Randy's Guide CCVII (207)

Historic milestones: 28 years since the introduction of Sony's first CD player; 39 years since the opening of Walt Disney World in Orlando; 45 years since the first U.S. visit by any Pope; 48 years since the founding of the United Farm Workers by Cesar Chavez; 53 years since the first "In God We Trust" on U.S. paper currency; 60 years since the first publication of the comic strip "Peanuts"; 75 years since the dedication of Hoover Dam; 83 years since the opening of the first major talking movie, "The Jazz Singer"; 89 years since the first radio broadcast of the World Series; and 119 years since the first classes at Stanford University.


Local News
At Robert Crown Memorial State Beach in Alameda, a parasitic worm from an invasive Japanese snail has caused an outbreak of swimmer's itch over the past several years. This is a reaction to the flatworm parasite attempting to burrow into a host's skin. www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/09/30/MNAT1FLPHC.DTL


Deal of the Week #1
TODAY from 5-8pm, Cold Stone Creamery is offering a free 3-ounce sample of Kate's Creation, which is caramel apple ice cream with chocolate shavings, graham cracker pie crust, and apple pie filling as part of the Make a Wish Foundation month. www.coldstonecreamery.com/promos/makeawish/index.html


Deal of the Week #2
Free museum admission in San Francisco! The Asian Art Museum (Sunday), SFMOMA (Tuesday), and the Conservatory of Flowers (Tuesday) are among the museums participating. http://sanfrancisco.about.com/od/museums/ss/freemuseumdays.htm


Change for Change
Charity: Curry Without Worry. Since 2006, this San Francisco-based nonprofit has served over 23,000 warm vegetarian Nepalese meals on Tuesday evenings in San Francisco's Civic Center. www.currywithoutworry.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, The East Bay Depot for Creative Reuse, and Shanti.


Bay Area Weekend Weather
After LA hit 113 on Monday and the Bay Area broke numerous records from Sunday-Tuesday, including San Francisco's 93 and Santa Rosa's 104 on Monday, things are quickly going back to normal with coastal fog and afternoon breezes.

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


Movies {domestic revenues for September 24-26}
The long-awaited sequel from Oliver Stone, "Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps," cashed in a healthy $19.0 million [3565 theatres; $5,333 per theatre]. The animated "Legend of the Guardians" underperformed with $16.1 million [3575 theatres; $4,507 per theatre]. The comedy "You Again" did even worse, a fifth place slot with $8.4 million [2548 theatres; $3,300 per theatre]. In limited release, the online romance faux-documentary "Catfish" expanded gracefully into 17th place with $0.5 million [57 theatres; $7,940 per theatre; $0.8 million overall; 2nd weekend].

Mainstream films:
- Case 39 (R): Thriller; co-starring Renee Zellweger and Bradley Cooper
- Let Me In (R): Horror; co-starring Richard Jenkins
- The Social Network (PG-13): Drama; co-starring Jesse Eisenberg and Justin Timberlake

Art-house films:
- A Film Unfinished (NR): Documentary
- Freakonomics (PG-13): Documentary
- Fresh (NR): Documentary
- Goodbye, Someday (NR): Drama
- Hatchet II (NR): Horror sequel
- Sweethearts of the Prison Rodeo (NR): Documentary
- Waiting for "Superman" (PG): Documentary
- You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger (R): Comedy; co-starring Antonio Banderas, Anthony Hopkins, and Naomi Watts; directed by Woody Allen

DVD Pick - Let the Right One In (R): In honor of the ill-advised remake spreading into theatres this weekend, the original was a massive Swedish hit about vampires and such. Domestic box office: $2.1 million; foreign: $9.1 million.


