Randy's Guide CCXXI (221)

Historic milestones: 18 years since the separation of Czechoslovakia into the Czech Republic and Slovakia; 33 years since the incorporation of Apple Computer; 51 years since the admission of Alaska as the 49th state; 83 years since the first subway line in Asia (Tokyo); 86 years since Edwin Hubble's discovery of other galaxies; 103 years since the first Montessori daycare school (Rome); 120 years since the first Tournament of Roses Parade (Pasadena, Calif.); and 131 years since Thomas Edison's public incandescent lighting demonstration.


Local News
San Francisco residents dispose of approximately 500 tons of Christmas trees every year, and Recology sells the wood mulch to the Tracy Biomass Plant, which then produces about 20 megawatts of power. Place your bare holiday tree at the curb between January 3-14, or to Haight-Ashbury's recycling center by January 20. http://missionlocal.org/2010/12/where-do-all-the-christmas-trees-go


Deal of the Week
Use public transit on New Year's Eve! MUNI will be free from 8pm until 6am, with Metro service extended until 4am and extra Owl service (15 min wait). CalTrain will be free after 11pm, with added trains leaving SF at 12:45am, 1:15am, and 2:15am. BART will also offer extended service until about 4am.


Change for Change
Charity: Gay-Straight Alliance. Reader Michael K. wrote a compelling message regarding the difficulties that LGBT youths face during the holiday season. Please consider a special donation to Michael's cause! http://wishes.causes.com/wishes/157861

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, Asian & Pacific Islander Wellness Center, Urban Solutions, San Francisco Suicide Prevention, The East Bay Depot for Creative Reuse, Shanti, Curry Without Worry, and SF Neighborhood Theater Foundation.


Holiday Bay Area Weekend Weather
Wet again! Showers likely for New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.

Highs: low-50s
Lows: upper-30s (inland); low-40s (bay-coast); mid-40s (SF)


Movies {domestic revenues for December 24-26}
"Little Fockers," in the third outing between Ben Stiller and Robert De Niro, started with $30.8 million, about half the first film's attendance [3536 theatres; $8,720 per theatre; $45.1 million overall]. The Coen Brothers' "True Grit" nabbed the biggest Western debut ever, and deservedly so, with $24.9 million [3047 theatres; $8,156 per theatre; $36.1 million overall]. I will be cheering for young Hailee Steinfeld to grab an Oscar nomination. "Gulliver's Travels" opened disappointingly in 8th, with $6.3 million [2546 theatres; $2,477 per theatre]. And "The King's Speech" marched into more theatres and 11th place with $4.5 million [700 theatres; $6,426 per theatre; $8.3 million overall].

Art-house films:
- Hadewijch (NR): Drama
- Red Hill (R): Suspense

DVD Pick - Fantastic Mr. Fox (PG): Just plain fantastic. George Clooney and Meryl Streep headline a terrific cast, who have the benefit of creative director Wes Anderson (The Royal Tenenbaums; Rushmore) and a beautiful animation design. Nominated for 2 Oscars, best score and best animated film. Domestic box office: $21.0 million; foreign: $25.5 million.


Free Weekend Activities
Critical Mass [Fri 6p]: Be forewarned, drivers and bus takers. Starts at Justin Herman Plaza (SF). www.sfcriticalmass.org

Chamber Orchestra performance [Thu 5:30p, Fri 8p, Sat-Sun 3p, Mon 8p]: Featuring cellist Nathan Chan and the SF Chamber Orchestra, with works by Mozart and Tchaikovsky. At InterContinental Hotel (SF), First Congregational (Berkeley), St. Mark's (Palo Alto), Herbst Theatre (SF), and Empress Theatre (Vallejo). www.sfchamberorchestra.org

Billy Bowers/Roger Anderson opening exhibit [Fri 8p]: Featuring two new exhibitions, "Walt Disney Was Homosexual" and "Cockette Close-Up." At Steven Wolf Fine Arts (SF). www.stevenwolffinearts.com

NYE Fireworks [Fri midnight]: Featuring a 15-minute show launching just south of the Ferry Building (SF).

Kwanzaa 2010 [through Saturday]: Various discussions and events in celebration of Kwanzaa. At Yoshi's, Marcus Books, Buchanan YMCA, and other locations (SF). www.kwanzaasanfrancisco.com

TCHO Gourmet Chocolate Factory Tour [10am/2pm daily through 1/31]: It's like Whole Foods meets Willy Wonka. At Pier 17 (SF). www.brownpapertickets.com/event/141024

Randy's Guide CCXX (220)

Historic milestones: 42 years since the first lunar orbit by humans during the Christmas Eve Broadcast of Apollo 8; 44 years since the first celebration of Kwanzaa; 69 years since the establishment of Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday in November (FDR); 187 years since the anonymous publication of A Visit from St. Nicholas (or The Night Before Christmas); 192 years since the first performance of "Silent Night" (Oberndorf, Austria); and 233 years since the discovery of Christmas Island by Captain James Cook.


Local News
Stanford women's basketball coach Tara VanDerveer picked her 800th victory, as the Cardinal walloped the USF Dons 100-45. She is now the sixth women's coach at the college level to achieve the milestone. www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/12/23/SPP31GUFLP.DTL


Deals of the Week
* Free small coffee or tea at Border's bookstores through December 25. http://i53.tinypic.com/358uck6.jpg

* Free coffee or tea from Peet's on December 24. www.peets.com


Change for Change
Congrats to San Francisco Neighborhood Theater Foundation as the latest Randy's Guide donation recipient. www.sfneighorhoodtheater.org

New Charity: Gay-Straight Alliance. Reader Michael K. wrote a compelling message regarding the difficulties that LGBT youths face during the holiday season. Please consider a special donation to Michael's cause! http://wishes.causes.com/wishes/157861

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, Asian & Pacific Islander Wellness Center, Urban Solutions, San Francisco Suicide Prevention, The East Bay Depot for Creative Reuse, Shanti, Curry Without Worry, and now SF Neighborhood Theater Foundation.


Holiday Bay Area Weekend Weather
It'll be a wet Christmas, with rain and thunder forecast for Saturday through Sunday morning.

HIghs: mid-50s
Lows: low-40s (inland); mid-40s (coast-bay); upper-40s (SF)


Movies {domestic revenues for December 17-19}
"Tron Legacy" more than made up for the original's disappointing numbers, as it ushered in young adult males in droves to tally $44.0 million [3451 theatres; $12,758 per theatre]. "Yogi Bear," meanwhile, piqued the interest of young boys to open in second with $16.4 million [3515 theatres; $4,669 per theatre]. "The Fighter" went into nationwide release and brought in $12.1 million [2503 theatres; $4,848 per theatre; $12.6 million overall]. "How Do You Know" had a disappointing opening, considering the star power, as older women pushed its revenues to $7.5 million [2483 theatres; $3,014 per theatre].

Mainstream films:
- Gulliver's Travels (PG): Adventure; co-starring Jack Black, Emily Blunt, Jason Segel, and Amanda Peet
- Little Fockers (PG-13): Comedy sequel; co-starring Robert De Niro, Owen Wilson, Dustin Hoffman, and Barbra Streisand

Art-house films:
- Casino Jack (R): Biopic; co-starring Kevin Spacey
- Rabbit Hole (PG-13): Drama; co-starring Nicole Kidman, Aaron Eckhart, and Dianne Wiest; directed by John Cameron Mitchell (Hedwig and the Angry Inch)
- Somewhere (R): Drama; directed by Sofia Coppola (Lost in Translation)
- Summer Wars (PG): Anime
- True Grit (PG-13): Western; co-starring Jeff Bridges, Matt Damon, and Josh Brolin; directed by the Coen Brothers (No Country for Old Men)

DVD Pick - It's Complicated (R): Opening last Christmas, this romantic comedy targets older relationships, as Meryl Streep has to decide between her architect (Steve Martin) and her ex-husband (Alec Baldwin). It picked up 3 Golden Globe nominations, including Best Picture and Best Actress. Domestic box office: $112.7 million; foreign: $106.4 million.


Free Weekend Activities
Telegraph Holiday Street Fair [Thu-Fri 11a-6p]: 27th annual. Featuring 200+ local artisans. Along Telegraph Ave. (Berkeley). www.telegraphfair.com

Contemporary Jewish Museum Day [Fri 11a-4p]: You can buy Yank Sing dim sum or Ritual Roasters coffee as you take in special Curious George-themed performances. At the CJM (SF). www.thecjm.org

Kwanzaa 2010 [Sunday 12/26 - Saturday 1/1]: Various discussions and events in celebration of Kwanzaa. At Yoshi's, Marcus Books, Buchanan YMCA, and other locations (SF). www.kwanzaasanfrancisco.com

TCHO Gourmet Chocolate Factory Tour [10am/2pm daily through 1/31]: It's like Whole Foods meets Willy Wonka. At Pier 17 (SF). www.brownpapertickets.com/event/141024

Randy's Guide CCXIX (219)

Historic milestones: 21 years since the first Simpsons episode; 23 years since the first release of the Perl programming language; 45 years since the introduction of the first rural speed limits in the U.K.; 78 years since the first NFL championship game (won by the Chicago Bears); 150 years since the first state secession (South Carolina); 207 years since the completion of the Louisiana Purchase; and 303 years since the last recorded eruption of Mount Fuji.


