Randy's Guide CLXXX (180)

Historic milestones this week: 3 years since the first Earth Hour was celebrated in Sydney, Australia; 6 years since Ireland banned smoking at all workplaces, the first country in the world to do so; 31 years since the Three Mile Island accident; 139 years since the first international rugby match (England v. Scotland); and 143 years since the purchase of Alaska.


Local News
The Bay Area's lone ghost town, Drawbridge, is sinking slowly into the wetland marshes of the South Bay. Its heyday came during the 1920s, as residents would hunt wildlife and row boats for parties during high tide. The last resident left in 1979, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will not be doing any restorations or tours for tourists. www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/03/25/BADE1CKPIB.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 bottle of Olay Quench body lotion. Purchase by April 16, and mail in the rebate by April 30. www.olay.com/Club_Olay/march2010/images/Quench_Form_olayhome.pdf


Environmental News
A California sea lion was euthanized last week for eating too many endangered salmon near the Bonneville Dam. Other measures designed to protect the multibillion-dollar salmon industry include firing rubber bullets and exploding underwater bombs. Environmentalists claim that hydroelectric dams are far more devastating to the salmon population. www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2010/03/08/national/a120348S53.DTL


Weekend Weather
Drying out, with gradual warming through Sunday. Rain could return on Monday.

THU-FRI
Highs: near 60
Lows: near 45

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


Music
"Jail La La" by Dum Dum Girls (Los Angeles, Calif.)

Their band name references both The Vaselines and Iggy Pop. The debut album comes out next week; the tour journeys to Swarthmore College, Buffalo, Oberlin College, Des Moines, Boulder, and San Diego... with an addition in San Francisco certainly possible. www.myspace.com/dumdumgirls


Movies {domestic revenues through March 21}
"Alice in Wonderland" is the highest-grossing March release ever, with an additional $34.2 million [rated PG; 3739 theatres; $9,144 per theatre; 3rd weekend; $265.4 million overall]. "Diary of a Wimpy Kid," based on the best-selling children's novel, amassed $22.1 million [rated PG; 3077 theatres; $7,191 per theatre]. The Jennifer Aniston-Gerard Butler action comedy "The Bounty Hunter" opened with $20.7 million [rated PG-13; 3074 theatres; $6,729 per theatre]. And finally, the futuristic tale "Repo Men" bombed in its first weekend with $6.1 million [rated R; 2521 theatres; $2,430 per theatre].

Chloe (R): Thriller; about a successful doctor who suspects that her husband is having an affair; co-starring Julianne Moore and Liam Neeson; directed by Atom Egoyan

Greenberg (R): Drama; about a 40-something bachelor who has a life-changing experience while house sitting for his successful older brother; co-starring Ben Stiller

Hot Tub Time Machine (R): Comedy; about four men who travel back to 1986 to relive the glory days of partying; co-starring John Cusack

How to Train Your Dragon (PG): Fantasy animation; about a Viking teen, trained to fight dragons, who ultimately befriends one; co-voiced by Gerard Butler, Craig Ferguson, and America Ferrara

The Sun (NR): Drama; about the final days of Emperor Hirohito's reign in Japan during WWII

Waking Sleeping Beauty (PG): Documentary; about the resurrection of the troubled Walt Disney animation studios during the 1980s

DVD Pick - Zombieland (R): Woody Harrelson had a great 2009, with an Oscar nomination from "The Messengers" and this surprise hit about a mismatched zombie-fighting team. Abigail Breslin, Little Miss Sunshine herself, is barely recognizable as the youngest fighter. Domestic box office: $75.6 million; foreign box office: $26.7 million.


Free Activities
Sidewalk Fine Arts Festival [Fri-Sun 10a-5p]: At Carlmont Village Shopping Center (Belmont). www.pacificfinearts.com

Critical Mass [Fri 6p]: Starts from Justin Herman Plaza and proceeds around San Francisco. Watch for street closures/delays.

