Randy's Guide CLXIV (164)

Happy Thanksgiving to all from 80-degree Orange County! Most of you won't get this until the weekend has passed... so I hope all of you were able to share some good times with family, friends, colleagues, and your local community.

Today is Thanksgiving and singer Tina Turner's 70th; Friday is Minnesota Governor (R) Tim Pawlenty's 49th; Saturday is Albania's Independence Day; Sunday is Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano's 52nd; Monday is supermodel Chanel Iman's 20th; Tuesday is World AIDS Day and comedian Sarah Silverman's 39th; and Wednesday is retired tennis player Monica Seles' 36th.


Local News
Bi-Rite has built up a very sizable, loyal following with its grocery market, which has four times the business of an average Whole Foods and ten times the average Safeway (on a per-square-foot basis). Its Creamery down the block regularly has lines on the weekend for wildly inventive flavors such as Salted Caramel, Ricanelas, and Apple Pie. And now its food collective 18 Reasons hosts events that connect consumers to farmers and chefs. Check them out in the Dolores Park region near 18th St. and Dolores. www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/11/26/BU5T1APE66.DTL


Deal of the Week
Free parking for carpoolers! Through December 27, those who carpool to garages at 123 O'Farrell, 5th/Mission, Sutter-Stockton, 333 Post, 2055 Lombard, Mission-Bartlett, 3255 21st St., and 766 Vallejo St. will receive free parking between 10am-6pm, seven days a week. Three passengers equal one free hour; four or more passengers, two free hours. The Civic Center garage at 355 McAllister will offer the free parking on weekends only. www.sfmta.com


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 Holiday Weekend Weather
Seasonal. Mild, sunny afternoons; cool evenings.

Highs: low-60s
Lows: low-40s


The Environment
One of my readers recently had a school assignment that asked each person to list the various sources of greenhouse gases directly made by the individual. The largest factor appeared to be the purchase of goods. Please reconsider your spending for Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday. For those purchases you must make, take a hard look at locally crafted items that more directly benefit your economy and have a smaller impact on the ecosystem.


Movies (domestic revenues through November 22)
Werewolves and vampires, oh my. With an audience of 80% females and 50% under 21, "The Twilight Saga: New Moon" roared into theatres with $142.8 million, the highest opening of the year and third-highest in history {rated PG-13, 4,024 theatres, $35,497 per theatre}. Sandra Bullock's "The Blind Side" scored the highest sports drama opening ever with $34.1 million {rated PG-13, 3110 theatres, $10,971 per theatre}. The sci-fi animation "Planet 51" brought in some families but few others, as it tallied $12.3 million {rated PG, 3035 theatres, $4,048 per theatre}. And the Oprah-Tyler Perry-backed drama "Precious" continued its slow expansion, with revenues of $10.9 million {rated R, 3rd weekend, $21.3 million overall, 629 theatres, $17,300 per theatre}.

Fantastic Mr. Fox (PG): Animation; about an idyllic family of foxes whose lives are upturned when the father turns back to his wild ways of being a chicken thief; co-voiced by George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Jason Schwartzman, and Bill Murray; directed by Wes Anderson ("Rushmore" / "The Darjeeling Limited")

Ninja Assassins (R): Action; about a deadly assassin who breaks free from his clan and plans his revenge for the death of his close friend

Oh My God (NR): Documentary; about global perceptions of God; co-starring Hugh Jackman, Ringo Starr, David Copperfield, Seal, and Baz Luhrmann

Old Dogs (PG): Comedy; about two best friends who have to take care of 7-year-old twins while trying to seal a huge business deal; co-starring John Travolta and Robin Williams

Red Cliff (R): Action; about a general who wishes to crush two meddling warlords during the Han era

The Road (R): Sci-fi drama; about the survival of a father and his young son in post-apocalyptic U.S.; co-starring Viggo Mortensen, Robert Duvall, and Guy Pearce; based on the novel by Cormac McCarthy ("No Country for Old Men")

Sophie's Revenge (NR): Comedy; about a cartoonist and an actress who fight over a surgeon's heart; co-starring Ziyi Zhang

DVD Pick - Food Inc. (PG): It's often summarized as a food version of "An Inconvenient Truth" - and with good reason, as two executive producers share credits for both films. "Fast Food Nation" author Eric Schlosser and "The Omnivore's Dilemma" writer Michael Pollan share screen time with disturbing short stories about cattle, soybeans, poultry, and corn. You'll think twice about passing over non-GMO vegetables, sustainable meats, local produce, and organic consumables. Domestic box office: $4.4 million; foreign box office: $0.1 million.