Free Weekend Activities
* Hardly Strictly Bluegrass [Fri 10:30a-noon and 2-7p, Sat-Sun 11a-7p]: 10th annual. Featuring MC Hammer, T Bone Burnett, Joan Baez, Gillian Welch, Fountains of Wayne, Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings, Indigo Girls, Emmylou Harris, Shelby Lynne, and many others. In Golden Gate Park's Speedway Meadow (SF). www.strictlybluegrass.com

LitQuake 2010 Kickoff [Fri 5p]: Featuring live music based on the work of authors such as Kurt Vonnegut. At 111 Minna Gallery (SF). www.litquake.org

World Vegetarian Festival [Sat-Sun 10a-6p]: Featuring vegan cooking demos, veggie speed dating, eco-fashion show, and more. At Golden Gate Park's County Fair Building (SF). Free before 10:30am for everyone, or anytime for students/seniors/minors. (otherwise $7) www.sfvs.org/wvd

Home Front Festival [Sat 11a-6p]: Featuring live jazz bands, a reunion photo for WWII veterans, self-guided tours, and more. At Craneway Pavilion and Kaiser Shipyard #3 (Richmond). www.homefrontfestival.com

Environmental Poetry Festival [Sat noon-4:30p]: Featuring poets and environmental writers, live music, green updates, and more. At Civic Center Park (Berkeley). www.poetryflash.org

Film in the Fog [Sat 7p]: Come early to picnic, then stay for 1957's "The Incredible Shrinking Man." Near Moraga and Arguello in the Presidio (SF). www.sffs.org

Mountain Biking for Families [Sun 9a-12:30p]: Featuring guided rides, bike maintenance, free Clif Bars, a photo booth, and more. At McLaren Park (SF). www.sfurbanriders.org

Sausage & Suds Festival [Sun 10a-6p]: Featuring fresh sausages, quality beers, live music, and more. Along Parrott St, between E 14th and Washington (San Leandro). www.sausageandsuds.com

* Castro Street Fair [Sun 11a-6p]: Featuring wacky costumes, live DJs, drag performances, country-western dancing, and more. Near Castro and Market (SF). www.castrostreetfair.org

Invitational Graffiti Battle [Sun 11a-5p]: Featuring live street painting, stencil workshops, artist signings, and more. At DeFremery Park (Oakland). www.estriabattle.com

Nature of Art [Sun noon-4p]: Featuring interactive installations with live performances in nature. At Redwood Regional Park (Oakland). www.artinnaturefestival.com

Golden Gate Park Band [Sun 1p]: 128th season. At Golden Gate Park's Music Concourse (SF). www.goldengateparkband.org

Latin Jazz finale [Sun 1-3p]: Featuring Poncho Sanchez and the Jesus Diaz Sextet. At Yerba Buena Gardens (SF). www.ybgf.org

Randy's Guide CCVI (206)

Historic milestones: 8 years since the first public release of Mozilla Firefox; 12 years since the founding of Google; 53 years since the forced integration of Central HS (Little Rock, Ark.); 62 years since the founding of Honda Motor Company; 94 years since John D. Rockefeller became the world's first billionaire; 164 years since the discovery of Neptune; and 251 years since the formation of Guinness Beer Company.


Local News
Sixth Street, part of San Francisco's redevelopment efforts, has faced increased crime - and subsequent arrests - in the past few months. Passion Cafe, a French bistro, and Split Pea Seduction are among the high-profile openings. My own visit yesterday to Tu Lan at lunch showed 95% capacity. www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/09/23/BACB1FI0FS.DTL


Deal of the Week #1
Visit one of the 1,302 Panda Express restaurants for a free serving of Kobari Beef on September 29 (Wed). The San Francisco locations are in the Westfield Mall (Union Square), UCSF, Fillmore Center, and Stonestown Mall. http://184.106.246.200/PX_FB_tab/images/Kobari-10-ecoupon.jpg


Deal of the Week #2
Free Museum Day on Saturday, courtesy of the Smithsonian Institute. Some California options include the Academy of Sciences (SF), The Getty Center (LA), and the Walt Disney Museum (SF). http://microsite.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/venue.html


Change for Change
Charity: Curry Without Worry. Since 2006, this San Francisco-based nonprofit has served over 23,000 warm vegetarian Nepalese meals on Tuesday evenings in San Francisco's Civic Center. www.currywithoutworry.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, The East Bay Depot for Creative Reuse, and Shanti.


Bay Area Weekend Weather
Here comes the sun during our first autumn weekend! A major warm-up is in store, with possible record heat on Sunday and Monday.