Really Really Free Market [Sat 1-5p]: Share food, clothes, media, and anything else in this outdoor marketplace. At Dolores Park (SF). www.reallyreallyfree.org

Aquarium Spotlight Day [Sat 2-5p]: Docent-led tours, hands-on marine life exhibits, and science seminars. At the Marine Science Institute (Redwood City). RSVP online at www.sfbaymsi.org


Paid Activities
The Paper Raincoat concert [Fri 8:15p]: With special guests Vienna Teng and Tim Snider. At the Noe Valley Ministry (SF), $15-17. www.thepaperraincoat.com

Trannyshack: David Bowie Tribute [Fri 10p]: At DNA Lounge (SF), $12. www.dnalounge.com

All-American Get Together [Sat-Sun 8a-4p]: 28th annual. Featuring indoor and outdoor car shows, live entertainment, vendor exhibits, kids' play area, and more. At the Alameda County Fairgrounds (Pleasanton), free-$17 + $8 parking. www.allamericangettogether.com

The Little Mermaid Ballet [through Sunday]: A mature, modern interpretation of the 1836 Hans Christian Andersen story about two divergent worlds. At the War Memorial Opera House (SF), $10-275. www.sfballet.org

Mirrors in Every Corner [through Sunday]: About a black West Oakland family who gives birth to a white child. At the Intersection for the Arts (SF), $15-25. www.theintersection.org

The Morning Benders concert [Tue 8p]: Previous Randy's Guide musical pick, based out of Berkeley. With Miniature Tigers and The Mumlers opening. At the Independent (SF), $15. www.themorningbenders.com

Learn to Be Latina [extended through April 2]: A satire following an aspiring pop singer who must transform from being Middle Eastern to Latina. At La Val's Subterranean Theater (Berkeley), $12-20. www.impacttheatre.com

Den of Thieves [through April 17]: About a recovering kleptomaniac, her former boyfriend, and a load of cash. At the SF Playhouse, $40. www.sfplayhouse.org

Previous: Theatre - Concerning Strange Devices from the Distant West [through Apr. 11 in SF]; Art - Cartier exhibit [through Apr. 18 in SF]

Randy's Guide CLXXIX (179)

Historic milestones this week: 14 years since Taiwan's first direct elections; 21 years since the Exxon Valdez oil spill; 47 years since Alcatraz closes; 79 years since Nevada legalized gambling; 105 years since the publication of Einstein's theory on special relativity; and 160 years since Henry Wells and William Fargo founded American Express.


Local News
Yelp is in hot water... again. Now, the online source of user reviews for local businesses is the target of three class-action lawsuits. The accusations seem fairly believable: businesses are extorted for advertising revenue to place positive reviews near the top or to delete negative reviews. www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/03/18/BU2O1CH68C.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 box of Better Oats! www.betteroats.com


Environmental News
A lone wolverine has been detected in California for the first time in 90 years. Apparently, the carnivore - a member of the weasel family - is from Idaho's Sawtooth Range and somehow made it to the Sierra Nevada. www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/03/09/MNPJ1CATHU.DTL


Weekend Weather
Continued warm, though each day will be slightly cooler than the previous day.

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

SAT-SUN
Highs: low-60s (coast); mid-60s (SF-bay); upper-60s (inland)
Lows: near 45


Music
"Me and Mia" by Ted Leo and the Pharmacists (Washington, D.C.)

The rockers have previously opened for Pearl Jam. Now they're headliners, with Salley Crewe and the Sudden Moves opening. At the Great American Music Hall (SF), $17. www.tedleo.com


Movies {domestic revenues through March 14}
"Alice in Wonderland" held first rank with $62.7 million [rated PG; 3728 theatres; $16,822 per theatre; 2nd weekend; $209.3 million]. The Matt Damon thriller "Green Zone" premiered weakly with $14.3 million [rated R; 3003 theatres; $4,765 per theatre]. The comedy "She's Out of My League" debuted with a mere $9.8 million [rated R; 2956 theatres; $3,307 per theatre]. Robert Pattinson couldn't draw huge crowds for "Remember Me," which opened with $8.1 million [rated PG-13; 2212 theatres; $3,657 per theatre]. And the cross-cultural marriage comedy "Our Family Wedding" tallied a paltry $7.6 million [rated PG-13; 1605 theatres; $4,754 per theatre].