Free Activities
Parade of Lights & Winter Wonderland [Fri 3-9p]: 30th annual. Featuring a holiday marketplace, live entertainment, snow sledding, and children's activities. Along Fourth St. (San Rafael). www.sresproductions.com

Macy's Tree Lighting [Fri 6p]: 20th annual. Featuring Santa Claus, various musical performances, and of course the massive tree lighting and related ornament sponsorship. In Union Square (SF). www.unionsquareshop.com/TreeLighting.html

Classic Black: African-American Voices from 19th c. San Francisco [Sun 3-4:30p]: Featuring former San Francisco Poet Laureate Devorah Major, Richard Howell on saxophone, and Mark Izu on bass. At the Main Library (SF). http://sfpl.lib.ca.us/news/classic_black.htm

Free Art Museums [Tue and Wed]: Check out previous posts online for additional information about free museum days.

Tree of Hope 2009 [Wed 5:30-8p]: Featuring a concert by the San Francisco Boys Chorus, a tree lighting ceremony with Mayor Gavin Newsom and others, and a party with Veronica Klaus. At City Hall (SF). www.rainbowfund.org/wish


Paid Activities
Bach's Christmas Oratorio [Fri-Sat 8p, Sun 2p]: Featuring the San Francisco Symphony Chorus in selections from all six cantatas, sung in English. At Davies Symphony Hall (SF), $35-135. www.sfsymphony.org

Boom [through Dec. 6]: A sex farce about a young female journalism student who answers a personals ad from a grad student (who happens to be gay) on the eve of a huge comet strike. At the Marin Theatre Company (Mill Valley), $20-51. www.marintheatre.org

Nutcracker [through Dec. 6]: Featuring the Peninsula Youth Ballet. At the San Mateo Performing Arts Center, $15-35. www.pyb.org

Previous: Theatre - Tings Dey Happen [through Sunday in SF]; Theatre - Another Night Before Christmas [through Dec. 20 in San Jose]

Randy's Guide CLXIII (163)

Today is International Men's Day and actress Jodie Foster's 47th; Friday is Vice President Joe Biden's 67th and Transgender Day of Remembrance; Saturday is the 89th anniversary of "Bloody Sunday" in Dublin; Sunday is singer-actor Tyler Hilton's 26th; Monday is singer-actor Miley Cyrus' 17th; Tuesday is Evolution Day; and Wednesday is the 62nd anniversary of the "Hollywood Ten" blacklist.


Local News
Target is under consideration by the San Francisco Redevelopment Agency for a second-floor location in the Metreon building at the heart of the downtown. Battles by Home Depot and American Apparel to open stores have recently been lost, but Costco and Best Buy are roughly a mile away from the proposed location. www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/11/18/MN8P1AIRGD.DTL


Deal of the Week
Free 16-ounce Steaz organic tea - just print and redeem the voucher. www.steaz.com/promotion/FreeSteaz/index.html


Change for Change
Charity to consider: Asian & Pacific Islander Wellness Center. This section of Polk Gulch around the API Center 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
Very rainy and windy on Friday; otherwise, partly cloudy skies... ideal for watching Big Game on Saturday. (Go Card!)

Highs: near 60 (Thu/Sun); near 55 (Fri/Sat)
Lows: low-40s


The Environment
Use the back of junk mail or printed paper for notes or phone messages... then recycle.


Music
"Harold T. Wilkins" by Fanfarlo (London, U.K.)