Highs: low-70s (coast); low-80s (SF); upper-80s (bay); mid-90s (inland)
Lows: upper-50s


Movies {domestic revenues for September 17-19}
"The Town," with numbers similar to "The Departed," tallied $23.8 million [2861 theatres; $8,322 per theatre]. The "Easy A" audience was primarily younger females, and it earned $17.7 million [2856 theatres; $6,209 per theatre]. "Devil" was M. Night Shyamalan's worst opening yet, with $12.3 million [2809 theatres; $4,375 per theatre]. The animated "Alpha and Omega" primarily showed to mothers and children, with $9.1 million [2625 theatres; $3,469 per theatre]. In milestone news, "Twilight: Eclipse" crossed the $300 million mark domestically, while "The Expendables" moved past $100 million.

Mainstream films:
-Buried (R): Thriller; co-starring Ryan Reynolds
-Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole (PG): Animated; about a young owl that tries to find the Great Tree with his friends' help; co-voiced by Sam Neill, Helen Mirren, and Geoffrey Rush
-The Virginity Hit (R): Comedy
-Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps (PG-13): Drama sequel; co-starring Michael Douglas, Shia LaBeouf, and Carey Mulligan; directed by Oliver Stone
-You Again (PG): Comedy; co-starring Kristen Bell, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Sigourney Weaver

Art-house films:
-Desert of Forbidden Art (NR): Documentary; co-starring Ben Kingsley, Ed Asner, and Sally Field
-Howl (NR): Drama; co-starring James Franco, Jon Hamm, Jeff Daniels, and Alan Alda
-Jack Goes Boating (R): Romantic drama; co-starring Philip Seymour Hoffman and Amy Ryan; directed by Philip Seymour Hoffman
-Last Train Home (NR): Documentary
-Never Let Me Go (R): Fantasy thriller; co-starring Keira Knightley and Carey Mulligan
-The Romantics (PG-13): Romantic comedy; co-starring Elijah Wood, Katie Holmes, Josh Duhamel, Anna Paquin, and Adam Brody
-Whiz Kids (NR): Documentary

DVD Pick - The Invention of Lying (PG-13): A high-concept comedy is hard to pull off. For the most part, director and lead Ricky Gervais has fun with the notion of inventing the lie, with supporting cast members like Jennifer Garner, Rob Lowe, and Tina Fey as good sports. Domestic box office: $18.5 million; foreign box office: $14.0 million.


Free Weekend Activities
SF Public Library's Big Book Sale [Thu-Sat 10a-8p]: 46th annual. Check out over 500,000 books, DVDs, CDs, books on tape, vinyl, and other media forms. At Fort Mason's Festival Pavilion (SF). www.friendssfpl.org

Waterfront Outdoor Movie Night [Thu 7:30p]: Featuring "Land of the Lost." In Jack London Square (Oakland). www.jacklondonsquare.com

San Francisco Symphony concert [Fri noon]: At Justin Herman Plaza (SF). www.sfsymphony.org

* Opera in the Ballpark [Fri 8p]: This year's production, Verdi's "Aida," will likely bring in a crowd of over 25,000 spectators. Gates open at 6:30pm. At AT&T Park (SF). www.sfopera.com/simulcast

* Film Night [Fri-Sat 8p]: Final weekend. Featuring "Wall-E" at San Geronimo Community Center on Friday, and "The Big Lebowski" in Dolores Park (SF) on Saturday. www.filmnight.org

Dragon Boat Festival [Sat-Sun 8a-5p]: 15th annual. Featuring 110+ dragon boat teams, arts and crafts, acrobatic martial arts, Taiko drums, local favorite food trucks (incl. Chairman Bao and Hapa SF), and more. On Treasure Island (SF). www.sfdragonboat.com

California Coastal Cleanup Day [Sat 9a-noon]: Bring your own bucket or reusable bag, lightweight gloves, and reusable water bottle for a morning of good work. Sites in San Francisco include Mission Creek behind AT&T Park, Ocean Beach, and Fisherman's Wharf. www.signuptocleanup.org

Saratoga Festival [Sat-Sun 10a-6p]: In Saratoga Village. www.saratogachamber.org

Tenderloin Community Fair [Sat 11a-3p]: Featuring free sandwiches, health screenings, legal services, and more. At Tenderloin's Children's Playground (SF). http://globalexchange.org/getInvolved/bayarea.php?uid=11339

Tour de Fat [Sat 11a-5p]: Featuring a bicycle parade, live music, DIY silkscreening, New Belgium's Fat Tire beer, and more. At Golden Gate Park's Lindley Meadow (SF). www.sfbike.org

