Randy's Guide CCII (202)

Historic milestones: 5 years since Hurricane Katrina; 43 years since the first African-American Supreme Court Justice (Thurgood Marshall); 47 years since the "I Have a Dream" speech; 49 years since the release of Motown's first #1 single ("Please Mr. Postman"); 71 years since the first baseball telecast (Reds vs. Dodgers); 90 years since the 19th Amendment took effect (women's suffrage); and 132 years since the first female telephone operator (Emma Nutt).


Local News
UC Berkeley is flying high. Students returned to campus this week, a recent survey ranked the school second in the world (behind only Harvard), and increased private donations have resulted in expanded class options and more faculty. www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/08/27/BALO1F3V5T.DTL


Change for Change
Charity: Shanti. Founded by Dr. Charles Garfield in 1974, the San Francisco nonprofit provides educational and supportive services to over 2,000 clients with HIV/AIDS and breast cancer. www.shanti.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, Urban Solutions, San Francisco Suicide Prevention, and The East Bay Depot for Creative Reuse.


Weekend Weather
After hitting a record 98 in San Francisco on Tuesday (with an unofficial reading of 106), it's time for another cool down.

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


Music
"Sweet Disposition" by The Temper Trap (Melbourne, Australia)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=vN7HQrgakZU
The quartet met at a college in Melbourne, and their 2009 debut album got its first big spread at SXSW. This particular tune, with millions of views, has been used in a Chrysler commercial, the "(500) Days of Summer" film, a Diet Coke ad, and an "Eat Pray Love" trailer. Look for them at a free show near DC next month, as well as spots in New York City, Milwaukee, Austin, and Pomona (Calif.). www.thetempertrap.com


Movies {domestic revenues for August 20-22}
Five new mainstream films opened, though none had stunning openings. "Vampires Suck" parodied the "Twilight" series and earned $12.2 million in second place [3233 theatres; $3,774 per theatre]. The "Lottery Ticket" audience was 88% black and brought in $10.7 million for fourth place [1973 theatres; $5,399 per theatre]. "Piranha 3D" reaped 95% of its revenues on 3D screens, with a total of $10.1 million for sixth [2470 theatres; $4,092 per theatre]. In seventh was "The Switch," which was dominated by couples and scored $8.4 million [2012 theatres; $4,193 per theatre]. Finally, Emma Thompson's sequel "Nanny McPhee Returns" tallied $8.4 million [2784 theatres; $3,020 per theatre].

Mainstream films:
-Avatar: Special Edition (PG-13): sci-fi action; co-starring Sam Worthington and Sigourney Weaver; directed by James Cameron
-Flipped (PG): romantic drama; directed by Rob Reiner
-Last Exorcism (PG-13): horror
-Takers (PG-13): suspense; co-starring Jay Hernandez, Paul Walker, Chris Brown, Hayden Christensen, and Matt Dillon

Art-house films:
-Cairo Time (PG): romantic drama; co-starring Patricia Clarkson
-Centurion (R): action; co-starring Dominic West
-Mesrine (R): drama
-Two Escobars (NR): documentary

DVD Pick - Public Enemies (R): The dark gangster tale from director Michael Mann ("The Insider" / "Collateral") rolls along about as expected. The main difference is the acting talent, specifically Johnny Depp as John Dillinger and Christian Bale as a sheriff. Carey Mulligan, in a minor role, would later shine in last weekend's pick, "An Education." Domestic box office: $97.1 million; foreign box office: $117 million.


Free Weekend Activities
*Oakland Street Food [Fri 2-9p, Sat 10:30a-9p, Sun 10:30a-5p]: Featuring the hottest street-food carts [e.g. Chairman Bao, Hapa SF, Kung Fu Tacos, Senor Sisig, Creme Brulee Cart]; breweries [e.g. Drakes, Eel River, Rubicon, Iron Springs, Linden Street]; live music; and urban homesteading workshops. Arrive early! In Jack London Square (Oakland). http://eatrealfest.com/entertainment

Critical Mass [Fri 6:15p]: Drivers beware. Starts at Justin Herman Plaza (SF).