The Bounty Hunter (PG-13): Action comedy; about a mediocre bounty hunter assigned to track down his ex-wife; co-starring Gerard Butler and Jennifer Aniston

Diary of a Wimpy Kid (PG): Comedy; about the adventures of one middle-school boy over the course of a school year

The Girl on the Train (NR): Drama; about an unemployed Parisian woman whose new job and boyfriend create some drama; co-starring Catherine Deneuve

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (NR): Thriller; about a secretive, powerful family whose investigators start to unravel some critical mysteries

Mother (R): Drama; about a single mother who attempts to track down a young girl's real killer in order to prove her son's innocence

Neil Young Trunk Show (NR): Documentary; about the famed rocker Neil Young; directed by Jonathan Demme ("Rachel Getting Married")

Repo Men (R): Sci-fi comedy; about a medical company's repossession team who is sent to collect unpaid artificial organs; co-starring Jude Law and Forest Whitaker

The Runaways (R): Musical biopic; about the ground-breaking, all-female rock group from the 1970s; co-starring Kristen Stewart and Dakota Fanning

DVD Pick - Sugar (R): As if you won't have enough sports action with March Madness, but here's an informative, exciting look into the minor-league baseball system for one player from the Dominican Republic. Domestic box office: $1.1 million.


Free Activities
San Francisco Chamber Orchestra [Thu 5:30p, Fri 8p, Sun 3p]: Featuring Israeli mandolinist Avi Avital, along with the works of Bach and Beethoven. At the Contemporary Jewish Museum (SF), Herbst Theatre (SF), and First Congregational Church (Berkeley). www.sfchamberorchestra.org

Folk Concert at the de Young [Fri 6-8:45p]: Featuring bluegrass, Texas swing, and country music, with KUSF DJ Schmeejay and local artists Sonya Philip and Vera Costa. At the de Young Museum (SF). www.famsf.org

Obscura Day [Sat various times]: Check out events at local cultural sites in San Francisco, across the U.S., and around the globe (including Tokyo and London). At Musee Mechanique (SF) and assorted other locations. www.atlasobscura.com

Little Seismic Dance Company [Sun 2-5:30p]: Free open dance workshop from 2-4p; open performance from 4-5p; Q&A and refreshments from 5-5:30p. At the Conservatory of Dance (SF). www.sfconservatoryofdance.org


Paid Activities
Art International [Fri 11a-8p, Sat 11a-7p, Sun 11a-5p]: 2nd annual. Featuring the work by reader Jenny R. At The Concourse (SF), $15. www.artinternationalfair.com

Altan concert [Fri 8p]: Featuring the veteran Celtic group. At Zellerbach Hall (Berkeley), $10-36. www.calperformances.org

An Evening with Kiri Te Kanawa [Sat 8p]: Featuring the classical soprano in her only Bay Area concert. At the Marin Center (San Rafael), $25-95. www.marincenter.org

Jake Shimabukuro [Sun 7p/9p, Mon 8p/10p]: Featuring previous Randy's Guide ukelele musician. At Yoshi's (SF), $18-24. www.jakeshimabukuro.com

Juliet [through Sunday]: Featuring six female and one male Juliets to explore the perspective of the famous Shakespearean lover. At San Francisco State's Little Theatre, $8-12. http://creativearts.sfsu.edu

Concerning Strange Devies from the Distant West [through April 11]: About 19th-century photography and 21st-century art scams in Japan. At the Berkeley Repertory Theatre, $13-71. www.berkeleyrep.org

Previous: Theatre - Mirrors in Every Corner [through Sunday in SF]; Art - Cartier exhibit [through Apr. 18 in SF]

Randy's Guide CLXXVIII (178)

Historic milestones this week: 16 years since the first female Church of England priests; 24 years since Microsoft's IPO; 46 years since the first state lottery (New Hampshire); and 254 years since the first St. Patrick's Day celebration in New York City.


