Randy's Guide CLXXVI (176)

Historic milestones this week: 19 years since the end of the first Gulf War; 57 years since the first Academy Awards TV broadcast; 58 years of a nuclear U.K.; 71 years since the U.S. Supreme Court ruled sit-down strikes illegal; 79 years of the Star-Spangled Banner as national anthem; 91 years since the first state gasoline tax (Oregon); and 138 years of Yellowstone National Park.


Local News
The pedestrian plaza in the Castro at 17th St. and Market has proven so popular that Mayor Gavin Newsom is planning to open four more plazas and five parklets by summer. A similar proposal in New York City has also caught on, as parts of Broadway have been converted to pedestrian zones. www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/02/25/MN1F1C6PHN.DTL


Change for Change
The San Francisco Suicide Prevention is the oldest volunteer crisis line in the U.S., with its first services (the crisis line) in 1963. That number 415-781-0500 responds to over 200 calls each and every day. The program also includes help for Spanish speakers, youths, HIV/AIDS patients, and drug rehabilitation. www.sfsuicide.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, and Urban Solutions.


Deal of the Week
Free museums on Tuesday and Wednesday! Check out the plethora of Amish quilts at the de Young (Tuesday), Renee Green at the YBCA (Tuesday), or the Science of Baseball at the Exploratorium (Wednesday).


Environmental News
This week, Sunnyvale-based start-up Bloom Energy unveiled its "power plant in a box" as a cost-effective, low-emissions energy source. Fuel cells packed into a container the size of a pick-up truck have been purchased by eBay, FedEx, Google, Cox Enterprises, and Coca-Cola. www.bloomenergy.com


Weekend Weather
Friday will surely be a wet one; otherwise, mostly cloudy conditions, with Sunday having the most sunshine and warmth.

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


Music
"Quick Canal" by Atlas Sound (Atlanta, Ga.)

This solo project from Deerhunter's Bradford Cox blends ambient reverberations and impromptu lyrics over three years for the recent album Logos. Catch him with Geographer, Magic Wands, and Nice Nice at SF's Great American Music Hall on Friday. www.myspace.com/atlassound


Movies {domestic revenues through February 22}
The fourth film between Leonardo DiCaprio and director Martin Scorsese, "Shutter Island," had a smashing debut of $41.1 million [rated R; 2991 theatres; $13,729 per theatre]. "Valentine's Day" had a 70% drop from its opening weekend, the second largest ever for a major romantic comedy, to $16.7 million [rated PG-13; 3665 theatres; $4,547 per theatre; $86.9 million overall]. The "2010 Oscar Shorts" debuted with $0.3 million [NR; 95 theatres; $3,067 per theatre].

Cop Out (R): Action comedy; about two veteran NYPD partners who get mixed up with a memorabilia-obsessed gangster; co-starring Bruce Willis, Tracy Morgan, and Adam Brody; directed by Kevin Smith

The Crazies (R): Horror remake; about a small town's citizens who first become insane and then turn violent; co-starring Timothy Olyphant

Formosa Betrayed (NR): Drama; about an FBI agent who investigates the murder of a Taiwanese-American professor during the 1980s; co-starring James Van Der Beek

The Ghost Writer (PG-13): Thriller; about a successful British ghost writer who agrees to take on a controversial memoir project; co-starring Ewan McGregor, Pierce Brosnan, Kim Cattrall, and Tom Wilkinson; directed by Roman Polanski

Red Riding Trilogy (NR): Drama; about a trio of films set in different time periods regarding a criminal investigation

3 Idiots (NR): Bollywood comedy; about three engineering students who are under-appreciated; thanks to reader Monica L. for pointing out this film, with the only Bay Area viewing location at the AMC Mercado in Santa Clara; current box-office gross is over $6.5 million

DVD Pick - Julie & Julia (PG-13): Much better than I expected. Meryl Streep absolutely deserves all of the accolades for portraying chef Julia Child; in fact, momentum points to her picking up a third Oscar in a close race with The Blind Side's Sandra Bullock. The food preparations drift up and tickle the senses. Domestic box office: $94.1 million; foreign box office: $28.0 million.


Free Activities
Critical Mass [Fri 6p]: Bicycle activists tour around San Francisco, starting from Justin Herman Plaza. Watch for road closures!