Local News
An 8-year-old girl from Menlo Park has lost her appeal to the city's Parks and Recreation Commission for her chance to play on the boys' basketball team. www.mercurynews.com/peninsula/ci_16872522


Deal of the Week
December birthdays receive a free $20 gift card for food and drinks at the Royal Exchange in downtown SF. Print out your voucher at www.mailboto.com/templates/royalexchange/bday-dec.pdf, good for parties of 2 or more on weekdays after 2pm.


Change for Change
Charity: San Francisco Neighborhood Theater Foundation. I attended an informative discussion about the history of San Francisco's theaters, including the Castro, Vogue, and Alexandria. The group started in 2002 to preserve neighborhood movie theaters and to initiate the popular Film Night in the Park outdoor series. www.sfneighborhoodtheater.org

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, Asian & Pacific Islander Wellness Center, Urban Solutions, San Francisco Suicide Prevention, The East Bay Depot for Creative Reuse, Shanti, and Curry Without Worry.


Bay Area Weekend Weather
Rain starts tonight through Tuesday, with the heaviest spells on Saturday.

Highs: mid-50s
Lows: upper-40s


Movies {domestic revenues for December 10-12}
"The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader" debuted in first with $24.0 million, a far cry from its earlier two installments [3555 theatres; $6,752 per theatre]. The star power of Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp couldn't lift "The Tourist" past $16.5 million [2756 theatres; $5,977 per theatre]. "Black Swan," with 4 Golden Globe nominations, continued to impress with $3.3 million in sixth place [90 theatres; $36,726 per theatre; $5.6 million overall]. And the very entertaining "The King's Speech," fresh off 7 Golden Globe nominations, expanded to take in $0.6 million [19 theatres; $31,148 per theatre; $1.5 million overall].

Mainstream films:
- The Fighter (R): Sports drama; co-starring Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale, Amy Adams, and Melissa Leo; directed by David O. Russell (I Heart Huckabees; Three Kings); 6 Golden Globe nominations
- How Do You Know (PG-13): Comedy; co-starring Reese Witherspoon, Owen Wilson, Paul Rudd, and Jack Nicholson; directed by James L. Brooks
- Tron: Legacy (PG): Sci-fi; co-starring Jeff Bridges and Michael Sheen
- Yogi Bear (PG): Animation; co-voiced by Dan Aykroyd and Justin Timberlake

Art-house films:
- All Good Things (R): Suspense; co-starring Ryan Gosling and Kirsten Dunst
- Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale (NR): Horror

DVD Pick - Toy Story 3 (PG): It's a good bet that this finale to the beloved trilogy, which focuses on the discarded side of childhood playthings, will follow up its Golden Globe nod for Animated Feature with an Oscar victory. Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, and Don Rickles are joined by Michael Keaton, Jodi Benson, and Ned Beatty. Domestic box office: $415.0 million; foreign: $648.1 million.


Free Weekend Activities
Posadas on 24th Street [Fri 5:45-8p]: Featuring Christmas processional, caroling, and sparklers. Along 24th St. (SF). www.lower24thstreet.org

Lighted boat parade [Fri 6p]: Featuring 75+ boats from the Fisherman's Wharf Fishing Fleet, Pier 39 Marina, and St. Francis and Golden Gate yacht clubs. From Pier 39 to Crissy Field (SF). www.fishermanswharf.com

FunCheapSF Holiday Party [Fri 6-8p]: Featuring two kegs of Fat Tire beer, free raffle, scavenger hunt, and games. At Sports Basement (SF). http://sf.funcheap.com/funcheapsf-holiday-party-2010-sf

Sharing the Spirit Concert [Fri 6p]: 28th annual. Featuring music, dance, theater, and film performances. At the East Bay Center for the Performing Arts (Richmond). www.eastbaycenter.org

Renegrade Craft Fair [Sat-Sun 11a-7p]: 2nd annual. Featuring 200+ independent artisans, a raffle, photobooth, and do-it-yourself activities. At the Concourse Exhibition Center (SF). www.renegadecraft.com/holiday-sf

Telegraph Avenue Fair [Sat-Sun 11a-6p]: 27th annual. Featuring 200+ artisans with inexpensive gift items such as jewelry, candles, and photography. Along Telegraph Ave. (Berkeley). www.telegraphfair.com

Macy's Cooking Demo [Sat 2p]: Top Chef contestant Yigit Pura will be demonstrating holiday treats. At Macy's Union Square (SF). www.macys.com

Randy's Guide CCXVIII (218)

Historic milestones: 38 years since the last astronaut lunar walk; 71 years since the Gone with the Wind premiere; 104 years since the first American Nobel Prize recipient (Theodore Roosevelt); and 159 years since the first YMCA in North America (Montreal).


Local News
On a day of sobering news that California's dropout rate moved above 20 percent, San Francisco's percentage has dropped to below 10 percent. School officials credit vocational programs, college-focused coursework, and truancy reduction for the success. www.sfexaminer.com/local/education/2010/12/city-s-student-dropout-rate-decreasing


Deal of the Week #1
Parking has gotten a little bit more reasonable in San Francisco for carpools through Dec. 26. Seven garages (Ellis-O'Farrell; Fifth-Mission; Sutter-Stockton; Geary-Stockton; Lombard-Marina; Vallejo-Chinatown; 21st-Bartlett) are offering one hour of free parking with three occupants, and two hours for 4+ occupants per vehicle. The Civic Center garage is offering free parking on weekends only. Cars must enter between 10am and 6pm. www.sfmta.com/cms/pnews/HolidayCarpoolParkingValidation.htm


Deal of the Week #2
Free Wendy's natural-cut fries with sea salt. www.mrcheapstuff.com/coupon-go/wendy_free


Change for Change
Charity: San Francisco Neighborhood Theater Foundation. I attended an informative discussion about the history of San Francisco's theaters, including the Castro, Vogue, and Alexandria. The group started in 2002 to preserve neighborhood movie theaters and to initiate the popular Film Night in the Park outdoor series. www.sfneighborhoodtheater.org

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, Asian & Pacific Islander Wellness Center, Urban Solutions, San Francisco Suicide Prevention, The East Bay Depot for Creative Reuse, Shanti, and Curry Without Worry.


Bay Area Weekend Weather
Blue skies, at last. Time to hit the fresh powder!

Highs: upper-50s (coast); low-60s (SF); mid-60s (bay); upper-60s (inland)
Lows: low-40s (inland); mid-40s (coast); upper-40s (bay); low-50s (SF)


Movies {domestic revenues for December 3-5}
We've just closed out the weakest December in 15 years, in terms of attendance. "Tangled" assumed the first spot with $21.6 million [3603 theatres; $5,997 per theatre; $96.6 million overall]. "The Warrior's Way" stumbled into ninth with $3.0 million [1622 theatres; $1,880 per theatre]. Natalie Portman's ballet drama "Black Swan" played to sold-out crowds for $1.4 million [18 theatres; $80,212 per theatre].

Mainstream films:
-Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (PG): Fantasy sequel; co-starring Tilda Swinton
-The Tempest (PG-13): Drama; co-starring Helen Mirren, Russell Brand, and Chris Cooper; directed by Julie Taymor ("Across the Universe")
-The Tourist (PG-13): Thriller; co-starring Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie

Art-house films:
-King's Speech (R): Historical drama; co-starring Colin Firth and Geoffrey Rush
-Legend of Pale Male (NR): Documentary
-Night Catches Us (R): Drama
-Queen of the Lot (R): Romance
-Tiny Furniture (NR): Comedy

DVD Pick - The Last Station (R): The historical drama about the closing years of writer Leo Tolstoy lends more insight than expected. Christopher Plummer and Helen Mirren are the top-billed and Oscar-nominated Tolstoyan couple, while Paul Giamatti and James McAvoy have juicy supporting roles. Domestic box office: $6.6 million; foreign: $6.3 million.


Free Weekend Activities
Market Street Art [Thu 5-7p]: Featuring three art installation launches, fire jugglers, Filipino lantern displays, and a community procession. Near ACT Costume Shop, 7th and Market (SF). www.sfartscommission.org

Golden Gate Park Holiday Lighting [Thu 5p]: 81st annual. At McLaren Lodge (SF). www.sfrecpark.org

Hometown Holiday Stroll [Thu 5-8p]: Featuring holiday carolers and special discounts. In downtown Walnut Creek. www.walnutcreekdowntown.com

Holiday Party for Hellraisers [Thu 6p]: First 120 drinks on the house. With the staffs of Rainforest Action Network, Greenpeace, the Ruckust Society, Amazonwatch, Corporate Ethics International, and Forest Ethics. At Brunos (SF). www.ran.org

Believer Magazine Art Issue Release Party [Thu 7:30p]: Featuring local artists by the San Francisco-published magazine. At Electric Works Gallery (SF). www.sfelectricworks.com

* Mission Block Party [Fri 5-10p]: 3rd annual. Featuring holiday refreshments and special discounts at shops. Between Mission and Dolores, 14th and 24th St. (SF). www.getlocalsf.com/events

Boom! Reception [Fri 6-9p]: Featuring Carnegie Mellon's Miller Gallery Director Astria Suparak and her juried exhibition on Northern California artists interpreting the word "Boom." At Southern Exposure (SF). www.soex.org

Alternative Press Festival [Sat 10a-4p]: Featuring self-publishers from the Bay Area. At Berkeley City College. http://EastBayAlternativePressBookFair.blogspot.com

Telegraph Avenue Holiday Fair [Sat-Sun 11a-6p]: Featuring 200+ holiday artists, festive lights, and gourmet food. Along Telegraph Ave (Berkeley). www.telegraphfair.com

* Bazaar Bizarre [Sat-Sun noon-5p]: Featuring 150 selected local artists and designers with goods ranging from handbags to silk-screen t-shirts and body products. With Off the Grid gourmet food carts. At Fort Mason (SF). www.bazaarbizarre.org

Under the Holiday Lights [Sat-Sun noon-5p]: Featuring Santa photos. Along Fourth St. (Berkeley). www.fourthstreet.com

Winterfest [Sun 11a-6p]: 16th annual. Featuring snow sledding, Santa photos, and live carols. In Depot Plaza (Mill Valley). www.millvalley.org

Randy's Guide CCXVII (217)

Historic milestones: 28 years since the first U.S. lethal-injection execution; 30 years since the assassination of John Lennon; 56 years since the opening of the first Burger King (Miami, Fla.); 71 years since the opening of New York's La Guardia Airport; 113 years since the world's first licensed taxicabs (London); 129 years since the first edition of The Los Angeles Times; and 206 years since Napoleon became the first French Emperor in 1,000 years.


