Randy's Guide CLXXII (172)

This week features: Groundhog Day; the 38th anniversary of Northern Ireland's "Bloody Sunday"; singer Adam Lambert's 28th; Black History Month (February); and Candlemas.


Local News
Westboro Baptist Church has made the lengthy journey from Kansas to protest at various Bay Area locations today and tomorrow. Here's a partial list: Twitter headquarters; the Contemporary Jewish Museum; the Golden Gate Theatre; Gunn High School; Stanford University; and the U.S. District Court. www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/scavenger/detail?entry_id=56122


Change for Change
Reader Jack H. urges readers to contribute to the Haiti relief effort. Former Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush have combined forces to help the people of Haiti after the devastating January 12th earthquake. Donate now at www.clintonbushhaitifund.org or text QUAKE to 20222 to give $10.

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, and Urban Solutions.


Weekend Weather
Mostly sunny weekend, finally. Spotty showers possible on Friday afternoon into the night.

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


The Environment
To remove mineral deposits or grease buildup, use naturally acidic substances such as vinegar or lemon juice. Avoid toxic cleaning agents such as ammonia, bleach, and chlorine.


Music
"Everything Changes and Nothing Changes" by Dave Smallen (Oakland, Calif.)

Catch Dave at the Bottom of the Hill on Friday night as part of the SF Winter Music Festival. He's part of a lineup that includes previous Randy's Guide band The Trophy Fire (from San Francisco), as well as Rykarda Parasol (from SF) and The Action Design (from Petaluma). www.davesmallen.com


Movies {domestic revenues through January 24}
"Avatar" now can claim itself as the film with the most revenues in history (though certainly not attendance), with another $34.9 million to its coffers [rated PG-13; 6th weekend; 3141 theatres; $11,125 per theatre; $551.7 million overall]. The apocalyptic action film "Legion" had a strong second-place showing of $17.5 million [rated R; 2476 theatres; $7,069 per theatre]. "Tooth Fairy," the latest silly comedy from Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, had a mediocre opening with $14.0 million [rated PG; 3344 theatres; $4,190 per theatre]. Harrison Ford couldn't uplift "Extraordinary Measures" beyond eighth place, with a tally of $6.0 million [rated PG; 2549 theatres; $2,359 per theatre]. And in limited but expanding release, Jeff Bridges looks destined to finally pick up an Oscar as a washed-up singer in "Crazy Heart," which netted $1.4 million [rated R; 6th weekend; 93 theatres; $14,551 per theatre; $3.9 million overall].

Edge of Darkness (R): Thriller; about a Boston police detective whose only daughter is found murdered; co-starring Mel Gibson

Fish Tank (NR): Drama; about a rebellious teenage girl who initially gets along with her mother's new boyfriend

Storm (NR): Drama; about an effort to prosecute a Serbian commander in the International Criminal Court

When in Rome (PG-13): Romantic comedy; about a young American woman who plucks three coins out of a fountain in Rome, Italy; co-starring Josh Duhamel, Kristen Bell, and Danny DeVito

DVD Pick - World's Greatest Dad (R): Not what you would expect from Robin Williams. It's a fairly dark comedy about a father who is rather unhappy with his life but gets an opportunity to change things around. Domestic box office: $0.2 million.


Free Activities
Yoga Marketplace [Fri noon-8p; Sat-Sun 10a-7p]: 7th annual. At the Hyatt Embarcadero (SF). www.yjevents.com

Man Up Market [Fri 3-9p, Sat-Sun 11a-6p]: Lagunitas beer, two local wineries, absinthe cocktails, and of course local men's fashion are on display. At the Cal Modern Art Gallery (SF). www.sfmanup.com

The Mermen [Fri 6p]: In honor of the San Francisco band's first album in more than a decade. Concert at The Independent on Saturday evening. At Amoeba Records (SF). www.mermen.net


Paid Activities
Bookswap [Fri 6:30-9:30p]: Swap books, nosh on food, and imbibe on wine. Bring a book and save 20% on all purchases. With special guests Stephen Elliott and Kevin Smokler. At the Booksmith (SF), $25. www.booksmithsf.com

Golden Gate Kennel Club Dog Show [Sat-Sun 8:30a-5p]: 105th annual. Featuring dog competitions, a dog fashion show, vendors, and more. At the Cow Palace (Daly City), $7-12. www.goldengatekc.com

AMA Supercross [Sat 12:30p practice, 7p show]: At AT&T Park (SF), $25-75. http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/sf/ballpark/sbcpark_events.jsp

Hope for Haiti [Mon 7p-1a]: Featuring Mark Farina, Miguel Migs, and many other house DJs as part of the international House4Haiti.com movement. 100% of proceeds will go to Doctors Without Borders. At Mighty (SF), $10 suggested donation. www.mighty119.com

Dave Eggers [Mon 7p]: In conversation with columnist Jon Carroll, Mr. Eggers will discuss his journey as a writer and his advocacy for other writers (see 826 Valencia). At Berkeley Repertory Theatre, $30. www.berkeleyrep.org

Loveland [through Feb. 21]: A solo comedy show about journeying home in the wake of a parent's death. At The Marsh (SF), $15-50. www.themarsh.org

Previous: Art - Prejudice and Patriotism: The Story of Japanese Americans [through Sunday in SF]; Film - Film Noir Festival [through Sunday in SF]; Event - Women on the Way Festival [through Sunday in SF]; Comedy - SF Sketchfest [through Tuesday in SF]; Theatre - Phedre [through Feb. 7 in SF]; Art - Cartier exhibit [through Apr. 18 in SF]