Chinatown Community Street Fair [Sat 10a-4:30p, Sun 9a-5p]: Featuring a petting zoo, lion dancing, calligraphy demonstrations, local vendors, and more. Along Grant Ave. (SF). www.chineseparade.com

Chinese Culture Center Spring Festival [Sat-Sun 11a-4p]: Featuring Chinese dance, tai chi, and music. At the Chinese Culture Center (SF). www.chineseparade.com

Urban Cycling Workshop [Sat 1:30-5:30p]: Tips on choosing the proper bicycle, helmet, city routes, equipment locks, and more. At Glen Park Library (SF). www.sfbike.org/edu

San Francisco Chamber Orchestra Family Concert II [Sat 2p]: Featuring songs about water, with contributions from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music Prep Chamber Orchestra, Berkeley's Crowden School, and San Mateo's Hillsdale High School. At the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. www.sfchamberorchestra.org

Chinese New Year Parade [Sat 5:15-8p]: Featuring the Golden Dragon, Miss Chinatown USA, colorful floats, firecrackers, and more. Through SoMa, Union Square, and Chinatown (all in SF). Watch for road closures! www.chineseparade.com

Purim Carnival [Sun 2-5p]: Costume parade, carnival booths, jump house, puppet stories, and more. At Jewish Gateways (El Cerrito). www.jewishgateways.org

Tulip Mania Tours [through Sunday]: Check out the many varieties including Flaming Parrots and Burgundy Lace. Tours are daily at 10am, with refreshments at the conclusion. Meet at Pier 39 entrance plaza (SF - North Point). www.pier39.com

Hamlet: A Community Event [Mon 6:30-8p]: Q&A and select scenes from an award-winning production of Hamlet, as presented by California Shakespeare Theater and Oakland Technical High School. Informal reception to follow. At Oakland Technical High School. www.calshakes.org

Kitchen Table Talks: Produce to the People [Tue 6:30-8:30p]: A conversation focusing on alternative methods for local produce distribution, with refreshments provided by Bi-Rite Market. At the Ferry Building's second floor Port Commission Hearing Room (SF). www.civileats.com


Paid Activities
Concerning Strange Devices: 30-Below Party [Fri 8p]: The show is about the exoticism and xenophobia of 19th century Japan, but the highlight might be afterwards when a live DJ, free cocktails from Pyramid Brewery and Raymond Vineyards, free food from Meridian, a photo booth, and temporary tattoos are available. 50% discount for those under 30 years of age. Through April 11. At Berkeley Rep, $13-39. www.berkeleyrep.org

Mariah Carey concert [Fri 8p]: The winner of 5 Grammy Awards and an award for her role in "Precious" comes to the Bay Area. With RydazNrtist opening. At Oracle Arena (Oakland), $57-129. www.mariahcarey.com

Kronos Quartet: Music from 4 Fences [through Saturday]: I'll be seeing this tonight in fact! Lots of buzz from SF Bay Guardian and SF Weekly for the latest collaboration from the San Francisco-based Grammy Award-winning group. Each night will feature work from different composers of the Kronos Under-30 Project and cutting-edge industry musicians. At Theatre Artaud (SF), $20. www.kronosquartet.org

Smuin Ballet Winter Program: Fly Me to the Moon [through Sunday]: An excellent performance I saw last year in San Francisco. Featuring three pieces, including the mesmerizing Medea and toe-tapping Sinatra montage. At the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, $41-56. www.smuinballet.org

Pacific Orchid Exposition [through Sunday]: 58th annual. The nation's largest orchid show, with over 150,000 orchids and dozens of vendors. At Fort Mason Center (SF), free-$40. www.orchidsanfrancisco.org

Noise Pop 2010 [through Monday]: 18th annual. Top concerts will likely be The Dodos (tonight), The Magnetic Fields (Saturday-Monday), !!! (Saturday), and Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros (Sunday). Throughout San Francisco and Oakland, free-$33. www.noisepop.com

Previous: Theatre - Coming Home [through Sunday in Berkeley]; Theatre - Oedipus El Rey [through Sunday in SF]; Art - Cartier exhibit [through Apr. 18 in SF]

Randy's Guide CLXXV (175)

Historic milestones this week: 30 years since the Miracle on Ice; 40 years of National Public Radio; 47 years since the publication of Betty Friedan's The Feminine Mystique; 85 years since the first issue of The New Yorker; 137 years since the first UC medical school.