Monument Festival [Sat 11a-4p]: 2nd annual. Featuring a pie-eating contest, dunk tank, BBQ food, and more. At Bay and Fremont Blvd (Fremont). www.monumentfestival.com

Shakespeare in the Park [Sat 7:30p, Sun 2:30p]: 28th annual. Featuring "Two Gentlemen of Verona." At Presidio's Main Lawn (SF). www.sfshakes.org

Cole Valley Fair [Sun 10a-5p]: 8th annual. Featuring a live entertainment stage (incl. a taiko group), historical Cole Valley photographs, vintage autos owned by neighborhood residents, popular mobile food carts (incl. Senor Sisig, 51st State, and Seoul on Wheels), and more. Near Carl and Cole (SF). www.cviasf.org/cole-valley-fair-2010

* Folsom Street Fair [Sun 11a-6p]: The world's largest leather event, featuring two live stages with 16 alternative acts, a large dance area, outrageous fetish attire, and more. Along Folsom St, between 7th and 12th (SF). www.folsomstreetfair.com

Cal Performances' Free for All [Sun 11a-6p]: Featuring four stages of entertainment, including the Kronos Quartet, San Francisco Opera Adler Fellows, Mark Morris Dance Group, and several others. At Zellerbach Hall, Hertz Hall, Wheeler Auditorium, and Lower Sproul Plaza (all in Berkeley). www.calperfs.berkeley.edu

* Alice Now & Zen Fest [Sun noon-5p]: Featuring Sara Bareilles, Plain White T's, Five For Fighting, Natasha Bedingfield, and Ryan Star. At Golden Gate Park's Sharon Meadow (SF). www.radioalice.com

Out & About in Rockridge [Sun noon-6p]: Featuring live music, fashion shows, cooking demos, community booths, and more. Along College Ave. (Oakland). www.rockridgeoutandabout.com

Golden Gate Park Band [Sun 1p]: 128th season. Featuring Richard Wagner. At Golden Gate Park's Music Concourse (SF). www.goldengateparkband.org

Randy's Guide CCV (205)

Historic milestones: 28 years since the first documented emoticons :-) and :-( ; 29 years since the unanimous Senate approval of Sandra Day O'Connor to become the first female Supreme Court justice; 37 years since the Battle of the Sexes tennis match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs (King won); 44 years since the opening of the Metropolitan Opera House in NYC; 64 years since the first Cannes Film Festival; and 223 years since the signing of the U.S. Constitution.


Thanks for supporting these efforts through your clicks on the advertisements!


Local News
The San Francisco Board of Supervisors unanimously approved CityPlace, a proposed Market Street shopping center between Fifth and Sixth St. Work may begin as early as next spring. www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/09/16/BU591FDVJP.DTL


Deal of the Week
Expect lengthy lines, as patrons will be given free new pairs of Levi's Curve ID women's jeans in exchange for donated used pairs. She & Him will be performing live, and style guide Bobbie Thomas will be providing tips. The madness starts at 10am on Friday at Levi's Union Square (SF). www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=146114795426366


Change for Change
Charity: Curry Without Worry. Since 2006, this San Francisco-based nonprofit has served over 23,000 warm vegetarian Nepalese meals on Tuesday evenings in San Francisco's Civic Center. www.currywithoutworry.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, The East Bay Depot for Creative Reuse, and Shanti.


Bay Area Weekend Weather
Can it be - a chance of showers in late summer? Be prepared, especially if you venture toward Napa or Bodega Bay this weekend.

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


Movies {domestic revenues for September 10-12}
Action sequel "Resident Evil: Afterlife" demolished the competition with $26.7 million [3203 theatres; $8,320 per theatre]. "Takers" moved up a spot to second with $5.7 million [2191 theatres; $2,590 per theatre; $47.7 million overall; third weekend]. The tween romance "Flipped" expanded without much success, tallying just $0.5 million [442 theatres; $1,089 per theatre; $1.3 million overall; sixth weekend].