Local News
Lushes, beware. State regulators made personal visits to several San Francisco bars, including Bourbon & Branch, to warn that generating infused liquor requires a special license. Response has been mixed, as some locations have continued to serve the popular beverages. www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/02/26/MNMA1C6KEV.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.


Deals of the Week
Get a free 1-ounce sample of Dunkin' Donuts coffee by mail. That should be enough for at least a couple of weeks of joe. www.dunkinathome.com/index.aspx

And, Pinkberry is offering a small cup of its newest flavor, mango, at all of its locations on Friday from 5-9pm. Bay Area locations include Stanford Shopping Center and San Jose's Santana Row. Numerous locations in Southern California, New York, and even one in Dubai. www.pinkberry.com


Environmental News
California condors have mated in the Pinnacles National Monument, in Central California, for the first time in over 100 years. In 1987, the endangered species was down to a population of 22, but significant efforts since then have raised the total population (wild and captivity) to over 500. www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/03/10/BAV01CD6K6.DTL


Weekend Weather
Some showers on Friday, but then look for things to be dry and much warmer starting Sunday for several days.

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


Music
"Gimme Sympathy" by Metric (Toronto, Canada)

The Canadian indie rockers will stop at Oakland's Fox Theater on March 24, Other stops will include Los Angeles, San Diego, Portland, and Seattle. www.myspace.com/metric


Movies {domestic revenues through March 7}
The seventh collaboration between Tim Burton and Johnny Depp, "Alice in Wonderland," broke March records with its whopping $116.1 million opening [rated PG; 3728 theatres; $31,143 per theatre]. The cop drama "Brooklyn's Finest" premiered respectably with $13.4 million [rated R; 1936 theatres; $6,896 per theatre]. "Crazy Heart," the vehicle for Jeff Bridges' first career Oscar, had an impressive 35% boost to $3.3 million [rated R; 1274 theatres; $2,600 per theatre; 12th weekend; $29.5 million overall].

Ajami (NR): Drama; about a neighborhood in Tel Aviv that is vibrant mix of Jews, Christians, and Muslims

The Art of the Steal (NR): Documentary; about one man's modern-art collection and the fight to claim control over it

The Good Guy (R): Romantic comedy; about an ambitious young woman who meets and falls for two different men while working in Manhattan

Green Zone (R): Thriller; about a rogue U.S. Army officer who attempts to uncover the truth in Iraq before war begins; co-starring Matt Damon and Greg Kinnear; directed by Paul Greengrass ("United 93" / "The Bourne Ultimatum")

Our Family Wedding (PG-13): Comedy; about two overbearing fathers, one African-American and one Latino, who conflict over their children's wedding; co-starring Forest Whitaker and America Ferrara

Remember Me (PG-13): Romance; about a rebellious young man who falls in love in New York City; co-starring Robert Pattinson and Chris Cooper

She's Out of My League (R): Comedy; about an airport security agent who starts dating an attractive woman

Sweetgrass (NR): Documentary; about modern-day cowboys in the mountains of Montana

DVD Pick - Precious: Based on the Novel "Push" by Sapphire (R): Comedian Mo'Nique has the Oscar-winning role as an abusive mother of the titular character, but it is Gabourey Sidibe's heart-winning, understated performance that ushers the film into unusual territory. I read the book as well, and I cn absltly c how Precious also nabd the Adapted Screenplay Oscar. Domestic box office: $47.4 million; foreign box office: $5.9 million.