Local News
First, my condolences go out to Tesla Motors and to three families for the irreversible losses from yesterday's plane crash in Palo Alto. A smaller story caught my attention: A man committed suicide atop the Forever 21 store along San Francisco's Powell Street on Tuesday afternoon. Eyewitnesses observed numerous people urging him to jump, using cameras and cell phones, and then laughing about the incident once it was over. What a sad day for us all. www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/scavenger/detail?entry_id=57406


Change for Change
In light of the above news story, I'd like to focus attention on San Francisco Suicide Prevention. It is the oldest volunteer crisis line in the U.S., with its first services (the crisis line) in 1963. That number 415-781-0500 responds to over 200 calls each and every day. The program also includes help for Spanish speakers, youths, HIV/AIDS patients, and drug rehabilitation. www.sfsuicide.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, and Urban Solutions.


Deals of the Week
Auntie Anne's is offering up a free pretzel (original or cinnamon sugar) on Saturday from 10am-3pm. You'll find them in most malls, including the San Francisco Centre, Serramonte (Daly City), Tanforan (San Bruno), Valley Fair (Santa Clara), and Southland (Hayward). www.freepretzelday.com

IHOP is attempting to match some of the gusto claimed by Denny's free grand slam meal promotion. From 7am-10pm on Tuesday, you'll get a free short stack of pancakes. Help IHOP meet its goal of $5 million donated to children's charities over five years. www.ihoppancakeday.com


Weekend Weather
The unusually warm weather, which brought us 10 degrees above normal, will disappear into a smattering of showers starting Friday afternoon into the foreseeable future.

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


Music
"Fables" by The Dodos (San Francisco, Calif.)

Noise Pop is upon us! A highlight is a quirky mash-up with this indie pop trio and the female-run, 28-piece Magik*Magik Orchestra at the Palace of Fine Arts next Thursday. Tickets still available for $25. www.dodosmusic.net


Movies {domestic revenues through February 15}
"Valentine's Day" scored the highest Presidents' Day weekend opening ever, with its parade of stars and timely topic pushing it to $63.1 million [rated PG-13; 3665 screens; $17,227 per theatre]. "Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief" lit up to the tune of $38.7 million [rated PG; 3356 theatres; $11,520 per theatre]. "The Wolfman" remake proved a draw for males and tallied the most for a werewolf film with $35.6 million [rated R; 3222 theatres; $11,035 per theatre]. Helen Mirren, Oscar-nominated for her role in "The Last Station," helped push its expansion to $0.6 million [rated R; 84 theatres; $7,223 per theatre; 5th weekend; $1.5 million overall].

2010 Academy Award Nominated Shorts (NR): Animation/live-action; featuring the 10 Oscar-nominated short films

Happy Tears (R): Comedy; about two sisters who return to their childhood home and confront buried memories; co-starring Parker Posey, Demi Moore, and Rip Torn

Harmony and Me (NR): Comedy; about a musician who refuses to let go of his girlfriend

Leonard Cohen: Live at the Isle of Wight 1970 (NR): Documentary; about the 700,000 or so attendees, many of whom didn't pay admission, for a five-day concert on a British island, to see such acts as Joni Mitchell, Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan, the Doors, Miles Davis, and of course Leonard Cohen

The Most Dangerous Man in America: Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers (NR): Documentary; about the Vietnam War strategist who leaked top-secret documents to The New York Times

North Face (NR): Action; about the tragic attempt of four climbers ascending a Swiss mountain

Shutter Island (R): Thriller; about two U.S. marshals who investigate a woman's disappearance at a remote prison for the criminally insane; co-starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Ben Kingsley, and Michelle Williams; directed by Martin Scorsese

DVD Pick - The Hurt Locker (R): Director Kathryn Bigelow (ex-wife of "Avatar" director James Cameron) packs an intense wallop with this searing look at an IED team in Iraq. The ensemble works well together, with Jeremy Renner making the most of his role as a free-wheeling staff sergeant. Nine Oscar nominations for Best Picture, Director, Actor, Original Screenplay, Cinematography, Music, Film Editing, Sound Editing, and Sound Mixing. Domestic box office: $12.7 million; foreign box office: $5.0 million.


