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]