San Francisco Mime Troupe [Fri 7p, Sat 4p, Sun 2p]: Featuring the latest annual leftist production, "Possibilidad, or Death of a Worker." At Mitchell Park (Palo Alto) on Fri-Sat, Mosswood Park (Oakland) on Sun. www.sfmt.org

Oakland Chinatown Streetfest [Sat 10a-5:30p]: Featuring Chinese lion dancers, Japanese taiko drummers, Tahitian groups, carnival rides, and more. In Oakland's Chinatown, near 9th and Broadway. www.oaklandchinatownstreetfest.com

Family Festa [Sat-Sun 11a-6p]: Featuring Italian specialty foods, children's activities, live music, and more. In Guadalupe Park (San Jose). http://festa.iahfsj.org

Block 18 Foodie Party [Sat noon-5p]: Featuring edibles from La Cocina, Pizzeria Delfina, Bi-Rite Creamery, Tartine Bakery, Kasa, and others. Along 18th St, between Dolores and Guerrero (SF). www.partyblock18.com

Much Ado About Nothing [Sat-Sun 1p]: Closing weekend. Featuring Woman's Will, the Bay Area's all-female Shakespeare company. At McLaren Park (SF) on both days. www.womanswill.org

Chinatown Night Market [Sat 6-11p]: Featuring lion dancers, martial arts, cheap DVDs, fresh produce and meat, and more. In Chinatown (SF). www.sanfranciscochinatown.com/events/nightmarket.html

Shakespeare in the Park [Sat-Sun 7:30p]: 28th annual. Featuring "Two Gentlemen of Verona." At Memorial Park (Cupertino). www.sfshakes.org

Film Night [Sat 8p]: Featuring "Rear Window" in Union Square (SF). www.filmnight.org

Last Sundays Street Music Festival [Sun noon-7p]: Featuring Amoeba prizes, a bounce house, and two music stages. Along Telegraph Ave (Berkeley). www.lastsundaysfest.com

Golden Gate Park Band [Sun 1p]: 128th annual. Weekly concert series. Celebrating Ukrainian-American Day. At Golden Gate Park's Bandshell (SF). www.goldengateparkband.org

Japantown Lantern Festival and Parade [Sun 4:30-10p]: Featuring Japanese folk dancing and a parade. Along Post St. in Japantown (SF). www.jasummitsf2010.org

Randy's Guide CCI (201)

Historic milestones: 4 years since Pluto's reclassification as a dwarf planet; 21 years since Pete Rose's eviction from baseball; 60 years since the first black competitor in international tennis (Althea Gibson); 100 years since the founding of Yellow Cab; 152 years since Charles Darwin's first publication on evolution; and 179 years since Nat Turner's slave rebellion.


Local News
British mega-grocer Tesco will be opening up seven Fresh & Easy stores in the Bay Area next year. Its model will be a hybrid between Safeway and Trader Joe's, as it looks to continue success drawn from previous expansions into Eastern Europe and Asia. The seven stores will be located in San Francisco's Bayview district, San Jose, Concord, Walnut Creek, Danville, Vacaville, and Pacifica. www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/08/19/BU851EVR2J.DTL


Change for Change
Charity: Shanti. Founded by Dr. Charles Garfield in 1974, the San Francisco nonprofit provides educational and supportive services to over 2,000 clients with HIV/AIDS and breast cancer. www.shanti.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, Urban Solutions, San Francisco Suicide Prevention, and The East Bay Depot for Creative Reuse.


Weekend Weather
Another cooling trend, but forecasts are optimistic for a warm start to the work week.