Mainstream films:
-Alpha and Omega (PG): Animated comedy; co-voiced by Hayden Panettiere, Christina Ricci, Danny Glover, and Dennis Hopper
-Devil (PG-13): Thriller
-Easy A (PG-13): Comedy; co-starring Amanda Bynes and Thomas Haden Church
-The Town (R): Drama; co-starring Ben Affleck, Jeremy Renner, Jon Hamm, and Chris Cooper; directed by Ben Affleck

Art-house films:
-Catfish (PG-13): Documentary
-Heartbreaker (NR): Romantic comedy
-Sicilian Girl (NR): Drama
-Undertow (NR): Drama
-The Virginity Hit (R): Comedy

DVD Pick - Capitalism (R): Michael Moore is back, with Wall Street greed and foreclosures his latest targets. I had no idea that pilots start out at less than $20,000 per year. Domestic box office: $14.4 million; foreign box office: $3.1 million.


Free Weekend Activities
PARK(ing) Day [all day Friday]: San Francisco will be among 140 cities participating in this event, with parking spaces converted into temporary parklets for picnics, demos, tarot card readings, and more. www.parkingday.org

Film Night [Fri-Sat 8p]: At Creek Park (San Anselmo) on both days. www.filmnight.org

Lafayette Festival [Sat-Sun 10a-6p]: 15th annual. Featuring two music stages, local microbrews, and more. In downtown Lafayette. www.lafayettechamber.org/events/art-wine-festival

Bark in the Park [Sat 10a-5p]: 13th annual. Featuring a canine costume contest, info sessions, dog tricks, and more. At William Street Park (San Jose). http://173.201.173.90

Napa Valley Aloha Festival [Sat 10a-6p]: 3rd annual. Featuring live Hawaiian entertainment and traditional food. At Napa Valley Exposition (Napa). www.manaleohcf.org/alohafestival.htm

Santa Clara Festival [Sat-Sun 10a-5p]: Featuring 150+ local artisans, 25 community groups, local microbreweries, there music stages, and more. At Central Park (Santa Clara). www.santaclaraca.gov/index.aspx?page=1603

Aki Matsuri Festival [Sat 11a-4p]: Featuring traditional Japanese-American foods such as spam musubi, manju, and chicken teriyaki, along with taiko drummers and a jazz and ukelele ensemble. At Wesley Church (San Jose). www.wesleysj.net/AkiMatsuri.htm

Autumn Moon Festival [Sat-Sun 11a-6p]: 20th annual. Featuring traditional moon cakes, lion dancers, martial artists, and more. Along Grant Ave (SF). www.moonfestival.org

J-Pop Summit Festival [Sat 11a-6p]: Featuring Japanese performances, films, fashion, art, and more. In Japantown (SF). http://newpeopleworld.com/j-pop

Children Moon Festival [Sat noon-10p]: Featuring a lantern parade, live entertainment, Vietnamese clothing and talent contests, and more. At Plaza de Cesar Chavez (San Jose). www.childrenmoonfestival.com

Curtain Theatre - Shakespeare [Sat-Sun 2p]: 11th annual, closing weekend. Featuring "As You Like It." In Old Mill Park (Mill Valley). www.curtaintheatre.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 7:30p, Sun 2:30p]: 28th annual. Featuring "Two Gentlemen of Verona." At Presidio's Main Lawn (SF). www.sfshakes.org

Sunday Streets [Sun 10a-2p]: The 8th Sunday event this year. Featuring free bike rentals and maintenance, pet programs, live bands, bike bus loading demos, a farmer's market, Hawaiian dance performance, and more. Between the Panhandle and Japantown, along Fillmore, Post, Golden Gate, Baker, and Grove (SF). www.sundaystreetssf.com

Almaden Art and Wine Festival [Sun 10a-6p]: 34th annual. Featuring a silent auction, local wineries and microbreweries, a children's entertainment stage, live music, and more. At Almaden Lake Park (San Jose). www.almadenwine.com

Leland Avenue Fair [Sun 10a-4p]: Featuring new public art, Latin jazz, and more. At Leland and Bayshore (SF). www.sfvvboom.blogspot.com

Celebrate Sudan Festival [Sun 11a-5p]: Featuring cultural groups and activities. At Live Oak Park (Berkeley). http://celebratesudan.wordpress.com

Comedy Day [Sun noon-5p]: 30th annual. Featuring five stages with 40 comedians, including Tom Ammiano, Will Durst, and others. In Golden Gate Park's Sharon Meadow (SF). www.comedyday.com

Roadworks Street Fair [Sun noon-5p]: Featuring a steamroller and large-scale prints, live music, street food, and more. At Rhode Island and 16th St (SF). www.sfcb.org

Golden Gate Park Band [Sun 1p]: 128th season. Featuring Richard Wagner. At Golden Gate Park's Music Concourse (SF). www.goldengateparkband.org

Randy's Guide CCIV (204)

Historic milestones: 38 years since the start of BART service; 160 years since the admission of California as the 31st state; and 196 years since Francis Scott Key's lyrics for "The Star Spangled Banner."