Free Activities
St. Patrick's Day Festival [Sat-Sun 10a-5p]: Featuring traditional Irish food (boxty and corned beef), live Irish music bands, family activities, and more. At Dublin Civic Center. www.dublinstpats.com

Bay Area Anarchist Book Fair [Sat 10a-6p, Sun 11a-5p]: 15th annual. At Golden Gate Park's County Fair Building (SF). http://sfbookfair.wordpress.com

St. Patrick's Day Celebration [Sat 11a-5p]: 159th annual. Featuring a Saturday parade down Market St. to City Hall, as well as a festival with Irish culture. In front of City Hall (SF). www.sfstpatricksdayparade.com

*Sunday Streets [Sun 10a-3p]: The first incarnation of nine events for this year, and third year overall. Free one-hour bike rentals, Fisherman's Wharf family fitness fair, yoga classes, and more. Along the Embarcadero from AT&T Park to Fisherman's Wharf (SF). www.sundaystreetssf.com

St. Patrick's Day Block Party [Sun 11a-4p]: Featuring food, drink, and family activities. At the Irish Cultural Center (SF). www.irishcentersf.org

Persian New Year Festival [Tue 6-10p]: Featuring fire jumping, traditional food, live music, and more. Along 2000 block of Durant (Berkeley). www.anotherbullwinkelshow.com/persian-fest

*California Academy of Sciences [Wed 9:30a-5p]: Check out the Planetarium, Living Room, Rain Forest, and Aquarium! Normally $25 admission for adults. At the California Academy of Sciences (SF). www.calacademy.org


Paid Activities
Chelsea Handler [Fri 1p - 7:30p - 10:30p]: The popular comedian has a new book of essays to follow up her slam-bang debut, "Are You There Vodka? It's Me, Chelsea." At Books Inc., Nob Hill Masonic Center, and Davies Symphony Hall (SF). FREE-$76. www.myspace.com/chelseahandler

The Caucasian Chalk Circle [through Sunday]: Bertolt Brecht's look at the biblical Judgment of Solomon. At the ACT (SF), $15-80. www.act-sf.org

Mirrors in Every Corner [through March 21]: Examination of race with the birth of a white child in a black West Oakland family. At the Intersection for the Arts (SF), $15-25. www.theintersection.org

Previous: Theatre - Oedipus el Rey [through Sunday in SF]; Art - Cartier exhibit [through Apr. 18 in SF]

Randy's Guide CLXXVII (177)

Historic milestones this week: 33 years since the discovery of the rings of Uranus; 51 years since the debut of Barbie; 93 years ago when Jeannette Rankin of Montana became the first female Congressional member; 153 years since the Dred Scott ruling; and 193 years of the New York Stock Exchange.


Local News
Protests at UC Berkeley, UC Davis, SF State, UC Santa Cruz, Oakland City Hall, and other Bay Area locations were largely peaceful today as part of the Day of Action. Students have been hit hard with tuition hikes, class-size increases, and fewer class options. www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/03/04/BAC41CAAM1.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
Thanks to Suzana S. for this tip. Two Lake Tahoe resorts (Northstar and Sierra-at-Tahoe), as well as locations in Colorado, Oregon, Washington, Wyoming, Idaho, Michigan, and British Columbia, are offering a buy-one-get-one-free lift ticket voucher with the purchase of 10 gallons of Shell fuel. Offer valid through April 16, or until ski areas close for the season. www.skifreedeals.com


Environmental News
Grass-fed beef has more nutrients (particularly omega-3 fatty acids), tastes better, treats cows more humanely, and generates less waste than conventional feedlot beef. Good Bay Area options include Marin Sun Farms and Prather Ranch.


Weekend Weather
Mostly dry weekend, with the best chance of showers from Friday afternoon into Saturday morning.

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


Music
"Call and Response" by Or, the Whale (San Francisco, Calif.)

