failed to draw in audiences too {rated PG-13, $6.3 million opening, 2754 screens, $2,285 per screen}. Finally, Hilary Swank's performance in "Amelia" has a so-so opening with $3.9 million {rated PG, 820 screens, $4,761 per screen}.

The Beaches of Agnes (NR): Documentary; about the filmmaker Agnes Varda's existence, as seen through the beaches and people in her life

Brain Dead (NR): Comedy; about a series of guys who try to win a girl attending the University of Oxford

Bronson (R): Drama; about a defiant teenager whose persona is changed after decades behind bars in solitary confinement

The Canyon (R): Thriller; about a young newlywed couple who meet a mysterious guide in the Grand Canyon on their honeymoon

Heart of Stone (NR): Documentary; about an inner city school's journey to better days

Michael Jackson's This Is It (PG): Documentary; about the final days of Michael Jackson in advance of his tour; directed by Kenny Ortega ("High School Musical")

Walt and El Grupo (PG): Documentary; about Walt Disney's tour through South America during WWII

The Yes Men Fix the World (NR): Documentary; about political activists who attempt to expose the activities of major corporations

DVD Pick - Man on Wire (PG-13): It's quite amazing to watch the petite Frenchman prepare and execute a flawless plan to walk between the Twin Towers in 1974. This is currently the best-reviewed film on Rotten Tomatoes, and it appeared as a top-five film on year-end lists for The New York Times, The Boston Globe, Newsweek, and The Wall Street Journal. Oscar winner of Best Documentary. Domestic box office: $3.0 million; foreign box office: $2.3 million.


Free Activities
Battle of the Bay Tennis Classic [Thu-Sun]: Featuring college exhibition matches, including a pro exhibition with local Paul Goldstein. At the California Tennis Club (SF). www.calclubtennis.com

Critical Mass [Fri 6-8p]: Watch for the masses of bicyclists starting from the Financial District and spreading throughout town.

Muni Diaries Live [Fri 7:30-9:30p]: Next week, I'll post the infamous MUNI video. For now, hear about various riders' stories over a cocktail. At the Make-Out Room (SF). www.makeoutroom.com

Halloween Costume Walk in the Gardens [Sat noon-4p]: Featuring live music, kids' activities, a haunted house, and more. At Yerba Buena Gardens (SF). www.ybgf.org

Halloween on Solano [Sat 5-8p]: Featuring face painting, pizza, Doctor Solar performer, a costume contest, and more. At Ray's Pumpkin Patch (Albany). www.solanoavenueassn.org

ShadowLight Theatre [Sat 7p]: Featuring traditional Balinese shadow puppetry for the production of "Ghosts of the River." At Union Square Plaza (SF). www.shadowlight.com

Take Back Halloween [Sat 9pm-midnight]: Featuring two mobile DJs. Near Ferry Plaza (SF). www.flashdance.org

Dia de Los Muertos Festival [Sun 10a-5p]: Featuring live Latin music, traditional dance, cultural cuisine, and more. Along International Blvd. (Oakland). www.unitycouncil.org

BookFest [Sun 12:30-6p]: Check out the site for more information about sessions and authors. At the Jewish Community Center (SF). www.jccsf.org

Free Museum Day [Tue / Wed]: The SF MOMA, de Young, Cartoon Art Museum, and Legion of Honor - free on Tuesday; Exploratorium - free on Wednesday.


Paid Activities
An Evening with Kevin Smith [Thu 8p]: The filmmaker behind "Clerks" and "Zack and Miri Make a Porno" hits town. At the Warfield (SF), $40-57. www.viewaskew.com

En Vogue [Thu-Fri 8p/10p]: A homecoming, of sorts, for the Grammy-winning Oakland quartet. At Yoshi's (Oakland), $50. www.yoshis.com/oakland

Dia de los Muertos Concert [Sun 1p]: Featuring a performance of Saint-Saens' "Carnival of the Animals," author Laura Esquivel, and Mayan dancers. At Davies Symphony Hall (SF), $15-65. www.sfsymphony.org

Queen Latifah [Tue 8p]: The actress-singer behind "Chicago" and "Bringing Down the House." At the Regency Center (SF), $38-48. www.queenlatifah.com

First Day of School [through Nov 7}: About five parents who suddenly have more time on their hands once their youngest kids have started school. At the SF Playhouse, $30-40. www.sfplayhouse.org

The Little Dog Laughed [through Nov 8]: About a closeted Hollywood star who chases after a hustler dating a woman. At the New Conservatory Theatre (SF), $22-40. www.nctcsf.org

Previous: Theatre - The Chosen [through Sunday in Mountain View]; Theatre - American Idiot [extended again through Nov 15 in Berkeley]