Local News
On the heels of a historic San Francisco Giants World Series title, another local team, Stanford University football, has wrapped up its best regular season in its history, finishing 11-1 and currently ranked number 4 in the country. Depending on this weekend's results, Stanford may play for the national title or for a lesser BCS bowl such as the Rose Bowl. www.stanforddaily.com/2010/12/01/jaffe-dont-focus-just-on-football


Deal of the Week
San Francisco MUNI is offering $2 all-day transfers on Sundays in December. Cable cars and Candlestick Park express buses are exempt. www.sfmta.com/cms/malerts/SundayFunDayPass.htm


Change for Change
Charity: San Francisco Neighborhood Theater Foundation. I attended an informative discussion about the history of San Francisco's theaters, including the Castro, Vogue, and Alexandria. The group started in 2002 to preserve neighborhood movie theaters and to initiate the popular Film Night in the Park outdoor series. www.sfneighborhoodtheater.org

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, Asian & Pacific Islander Wellness Center, Urban Solutions, San Francisco Suicide Prevention, The East Bay Depot for Creative Reuse, Shanti, and Curry Without Worry.


Bay Area Weekend Weather
Best shower chances will be Thursday night and Saturday night into Sunday. Keep your umbrellas or coats handy for the next several days though!

Highs: upper-50s
Lows: low-40s (inland); mid-40s (coast-bay); upper-40s (SF)


Movies {domestic revenues for November 26-28}
For the second weekend, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1" topped the charts with $49.1 million [4125 theatres; $11,900 per theatre; $219.1 million overall]. Disney's "Tangled" was its highest-grossing non-Pixar animated film debut yet, with $48.8 million [3603 theatres; $13,535 per theatre; $68.7 million overall]. The musical "Burlesque" opened in fourth with $11.9 million [3037 theatres; $3,934 per theatre; $17.3 million overall]. The Jake Gyllenhaal-Anne Hathaway romantic comedy "Love and Other Drugs" tallied $9.7 million [2455 theatres; $3,967 per theatre; $13.9 million overall]. Finally, "Faster" puttered into seventh place with $8.5 million [2454 theatres; $3,473 per theatre, $12.0 million overall].

Mainstream films:
-The Warrior's Way (R): Action; co-starring Geoffrey Rush and Kate Bosworth

Art-house films:
-Black Swan (R): Thriller; co-starring Natalie Portman
-I Love You Phillip Morris (R): Comedy; co-starring Jim Carrey and Ewan McGregor
-Marwencol (NR): Documentary
-Saint Misbehavin': The Wavy Gravy Movie (NR): Documentary
-The Temptation of St. Tony (NR): Drama

DVD Pick - Broken Embraces (R): The latest Pedro Almodovar (All About My Mother; Talk to Her) film brings feisty Penelope Cruz into the mix as a wide-eyed actress who falls in love with both a wealthy patron and a romantic director. It's not his best work, but it's still worth a look. Domestic box office: $5.0 million; foreign: $26.0 million.


Free Weekend Activities
San Carlos Hometown Holidays [Fri 5-8p, Sat 9:30a-2p]: Featuring Santa by helicopter, free refreshments and children's gifts, train rides, tree lighting, and more. Along Laurel St. on Friday, and the Hiller Museum on Saturday (San Carlos). www.cityofsancarlos.org

Chestnuts on Chestnut [Fri 5-8p]: Featuring free hot cocoa, mini cupcakes, face painting, Santa photos, and more> Along Chestnut St. (SF).

Jack London Square Tree Ceremony [Fri 5:30-7:30p]: Featuring festive music, the tree lighting, and the holiday float preview. At Jack London Square (Oakland). www.jacklondonsquare.com

CCA Holiday Fair [Sat 11a-3p]: Featuring live jazz music, homemade arts & crafts, holiday treats, and more. At California College of the Arts (Oakland). www.cca.edu

Oakland Holiday Parade [Sat 2-4p]: Featuring colorful floats, floating balloons, and more. Along Broadway (Oakland). www.oaklandholidayparade.com

Festival of Lights [Sat 3-6p]: 20th annual. Featuring reindeer rides, Santa photos, cupcake decorating, and more. Along Union St. (SF). www.sresproductions.com/fantasy_of_lights.html

Pleasanton Hometown Parade [Sat 3:30-7:30p]: Featuring a parade, Santa photos, holiday tree lighting, and more. Along Main St. (Pleasanton). www.pleasantondowntown.net

Snow in Berkeley [Sun 10a-3p]: Featuring imported snow, hot cocoa, holiday crafts, and more. At Andronico's (Berkeley). www.gourmetghetto.org

Free SF Museum Days [Sun / Tue]: Sunday - Asian Art. Tuesday - de Young, SFMOMA, Conservatory of Flowers, Cartoon Art, Legion of Honor, and YBCA.

Randy's Guide CCXVI (216)

Historic milestones: 7 years since the Concorde's final flight; 32 years since the deaths of Harvey Milk and George Moscone; 97 years since the introduction of the moving assembly line (by Ford Motor); 151 years since Charles Darwin's publication of "On the Origin of Species"; and 233 years since the founding of San Jose, Calif.


Local News
San Francisco Giants first baseman Aubrey Huff has gone from unemployed to a $22 million contract holder after a miraculous year. His rally thong epitomized the camaraderie in the clubhouse, and he ended up leading the team in home runs, hits, and walks. www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/11/23/SP9S1GGGFN.DTL


Deal of the Week
I know many of you will be among the 200 million shoppers to hit the stores this on Friday. Check out www.blackfriday2010.com beforehand to see all of the specials and plan out your day.


Change for Change
Charity: San Francisco Neighborhood Theater Foundation. I attended an informative discussion about the history of San Francisco's theaters, including the Castro, Vogue, and Alexandria. The group started in 2002 to preserve neighborhood movie theaters and to initiate the popular Film Night in the Park outdoor series. www.sfneighborhoodtheater.org

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, Asian & Pacific Islander Wellness Center, Urban Solutions, San Francisco Suicide Prevention, The East Bay Depot for Creative Reuse, Shanti, and Curry Without Worry.


Holiday Weekend Weather
* San Francisco: Saturday rain, otherwise cold inland nights below freezing. High 53, Low 43.
* Los Angeles: Breezy and mostly clear. High 65, Low 44. {Hello, from sunny Seal Beach!}
* Yosemite: Saturday and Sunday snow showers. High 39, Low 25.
* Lake Tahoe: Saturday and Sunday snow showers. High 36, Low 10.
* Las Vegas: Clear. High 50, Low 35.
* Portland, OR: Friday and Saturday rain. High 40, Low 34.
* Denver: Partly cloudy. High 42, Low 20.
* Chicago: Wednesday rain and possible Thursday snow. High 37, Low 29.
* New York: Thursday and Friday rain. High 47, Low 33.
* Washington, D.C.: Friday rain. High 51, Low 39.
* Miami: Mostly sunny. High 80, Low 65.
* Houston: Warm start, cold finish. High 81, Low 67 -> High 60, Low 41.
* Honolulu: Chance of showers. High 79, Low 66.


Movies {domestic revenues for November 19-21}
"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1" soared to first place with $125.0 million [4125 theatres; $30,307 per theatre]. Russell Crowe's actioner "The Next Three Days" opened weakly in fifth with $6.5 million [2564 theatres; $2,552 per theatre]. The Naomi Watts-Sean Penn drama "Fair Game," based on Valerie Plame, expanded nicely with $1.5 million [386 theatres; $3,772 per theatre; $3.7 million overall]. Meanwhile, "Megamind" crossed the $100 million mark.

Mainstream films:
-Burlesque (PG-13): Musical; co-starring Cher and Christina Aguilera
-Faster (R): Action; co-starring Dwayne Johnson and Billy Bob Thornton
-Love and Other Drugs (R): Comedy; co-starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Anne Hathaway, and Hank Azaria
-Nutcracker in 3D (PG): Fantasy; co-starring Nathan Lane and John Turturro
-Tangled (PG): Animated; co-voiced by Mandy Moore, Brad Garrett, and Ron Perlman

Art-house films:
-Ahead of Time (NR): Documentary
-Made in Dagenham (R): Comedy; co-starring Sally Hawkins and Bob Hoskins
-Welcome to the Rileys (NR): Drama; co-starring James Gandolfini, Kristen Stewart, and Melissa Leo
-White Material (NR): Drama; co-starring Isabelle Huppert

DVD Pick - Young @ Heart (PG): This documentary will win you over, guaranteed. It focuses on a group of elders who form an a cappella group with tunes ranging from Coldplay to Bruce Springsteen. Domestic box office: $4.0 million; foreign: $3.1 million.