The indie country rockers will stop by the Independent on March 12, plus stops in Portland, Seattle, Los Angeles, Tucson, and San Diego before hitting SXSW in Austin. www.orthewhale.com


Movies {domestic revenues through February 28}
"Shutter Island," now playing up its surprise ending, topped the charts again with $22.7 million [rated R; 3003 theatres; $7,548 per theatre; 2nd weekend; $75.5 million overall]. The buddy action-comedy "Cop Out" opened with $18.2 million [rated R; 3150 theatres; $5,781 per theatre]. Meanwhile, the zombie remake "The Crazies" scared up $16.1 million [rated R; 2476 theatres; $6,489 per theatre].

Alice in Wonderland (PG): Fantasy; about the return of Alice to her magical world filled with the Cheshire Cat, the Mad Hatter, the Red Queen, and others; co-starring Johnny Depp; directed by Tim Burton

Brooklyn's Finest (R): Action; about three police officers in Brooklyn; co-starring Richard Gere, Wesley Snipes, Ethan Hawke, Don Cheadle, and Lili Taylor

Prodigal Sons (NR): Drama; about the return of three siblings back to their Montana hometown

A Prophet (R): Drama; about a young French prisoner who forms an alliance with a key gang leader; Oscar-nominated for Best Foreign Film

The Yellow Handkerchief (PG-13): Drama; about a man fresh out of prison who meets a young couple and must decide whether to leave behind his troubled past; co-starring William Hurt, Maria Bello, and Kristen Stewart

DVD Pick - The Cove (PG-13): I'd say the Best Documentary race is between this film and the informative "Food Inc." This story, focusing on efforts to unveil the modern-day practice of harpooning dolphins in a coastal Japanese bay, is more revealing and unknown to viewers... which is why it has the edge to pick up the trophy. Domestic box office: $0.9 million.


Free Activities
Plaza Adelante Festival [Sat 11a-4p]: With a press conference at 11:30a to celebrate the opening of this asset-development center. Also featuring Aztec dancers, mariachi band, free tax preparation, and more. At Plaza Adelante (SF). www.plazaadelante.org

Greening Oakland Homes Fair [Sat 11a-3p]: Featuring exhibitors showcasing ways to reduce your costs and energy or resource footprint. At Montclair Women's Cultural Arts Club (Oakland). www.greeningoakhomes.com

Underground Farmers Market [Sat 5-11p]: Featuring grass-fed organic beef jerky, wild mushrooms, vegan gumbo, and more. At 9 Langton St (SF), free with online registration. http://foragesf.wordpress.com

Asian Art Museum [Sun 10a-5p]: Featuring Shanghai-based films, architectural tours, yoga seminars, family activities, and more. At the Asian Art Museum (SF). www.asianart.org

Filmmaking Workshop [Sun noon]: Covers shooting techniques, editing styles, and photomotion examples. Breakfast included. At Artist Television Access (SF). www.disposablefilmfest.com

Remembering Rena [Sun 2-4p]: Program honoring a legacy connecting the Jewish experience in China. At the Presidio Officers Club (SF). www.presidio.gov

Concert and Conversation: Jennifer Koh [Mon 6p]: The master violinist has performed at Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center. At Community Music Center (SF). www.sfcmc.org

Concert: Little Boots [Tue 6p]: U.K. dance pop sensation. At Amoeba (SF). www.amoeba.com


Paid Activities
Tegan and Sara [Fri 8p]: Lesbian twin rockers from Calgary. With Holly Miranda and Steel Train opening. At the Fox Theatre (Oakland), $35. www.teganandsara.com

Up the Oscars Benefit Bash [Sun 4p]: 18th annual. With hors d'oeuvres provided by Truly Mediterranean. At Roxie Theatre (SF), $12-15. www.roxie.com

Oedipus el Rey [through March 14]: A modern take on the classic incestuous tale. At the Fort Mason Center (SF), $20-55. www.magictheatre.org

Previous: Art - Cartier exhibit [through Apr. 18 in SF]