Catch the UK band for a free performance of its debut album at Amoeba Records (SF) on Sunday at 2pm. Later that night, the quintet performs at the Rickshaw Stop (SF). Subsequent shows include Long Beach (free), L.A., San Diego, Tucson, Santa Fe, Austin, Birmingham, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Detroit, and New York City. www.fanfarlo.com


Movies (domestic revenues through November 15)
"2012" threw a scare in us all it seems, as the disaster film tallied $65.2 million {rated PG-13, 3404 theatres, $19,165 per theatre}. Marvelous, griffy acting make the low-budget "Precious" a must-see; its third-place finish of $5.9 million is all the more remarkable {rated R, 2nd weekend, $8.7 million overall, 174 theatres, $33,762 per theatre}. The comedy "Pirate Radio" opened weakly in eleventh with $2.9 million {rated R, 882 theatres, $3,293 per theatre}. Finally, "Boondock Saints II: All Saint's Day" expanded into the Bay Area and picked up $1.0 million {rated R, 3rd weekend, $2.5 million overall, 251 theatres, $4,118 per theatre}.

Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans (R): Drama; about a rogue detective in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina; co-starring Nicolas Cage, Val Kilmer, and Eva Mendes

The Blind Side (PG-13): Drama; about a wealthy white family who adopts a homeless African-American youngster with a talent for football; co-starring Sandra Bullock and Tim McGraw

Defamation (NR): Documentary; about the status of anti-Semitism in the present day

The House of the Devil (R): Horror; about a college sophomore who accepts a babysitting job for an older couple living in the woods with no baby

The Messenger (R): Drama; about a U.S. Army officer who finishes his tour in Iraq and is assigned to the Army's Casualty Notification service; co-starring Ben Foster, Woody Harrelson, and Samantha Morton

Planet 51 (PG): Animation; about an American astronaut who lands on a planet inhabited by green people living a 1950s America lifestyle; co-voiced by Dwayne Johnson, Gary Oldman, and John Cleese

The Twilight Saga: New Moon (PG-13): Thriller sequel; about a young woman who delves deeper into the supernatural world with the likes of werewolves; co-starring Kristen Stewart, Taylor Lautner, and Robert Pattinson

William Kunstler: Disturbing the Universe (NR): Documentary; about the late civil rights attorney who represented Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, and the Chicago 10

DVD Pick - Two Lovers (R): The brooding Method actor Joaquin Phoenix has a girl dilemma: the nice Jewish girl or the drug-taking neighbor, wildly played by Gwyneth Paltrow. It certainly caught the attention of the moviegoers in France, where revenues were double those of the U.S. Domestic box office: $3.1 million; foreign box office: $10.2 million.


Free Activities
Embarcadero Center Winter Carnival [Fri 4-6p]: Featuring carnival games, balloon twisters, Disney on Ice preview show, and the Building Lighting. At the Embarcadero Center (SF). www.embarcaderocenter.com

Andre Agassi [Fri 6p]: The retired tennis star discusses and signs his new memoir "Open," which has gotten a lot of press for his frank discussions about drug use. At Books Inc. in Opera Plaza (SF). www.booksinc.net

Pier 39 Tree Lighting [Sun 2-5:30p]: Featuring Disney characters, holiday entertainment, and a tree lighting. At Pier 39 (SF). www.pier39.com/Events/ThisMonth/index.htm

DJ Mark Farina [Wed 9p]: Featuring DJs Mark Farina and Alain Octavo. Just bring a new, unwrapped toy donation for Toys for Tots, or a non-perishable food item for Glide Memorial. At Ruby Skye (SF). www.rubyskye.com


Paid Activities
The Walworth Farce [Thu-Fri 8p, Sat 2p/8p, Sun 3p]: Ireland's acclaimed Druid theatre company presents this gothic comedy with rapid costume changes, cross-dressing, and mistaken identity. Sold-out performances at London's National Theatre, Fringe First Award at the 2007 Edinburgh Festival, and rave reviews in New York in 2008. At Zellerbach Playhouse (Berkeley), $72. www.calperformances.org

Peter Bjorn & John concert [Thu-Fri 9p]: Their third album hit it big with the single "Young Folks." Now this tour celebrates its fourth album. With El Perro Del Mar opening. At the Great American Music Hall (SF), $21-23. www.peterbjornandjohn.com