Free Weekend Activities
DJ Mark Farina [Wed 9p]: 8th annual. Just bring an unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots, or a non-perishable food item for Glide Memorial Food Bank for an evening with DJ Mark Farina. At Ruby Skye (SF). www.rubyskye.com/index1.html

Vegan Thanksgiving [Thu 11a-3p]: Free meal. At Cafe Gratitude (SF). www.cafegratitude.com

Winter Wonderland [Fri noon-8p, Sat 9a-noon]: 31st annual. Featuring free snow sledding, live entertainment, and wintertime parade. Along Fourth St (San Rafael). www.sresproductions.com

Ghirardelli Square Tree Lighting [Fri noon-5:30p]: Featuring all-day live entertainment and the tree lighting at 5:30pm. In Ghirardelli Square (SF). www.ghirardellisq.com

Macy's Tree Lighting [Fri 6p]: 21st annual. Featuring Katharine McPhee, Giants pitcher Barry Zito, the Glide Ensemble, UC Berkeley Men's Octet, and "Shrek: The Musical" cast. In Union Square (SF). www.unionsquareshop.com/TreeLightingUnionSquare.html

Rockridge in the Snow [Sat 3-6p]: Featuring a snow play area, live holiday entertainment, and vendor discounts. Near Rockridge BART (Oakland). www.rockridgedistrict.com

Pop-Up Black Sunday [Sun 11a-5p]: Featuring fashion bloggers, live makeup demos, photo booth, and local artisans. Donated clothing will go toward local charities. At the Metreon (SF). www.indiebazaar.net

Creating Coraline discussion [Sun 3-4:30p]: Speak with SF Playhouse Artistic Director Bill English about the process of translating the popular children's book into a musical. At the Main Library's Koret Auditorium (SF). www.sfpl.org

Castro Tree Lighting Ceremony [Mon 6p}: Featuring the Lesbian and Gay Freedom Band, Metropolitan Community Church Choir, San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus, and merchant discounts. Near 501 Castro (SF). www.castrocbd.org

The Glass Menagerie discussion [Mon 7:30p]: Moderated discussion with a theatre professional, courtesy the Aurora Script Club. At the Aurora Theatre (Berkeley). www.auroratheatre.org

Randy's Guide CCXV (215)

Historic milestones: 15 years since the first full-length computer-generated film (Toy Story); 16 years since the establishment of SETI Institute; 20 years since Milli Vanilli lost its Grammy Award for lip-syncing; 47 years since the first use of the push-button telephone and the assassination of President JFK; 147 years since President Lincoln's Gettysburg Address; 152 years since the founding of Denver; and 384 years since the consecration of St. Peter's Basilica.


Local News
Target received unanimous approval from the San Francisco Redevelopment Agency to open a two-floor store inside the Metreon. The signature bulls-eye will grace the side of the building, and the store (San Francisco's first) should be open in 2012. www.sfexaminer.com/local/Metreon-scores-big-box-Target-108850839.html


Deal of the Week
A repeat, as the days grow cold, dark, and rainy: Free Seattle's Best coffee at all Burger King restaurants on Friday mornings in November. No coupon required. www.bk.com


Change for Change
Charity: San Francisco Neighborhood Theater Foundation. I attended an informative discussion about the history of San Francisco's theaters, including the Castro, Vogue, and Alexandria. The group started in 2002 to preserve neighborhood movie theaters and to initiate the popular Film Night in the Park outdoor series. www.sfneighborhoodtheater.org

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, Asian & Pacific Islander Wellness Center, Urban Solutions, San Francisco Suicide Prevention, The East Bay Depot for Creative Reuse, Shanti, and Curry Without Worry.


Bay Area Weekend Weather
Record heat on Sunday and Monday is giving way to our first arctic storm on Friday. Expect a wet Big Game - go Stanford!

Highs: mid-50s
Lows: mid-40s


Movies {domestic revenues for November 12-14}
"Megamind" repeated in the top slot, with $29.1 million [3949 theatres; $7,374 per theatre; $88.8 million overall]. Denzel Washington's second train-related thriller, "Unstoppable," opened in second with $22.7 million [3207 theatres; $7,075 per theatre]. The low-rent sci-fi "Skyline" tallied $11.7 million for fourth [2880 theatres; $4,060 per theatre]. The star-packed romantic comedy "Morning Glory" disappointed with $9.2 million [2518 theatres; $3,655 per theatre]. The biggest buzz, though, continues to build for James Franco's survival story "127 Hours," directed by Danny Boyle, as it added $0.4 million in very limited release [22 theatres; $19,934 per theatre, $0.8 million overall].

Mainstream films:
-Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1 (PG-13): Adventure sequel; co-starring Daniel Radcliffe and Helena Bonham Carter
-The Next Three Days (PG-13): Thriller; co-starring Russell Crowe, Elizabeth Banks, and Liam Neeson

Art-house films:
-Client 9: The Rise of Fall of Eliot Spitzer (R): Documentary
-Genius Within: The Inner Life of Glenn Gould (NR): Documentary
-Kings of Pastry (NR): Documentary
-Today's Special (R): Documentary
-Waste Land (NR): Documentary

DVD Pick - No Country for Old Men (R): The relentless look at Americana by the Coen Brothers won four Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director. See it as a sneak peek at their next feature, True Grit. Domestic box office: $74.3 million; foreign: $97.3 million.


Free Weekend Activities
De Young Artisan Faire [Fri 9:30a-8:30p, Sat 9:30a-4:30p]: 4th annual. Featuring local jewelers, stationers, artists, and textile craftspeople. At the de Young Museum (SF). www.famsf.org

San Rafael Parade of Lights [Fri noon-8p, Sat 9a-noon]: 31st annual. Featuring a holiday parade, snow sledding, live entertainment, and holiday marketplace. Along Fourth St. (San Rafael). www.sresproductions.com/san_rafael_parade_of_lights.html

Embarcadero Center Carnival [Fri 4-6p]: 24th annual. Featuring Disney on Ice performance, building center lighting, carnival games, guest appearance by Captain Sullenberger, and holiday music. At the Embarcadero Center (SF). www.embarcaderocenter.com

* Arms and the Man production [Fri 7:30p, Sat-Sun 3p]: This is a delightful free staging by the 16th Street Players for George Bernard Shaw's romantic comedy set during the Serbo-Bulgarian War. At Notre Dame Senior Plaza, near Mission Dolores (SF). www.missiondolores.org/events/upcoming_events.html

Vintage Paper Fair [Sat-Sun 10a-6p]: Featuring antique postcards, advertisements, and more. At Centre Concord. www.vintagepaperfair.com

Vegetarian Thanksgiving cooking demo [Sat 2p]: Featuring Chef Eric Gower (previously on Iron Chef). At Macy's Union Square Cellar (SF). www.macys.com/store/event/index.ognc?action=search&storeId=212

Yellena James exhibit [Sat 6p]: Opening reception for the joint work with Pete Belkin, entitled "Biosynthesis." At Gallery Hijinks (SF). www.galleryhijinks.com

Randy's Guide CCXIV (214)

Historic milestones: 22 years since the launch of the first major fair-trade label (Netherlands' Max Havelaar); 28 years since the dedication of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.; 37 years since President Nixon's "I am not a crook" interview; 54 years since the end of the Montgomery Bus Boycott; 74 years since the opening of the Bay Bridge; 84 years since the establishment of Route 66; and 121 years since Washington's admission as the 42nd U.S. state.


Local News
San Francisco has opened its first health clinic entirely run by volunteers, mainly retired medical professionals. Clinic by the Bay is affiliated with Volunteers in Medicine, which has 82 clinics nationwide. This clinic is open to uninsured residents in 94112 (Excelsior/ Outer Mission) and 94014 (Daly City), who are at or below 250% of the federal poverty line and have some income. www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/11/09/MNB31G3J39.DTL


Deal of the Week #1
Gap Inc. is having its semi-annual Give & Get Program, with 30% off all in-store purchases at its Gap, Banana Republic, and Old Navy parent and outlet stores. My designated charity is Teach for America, which will receive 5% of all purchases. Sale ends Sunday 11/14 at 11:59pm. Feel free to print out the discount page for in-store purchases. http://gap.m.delivery.net/w/webView?cid=18261100324&mid=1856354299&pid=860672&vid=13665&ee=cHJpdmF0ZXJ5YW43OEBob3RtYWlsLmNvbQ__&si=&mv=H&bv=H&oc=H&sc=&k=1kfRVx


Deal of the Week #2
Grab your free small Seattle's Best coffee at any participating Burger King on Friday mornings in November. www.bk.com


Change for Change
Charity: San Francisco Neighborhood Theater Foundation. I attended an informative discussion about the history of San Francisco's theaters, including the Castro, Vogue, and Alexandria. The group started in 2002 to preserve neighborhood movie theaters and to initiate the popular Film Night in the Park outdoor series. www.sfneighborhoodtheater.org

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, Asian & Pacific Islander Wellness Center, Urban Solutions, San Francisco Suicide Prevention, The East Bay Depot for Creative Reuse, Shanti, and Curry Without Worry.


