Randy's Guide CLXVII (167)

And in typical political fashion, Randy's Guide is making a flip flop and reversing a decision to charge some of its readers. That said, I am exploring ways to take the Guide to a wider audience. Stay tuned.


Today is Wright Brothers' Day and Filipino champion boxer (and possible representative) Manny Pacquiao's 31st; Friday is French chef Jacques Pepin's 74th; Saturday is Pakistani model Iman Ali's 29th; Sunday is "American Idol" winner David Cook's 27th; Monday is comics artist John Severin's 88th and Winter Solstice; Tuesday is Swedish singer Basshunter's 25th; and Wednesday is Oaxaca's Night of the Radishes.


Local News
San Francisco is strongly considering tougher anti-smoking laws that would prevent smoking at outdoor dining tables, farmers markets, entertainment ticket lines, and residential common areas. Belmont, Dublin, Novato, and Richmond are among the Bay Area cities with tougher smoking restrictions than San Francisco. www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/12/16/MNP01B4T3P.DTL


Deal of the Week
Free Mariani dried plums. Use promo code SUPERFRUIT at http://marianifruit.com/micro_plumpromo/form.php


Change for Change
Charity to consider: Urban Solutions. Started in 1992 as the South of Market Foundation, this nonprofit focuses on promoting small-business development in the Fillmore District, the SoMa, and seven corridors designated by the Neighborhood Marketplace Initiative. www.urbansolutionssf.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, Rebuilding Together San Francisco, and Asian & Pacific Islander Wellness Center.


Bay Area Weekend Weather
Finally some dry, sunny days ahead... at least until Sunday night. Good timing with holiday shopping, travel, and parties upon us!

Highs: near 60
Lows: low-40s (inland); mid-40s (coast); upper-40s (SF)


The Environment
A request from reader Andrew is on the subject of green computer printers. I have found that HP has an Eco Solutions line that includes a desktop printer that is made from 83% recycled plastic, is Energy Star certified, and uses recycled plastic ink cartridges. Other important features to look for in any product include double-sided copies, automatic shutoff, and refillable ink cartridges. www.hp.com/hpinfo/globalcitizenship/environment/products/eco-highlights3.html


Music
"Misread" by Kings of Convenience (Bergen, Norway)

Thanks to reader Mario for this tip. The Norwegian duo has known each other for over 20 years. A Coldplay producer brought forth their debut album in 2001, and now they are touring to promote their third album. If we're lucky, they'll touch down in North America at some point. www.kingsofconvenience.com


Movies (domestic revenues through December 13)
Disney's return to animation, "The Princess and the Frog," opened in the top slot during its nationwide release, with $24.2 million {rated G, $27.1 million overall, third weekend, 3434 theatres, $7,050 per theatre}. "Invictus," the latest Clint Eastwood film, took in $8.6 million {rated PG-13, 2125 theatres, $4,052 per theatre}. "Up in the Air" garnered several nominations from the Golden Globes and Screen Actors Guild, and netted another $2.4 million {rated R, $4.0 million overall, 2nd weekend, 72 theatres, $33,255 per theatre}.

Avatar (PG-13): Sci-fi action; about a visionary world that must be saved by a reluctant hero; co-starring Sam Worthington and Sigourney Weaver; directed by James Cameron ("Titanic")

Broken Embraces (R): Drama; about a writer who lost his vision and his lover in a car accident; co-starring Penelope Cruz; directed by Pedro Almodovar ("Volver" and "Talk to Her")

Did You Hear About the Morgans? (PG-13): Comedy; about a Manhattan couple whose rocky marriage improves after joining the witness protection program; co-starring Hugh Grant and Sarah Jessica Parker

35 Shots of Rum (NR): Drama; about a metro conductor and his beautiful daughter who both enter into potential romances

The Young Victoria (PG): Drama; about the early years of long-ruling monarch Queen Victoria and her marriage to Prince Albert; co-starring Emily Blunt, Jim Broadbent, and Miranda Richardson

DVD Pick - Frozen River (R): Melissa Leo is the chief reason to see this wintry drama about a single mom's attempt to save her family's home by smuggling in illegal immigrants. Domestic box office: $2.5 million; foreign box office: $2.8 million.