Hip Hop Dance Fest [Fri-Sat 8p, Sun 2p/7p]: 11th annual. Featuring two programs with various hip-hop dance groups from the Bay Area and around the globe. At the Palace of Fine Arts (SF), $35. www.sfhiphopdancefest.com

SF Bike Expo [Sat 10a-6p]: 2nd annual. Featuring bike vendors, cyclocross racing, BMX stunt show, advocacy groups, and more. At the Cow Palace (Daly City), free-$10. www.sfbikeexpo.com

Thread Show [Sat-Sun 11a-6p]: Featuring 100+ independent designers and artisans, live entertainment, clothing swap, fashion shows, and more. Donate a bag of clothes or RSVP online for discounted admission. At Fort Mason (SF), $8-10. www.threadshow.com

Snoop Dogg concert [Sat 8p]: He's still performing? Fo'shizzle. The venerable rapper from Long Beach returns in advance of his tenth album. At the Warfield (SF), $46-56. www.snoopdogg.com

Tings Dey Happen [through Nov. 29]: A solo show about Nigerian oil politics. At the Marines' Memorial Theatre (SF), $25-45. www.marinesmemorialtheatre.com

Another Night Before Christmas [through Dec. 20]: Musical about a Christmas Eve intruder stating that he's Santa Claus. At City Lights Theatre (San Jose), $25-40. www.cltc.org

Previous: Theatre - November [extended through Sunday in SF]; Theatre - Mrs. Whitney [through Sunday in SF]

Randy's Guide CLXII (162)

Today is musician Booker T. Jones' 65th; Friday is the 53rd anniversary of the Supreme Court ruling in favor of the Montgomery Bus Boycott; Saturday is India's Children's Day; Sunday is "Up" actor Edward Asner's 80th and Austria's St. Leopold's Day; Monday is "Things Fall Apart" Nigerian author Chinua Achebe's 79th; Tuesday is Czech Republic and Slovakia's Democracy Day; and Wednesday is Morocco's Independence Day.


Local News
Independently owned Wilkes Bashford, an upscale luxury boutique with stores in San Francisco and Palo Alto, has been sold to an East Coast clothier and is reorganizing under bankruptcy protection. In business for 43 years, the store has tried to woo back customers with personalized letters, in-store wine, and detailed alterations. www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/11/11/MNVU1AI0UG.DTL


Deal of the Week
The holiday shopping season is upon us. Get 30% off in-store purchases at Gap, Banana Republic, and Old Navy through Sunday. http://gap.m.delivery.net/w/webView?cid=16293366826&mid=1856354299&pid=789460&vid=13665&ee=cHJpdmF0ZXJ5YW43OEBob3RtYWlsLmNvbQ__&si=&mv=H&bv=H&oc=H&sc=&k=1kfRVx


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
It's definitely peak autumn. Cool mornings, crisp and clear afternoons.

Highs: around 60
Lows: upper-30s (inland); low-40s (bay); mid-40s (coast)


The Environment
Thinking about some holiday travel? National Geographic rated 133 world destinations based on sustainability, and some top options include Norway's fjords, British Columbia's Kootenay/Yoho National Parks, New Zealand's South Island, and Vermont. The bottom dwellers are Spain's Costa del Sol, the West Bank, the Bahamas, and Mexico's Cabo San Lucas. http://traveler.nationalgeographic.com/2009/11/destinations-rated/intro-text


Music
"On the Beach" by Sugarplums (San Francisco, Calif.)

Ah, there are those who love Ocean Beach... and others who swear by Baker. Reader Alzara G., one of the two Sugarplums band members, takes on a happy journey along our beloved coastline. Catch them at Caffe del Sole in San Francisco on Saturday night. www.myspace.com/sugarplums1


Movies (domestic revenues through November 8)
Jim Carrey's "A Christmas Carol" scored $30.1 million to partially recoup the $200 million investment {rated PG, 3683 screens, $8,159 per screen}. The trifecta of George Clooney, Kevin Spacey, and Ewan McGregor couldn't boost "The Men Who Stare at Goats" beyond third place with $12.7 million {rated R, 2443 screens, $5,201 per screen}. A new extraterrestrial thriller, "The Fourth Kind," will not replicate the success of its low-budget predecessor, as it tallied just $12.2 million {rated PG-13, 2527 screens, $4,840 per screen}. Cameron Diaz' collaboration with the director from "Donnie Darko" yielded dismal reviews and only $7.6 million {rated PG-13, 2635 screens, $2,873 per screen}.