Bay Area Weekend Weather
Crisp mornings and bright sunshine afternoons... sure beats 31 and snowy in Denver, or rainy 50 in Seattle.

THU-FRI
Highs: upper-50s (coast); low-60s (SF); mid-60s (bay); upper-60s (inland)
Lows: low-40s (inland); mid-40s (coast-bay); upper-40s (SF)

SAT-SUN
Highs: mid-60s (coast); upper-60s (SF); low-70s (bay); mid-70s (inland)
Lows: mid-40s (inland); upper-40s (coast-bay); low-50s (SF)


Movies {domestic revenues for November 5-7}
"Megamind" debuted strongly, with $46.0 million [3944 theatres; $11,668 per theatre]. The raunchy comedy "Due Date" picked up $32.7 million [3355 theatres; $9,743 per theatre]. Tyler Perry's adaptation "For Colored Girls" tallied $19.5 million [2127 theatres; $9,167 per theatre]. The latest Bollywood comedy, "Golmaal 3," brought in $0.6 million in limited release [86 theatres; $7,284 per theatre].

Mainstream films:
-Morning Glory (PG-13): comedy; co-starring Rachel McAdams, Harrison Ford, Diane Keaton, and Jeff Goldblum
-Skyline (PG-13): sci-fi
-Unstoppable (PG-13): action; co-starring Denzel Washington and Chris Pine; directed by Roger Scott

Art-house films:
-Cool It (PG): documentary
-Four Lions (R): comedy
-127 Hours (R): drama; co-starring James Franco; directed by Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionaire, Trainspotting)
-Vision (NR): biopic

DVD Pick - The Proposal (PG-13): Light and airy, this rom-com was Oscar winner Sandra Bullock's other hit in 2009. She plays a Canadian hard-nosed editor who hatches a plan to marry her assistant (Ryan Reynolds) in order to remain legally in the U.S. Domestic box office: $164.0 million; foreign: $153.4 million.


Free Weekend Activities
Meryl Pataky exhibit [Thu 6-8p]: Opening reception for the modern artist. At Muse Art Gallery (SF). www.yourmusegallery.com

DJ Irene @ Ruby Skye [Thu 8p-2a]: 18+ night with no cover at the popular Union Square nightclub. At Ruby Skye (SF). www.rubyskye.com

Pigeon Point Light Station Celebration [Sat 10a-8p]: 138th anniversary event, with grounds tours, historic exhibits, fresnel lens lighting, and more. At Pigeon Point Light Station (Pescadero). www.parks.ca.gov/pages/533/files/2010PPLH%20Annivposter.pdf

Petaluma Holiday Faire [Sat-Sun 10a-5p]: Featuring 55 Sonoma County artisans, along with gourmet food items. At the Petaluma Community Center. www.holidaygiftfaire.org

Armenian Festival [Sat noon-9p, Sun 12:30-3p]: 29th annual. Featuring traditional Armenian food, music, and crafts. At Calvary Church (SF). www.cacc-sf.org

First Thanksgiving cooking demo [Sat 2p]: Featuring Chef John Farais of Indigenous Edibles, with two preparations of First Thanksgiving dishes. At Macy's Union Square Cellar (SF). www.macys.com/store/event/index.ognc?action=search&storeId=212

Arms and the Man production [Fri 7:30p, Sat-Sun 3p]: Free staging by the 16th Street Players for George Bernard Shaw's romantic comedy set during the Serbo-Bulgarian War. At Notre Dame Senior Plaza, near Mission Dolores (SF). www.missiondolores.org/events/upcoming_events.html

Jimmy Ernst exhibit [Sat 6-9p]: Opening reception for the abstract-surrealist artist, the son of painter Max Ernst. At Weinstein Gallery (SF). www.weinstein.com

Outdoor Film Screening - Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi [Sat 7p]: Featuring the Bollywood classic about a middle-aged man seeking a fresh start to life. At Japantown's Peace Plaza (SF). www.japancentersf.com

Academy of Sciences [Wed 9:30a-5p]: Free admission (adult retail: $29.95) to the wildly popular science museum. Reserve timed tickets for the IMAX planetarium shows when you first arrive. In Golden Gate Park (SF). www.calacademy.org

Randy's Guide CCXIII (213)

Historic milestones: 21 years since the election of the first African-American U.S. governor (Virginia's Douglas Wilder); 63 years since the TV debut of "Meet the Press"; 86 years since the election of the first female U.S. governor (Wyoming's Nellie Ross); 94 years since the election of the first Congresswoman (Montana's Jeannette Rankin); 136 years since the first use of the elephant for the U.S. Republican Party; and 138 years since Susan B. Anthony's first (illegal) vote.


Local News
It's been a great week for the Bay Area. First, the San Francisco Giants finally won a World Series, and the City celebrated Monday night in the streets and Wednesday morning for the ticker-tape parade and ceremony. Then, the election ushered in Oakland resident Jerry Brown into the Governor's office, SF Mayor Gavin Newsom as Lt. Governor, and East Bay Assemblyman Tom Torlakson as State Superintendent. www.sfgiants.com http://vote.sos.ca.gov


Deal of the Week
Treat yourself to free small coffee at any 7-Eleven store. Valid through 12/31/2010. https://online.citibank.com/USBA/einserts/3270.pdf


Change for Change
Charity: San Francisco Neighborhood Theater Foundation. I attended an informative discussion about the history of San Francisco's theaters, including the Castro, Vogue, and Alexandria. The group started in 2002 to preserve neighborhood movie theaters and to initiate the popular Film Night in the Park outdoor series. www.sfneighborhoodtheater.org

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, Asian & Pacific Islander Wellness Center, Urban Solutions, San Francisco Suicide Prevention, The East Bay Depot for Creative Reuse, Shanti, and Curry Without Worry.


Bay Area Weekend Weather
The sun shone for the Giants parade, but expect showers to return by Saturday.

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


Movies {domestic revenues for October 29-31}
Halloween scared up $22.5 million for Saw 3D, the seventh installment [2808 theatres; $8,024 per theatre]. "Paranormal Activity 2," the prequel sequel, added $16.5 million [3239 theatres; $5,097 per theatre; $65.7 million overall]. The heavy Hilary Swank drama "Conviction" had a tepid expansion, with $1.8 million for tenth place [565 theatres; $3,241 per theatre; $2.4 million overall]. Meanwhile, "Jackass 3D" crossed the $100 million mark.

Mainstream films:
-Due Date (R): comedy; co-starring Robert Downey Jr., Juliette Lewis, and Jamie Foxx
-For Colored Girls (R): drama; co-starring Janet Jackson; directed by Tyler Perry
-Megamind (PG): adventure animation; co-voiced by Will Ferrell, Tina Fey, and Brad Pitt

Art-house films:
-Carlos (NR): biopic
-Fair Game (PG-13): thriller; co-starring Naomi Watts and Sean Penn
-Monsters (R): sci-fi
-Tibet in Song (NR): documentary; co-starring Richard Gere
-Wild Target (PG-13): comedy; co-starring Emily Blunt and Rupert Everett

DVD Pick - The Soloist (PG-13): These two actors - that is, Robert Downey Jr. and Jamie Foxx - tried their Oscar best to portray a damaged journalist and musician, respectively. It's a compelling look into the underbelly of the Los Angeles downtrodden. Domestic box office: $31.7 million; foreign: $6.6 million.


Free Weekend Activities
I Live Here exhibit [Fri 6-9p]: Featuring 170+ local microcelebrities in a photograph exhibit opening. At SOMArts (SF). www.iliveheresf.com

* Green Festival [Sat 10a-7p, Sun 11-6p]: I'll be there on Sunday morning... come say hello. Featuring over 450 exhibitors and 100 speakers spreading the latest environmental news and products. Bring in four nonperishable food items, a used mobile phone, or a Rainbow Grocery receipt of at least $10 for free admission! At the Concourse Exhibition Center (SF). www.greenfestivals.org/sf

Asian Art Museum [Sun 10a-5p]: Free admission! At the Asian Art Museum (SF). www.asianart.org

Oakland Museum of CA [Sun 11a-5p]: Free admission! At the Oakland Museum of CA. www.museumca.org

Family Concert [Sun 3p]: Featuring the SF Chamber Orchestra and the SF Ballet School Trainee Program. At Kaiser Center Auditorium (Oakland). www.sfchamberorchestra.org

Randy's Guide CCXII (212)

GO GIANTS!

Historic milestones: 36 years since the "Rumble in the Jungle" boxing match; 41 years since the first computer-to-computer link (via ARPANET); 45 years since the completion of the St. Louis Arch; 63 years since the flight of the Spruce Goose; 65 years since Jackie Robinson's contract with the Brooklyn Dodgers; 97 years since the introduction of U.S. income tax; and 124 years since the dedication of the Statue of Liberty.