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


Music
"Home" by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros (Los Angeles, Calif.)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=4306i99LMXo
Their first full-length album has caught the Americana wave, plus some visibility on the "Cyrus" trailer and David Letterman. Check them out in LA and San Diego over the next week, plus later concerts in Tucson, Houston, New Orleans, and Fort Lauderdale. www.edwardsharpeandthemagneticzeros.com


Movies {domestic revenues for August 13-15}
"The Expendables" scored well with young males, grossing $34.8 million [3270 theatres; $10,650 per theatre]. Meanwhile, older females consumed "Eat Pray Love" with $23.1 million [3082 theatres; $7,497 per theatre]. Michael Cera's comedy "Scott Pilgrim vs. The World" debuted poorly with $10.6 million [2818 theatres; $3,765 per theatre]. Lastly, "Salt" crossed the $100 million threshold, and "Toy Story 3" topped $400 million overall.

Mainstream films:
-Lottery Ticket (PG-13): Comedy; co-starring Bow Wow, Bill Bellamy, Mike Epps, and Ice Cube
-Nanny McPhee Returns (PG): Comedy; co-starring Emma Thompson, Maggie Gyllenhaal, and Ralph Fiennes
-Piranha 3D (R): Suspense; co-starring Elisabeth Shue, Ving Rhames, and Richard Dreyfuss
-Vampires Suck (PG-13): Comedy

Art-house films:
-Animal Kingdom (R): Suspense; co-starring Guy Pearce
-Army of Crime (NR): Drama
-Hugh Hefner: Playboy, Activist, Rebel (R): Documentary
-Lebanon (R): Drama
-Mao's Last Dancer (PG): Drama; co-starring Joan Chen and Kyle MacLachlan
-The Switch (PG-13): Comedy; co-starring Jennifer Aniston, Jason Bateman, and Jeff Goldblum

DVD Pick - An Education (PG-13): Nick Hornby's sparkling dialogue c.1960s Britain pushes this film into the upper reaches for 2009 releases. Newcomer Carey Mulligan nabbed an Oscar nomination for her role as a schoolgirl entranced by an older socialite. The story line, though familiar, is handled with wit and grace. Domestic box office: $12.6 million; foreign box office: $13.5 million.


Free Weekend Activities
Dancing Under the Stars [Fri 8:30-10p]: Featuring Argentine tango lessons, followed by a live band. In Jack London Square (Oakland). www.jacklondonsquare.com

Film Night [Fri-Sat 8p]: Featuring Hitchcock's "Notorious" on Friday and "Coraline" on Saturday. Both at Creek Park (San Anselmo). www.filmnight.org

Alamo Square Flea Market [Sat 9a-3p]: 27th annual. In Alamo Square (SF). http://alamosq.wordpress.com

*SF Street Food Festival [Sat 11a-7p]: 2nd annual. Featuring popular restaurants (e.g. Delfina and Slanted Door), up-and-comers (e.g. Flour+Water and Kasa), and mobile carts (e.g. Adobo Hobo and Hapa Ramen) all in one place. Drinks will be offered by mixologists from The Alembic, Beretta, and Rye. Near 25th St. and Folsom (SF). www.sfstreetfoodfest.com

San Jose Pride [Sat 11a-7p]: Featuring live performances, local LGBT nonprofits, a line-dancing corral, and more. At Guadalupe Park's Discovery Meadow (San Jose). www.sanjosepride.com

Assyrian Festival [Sat-Sun 11a-7p]: 18th annual. Featuring traditional Assyrian food, music, and entertainment. At the Assyrian Church of the East (San Jose). www.assyrianfest.com

Much Ado About Nothing [Sat-Sun 1p]: Featuring Woman's Will, the Bay Area's all-female Shakespeare company. At Dolores Park (SF) on both days. www.womanswill.org

San Francisco Mime Troupe [Sat-Sun 2p, Wed 6:30p]: Featuring the latest annual leftist production, "Possibilidad, or Death of a Worker." At Washington Square Park (SF) on Saturday, Yerba Buena Gardens (SF) on Sunday, and Richmond Civic Center on Wednesday. www.sfmt.org