Local News
SFMTA voted unanimously to add 1,340 new parking meters over the next six months in 10 neighborhoods, including Civic Center, Fisherman's Wharf, CalTrain, and AT&T Park. The new-wave metered spaces will allow drivers to pay using credit cards, debit cards, parking cards, and coins. Expected annual revenue is $2 million. www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/09/08/BAR71FA5ME.DTL


Deal of the Week
Next Wednesday will be free admission for the California Academy of Sciences, where admission typically runs about $25. www.calacademy.org


Change for Change
Charity: Curry Without Worry. Since 2006, this San Francisco-based nonprofit has served over 23,000 warm vegetarian Nepalese meals on Tuesday evenings in San Francisco's Civic Center. www.currywithoutworry.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, The East Bay Depot for Creative Reuse, and Shanti.


Bay Area Weekend Weather
Morning coastal and bay fog, followed by afternoon sunshine everywhere.

Highs: low-60s (coast); mid-60s (SF); low-70s (bay); low-80s (inland)
Lows: near 55



Movies {domestic revenues for September 3-6}
George Clooney moved "The American" to the top, with $16.6 million [2823 theatres; $5,902 per theatre; $19.8 million overall]. The action-packed "Machete" was second with $14.1 million [2670 theatres; $5,282 per theatre]. The Drew Barrymore romantic comedy "Going the Distance" finished fifth with $8.5 million [3030 theatres; $2,808 per theatre].

Mainstream films:
-Resident Evil: Afterlife (R): Action sequel; co-starring Milla Jovovich

Art-house films:
-Bran Nue Day (PG-13): Musical; co-starring Geoffrey Rush
-Change of Plans (NR): Comedy
-I'm Still Here (R): Documentary; co-starring Joaquin Phoenix and Casey Affleck
-Legendary (PG-13): Sports drama; co-starring John Cena and Patricia Clarkson
-Mademoiselle Chabon (NR): Drama
-White Wedding (NR): Comedy
-A Woman, a Gun, and a Noodle Shop (R): Action comedy

DVD Pick - Boys Are Back (PG-13): Clive Owen is a major draw in this family drama about a father settling into his role as a single dad. Domestic box office: $0.8 million; foreign box office: $2.3 million.


Free Weekend Activities
Armenian Food Festival [Fri 7p-midnight, Sat noon-midnight, Sun noon-7p]: 53rd annual. Featuring Armenian food, dance, music, and more. At Saroyan Hall (SF). Free admission voucher at www.stgregorysf.org

* Film Night [Fri-Sat 8p]: Featuring "Alice in Wonderland" in Old Mill Park (Mill Valley) on Friday, and "Amelie" in Washington Square Park (SF) on Saturday. www.filmnight.org

Flyaway Production Dances [Fri-Sat 8/9:30p, Sun 8p]: Featuring off-the-ground dances in honor of the Women's Building's 100th anniversary. At the Women's Building (SF). www.flyawayproductions.com

Webster Street Jam [Sat-Sun 10a-6p]: 9th annual. Featuring two live music stages, local food vendors (including Everett & Jones and Drakes Beer), and local international vendors. Along Webster St (Alameda). www.westalamedabusiness.com/events/jam.html

Mountain View Festival [Sat-Sun 10a-6p]: 39th annual. Featuring live music, 600+ artisans, Pigskin Party Lounge, and more. Along Castro St (Mountain View). www.miramarevents.com/mountainview

Power to the Peaceful Festival [Sat 11a-5p]: 12th annual. Featuring Rupa and the April Fishes, Crystal Bowersox, Michael Franti & Spearhead, and more. In Golden Gate Park's Speedway Meadow (SF). www.powertothepeaceful.org