Local News
22,000 Bay Area members of Gold's Gym International will find a new moniker after September 2012. The four locations - two in San Francisco, one in Oakland, and one in Corte Madera - have decided not to renew the corporate contract due to the CEO's $2 million donation to an anti-gay Karl Rove group. www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/10/27/BU7G1G1RDF.DTL


Deal of the Week
Free Tom's of Maine toothpaste. www.startsampling.com/sm/toms101470


Change for Change
Congratulations to Curry Without Worry for the latest Randy's Guide donation! www.currywithoutworry.org

New Charity: San Francisco Neighborhood Theater Foundation. I attended an informative discussion about the history of San Francisco's theaters, including the Castro, Vogue, and Alexandria. The group started in 2002 to preserve neighborhood movie theaters and to initiate the popular Film Night in the Park outdoor series. www.sfneighborhoodtheater.org

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, Asian & Pacific Islander Wellness Center, Urban Solutions, San Francisco Suicide Prevention, The East Bay Depot for Creative Reuse, Shanti, and now Curry Without Worry.


Bay Area Weekend Weather
Chance of rain through Sunday. Have your umbrellas handy for Halloween!

Highs: between 60 and 65
Lows: low-50s


Movies {domestic revenues for October 22-24}
"Paranormal Activity 2" and its $3 million budget delivered the highest-grossing weekend ever for a supernatural horror film, with $40.7 million [3216 theatres; $12,649 per theatre]. "Hereafter" had a down-to-earth $12.0 million in its expansion [2181 theatres; $5,510 per theatre; $12.3 million overall]. The education documentary "Waiting for 'Superman'" continued to roll out, with $0.8 million [290 theatres; $2,671 per theatre, $3.7 million overall].

Mainstream films:
-Saw 3D (R): horror sequel

Art-house films:
-The Freebie (R): drama
-The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest (R): thriller
-Leaving (NR): drama; co-starring Kristen Scott Thomas

DVD Pick - Brothers (R): The Afghanistan war drama, directed by Jim Sheridan ("In America"), loves deep family dramas. This one centers on Tobey Maguire in his Golden Globe-nominated role as a soldier presumed dead, Natalie Portman as his wife, and Jake Gyllenhaal as his hooligan brother. Domestic box office: $28.5 million; foreign: $14.6 million.


Free Weekend Activities
Persephone's Roots [Thu-Sun 5:30p]: A journey following Persephone's journey through the underworld, with giant puppets and masked creatures. At Cordonices Park (Berkeley). www.raggedwing.org

Waterfront Flicks [Thu 7:30p]: Featuring "Twilight." At Jack London Square's Market Green (Oakland). www.jacklondonsquare.com

Halloween Beer [Fri 4-9p]: Featuring live bluegrass, new porters flavored with pumpkin or vanilla, and a costume contest. At Speakeasy Brewery (SF). www.goodbeer.com

Halloween in the Tenderloin [Fri 4-7p]: Featuring face painting, a pie-eating contest, pumpkin carving, and trick-or-treating, with Notre Dame de Namur University's Streetwise Sociology class. At the Children's Playground, 570 Ellis (SF). www.facebook.com/NDNUBelmont

Critical Mass [Fri 6p]: Drivers, be forewarned. Starts at Justin Herman Plaza (SF). www.sfcriticalmass.org

City Hall Ghost Walk [Fri 6:30p]: Featuring tour guide Rob Spoor on an annual walk through City Hall's spooky past. At City Hall's South Light Court (SF). www.sfcityguides.org

Rally to Restore Sanity [Sat 9a-3p]: Featuring guest speakers, comedy, poetry, costume contest, the SF Mime Troupe, and a dance flash mob. At Civic Center Plaza (SF). www.sfsanityrally.com

Family Halloween Day [Sat 10a-2p]: Featuring live entertainment, fun games, and arts/crafts. At Randall Museum (SF). www.randallmuseum.org

Paxton Gate Halloween Party [Sat 11a-1p]: Featuring a costume parade, games, prizes, and a hands-on workshop. At Paxton's Gate Curiosities for Kids (SF). www.paxtongate.com

Midnight Movie Marathon [Sat noon-Sun 11a]: Nearly 24 hours of Halloween-themed cinema, including John Carpenter's "The Thing" and David Lynch's "Eraserhead." At CellSpace (SF). www.sfindie.com

Journey to the End of the Night [Sat 7p]: Featuring hundreds of costumed people competing to solve puzzles. Starts at Justin Herman Plaza (SF). www.totheendofthenight.com

Halloween Costume Walk [Sun noon-1:30p]: At Yerba Buena Gardens (SF). www.ybgf.org

Palace Hotel Ghost Walk [Sun 6:30p]: Special annual tour. At the Palace Hotel (SF). www.sfcityguides.org

Vote [Tue 7a-8p]: Vote once at any precinct or at the county offices, or drop off your absentee ballot. www.sfgov.org/elections

Free Museum Day [Tue 9a-6p]: At the SFMOMA (11a-5:45p, Cartoon Art Museum (11a-5p), de Young Museum (9:30a-5:15p), YBCA Gallery (noon-8p), Museum of Craft and Folk Art (11a-6p), and Conservatory of Flowers (9a-5p). In SF.

Dia de los Muertos [Tue 6-9p]: Featuring a sidewalk candle processional and a mobile diorama. Near Shattuck and Cedar (Berkeley). www.anotherbullwinkleshow.com

Day of the Dead [Tue 4:30-11:30p]: Featuring a community altar, processional, and festival. From 22nd St. and Bryant to Garfield Park (SF). www.dayofthedeadsf.org

Armistead Maupin event [Wed 7p]: The popular "Tales of the City" series author will present his latest novel. At Books Inc. Opera Plaza (SF). www.booksinc.net

Randy's Guide CCXI (211)

Less than one week to Election Day. I'll be up at 3:30am again to prepare for a long day as a field election deputy for San Francisco County. Please, submit your absentee ballots or show up at the polls!

A summary of California propositions:
1. Proposition 19: legalization of sale and use of marijuana
YES
Orange County Register
San Francisco Bay Guardian
CA Libertarian Party
CA Green Party
SF Democratic Party
Rep. Barbara Lee (D)
CA Assemblyman Tom Ammiano (D)
CA Senator Mark Leno (D)
ACLU of Northern California
CA NAACP

NO
Los Angeles Times
San Francisco Chronicle
San Jose Mercury News
CA Republican Party
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R)
Senator Dianne Feinstein (D)
Senator Barbara Boxer (D)
SF District Attorney Kamala Harris (D)
Attorney General Jerry Brown (D)

2. Proposition 20: Congressional redistricting
YES
San Francisco Chronicle
San Jose Mercury News
Los Angeles Times
Orange County Register
CA Republican Party
SF Green Party
Gov. Schwarzenegger (R)
AARP

NO
CA Democratic Party
San Francisco Bay Guardian
Sacramento Bee
CA Sierra Club

3. Proposition 21: Vehicle license fee for parks
YES
CA Democratic Party
CA Green Party
San Francisco Bay Guardian
CA Assemblyman Tom Ammiano (D)
CA Senator Leland Yee (D)
Nature Conservancy
CA Teachers Association
Boy Scouts of America
San Jose Mercury News

NO
CA Republican Party
CA Libertarian Party
San Francisco Chronicle
Los Angeles Times
Orange County Register

4. Proposition 22: Ban on State Borrowing from Local Government
YES
CA Libertarian Party
SF Green Party
San Jose Mercury News
CA Fire & Police Chiefs Associations
League of CA Cities

NO
CA Democratic Party
San Francisco Chronicle
San Francisco Bay Guardian
Los Angeles Times
Orange County Register
CA Teachers Association
CA SEIU

5. Proposition 23: Suspension of environmental law
YES
CA Republican Party
CA Libertarian Party
Orange County Register
Valero Energy ($4 million donor)
Tesoro Energy ($1.5 million)

NO
CA Democratic Party
CA Green Party
San Francisco Chronicle
San Francisco Bay Guardian
San Jose Mercury News
Los Angeles Times
Gov. Schwarzenegger (R)
Lt. Gov. Abel Maldonado (R)
Candidate Meg Whitman (R)
Senator Barbara Boxer (D)
Senator Dianne Feinstein (D)
Attorney General Jerry Brown (D)
CA Teachers Association
National Resources Defense Council
Blue Shield of CA

6. Proposition 24: Repeal of business tax breaks
YES
CA Democratic Party
CA Green Party
San Francisco Bay Guardian
CA Teachers Association

NO
CA Republican Party
San Francisco Chronicle
San Jose Mercury News
Los Angeles Times
Orange County Register
Cisco Systems ($1.6 million donor)
Walt Disney ($1.4 million)
Genentech ($1.3 million)

7. Proposition 25: Majority votes for budget
YES
CA Democratic Party
CA Green Party
San Francisco Chronicle
San Francisco Bay Guardian
San Jose Mercury News
Los Angeles Times
CA Teachers Association
CA AFL-CIO
CA Sierra Club

NO
CA Republican Party
CA Libertarian Party
Orange County Register
CA Chamber of Commerce
American Beverage Association
Chevron ($2.5 million donor)
Phillip Morris ($0.7 million)

8. Proposition 26: Two-thirds votes for fees
YES
CA Republican Party
CA Libertarian Party
Orange County Register
CA Chamber of Commerce
American Beverage Association
Chevron ($2.5 million donor)
Phillip Morris ($0.7 million)

NO
CA Democratic Party
CA Green Party
San Francisco Chronicle
San Francisco Bay Guardian
San Jose Mercury News
Los Angeles Times
CA Sierra Club
American Cancer Society
CA AFL-CIO
CA Teacher Association