Free Activities
The Art of Noise [Fri 7-10p]: Opening reception for a Noise Pop exhibit displaying art inspired by music. Through February 28. At Project One (SF). www.p1sf.com

King Tut Free Weekend [Sat-Sun 9a-5p]: Featuring fortune tellers, tarot-card readers, a live DJ, hands-on art making, sword dancers, belly dancers, and free admission to the de Young Museum and the King Tut exhibit. Savings of about $30 per adult! Arrive early on the day you wish to reserve a timed entry ticket for up to four individuals. www.famsf.org/deyoung

Joe Goode: 29 Effeminate Gestures [Sat 4p]: Open dance rehearsal featuring Joe Goode and Miguel Gutierrez. At COUNTERpulse (SF). RSVP to rsvp@joegoode.org www.joegoode.org

Tulip Mania Tours [through Feb. 28]: Check out the many varieties including Flaming Parrots and Burgundy Lace. Tours are daily at 10am, with refreshments at the conclusion. Meet at Pier 39 entrance plaza (SF - North Point). www.pier39.com


Paid Activities
2010 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition [Sat 2-5p]: Featuring gold-medalist wines and artisan food samples. At Fort Mason Center (SF), $60-80. www.winejudging.com

Day of Remembrance [Sun 2-5p]: Featuring Assemblyman Warren Furutani (D-Long Beach), KTVU Jana Katsuyama, the Purple Moon Dance Project, a candle-lighting ceremony, and reception in remembrance of the internment of 120,000 Japanese Americans. At Kabuki Sundance Cinema and Japanese Cultural and Community Center (SF), $10-15. www.dayofremembrance.org

Previous: Film - SF IndieFest [through Thursday in SF]; Theatre - Loveland [through Sunday in SF]; Theatre - Coming Home [through Feb. 28 in Berkeley]; Theatre - Oedipus El Rey [through Feb. 28 in SF]; Art - Cartier exhibit [through Apr. 18 in SF]

Randy's Guide CLXXIV (174)

Historic milestones this week: 7 years since the Iraq War protests, the largest global peace demonstration ever; 11 years since President Clinton's impeachment acquittal; 64 years since the ENIAC unveiling; 101 years of the NAACP.


Local News
Those wishing to climb the cables of Half Dome will have to purchase one of 400 permits issued each Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and holiday. This will take effect May 21 through mid-October. Four climbers have fallen to their deaths in the past four years, with as many as 1,200 in one day trying to scramble perilously up and down the cables on busy holiday weekends. www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/02/10/BAE11BUUF9.DTL


Deal of the Week
The California Academy of Sciences will be free on Wednesday, from 9:30am-5pm. Tickets are regularly $24.95 for adults. Be sure to line up early to score tickets to the popular Planetarium show. www.calacademy.org


Change for Change
Haiti still needs your help... government reports state that approximately 200,000 Haitians have perished after the devastating earthquake on January 12. Reader Jack H. urges readers to contribute to an effort led by former Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush (at President Obama's request). Donate now at www.clintonbushhaitifund.org or text QUAKE to 20222 to add $10 to your mobile phone bill.

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.


Holiday Weekend Weather
After a chance of showers tonight, warmer days are ahead. Head up to Napa, out to Tahoe, or west to Half Moon Bay for an early spring-weather weekend.

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


The Environment
Check out a gardening or composting class at Common Ground, an organic garden supply and education center in Palo Alto. Typically, classes are two hours for $31. www.commongroundinpaloalto.org


Music
"Crush on Radio" by Visqueen (Seattle, Wash.)

Their third album was released in September of last year. Catch them at the Bottom of the Hill on February 28, with Neko Case opening. www.visqueenonline.com


Movies {domestic revenues through February 7}
Finally, a different film has ascended the revenue throne. The romantic drama "Dear John" collected $30.5 million [rated PG-13; 2969 theatres; $10,262 per theatre]. "Avatar" steamrolled another $22.9 million [rated PG-13; 8th weekend; 3000 theatres; $7,617 per theatre; $629.3 million overall]. Action took a back seat during Super Bowl weekend, as "From Paris with Love" could only muster $8.2 million [rated R; 2722 theatres; $2,997 per theatre]. Oscar nominations for Best Picture, Lead Actress, and Adapted Screenplay helped "An Education" expand in its 18th week for $0.8 millionn [rated PG-13; 761 theatres; $1,003 per theatre; $9.6 million overall].

Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief (PG): Fantasy action; about a teenage boy and the mythological characters who come to life; co-starring Pierce Brosnan; directed by Chris Columbus

Saint John of Las Vegas (R): Drama; about a compulsive gambler who moves to Albuquerque for a fresh start; co-starring Steve Buscemi

Terribly Happy (NR): Drama; about a man who tries to escape his troubled past for a life in the Danish countryside

Valentine's Day (PG-13): Romantic comedy; about a group of Los Angeles residents on Valentine's Day; co-starring Julia Roberts, Ashton Kutcher, Jessica Biel, Jamie Foxx, Queen Latifah, Bradley Cooper, Anne Hathaway, Taylor Lautner, and Taylor Swift; directed by Garry Marshall ("Pretty Woman," "The Princess Diaries")

The Wolfman (R): Suspense; about a man's return to his family's estate, and the discovery he makes about himself; co-starring Anthony Hopkins, Benicio Del Toro, Emily Blunt, and Hugo Weaving

DVD Pick - A Serious Man (R): It's an unusual feature from the Coen Brothers, but then again, should anyone be surprised? This one centers on a Jewish-American family that is disintegrating during the 1960s era. It's not on par with "No Country for Old Men" or "Fargo," but in a year with 10 nominees, it's more than good enough. Oscar nominations for Best Picture and Original Screenplay. Domestic box office: $9.2 million; foreign box office: $12.5 million.


Free Activities
Swindlefish concert [Thu 8p]: Featuring reader Ben B. in the band Swindlefish, performing with James Whiton, Tasty, and DJ Suresh. At El Rio (SF - Outer Mission). www.elriosf.com

Love Everywhere [Fri noon, Sat TBA, Sun 9a/11a]: Featuring the Erika Chong Shuck Performance Project in a one-hour performance featuring wedding vows and contemporary dance. At the City Hall Rotunda (SF - Civic Center) and Glide Memorial Church (SF - Tenderloin). www.erikachongshuch.org

Little Brown Brother concert [Fri 12:30-1:30p]: Take a lunch break for the sounds of this six-piece jazz fusion band. It takes place at the Cadillac Hotel, a place for formerly homeless individuals with limited funds. At the Cadillac Hotel (SF - Tenderloin). www.cadillachotel.org

Food for the Heart [Fri 5-8p]: 7th annual. Featuring tango and salsa dancing, classical music, and food and wine tastings. Free admission, $2-4 tasting tickets. At the Ferry Building (SF - Financial). www.slowfoodsanfrancisco.com

Valentine Family Crafts [Sat 2-4p]: Learn the basics of printmaking using repurposed, vintage materials. At Paxton's Gate Curiosities for Kids (SF - Mission). www.paxtongate.com

Love Letters to Parks [Sun 11a-1p]: Write an ode to your favorite park, in this event sponsored by the Neighborhoods Park Council. Grab some free refreshments too! At Dolores Park (SF - Mission). www.sfnpc.org/loveletters

Pop-up Wedding [Sun 4-7p]: An altar will be set up for vow renewals or impromptu ceremonies, complete with free champagne, photographer, music, and party favors. RSVP for admission. At the W Hotel (SF - SoMa). http://popupwedding.urbandaddy.com

Valentine's Day Pillow Fight [Sun 6p]: It's year five of this event... last year's looks to be massive, at least on YouTube. Coordinators are advising pillows to be made of natural materials such as cotton or hemp to prevent ecological contamination. In Justin Herman Plaza (SF - Financial). www.pillowfight.info

Tulip Mania Tours [through Monday]: Check out the many varieties including Flaming Parrots and Burgundy Lace. Tours are daily at 10am, with refreshments at the conclusion. Meet at Pier 39 entrance plaza (SF - North Point). www.pier39.com


Paid Activities
How We First Met [Sat-Sun 8p]: 10th annual. Couples tell their "how-we-met" stories, improvisors recreate them with sketches and songs. At Herbst Theatre (SF), $25-40. www.howwefirstmet.com

Justin Bond: Close to You [Sun 8p]: A Valentine's Day concert featuring Carpenters songs, a 10-piece orchestra, and special guests Thrillpeddlers and "Pearls Over Shanghai" cast. At the Castro Theatre (SF - Castro), $25-75. www.castrotheatre.com

Fat Tuesday Mardi Gras Party [Tue 7:30p]: Featuring the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Zigaboo Modeliste & the New Aahkesstra, and DJ Harry D. At the Independent (SF - Western Addition), $22. www.theindependentsf.com