* Chocolate Festival [Sat-Sun noon-5p]: 15th annual. Featuring chef demos, ice-cream eating contest, children's entertainment, and local restaurants' interpretations of chocolate-based treats. In Ghirardelli Square (SF). Free entry, but $20 ticket equals 15 samples and a healthy donation to Project Open Hand. www.ghirardellisq.com

Latin Jazz Youth Summit [Sat 1-3p]: Featuring two Bay Area ensembles, the Latin Jazz Youth Ensemble and Futuro Picante. In Yerba Buena Gardens (SF). www.ybgf.org

Curtain Theatre - Shakespeare [Sat-Sun 2p]: 11th annual. Featuring "As You Like It." In Old Mill Park (Mill Valley). www.curtaintheatre.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

San Francisco Mime Troupe [Sat 7p, Sun 5p, Wed 7p]: Featuring the latest annual production, "Possibilidad, or Death of a Worker." At Community Park (Davis) on Saturday, Southside Park (Sacramento), and Chabot College (Hayward) on Wednesday. www.sfmt.org

Shakespeare in the Park [Sat 7:30p, Sun 2:30p]: 28th annual. Featuring "Two Gentlemen of Verona." At Presidio's Main Lawn (SF). www.sfshakes.org

Solano Avenue Stroll [Sun 10a-6p]: 36th annual. Featuring a parade, children's activities, 500+ vendors, and more along one mile stretch of Solano Ave (Berkeley). www.solanoavenueassn.org

Hawaiian Theme Days [Sun 11a-3p]: Featuring Hawaiian music, food, and activities. In Courthouse Square (Redwood City). www.redwoodcity.org

Chamber Music Day [Sun noon-6:30p]: Featuring 31 ensembles and soloists on three stages. At the Conservatory of Music (SF). www.sfcm.edu

* Opera in the Park [Sun 1:30p]: Featuring arias from this fall season's stars. In Golden Gate Park's Sharon Meadow (SF). www.sfopera.com/park

Salsa in the Square [Wed 6-8p]: Featuring salsa lessons, followed by a live performance by Los Compass. In Union Square (SF). www.unionsquarepark.us

Randy's Guide CCIII (203)

Historic milestones: 12 years since the founding of Google; 53 years since Ford's introduction of the Edsel; 89 years since the first Miss America Pageant; and 109 years since President Theodore Roosevelt's "Speak Softly" speech.

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Local News
St. Mary's College in tony Moraga, Calif. hosted the first debate between Senator Barbara Boxer and former HP CEO Carly Fiorina. The two divided on issues of abortion, gun rights, the environment, and immigration. www.contracostatimes.com/ci_15968999


Deal of the Week
Soak in some culture if you're around town for Labor Day weekend! The Asian Art Museum and Oakland Museum are free on Sunday, while the Japanese Tea Garden is free on Monday before 10am. The popular Impressionist exhibit at the de Young Museum wraps up on Monday (free-$25). Lastly, the de Young, Legion of Honor, Conservatory of Flowers, and SFMOMA are all free on Tuesday.


Change for Change
Congrats to Shanti, the latest recipient of a Randy's Guide donation! A related note: New Leaf, which has been providing LGBT support services in the Bay Area since 1974, is closing its doors in October. Please keep giving to your favorite nonprofits (or those below!) to keep them afloat in your local communities! www.shanti.org

New Charity: Curry Without Worry. Since 2006, this San Francisco-based nonprofit has served over 23,000 warm vegetarian Nepalese meals on Tuesday evenings in San Francisco's Civic Center. www.currywithoutworry.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, The East Bay Depot for Creative Reuse, and now Shanti.


Bay Area Holiday Weekend Weather
After today's blast of heat, slightly cooler temperatures are on the horizon. Time for a road trip!