9. Proposition 27: Elimination of Citizen Redistricting Committee
YES
CA Democratic Party
San Francisco Bay Guardian
CA AFSCME
California Teachers Association
Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers founder Haim Saban ($2 million donor)

NO
CA Republican Party
SF Green Party
San Francisco Chronicle
San Jose Mercury News
Los Angeles Times
Orange County Register
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D)
Stanford Physicist Charles Munger, Jr. ($11 million donor)


A summary of San Francisco propositions:
1. Prop A: Seismic retrofit bond
YES: SF Chronicle; SF Bay Guardian; SF Democratic Party; Mayor Gavin Newsom (D)

NO: SF Republican Party; SF Libertarian Party

2. Prop AA: License fee increase
YES: SF Chronicle; SF Bay Guardian; SF Democratic Party; SF Green Party; SF Sierra Club

NO: SF Republican Party; SF Libertarian Party

3. Prop B: Healthcare/pension reform
YES: SF Chronicle; SF Libertarian Party; Public Defender Jeff Adachi (D); former Mayor Willie Brown (D); former Board of Supervisors President Matt Gonzalez (G); investment banker Michael Moritz

NO: SF Bay Guardian; SF Democratic Party; SF Green Party; House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D); Mayor Gavin Newsom (D); State Senators Mark Leno (D) and Leland Yee (D); all 11 SF Board of Supervisors; CA Nurses Association; SF United Educators

4. Prop C: Monthly mayoral appearances with Board
YES: SF Bay Guardian; SF Democratic Party; SF Green Party

NO: SF Chronicle; SF Republican Party; SF Libertarian Party

5. Prop D: Non-citizen voting in school elections
YES: SF Bay Guardian; SF Democratic Party; SF Green Party

NO: SF Chronicle; SF Republican Party

6. Prop E: Election day registration
YES: SF Bay Guardian; SF Democratic Party; SF Green Party

NO: SF Chronicle; SF Republican Party; SF Libertarian Party

7. Prop F: Health Service Board term increase
YES: SF Chronicle; SF Green Party

NO: SF Bay Guardian; SF Democratic Party

8. Prop G: MUNI reform
YES: SF Chronicle; SF Republican Party; SF Libertarian Party; CA Senator Mark Leno (D); Mayor Gavin Newsom (D)

NO: SF Bay Guardian; SF Green Party

9. Prop H: Dual offices reform
YES: Mayor Gavin Newsom (D)

NO: SF Chronicle; SF Bay Guardian; SF Democratic Party; SF Republican Party; SF Green Party

10. Prop I: Saturday voting
YES: SF Chronicle; SF Bay Guardian; SF Democratic Party

NO: SF Republican Party; SF Libertarian Party; SF Green Party

11. Prop J: Hotel tax increase
YES: SF Bay Guardian; SF Democratic Party; SF Green Party; SF Sierra Club

NO: SF Chronicle; SF Republican Party; SF Libertarian Party; SF Chamber of Commerce

12. Prop K: Hotel tax loophole
YES: SF Bay Guardian; SF Republican Party; Mayor Gavin Newsom (D)

NO: SF Chronicle; SF Democratic Party; SF Green Party; SF Libertarian Party; SF Sierra Club

13. Prop L: Sit/lie sidewalks measure
YES: SF Chronicle; SF Republican Party; Senator Dianne Feinstein (D); Mayor Gavin Newsom (D); Police Chief George Gascon

NO: SF Bay Guardian; SF Democratic Party; SF Green Party; SF Libertarian Party; ACLU; CA Senator Mark Leno (D); CA Assemblyman Tom Ammiano (D)

14. Prop M: Police foot patrol ordinance
YES: SF Bay Guardian; SF Democratic Party; SF Green Party

NO: SF Chronicle; SF Republican Party; SF Libertarian Party

15. Prop N: Property transfer tax increase
YES: SF Bay Guardian; SF Democratic Party; SF Green Party; SF Sierra Club; SF United Educators

NO: SF Chronicle; SF Republican Party; SF Libertarian Party

Randy's Guide CCX (210)

Historic milestones: 9 years since the first iPod release; 44 years since the first all-female music group atop Billboard charts (the Supremes); 51 years since the opening of the Guggenheim Museum; 52 years since the first appearance of The Smurfs (Belgian magazine "Spirou"); 65 years since the Argentinian marriage of Juan Peron and Evita Duarte; 65 years since the founding of the United Nations; 84 years since magician Harry Houdini's last performance; and 149 years since the closure of the Pony Express (and later sold to Wells Fargo).


Local News
Local shoppers take note. Trader Joe's, in the latest twist, has reportedly decided to back out of its commitment to move into the Castro due to the continuing presence of Radio Shack in the building and the proposal to charge for parking for customers. Pearl's Deluxe Burgers will be opening up its fourth outpost at Sixth St. and Market, while Good Vibrations will have its fifth store across from Bloomingdale's on Mission St. near Fifth St. www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/10/20/BUDL1FUF0H.DTL


Deal of the Week #1
Free Orange & Creme Frutista at Taco Bell. Valid through Nov. 25. www.tacobell.com/promo/ocfrutistacoupon


Deal of the Week #2
World Pasta Day at Buca di Beppo! On Monday, Oct. 25, get a free plate of spaghetti with each purchase of a pasta dish or entree. Get an additional $10 off any purchase of $20 as an added bonus - ask me for a coupon. www.bucadibeppo.com


Change for Change
Charity: Curry Without Worry. Since 2006, this San Francisco-based nonprofit has served over 23,000 warm vegetarian Nepalese meals on Tuesday evenings in San Francisco's Civic Center. www.currywithoutworry.org

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, Asian & Pacific Islander Wellness Center, Urban Solutions, San Francisco Suicide Prevention, The East Bay Depot for Creative Reuse, and Shanti.


Bay Area Weekend Weather
Cool autumn days are ahead, with the best rain chances on Thursday night and Sunday.

Highs: low-60s
Lows: low-50s


Movies {domestic revenues for October 15-17}
"Jackass 3-D" soared into first place with $50.4 million [3081 theatres; $16,343 per theatre]. The action comedy "Red" took second with $21.8 million [3255 theatres; $6,686 per theatre]. And in its third weekend, "The Social Network" held for third with $10.3 million [2868 theatres; $3,597 per theatre; $62.4 million overall].

Mainstream films:
-Hereafter (PG-13): Drama; co-starring Matt Damon; directed by Clint Eastwood
-Paranormal Activity 2 (R): Horror sequel

Art-house films:
-Conviction (R): Drama; co-starring Hilary Swank, Minnie Driver, Sam Rockwell, and Juliette Lewis
-Douchebag (NR): Comedy
-Inside Job (PG-13): Documentary

DVD Pick - 25th Hour (R): Edward Norton channels his Method acting again, this time in the sure hands of director Spike Lee. It's about a convicted felon who has 24 hours before heading off to jail for seven years. Domestic box office: $13.1 million; foreign: $10.8 million.


Free Weekend Activities
Noe Valley Harvest Festival [Sat 10a-5p]: 6th annual. Featuring a pumpkin patch, pumpkin decorating, a pie-eating contest, farmers' market, and later 8pm screening of "Lost in the Fog." Near 24th St. and Church (SF). www.noevalleyharvestfestival.com

Science & Engineering Festival [Sat 10a-2p]: Expand your minds with presentations and activities by UCSF, KQED, Lawrence Hall of Science, UC Berkeley Astronomy Department, American Chemical Society, and other groups. At Spieker Plaza (Berkeley). http://scienceatcal.berkeley.edu/festival

Danville Fine Arts Faire [Sat-Sun 10a-5p]: 19th annual. Featuring a Saturday parade, glass pumpkin patch, safe trick or treating, and more. Along Hartz Ave. (Danville). www.mlaproductions.com/Danville-Fall/index.html

Point Richmond Fall Fest [Sat 10a-6p]: Featuring a chili cookoff, live blues music, a bouncy house, pumpkin patch, and more. Near Park Place and Washington Ave. (Point Richmond). www.pointrichmond.com/fallfest

Serbian Food Festival [Sat noon-10p]: Featuring traditional Serbian dishes (i.e. sarma / kobasce), pastries (i.e. strudel / rostule), music, and dancing. At Holy Trinity (Moraga). www.holytrinitymoraga.org

Bring Your Own Queer event [Sat noon-6p]: Featuring LGBT artists and performers, fashion shows, and special guest director John Cameron Mitchell. At Golden Gate Park's Music Concourse (SF). www.byoq.org

El Cerrito Celebration of the Arts [Sat 2-6p]: Featuring a historical society display, a local student's magic show, film screenings by local filmmakers, Polynesian dancers, and more. At El Cerrito City Hall. www.el-cerrito.org/gov/artsday.html

Potrero Hill History Night [Sat 7-9p]: Featuring long-time Potrero Terrace residents, a special video, and a gardening talk. At International Studies Academy (SF). Call (415) 863-0784.