Shakespeare in the Park [Sat-Sun 7:30p]: 28th annual. Featuring "Two Gentlemen of Verona." At Memorial Park (Cupertino). www.sfshakes.org

*Sunday Streets SF [Sun 10a-3p]: Featuring free bike rentals and maintenance, a family concert, a solar telescope, pet massage demos, "Glee" appearance competition, and more. Closed to cars along the Great Highway and Golden Gate Park's JFK Drive (SF). www.sundaystreetssf.com

Rock Make Street Festival [Sun 11a-6p]: 3rd annual. Featuring 15 local indie bands, including AB & the Sea and Tartufi, as well as 100 vendors. You think hipsters? Near Treat and 18th St. (SF). www.rockmake.com

Golden Gate Park Band [Sun 1p]: 128th annual. Weekly concert series. Celebrating St. Stephen's Day, a feast of Hungarian music, costumes, and dance. At Golden Gate Park's Bandshell (SF). www.goldengateparkband.org

*Stern Grove Festival [Sun 2p]: Featuring indie faves They Might Be Giants, with peppy Bay Area band Rogue Wave opening. Final weekend. At Stern Grove (SF). www.sterngrove.org

Lindy in the Square [Wed 6-8p]: Featuring swing lessons, followed by a live band to practice those moves. In Union Square Park (SF). www.unionsquarepark.us

Randy's Guide CC (200)

Historic milestones: 28 years since the first compact discs (in Germany); 41 years since the Woodstock Festival; 74 years since the last public U.S. execution; 90 years since the ratification of the 19th Amendment (women's suffrage); and 159 years since Singer's sewing machine patent.


Local News
Filipino food is finally getting its due. After earlier crazes over Thai, Vietnamese, and Korean cuisine, Filipino restaurants have become trendy and more commonplace throughout the Bay Area. Senor Sisig and Adobo Hobo are popular street carts in San Francisco, Patio Filipino provides an upscale experience in San Bruno, and Silvana's (Daly City) and Mitchell's (SF) are old mainstays offering delectable treats. www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/08/12/DDIO1EQF11.DTL


Deal of the Week
The National Parks Service is offering free admission this weekend to more than 100 parks. Popular locations such as Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Muir Woods, Yellowstone, and Joshua Tree are included. www.nps.gov/findapark/feefreeparks.htm


Change for Change
Charity: Shanti. Founded by Dr. Charles Garfield in 1974, the San Francisco nonprofit provides educational and supportive services to over 2,000 clients with HIV/AIDS and breast cancer. www.shanti.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, Urban Solutions, San Francisco Suicide Prevention, and The East Bay Depot for Creative Reuse.


Weekend Weather
A slight change, as all areas will see more sun and slightly warmer temperatures.

Highs: low-60s (coast); mid-60s (SF); mid-70s (bay); mid-80s (inland)
Lows: low-50s (SF)


Movies {domestic revenues for August 6-8}
"The Other Guys," with Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg, debuted strongly with $35.5 million [3651 theatres; $9,735 per theatre]. "Step Up 3-D" opened in third with $15.8 million [2435 theatres; $6,494 per theatre]. "The Kids Are All Right," an indie comedy featuring Julianne Moore and Annette Bening as lesbian moms, cracked the top 10 in its 5th weekend with $2.6 million [994 theatres; $2,613 per theatre; $14.0 million overall].

