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]