Boondock Saints II: All Saint's Day (R): Action sequel; about Irish brothers who emerge from a sleepy life to tackle the murder of a priest in Boston; co-starring Sean Patrick Flanery

For the Love of Movies: The Story of Film Criticism (NR): Documentary; about the history of film criticism; co-starring Roger Ebert and Harry Knowles

The Maid (NR): Drama; about a long-time live-in maid who takes extreme measures to hold on to her position

Pirate Radio (R): Comedy; about rogue DJs who broadcast off the British coast during the 1960s; co-starring Philip Seymour Hoffman and Kenneth Branagh

Precious (R): Drama; about an overweight, illiterate teenage girl in Harlem who meets a life-changing counselor at a new, alternative school; co-starring Mariah Carey, Mo'Nique, and Gabourey Sidibe

2012 (PG-13): Action; about the catastrophies set to hit Earth in 2012, the end of the Mayan calendar; co-starring John Cusack, Danny Glover, and Woody Harrelson

DVD Pick - Up (PG): Just out on DVD, this endearing Pixar film about a stodgy elderly man with an adventurous past is miraculously voiced by Ed Asner. As you might expect, you'll be taken into unexpected directions... including even a shout-out to beloved Fenton's Creamery, serving the Oakland community since 1894. Domestic box office: $293.0 million; foreign box office: $214.0 million.


Free Activities
Skating Rink Opening Ceremony [Thu 4:30p]: Join NBC anchor Diane Dwyer to open two months of outdoor ice skating. First hour of ice skating also free. At Civic Park (Walnut Creek). www.iceskatewalnutcreek.com

The Parlor opening [Thu 9p-midnight]: Courtesy of the sponsors, you'll have an open bar at a new lounge for three hours, with hostess Stacy Keibler. At Parlor (SF). www.sfstation.com/rogue-release-party-e741561

**San Francisco Green Festival [Fri noon-7p, Sat 10a-7p, Sun 11a-6p]: 8th annual. Featuring 125 speakers, 350 eco-friendly businesses, local vegetarian cuisine, environmental films, and samples galore. Bring in three canned goods for free admission (last year's tally raised 6,000 pounds for the San Francisco Food Bank). Otherwise, admission is $10-15. At the San Francisco Exhibition Center. www.greenfestivals.org

Prejudice and Patriotism: The Story of Japanese Americans from 1941-1952 [Sat 2-4p]: Catch the Opening Ceremony honoring WWII Nisei veterans, with live music performed by George Yoshida and the J-Town Jazz Ensemble. Ongoing museum exhibit through Jan. 31. At the Presidio Officers Club (SF). www.presidio.gov

Black Film Festival [Sat 3-9:30p]: Start off at the gala with refreshments, dancers, drumming, and guest speakers (3-5p). Then watch four featured films, including Q&A sessions with the filmmakers. At the African American Art & Culture Complex (SF). www.sfbff.org

What's the Big Idea? Night Party [Sat 9p-midnight]: Featuring burlesque acts, visual art exhibits, Citizen Cake/Orson food menu, and more. At Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (SF). RSVP at www.ybca.org/tickets/production/view.aspx?id=9948

Thai Art & Food Fair [Sun 10a-5p]:13th annual. Featuring Thai kickboxing, classical music, authentic food, beauty pageant, and more. At Golden Gate Park's County Fair Building (SF). www.watbuddhapradeep.org

Community Music Day [Sun 2-4p]: Featuring the Young Peoples' Symphony Orchestra and resident ensembles. At the East Bay Center for the Performing Arts (Richmond). www.eastbaycenter.org


Paid Activities
Widespread Panic [Thu-Sat 8p]: A jam band, in the vein of Grateful Dead and Phish. At Fox Theater (Oakland), $45. www.widespreadpanic.com

Lavay Smith & Her Red Hot Skillet Lickers [Fri 8p/10p]: She formed her band in San Francisco 20 years ago, and this year has brought her third album to the public. At Biscuits and Blues (SF), $20. www.lavaysmith.com