Mainstream films:
-Eat Pray Love (PG-13): Drama; co-starring Julia Roberts, James Franco, Javier Bardem, Richard Jenkins, Billy Crudup, and Viola Davis
-The Expendables (R): Action; co-starring Sylvester Stallone, Jet Li, Mickey Rourke, and Bruce Willis
-Scott Pilgrim vs. The World (PG-13): Comedy; co-starring Michael Cera, Jason Schwartzman, Kieran Culkin, and Chris Evans

Art-house films:
-The Extra Man (R): comedy; co-starring Kevin Kline, Paul Dano, and Katie Holmes; periodically funny but generally does not come together as full entertainment
-Harimaya Bridge
-Lourdes (NR): Drama
-Oxford Murders (R): Suspense; co-starring Elijah Wood and John Hurt
* Patrik Age 1.5 (NR): Drama; light-hearted family comedy import from Sweden
-Peepli Live (NR): Drama
-Tales from Earthsea (PG-13): Animated
-Vengeance (NR): Action

DVD Pick - A Single Man (R): Director Tom Ford, in his debut, is more known for his fashion. He brings out the best, though, in Colin Firth (who nabbed an Oscar nomination and BAFTA award) and Julianne Moore in this heavy-hearted drama about forlorn love and mid-life tension. Domestic box office: $9.2 million; foreign box office: $14.6 million.


Free Weekend Activities
Williams-Sonoma Cooking Demos [Fri 2p, Sat 11a/1:30p/4:30p, Sun 10a]: In honor of SF Chefs Week. Featuring Daniel Scherotter (Palio d'Asti - Fri); Jason Berthold (RN74 - Sat11); Matthew Accarrino (SPQR - Sat130); Joanne Weir (author) and Gary Danko (Sat430); and Sean O'Toole (Bardessono - Sun). www.sfchefsfoodwine.com/SeminarsUnder21.aspx#Jason

Jazz Fest at AT&T Park [Fri 3-7p]: Featuring live music (Marcus Shelby; Sam Reider and the Lost Boys), southern food and cocktails, and more. At Lefty O'Doul Plaza (SF). http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/sf/ticketing/special_events/jazzfest.jsp

Dancing Under the Stars [Fri 7:30-11p]: Featuring samba dance lessons, followed by a live band. In Jack London Square (Oakland). www.jacklondonsquare.com

Film Night [Fri-Sat 8p]: Featuring "The World's Fastest Indian" on Friday and a "Mamma Mia" sing-along. Both at Creek Park (San Anselmo). www.filmnight.org

Vintage Paper Fair [Sat 10a-6p, Sun 10a-4p]: Featuring vintage postcards, photographs, brochures, sports memorabilia, and more. At Golden Gate Park's County Fair Building (SF). www.vintagepaperfair.com/sanfran.htm

Nihonmachi [Sat-Sun 11a-6p]: 37th annual. Featuring two music stages (including taiko and hula), a shoe drive for Haiti, a Nihonmachi photo exhibit at Union Bank, Asian-Pacific food vendors, and more. In Japantown (SF). www.nihonmachistreetfair.org

Pistahan [Sat-Sun 11a-5p]: 17th annual. Featuring a Saturday parade down Market Street, two entertainment stages, six area pavilions, balut eating contest, adobo cook-off, and more. In Yerba Buena Gardens (SF). www.pistahan.net

Laurel Hill Fair [Sat 11a-5p]: 11th annual. Featuring live music, a "green" zone, kids' rides, and more. Along MacArthur Blvd (Oakland). www.laureldistrictassociation.org

Diablo Japanese Summer Festival [Sat-Sun noon-9p]: 54th annual. Featuring demonstrations of taiko, calligraphy, bonsai, judo, traditional dance, swords, and flower arrangement. At the Diablo Japanese American Club (Concord). http://diablojaclub.org

San Rafael Festival [Sat noon-6p]: 4th annual. Featuring local boutique wineries and restaurants. At the Falkirk Cultural Center (San Rafael). www.sresproductions.com/san_rafael_food_and_wine_festival.html

Much Ado About Nothing [Sat 1p, Sun 4:30p]: Featuring Woman's Will, the Bay Area's all-female Shakespeare company. At Town Green (Danville) on Saturday and Centennial Park (Pleasanton) on Sunday. www.womanswill.org