San Francisco: low-70s / mid-50s
Napa/Sonoma: mid-80s / low-50s
Santa Cruz: mid-80s / low-50s
Monterey: upper-60s / mid-50s
Lake Tahoe: upper-70s / upper-30s
Yosemite: low-90s / low-50s


Music
"Animal" by Neon Trees (Provo, Utah)

The band, a Provo favorite, derives its name from the lit trees outside of In-N-Out Burger restaurants. Finally the quartet is getting its due, with its first album hitting stores this year and its hit single gracing a Las Vegas advertisement. The current tour with 30 Seconds to Mars will take them through locales such as Indianapolis, Tampa, Austin, and Chicago. www.fameisdead.com


Movies {domestic revenues for August 27-29}
In a nailbiter, "Takers" took the top spot with $20.5 million [2206 theatres; $9,298 per theatre]. "The Last Exorcism," with about half its audience Latino, spooked up $20.4 million [2874 theatres; $7,087 per theatre]. The expanded 3D version of "Avatar" chalked up $4.0 million, to push its lifetime domestic gross over $750 million [812 theatres; $4,936 per theatre]. Will Ferrell's comedy "The Other Guys" has crossed the $100 million mark, while "Toy Story 3" became the seventh film (and first animated) to reach $1 billion worldwide.

Mainstream films:
-The American (R): thriller; co-starring George Clooney
-Going the Distance (R): romantic comedy; co-starring Drew Barrymore, Justin Long, and Christina Applegate
-Machete (R): action; co-starring Robert De Niro, Steven Seagal, and Jessica Alba; co-directed by Robert Rodriguez
-Winning Season (PG-13): sports drama; co-starring Sam Rockwell and Emma Roberts

Art-house films:
-Basquiat, The Radiant Child (NR): documentary
-Dogtooth (NR): drama
-Highwater (NR): documentary; co-starring Kelly Slater
-Life and Times of Allen Ginsberg (NR): documentary re-release
-Mesrine: Public Enemy #1 (R): drama
-People I've Slept With (NR): comedy
-Soul Kitchen (NR): comedy
-Tillman Story (R): documentary

DVD Pick - The Class (PG-13): Wildly popular in France (more than $13 million gross), this gritty story about a high school in a Parisian suburb is methodical in its drama. It won awards at Cannes Film Festival and the Independent Spirit Awards, and was nominated at the Oscars for Best Foreign Film. Domestic box office: $3.8 million; foreign box office: $25.1 million.


Free Weekend Activities
Film Night [Fri-Sun 8p]: Featuring "16 Candles," "Up," and "Avatar" at Creek Park (San Anselmo). www.filmnight.org

Millbrae Art & Wine Festival [Sat-Sun 10a-5p]: 40th annual. Featuring a Mardi Gras theme, with nine bands, 250 artisans, specialty foods, a classic car show, and more. Along Broadway (Millbrae). www.miramarevents.com

Kings Mountain Art Fair [Sat-Mon 10a-5p]: 48th annual. Considered a top-five fine craft fair in California (Art Fair SourceBook). Benefits the Kings Mountain Volunteer Fire Brigade, Kings Mountain Elementary School, and other community activities. At the Kings Mountain Community Center (Woodside). www.kingsmountainartfair.org

SF Zine Fest [Sat-Sun 11a-6p]: Featuring independent and underground publishers in comics, books, arts, and crafts. At Golden Gate Park's County Fair Building (SF). www.sfzinefest.com

Nice Guy Trio + Strings concert [Sat 1-2:30p]: Featuring global music. In Yerba Buena Gardens (SF). www.ybgf.org

San Francisco Mime Troupe [Sat-Mon 2p]: Featuring the latest annual leftist production, "Possibilidad, or Death of a Worker." At Dolores Park (SF) on all three days. www.sfmt.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 7:30p, Sun-Mon 2:30p]: 28th annual. Featuring "Two Gentlemen of Verona." At Presidio's Main Lawn (SF). www.sfshakes.org

Golden Gate Park Band [Sun 1p]: 128th annual. Weekly concert series. Featuring El Grupo de Espana, in a tribute to Spanish music and dance. At Golden Gate Park's Bandshell (SF). www.goldengateparkband.org

Napa River Festival [Sun 2-9:30p]: 18th annual. Featuring live entertainment, a silent auction, fireworks show, free wine tasting, and more. In downtown Napa. www.friendsofthenapariver.org

Free Fishing Day [Mon all day]: No sport fishing license will be required at any California body of water (lake / ocean / river). Local options include Lake Merced, Fort Baker Pier, Temescal Lake, and Pier 7. www.dfg.ca.gov/news/news10/2010090102-Free-Fishing-Day.html