* Sunday Streets [Sun 10a-3p]: Featuring free bike rentals, bike maintenance, the StreetSmARTS Mobile Free Wall Project, Capoera Brasil SF performances, dog training programs, roller skate rentals, live bands at Great American Music Hall, and more. In Civic Center Plaza and along Polk, O'Farrell, and Ellis (SF). www.sundaystreetssf.com

Golden Gate Park Book Fair [Sun 10a-5p]: Featuring vintage, rare, and collectible books. At Golden Gate Park's County Fair Building (SF). www.ggpbookfair.com

Dia de Los Muertos Festival [Sun 10a-5p]: 15th annual. Featuring live Latin performances, cultural activities, 25+ commemorative altars, and more. Near East 12th St. and 35th Ave. (Oakland's Fruitvale district). www.unitycouncil.org/ddlm/index.htm

Family Music Day [Sun 10a-3p]: Featuring the San Francisco Chamber Orchestra, an instrument petting zoo, face painting, instrument making, and more. At Crowden Music Center (Berkeley). www.crowden.org

International Festival [Sun 10a-5p]: 6th annual. Featuring live salsa/merengue lessons, a Latin marketplace, Aztec dancers, mariachi band, and more. At Alto St. and Belvedere St. (San Rafael). www.festivalsanrafael.blogspot.com

Miko Marks concert [Sun 2-4p]: San Francisco-based award-winning country artist. In Union Square Park (SF). www.mikomarks.com

Halloween/Day of the Dead Celebration [Tue 2-6p]: Featuring Aztec dancers, a commemorative altar, a pumpkin carving contest, champurrado (Aztec hot chocolate), farmers market, and more. At Derby St. and MLK Way (Berkeley). www.ecologycenter.org

Randy's Guide CCIX (209)

Historic milestones: 4 years since the U.S. population hit 300 million; 19 years since the Oakland Hills fire (3,469 homes destroyed, 25 killed); 21 years since the Bay Area's Loma Prieta earthquake (63 killed; $6 billion in damages); 42 years since the first live telecast from a manned spacecraft; 44 years since the creation of the Black Panther Party; 85 years since the opening of the Grand Ole Opry; and 143 years since the U.S. took possession of Alaska.


Local News
Let's Go Giants! The triumvirate of Lincecum-Sanchez-Cain will start the first three games for the National League Championship Series against the Philadelphia Phillies. Game 1 will be in Philly on Saturday evening. www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/10/13/SPGJ1FS9OT.DTL


Giants Tickets
On a more personal note, I would be thrilled if one of my readers were to purchase two extra Standing Room Only tickets for Game 5, which is next Thursday at 4:57pm at AT&T Park. It looks like Craigslist and Stubhub are placing the value at $125 each. Of course, I'd be willing to discount. E-mail if interested.


Deal of the Week
Pet owners can get a free five-pound bag of Natura Advantage dog food. Type in your address to see the closest locations for this product. www.naturaadvantage.com


Change for Change
Charity: Curry Without Worry. Since 2006, this San Francisco-based nonprofit has served over 23,000 warm vegetarian Nepalese meals on Tuesday evenings in San Francisco's Civic Center. www.currywithoutworry.org

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, Asian & Pacific Islander Wellness Center, Urban Solutions, San Francisco Suicide Prevention, The East Bay Depot for Creative Reuse, and Shanti.


Bay Area Weekend Weather
Record-setting heat, with San Francisco 88 on Monday and Oakland 91 on Tuesday, is coming to an end. Back to the usual morning clouds and afternoon breezes by Friday.

THU
Highs: low-70s (coast); upper-70s (SF); mid-80s (bay); upper-80s (inland)
Lows: upper-50s

FRI
Highs: mid-60s (coast); low-70s (SF); mid-70s (bay); low-80s (inland)
Lows: mid-50s

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


Movies {domestic revenues for October 8-10}
"The Social Network finished on top again," adding $15.5 million [2771 theatres; $5,576 per theatre; $46.0 million overall]. The Katherine Heigl-Josh Duhamel romantic comedy "Life as We Know It" took second with $14.5 million [3150 theatres; $4,605 per theatre]. Horse drama "Secretariat" took the show position with $12.7 million [3072 theatres; $4,132 per theatre]. Wes Craven's latest, "My Soul to Take," scared up a measly $6.8 million in fifth [2572 theatres; $2,660 per theatre]. "Waiting for 'Superman,'" a documentary about the education system, tallied the highest per-screen average in the top-30 [$0.7 million; 103 screens; $6,236 per theatre; $1.4 million overall].

Mainstream films:
-Jackass 3D (NR): comedy; co-starring Johnny Knoxville
-Red (PG-13): action comedy; co-starring Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman, John Malkovich, and Helen Mirren

Art-house films:
-Cropsey (NR): documentary
-Gerrymandering (NR): documentary; co-starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Gray Davis, and Howard Dean
-Masquerades (NR): drama
-My Dog Tulip (NR): animation; co-starring Lynn Redgrave, Christopher Plummer, and Isabella Rosselini
-Nowhere Boy (R): biopic; co-starring Kristin Scott Thomas
-Tamara Drewe (R): drama
-Stone (R): thriller; co-starring Robert De Niro and Edward Norton

DVD Pick - Goodbye Solo (R): It's a quiet, little film set in North Carolina. The unlikely friendship between an immigrant cab driver and a crusty old man ushers in both laughter and tears. The sure hands of director Ramin Rahrani previously created "Man Push Cart" and "Chop Shop." Domestic box office: $0.9 million; foreign box office: $0.1 million.


Free Weekend Activities
* Author Dave Eggers [Thu 6p]: The San Francisco writer, known as much for his literary works as his charity 826 Valencia, will be hosting a discussion about his latest book, "Zeitoun." At the Main Library's Koret Auditorium (SF). www.sfpl.org

Dolores Park Movie Night [Thu 7:30p]: Featuring "Adaptation," with Nicolas Cage, Meryl Streep, and Chris Cooper. Winner of one Oscar (Chris Cooper) and nominated for three others. At Dolores Park (SF). www.doloresparkmovie.org

Jack London Square Movie Night [Thu 7:30p]: Featuring "Fame," an update on the 1980s musical. At Jack London Square (Oakland). www.jacklondonsquare.com

Menlo Park Festival [Fri-Sun 10a-5p]: 14th annual. Featuring 90+ artisans. Along Santa Cruz Ave (Menlo Park). www.menloparkchamber.com

* Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Festival [Sat-Sun 9a-5p]: 40th annual. Featuring three live-music stages, pumpkin-pie eating contest, and costume contest. Pumpkin pancakes, ice cream, smoothies, sausage, and churros to boot! Along Main St (Half Moon Bay). www.miramarevents.com/pumpkinfest

Oktoberfest - Campbell [Sat-Sun 10a-5p]: 16th annual. Featuring live German music, German bratwurst and pretzels, 120+ artisans, and of course lager! In downtown Campbell. www.campbellchamber.com

* Trolley Dances [Sat-Sun 11a-2:45p]: 7th annual. I attended part of year's trail from Dolores Park to Balboa Park... well-worth the visit. Featuring tour guides who take viewers to three different modern-dance locations, with six dance companies. Between Duboce Park and Golden Gate Park's Botanical Gardens (SF). www.epiphanydance.org

Potrero Hill Festival [Sat 11a-4p]: 20th annual. Benefits NABE, the Potrero Hill Neighborhood House, which has served as a community center for over 100 years. Featuring a Cajun brunch catered by the California Culinary Academy ($10 tickets), two music stages, pony rides, Potrero Hill restaurants and artists, and more. Along 20th St, between Missouri and Wisconsin (SF). www.potrerofestival.com

Yerba Buena Festival [Sat 11a-3p]: Featuring KFOG DJs, free admission to SFMOMA and California Historical Society, guided gallery and neighborhood-history walks, and more. At Yerba Buena Gardens (SF). www.ybcbd.org

Middle Eastern Food Festival [Sat-Sun 11a-8p]: Featuring Middle Eastern food, entertainment, games, and arts/crafts. At St. George Church (SF). www.sjorthodox.org

Venetia Carnival [Sat 11a-4p]: 3rd annual. It's a fundraiser for funds and school supplies for the school. Featuring cross-fit gymnastics, jump houses, raffle, cake walk, and more. At Venetia Valley School (San Rafael). www.vvef.org

Oktoberfest - Concord [Sat 11a-6p]: Featuring two live entertainment stages, recycled-fashion show, bike rodeo, and more. In Todos Santos Plaza (Concord). www.communityconcerts.com

JumpstART [Sat noon-10p]: Featuring live performances of dance, theatre, and music. At the new ODC Theater (SF). www.odctheater.org

Taste of Fillmore [Sat 1-6p]: 2nd annual. Featuring in-store fashion shows, food/wine pairings at boutiques and restaurants, and local-merchant raffles. Along Fillmore St, between Post and Jackson (SF). www.tasteoffillmore.com

Spice of Life Festival [Sun 10a-6p]: 8th annual. Featuring yoga demos, a farmers market, local artisan restaurants and food carts, live jazz music, and more. Along Shattuck in the Gourmet Ghetto (Berkeley). www.northshattuckassociation.org

Fiesta on the Hill [Sun 10a-6p]: 22nd annual. Featuring a petting zoo, pumpkin patch, two stages of music, and more. Along Cortland Ave (SF). www.sresproductions.com/fiestaonthehill.html

Golden Gate Park Band [Sun 1p]: 128th season. Final week's theme - Grand Finale, all-request program. At Golden Gate Park's Music Concourse (SF). www.goldengateparkband.org

California Academy of Sciences [Wed 9:30a-5p]: Free admission to the pricey, new sciences-themed museum. Arrive early for timed tickets to the Planetarium IMAX shows. In Golden Gate Park (SF). www.calacademy.org