San Francisco Mime Troupe [Sat-Sun 2p]: Featuring the latest annual leftist production, "Possibilidad, or Death of a Worker." At Live Oak Park (Berkeley). www.sfmt.org

Macy's Cooking Demos [Sat-Sun 4p]: In honor of SF Chefs Week. Featuring flour + water's Thomas McNaughton on Saturday, and Americano's Kory Stewart on Sunday. At Macy's Union Square (SF). www.sfchefsfoodwine.com/SeminarsUnder21.aspx#Jason

Shakespeare in the Park [Sat-Sun 7:30p]: 28th annual. Featuring "Two Gentlemen of Verona." First weekend at Memorial Park (Cupertino). www.sfshakes.org

YBCA Big Idea Night Party [Sat 9p-Sun 2a]: Featuring electronic music bands LoveTechSF and Kwisp, shoe cobbler Mrs. Vera's Sole Makeover, The Lab's reality TV show, and more. At YBCA (SF). RSVP at www.ybcafree.org

Golden Gate Park Band [Sun 1p]: 128th annual. Weekly concert series. Featured composer: Antonin Dvorak. At Golden Gate Park's Bandshell (SF). www.goldengateparkband.org

Stern Grove Festival [Sun 2p]: Featuring saxophonist Maceo Parker, with Bay Area soul singer Darondo opening. At Stern Grove (SF). www.sterngrove.org

Randy's Guide CXCIX (199)

Historic milestones: 22 years since President Reagan's authorization of payments to Japanese-American WWII interns; 22 years since the first night game at Wrigley Field; 53 years since the debut of American Bandstand; and 96 years since the installation of the first electric traffic light (in Cleveland).


Local News
Supporters of same-sex marriage (including photographed readers Spencer J. and Tyler B.) received a major victory on Wednesday when U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker ruled that Proposition 8 is unconstitutional and that the right to marry should extend to all couples. Among those celebrating the decision are Governor Schwarzenegger, Governor candidate Jerry Brown, Senators Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and Mayor Gavin Newsom. Promising an appeal to the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, the disappointed include Governor candidate Meg Whitman, Senate candidate Carly Fiorina, and the Mormon church. www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/08/04/MNQS1EOR3D.DTL www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/object/article?f=/c/a/2010/08/04/MNQS1EOR3D.DTL&object=%2Fc%2Fpictures%2F2010%2F08%2F04%2Fba-Gay_Marriage__0502051525.jpg


Deal of the Week
The offer only applies to about 2% of the population (including me) this week... but since everyone has a birthday, it's worth sharing the news. The California Academy of Sciences offers an adults-only Thursday evening event called NightLife, when cocktails can be purchased and the prized exhibits are available for your perusal. Each week has a different theme, so expect a performance of some kind, as well as a live DJ. If your birthday is within seven days of NightLife, your admission is free! Retail NightLife entry is $12; retail daytime entry is $25. www.calacademy.org/events/nightlife


Change for Change
Charity: Shanti. Founded by Dr. Charles Garfield in 1974, the San Francisco nonprofit provides educational and supportive services to over 2,000 clients with HIV/AIDS and breast cancer. www.shanti.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, Urban Solutions, San Francisco Suicide Prevention, and The East Bay Depot for Creative Reuse.


Weekend Weather
It's like a broken record: low-pressure trough continues to bring fog to coastal communities and temperate conditions inland.

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


Movies {domestic revenues for July 30-August 1}
"Inception" ruled for the third straight weekend with $27.5 million [3545 theatres; $7,753 per theatre]. The Steve Carell remake "Dinner for Schmucks" opened moderately with $23.5 million [2911 theatres; $8,082 per theatre]. Zac Efron's star vehicle "Charlie St. Cloud" debuted in fifth with $12.4 million [2718 theatres; $4,555 per theatre]. A hair behind was "Cats and Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore" with $12.3 million [3705 theatres; $3,314 per theatre].