Autumn Get-Together [Sat-Sun 8a-4p]: 20th annual. Featuring an indoor and outdoor car show, swap meet, vendor exhibits, and more. At the Alameda County Fairgrounds (Pleasanton), free-$15. www.good-guys.com

Bay Area Bead Extravaganza [Sat-Sun 10a-5p]: 11th annual. Featuring over 225 bead and jewelry exhibitors, craft demonstrations, and more. At the Marriott Civic Center (Oakland), $4-7. Online discount coupon at www.beadextravaganza.com

Erased James Franco [Sun 8p]: Catch the actor from "Spider-Man" and "Milk" for a discussion prior to a documentary about his past performances. At the Castro Theatre (SF), $10. www.castrotheatre.com

November [through Sunday]: A David Mamet satire about corruption in politics. At the American Conservatory Theatre (SF), $17-82. www.act-sf.org

Mrs. Whitney [through Nov. 22]: About a woman in search of romance, and the man she left years ago. At the Magic Theatre (SF), $20-45. www.magictheatre.org

Previous: Theatre - American Idiot [extended again through Sunday in Berkeley]

Randy's Guide CLXI (161)

Today is U.K. Guy Fawkes Night and Korean singer BoA's 23rd; Friday is Yahoo! co-founder Jerry Yang's 41st and Finnish-Swedish Heritage Day; Saturday is French DJ David Guetta's 42nd; Sunday is the 120th anniversary of the admission of Montana as the 41st U.S. state; Monday is Pakistan's Allama Iqbal Day; Tuesday is Argentina's Day of Tradition; and Wednesday is Senator Barbara Boxer's (D-CA) 69th and Veterans' Day.


Local News
One of the early entrants into the street-food craze, Amuse Bouche owner Murat Celebi-Ariner has been arrested for violating the Visa Waiver Program. He will be deported back to his native country of France by the end of the month, much to the chagrin of his newlywed wife and hundreds of his food followers. http://missionlocal.org/2009/11/deportation-for-celebi-ariner


Deal of the Week
Stop by your local GNC store for a 100% fruit, all-natural Sun-Rype FruitSource bar. Print out the coupon at http://view.ed4.net/v/1861H5Y/FK1X8/0GR0D74/62CW2J/MAILACTION=1&FORMAT=H


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
Much cooler, with mostly cloudy skies.

Highs: low-to-mid-60s
Lows: near 50


The Environment
Carbon-filter systems to remove contaminants from water are much better options than bottled water. Those filters certified by the National Sanitation Foundation will remove lead, PCBs, chloramines, radon, pesticides, MTBE, some bacteria, and certain parasites. www.nsf.org


Music
"Fog Machine" by Fresh and Onlys (San Francisco, Calif.)

They provided an excellent spark at the Beach House show last month in Big Sur. Catch them for free at the SFBG's event at 111 Minna on Monday evening. www.myspace.com/thefreshonlys


Movies (domestic revenues through November 1)
"Michael Jackson's This Is It" did, in fact, open in first with $23.2 million {rated PG, $34.4 million overall, 3481 screens, $6,675 per screen}. "Paranormal Activity" cashed in $16.4 million for a good Halloween haul {rated R, $84.6 million overall, 2404 screens, $6,817 per screen}. In limited release, "An Education" - a new take on a May-December romance - continues to do well {rated PG-13, $0.5 million, $1.5 million overall, 4th weekend, 48 screens, $9,737 per screen}.

The Box (PG-13): Suspense; about a struggling married couple who receive a small box that grants them wealth but also kills someone unknown to them; co-starring Cameron Diaz, James Marsden, and Frank Langella; directed by Richard Kelly ("Donnie Darko")

Disney's A Christmas Carol (PG): Fantasy; about Ebenezer Scrooge's journey through time; co-starring Jim Carrey, Gary Oldman, and Robin Wright Penn; directed by Robert Zemeckis ("Forrest Gump")

The Fourth Kind (PG-13): Thriller; about various contacts with extra-terrestrials; co-starring Milla Jovovich

Gentlemen Broncos (PG-13): directed by Jared Hess ("Napoleon Dynamite")