Oedipus El Rey [through Feb. 28]: About Oedipus of Sophocles, with a modernist take set in the California prison system and East L.A. At Fort Mason's Magic Theatre (SF - Marina), $20-55. www.magictheatre.org

Previous: Event - San Francisco Beer Week [through Sunday in SF]; Theatre - Daddy Long Legs [through Sunday in Mountain View]; Film - SF IndieFest [through Feb. 18 in SF]; Theatre - Loveland [through Feb. 21 in SF]; Theatre - Coming Home [through Feb. 28 in Berkeley]; Art - Cartier exhibit [through Apr. 18 in SF]

Randy's Guide CLXXIII (173)

Historic milestones this week: Six years of Facebook; 52 years since a hydrogen bomb was lost off the coast of Savannah, Georgia; 88 years of radios in the White House; 140 years of the YWCA.


Local News
San Francisco's beloved Dolores Park will be closing for up to 18 months starting around September. Upgrades to the bridge, playground, restrooms, tennis and basketball courts, irrigation, and lighting will come at a cost of approximately $15 million. http://missionlocal.org/2010/02/a-brand-new-dolores-park


Deal of the Week
After a brief respite, here's a popular offer for you. Denny's is returning with its free Grand Slam breakfast offer next Tuesday, 6am-2pm. You might even see the ad during the Super Bowl. Last year, 2 million meals were given away at its 1,570 restaurants! And as an added bonus, your birthday also nets a free Grand Slam breakfast. www.dennys.com


Change for Change
Haiti still needs your help... reports today show that approximately 200,000 Haitians have perished after the devastating earthquake on January 12. Reader Jack H. urges readers to contribute to an effort led by former Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush (at President Obama's request). Donate now at www.clintonbushhaitifund.org or text QUAKE to 20222 to add $10 to your mobile phone bill.

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
Showers through Saturday, then dry for the following several days - Tahoe anyone?

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


The Environment
630,000 gallons of raw sewage spilled into the Bay during the endless January week of storms, as well as 170 million gallons of partially treated sewage. To help prevent sewage spills, refrain from using the dishwasher or clothes washer on rainy days, use a can for oils and grease, and keep your sewer cleanout cap secured.


Music
"Love Is All I Am" by Dawes (Los Angeles, Calif.)

Folk rock recorded live on analog in the Laurel Canyon area of Southern California - no doubt the sound should remind you of Crosby, Stills, and Nash, or perhaps Neil Young. Catch the quartet at Rickshaw Stop (SF, $12) on Saturday, with fellow folk bands Cory Chisel and Wandering Sons, as well as Jason Boesel, opening. Later tour stops include Portland (OR), Seattle, Madison, Chicago, New York, Philadelphia, Louisville, Atlanta, Houston, and San Diego. www.dawestheband.com


Movies {domestic revenues through January 31}
OSCAR SEASON! "Avatar" picks up nine Oscar nominations, now ranks as the top-grossing film domestically, and added $31.3 million [rated PG-13; 7th weekend; 3074 theatres; $10,176 per theatre; $595.8 million overall]. Stanley Tucci scores a surprise nomination as a serial killer in "The Lovely Bones," which earned $4.7 million [rated PG-13; 8th weekend; 2638 theatres; $1,792 per theatre; $38.1 million overall]. Sandra Bullock carries "The Blind Side" to a Best Picture nod, along wth $3.0 million [rated PG-13; 11th weekend; 1751 theatres; $1,725 per theatre; $237.9 million overall]. "Up in the Air," as expected, gathers six nominations, including for Picture, Director, Actor, and Adapted Screenplay [rated R; 9th weekend; 1430 theatres; $1,959 per theatre; $2.8 million; $73.3 million overall]. Jeff Bridges is Oscar-nominated as a country singer in the slowly expanding "Crazy Heart," tallying $2.3 million [rated R; 7th weekend; 239 theatres; $9,662 per theatre; $6.7 million overall].

Dear John (PG-13): Romance; about a soldier home on leave who meets a college girl; co-starring Channing Tatum

District 13: Ultimatum (R): Action sequel; about an elite police officer and a reformed vigilante who team up to save a racially charged ghetto

44 Inch Chest (R): Drama; about a husband who discovers that his long-time wife is having an affair with a younger man; co-starring John Hurt and Ray Winstone

From Paris with Love (R): Action; about an intelligence operative who partners with a U.S. agent to help stop a terrorist attack in Paris; co-starring John Travolta and Jonathan Rhys Meyers

The Last Station (R): 5 Independent Spirit Award nominations, including Best Picture; 1 Oscar nomination, for Best Actress.