Mainstream films:
-The Other Guys (PG-13): comedy; co-starring Will Ferrell, Mark Wahlberg, Samuel L. Jackson, and Michael Keaton
-Step Up 3D (PG-13): musical-drama

Art-house films:
-The Concert (PG-13): comedy
-The Disappearance of Alice Creed (R): thriller
-Get Low (PG-13): drama; co-starring Robert Duvall, Bill Murray, and Sissy Spacek
-Life During Wartime (NR): dark comedy; co-starring Allison Janney, Ally Sheedy, and Paul Reubens; directed by Todd Solondz
-Making Plans for Lena (NR): drama
-Middle Men (R): comedy; co-starring Luke Wilson, Giovanni Ribisi, and James Caan
-The Wildest Dream: Conquest of Everest (NR): documentary; co-starring Liam Neeson, Ralph Fiennes, and Natasha Richardson

DVD Pick - Drag Me to Hell (PG-13): This campy horror film from director Sam Raimi ("Spider-Man," "Army of Darkness") has chills, thrills, and chuckles. You'll wonder how a simple mean decision from a loan officer could lead to such extreme consequences. Businesspeople beware! Domestic box office: $42.1 million; foreign box office: $48.7 million.


Free Weekend Activities
SFBG Best of the Bay Party [Thu 9p-Fri 2a]: Featuring Chuck Prophet, Stephanie Finch, The Bitter Honeys, MC The Freeze, and DJ Ome. At Mezzanine (SF). www.sfbg.com/bestofthebay2010

Film Night [Fri-Sat 8p]: Featuring "Napoleon Dynamite" at San Geronimo Center on Friday, and "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" at Dolores Park (SF). www.filmnight.org

Aloha Festival [Sat-Sun 10a-5p]: 16th annual. Featuring hula and ukelele entertainment, Hawaiian food, island crafts, and more. At the Presidio Main Grounds (SF). www.pica-org.org/AlohaFest/index.html

Burlingame Artzfest [Sat-Sun 10a-5p]: Featuring a live music stage, Burlingame Idol competition, and more. Along Burlingame Ave. www.burlingamechamber.org/artzfest-2010

AfroSolo Jazz in the Gardens [Sat 1-3p]: Featuring Junius Courtney Big Band Orchestra, a 19-piece band formed in the East Bay in 1966. In Yerba Buena Gardens (SF). www.ybgf.org

Much Ado About Nothing [Sat-Sun 1p]: Featuring Woman's Will, the Bay Area's all-female Shakespeare company. At Montclair Park (Oakland). www.womanswill.org

San Francisco Mime Troupe [Sat-Sun 3p]: Featuring the latest annual leftist production, "Possibilidad, or Death of a Worker." At San Lorenzo Park (Santa Cruz). www.sfmt.org

Free Shakespeare in the Park [Sat-Sun 7:30p]: 28th annual. Featuring "Two Gentlemen of Verona." Final weekend at Bernal Park (Pleasanton). www.sfshakes.org

San Francisco Theater Festival [Sun 11a-5p]: 7th annual. Performances from over 130 theater groups, including Beach Blanket Babylon. In Yerba Buena Gardens (SF). www.sftheaterfestival.org

Family Days - Latin Theme [Sun 11a-3p]: Featuring Puerto Rican group Latin Rhythm Boys, pinata making, and more. In Courthouse Square (Redwood City). www.ci.redwood-city.ca.us/events/targetfamilydays.htm

Golden Gate Park Band [Sun 1p]: 128th annual. Weekly concert series. Featured soloist is Adam Fry, in a salute to great circus music. At Golden Gate Park's Bandshell (SF). www.goldengateparkband.org

Stern Grove Festival [Sun 2p]: Featuring San Francisco Ballet in four sets, for its only Bay Area appearance this summer. At Stern Grove (SF). www.sterngrove.org