The Men Who Stare at Goats (R): Comedy; about a reporter who meets an experimental military unit; co-starring George Clooney, Ewan McGregor, Kevin Spacey, and Jeff Bridges

Skin (PG-13): Drama; about a white Afrikaner couple in the 1950s who give birth to a child who appeared to be black; co-starring Sam Neill and Sophie Okonedo

(Untitled) (R): Comedy-drama; about an avant-gard composer and edgy Chelsea artists; co-starring Adam Goldberg

Visual Acoustics (NR): Documentary; about photographer Julius Shulman

DVD Pick - Kabluey (PG-13): This very endearing, little-seen mumblecore project focuses on an aimless young man who dons a blue suit for a struggling Internet start-up company. Lisa Kudrow co-stars as a frenetic mother with two out-of-control boys and a husband fighting a war. Domestic box office: $84K; foreign box office: $13K.


Free Activities
Technology Footwear Event [Thu 5:30-7:30p]: Featuring the latest from Kenneth Cole footwear, with Svedka Vodka beverages. At Kenneth Cole Store (SF). RSVP to 415.640.8971.

Macy's Men's Style Event [Thu 6-8p, Sat 2-4p]: Featuring the season's top style, bonus gifts with purchases, and refreshments. At Macy's Union Square (SF) and Macy's Valley Fair (San Jose). www.macys.com

Beauty Bar Anniversary [Thu 9-10p]: Complimentary Sailor Jerry rum cocktails for one hour in honor of its 11 years in business and recent remodel. At Beauty Bar (SF). www.beautybar.com

Eco-Arts Service Week [Fri 3-6p, Sat noon-5p, Sun 10a-noon]: Help install a solar pond, till Alemany Farm, or clean up Ocean Beach. In San Francisco. http://communitree.net/events.html

Exporatorium Turns 40 [Sat-Sun 10a-5p]: Featuring special animal dissections, laser demos, ice installation, and more. At the Exploratorium (SF). www.exploratorium.edu

San Francisco Chamber Orchestra [Sat 2p]: A family concert, with works by Beethoven, Vivaldi, and living composer Frank. At the Conservatory of Music Concert Hall (SF). www.sfchamberorchestra.org

Contemporary Jewish Museum [Sun 10a-5p]: Show your SF Library card for free admission. It's a beautiful building with three cool installations (including one themed on the "Where the Wild Things" author). At the Contemporary Jewish Museum (SF). www.thecjm.org

Wonderfest [Sun 10a-5p]: Featuring top researchers presenting talks on science and outer space. I had a great time last year on an intelligent life discussion. At Berdahl Auditorium (Berkeley). www.wonderfest.org

Veterans' Day Parade [Sun 11a-2:30p]: Along Market St. to City Hall (SF).

Goldies Party [Mon 9p]: Featuring the SF Bay Guardian's Local Discovery Award winners in the arts. With performances by the Fresh and Onlys, Dreamdate, and a special guest. At 111 Minna (SF). www.sfbg.com/goldies


Paid Activities
Shakespeare's Globe Theatre: Love's Labour's Lost [Thu-Fri 8p, Sat 2p/8p, Sun 3p]: From the Globe Theatre's 2007 production of Shakespeare's sparkling romantic comedy. At Zellerbach Hall (Berkeley), $24-90. www.calperformances.net

Devo concert [Fri-Sat 9p]: Featuring the 1980s band playing its two primary albums in their entirety. With Reggie Watts opening. At Regency Ballroom (SF), $40-75. www.clubdevo.com

Fabulous Food Festival [Sat-Sun 10a-5p]: 2nd annual. Featuring 150 food exhibitors, a Julia Child impersonator, live music, and more. At Concourse Exhibition Center (SF), $7-10. www.pacificexpositions.com

Groundswell [through Sun]: About a beach resort during the off-season in South Africa. At SJ Repertory Theatre (San Jose), $17-64. www.sjrep.com

Previous: Theatre - First Day of School [through Saturday in SF]; Theatre - The Little Dog Laughed [through Sunday in SF]; Theatre - American Idiot [extended again through Nov 15 in Berkeley]