Free Activities
Underground Farmers Market [Thu 5-11p]: Featuring food producers without commercial kitchens, with products ranging from sarsaparilla to empanadas to wild mushrooms. At 2755 Bryant (SF). http://foragesf.wordpress.com

SF Thomassons release party [Fri 6-9p]: Featuring a holiday architectural book launch reception, a preview of the "SF Thomassons" tour, and refreshments. At PariSoma (SF). www.kaya.com

Circus Center Carnival [Sat 10a-3p]: Featuring circus performances, tightrope lessons, face painting, and more. At Circus Center (SF). www.circuscenter.org

Renegade Craft Fair Holiday Sale [Sat-Sun 11a-7p]" Featuring independent artisans, book raffles, free photo booth pictures, and more. At Fort Mason's Festival Pavilion (SF). www.renegadecraft.com

Telegraph Avenue Holiday Street Fair [Sat-Sun-Wed 11a-6p]: Featuring fine arts, live music, and food vendors. Along Telegraph Avenue (Berkeley). www.telegraphfair.com

Santa on Solano [Sat-Sun noon-4p]: Photos with Santa, snacks, and live holiday music. At the Chamber of Commerce office (Albany). www.solanoavenueassn.org

Holiday Surprise Screening [Sat 7:30p]: At the YBCA (SF). www.ybca.org

Prejudice and Patriotism: The Story of Japanese Americans, 1941-1952 [through Jan. 31]: An exploration of their stories through portraits. At the Presidio Officers' Club (SF). www.presidio.gov


Paid Activities
Christmas Concerts: Love Is Born [Thu 8p, Sat 6p]: Come see reader Michael K. perform as part of Musaic, an ensemble of ten exploring Gregorian chats, hymns, holiday carols, and modern jazz. At St. Mark's (SF) and Unity in Marin (Novato), free for students or $15 adults. www.musaicsf.org

Kwanzaa Celebration [Sat 10a-4p]: Featuring ethnic foods, live foods, a parade, and more. At History Park (San Jose), $3-5. www.historysanjose.org

Preservation Hall Jazz Band [Sat 8p]: Featuring the venerable institution from New Orleans. At Davies Symphony Hall (SF), $15-65. www.preservationhall.com

A Christmas Carol [through Sunday]: Two different versions. At the Lesher Center for the Arts (Walnut Creek), $15-41; and at Sonoma County Rep (Sebastopol), $20-25. www.centerrep.org www.the-rep.com

The Hard Nut [through Sunday]: Featuring the Mark Morris Dance Group, with an update to 1970s suburbia. At Zellerbach Hall (Berkeley), $36-62. www.calperformances.org

A Civil War Christmas [through Dec. 27]: Featuring a mixture of historical figures with fictional characters, Civil War songs, holiday carols, and spiritual hymns. At Lucie Stern Community Theatre (Palo Alto), $26-62. www.theatreworks.org

The Coverlettes Cover Christmas [through Dec. 27]: Featuring a trio of young ladies performing holiday songs and '60s rock. At Aurora Theatre (Berkeley), $28. www.auroratheatre.org

Holiday Ice Rink [through Jan. 18]: 90-minute sessions on every even hour. At Union Square Plaza (SF), $4.50-9 + $4-5 for skates. www.unionsquareicerink.com

Previous: Theatre - Another Night Before Christmas [through Sunday in San Jose]; Event - Great Dickens Christmas Fair [through Sunday in Daly City]; Theatre - Nutcracker at the Zeum [through Sunday in SF]; Dance - Christmas Revels [through Sunday in Oakland]; Theatre - A Christmas Story [through Sunday in San Jose]; Theatre - Black Nativity [through Dec. 27 in SF]