DVD Pick - District 9 (R): This sleeper from South Africa snuck in to snag Oscar nominations for Best Picture, Adapted Screenplay, Visual Effects, and Film Editing (which is its best chance to win). It's a very effective pseudo-documentary that parallels other human attempts to subjugate large populations. Domestic box office: $115.6 million; foreign box office: $89.2 million.


Free Activities
Movie Night at SFO [Thu 6p]: Odd, to say the least. Take BART to check out a screening of "The Legend of Pancho Barnes"... the producer-writer will be on hand for questions. At the Aviation Museum (SF). www.flysfo.com

Giants FanFest [Sat 10a-3p]: 17th annual. Come meet 2-time Cy Young Award winner Tim Lincecum or Will Clark, tour the clubhouses and press box, and more. At AT&T Park (SF). http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com

Oakland Lunar New Year Bazaar [Sat-Sun 10a-5p]: Featuring dragon and lion dancing, martial arts, a Little Prince and Princess contest, vendors, and more. In the Pacific Renaissance Plaza courtyard (Oakland). www.oaklandchinatownchamber.org

Solano Avenue Lunar New Year Parade [Sat 10a-2p]: Featuring the DJ Wind Chinese Music academy, T.G. Taekwondo, Golden Lion Martial Arts, and more. Along Solano Avenue and at the Albany Twin Theater (Albany). www.solanoavenueassn.org

Chinese New Year Kick-off [Sat 10a-8p, Sun 9a-6p]: Featuring a mini procession of lion dancers and drummers, an official ribbon-cutting ceremony by Mayor Newsom, dozens of street vendors, and live entertainment. Along Grant Avenue (SF). www.chineseparade.com

San Francisco Fine Print Fair [Sat 10a-6p, Sun 11a-5p]: Featuring a public lecture about printmaking and 17 fine-art vendors. At Fort Mason Center (SF). http://sanfrancisco-fineprintfair.com

Crissy Field Center's Grand Opening [Sat 11a-3p]: Featuring live music, a solar-powered radio DJ, site tours, interactive games, and more. At Crissy Field Center (SF). www.crissyfield.org

Lunar New Year Tet Festival [Sun 9:30a-6p]: 14th annual. Featuring live cultural performances, Vietnamese celebrities, authentic foods, and more. Near Ellis and Hyde (SF). www.vietccsf.org

Asian Art Museum [Sun 10a-5p]: Featuring Chinese New Year activities, such as book readings, face painting, and lion dances. At the Asian Art Museum (SF). www.asianart.org


Paid Activities
Uncovered: The Diary Project [Thu-Sat 8p, Sun 4p/8p]: Featuring the highly touted Sean Dorsey, the nation's first transgender modern dance choreographer, following sold-out runs in San Francisco and New York. At Dance Mission Theater (SF), $15-20. www.freshmeatproductions.org

St. Vincent concert [Mon 8p]: With Wildbirds and Peacedrums opening. At Great American Music Hall (SF), $20. www.ilovestvincent.com

Vivian Girls concert [Tue 9p]: Previous Randy's Guide artist. With Best Coast and The Bananas opening. At Bottom of the Hill (SF), $10. www.myspace.com/viviangirlsnyc

San Francisco Beer Week [through Feb. 14]: 150 events around the Bay Area will celebrate craft beer in its varied forms. The opening gala is Friday; Humphrey Slocombe will have beer-flavored ice creams; Shattuck Avenue will have a food and beer stroll. www.sfbeerweek.org

Daddy Long Legs [through Feb. 14]: About an orphan sent to college by a mysterious benefactor. At the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, $34-67. www.theatreworks.org

SF IndieFest [through Feb. 18]: 12th annual. Featuring a roller disco party (Saturday) and dozens of independent film screenings... two years ago, a small feature called "Paranormal Activity" started to build buzz. At the Roxie Theatre (SF) and other local venues for events, $10-25. www.sfindie.com

Coming Home [through Feb. 28]: About a young singer who returns home in a downtrodden state. At the Berkeley Repertory Theatre, $16-71. www.berkeleyrep.org

Previous: Theatre - Phedre [through Sunday in SF]; Theatre - Loveland [through Feb. 21 in SF]; Art - Cartier exhibit [through Apr. 18 in SF]