Randy's Guide CCXII (212)

GO GIANTS!

Historic milestones: 36 years since the "Rumble in the Jungle" boxing match; 41 years since the first computer-to-computer link (via ARPANET); 45 years since the completion of the St. Louis Arch; 63 years since the flight of the Spruce Goose; 65 years since Jackie Robinson's contract with the Brooklyn Dodgers; 97 years since the introduction of U.S. income tax; and 124 years since the dedication of the Statue of Liberty.


Local News
22,000 Bay Area members of Gold's Gym International will find a new moniker after September 2012. The four locations - two in San Francisco, one in Oakland, and one in Corte Madera - have decided not to renew the corporate contract due to the CEO's $2 million donation to an anti-gay Karl Rove group. www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/10/27/BU7G1G1RDF.DTL


Deal of the Week
Free Tom's of Maine toothpaste. www.startsampling.com/sm/toms101470


Change for Change
Congratulations to Curry Without Worry for the latest Randy's Guide donation! www.currywithoutworry.org

New Charity: San Francisco Neighborhood Theater Foundation. I attended an informative discussion about the history of San Francisco's theaters, including the Castro, Vogue, and Alexandria. The group started in 2002 to preserve neighborhood movie theaters and to initiate the popular Film Night in the Park outdoor series. www.sfneighborhoodtheater.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, Shanti, and now Curry Without Worry.


Bay Area Weekend Weather
Chance of rain through Sunday. Have your umbrellas handy for Halloween!

Highs: between 60 and 65
Lows: low-50s


Movies {domestic revenues for October 22-24}
"Paranormal Activity 2" and its $3 million budget delivered the highest-grossing weekend ever for a supernatural horror film, with $40.7 million [3216 theatres; $12,649 per theatre]. "Hereafter" had a down-to-earth $12.0 million in its expansion [2181 theatres; $5,510 per theatre; $12.3 million overall]. The education documentary "Waiting for 'Superman'" continued to roll out, with $0.8 million [290 theatres; $2,671 per theatre, $3.7 million overall].

Mainstream films:
-Saw 3D (R): horror sequel

Art-house films:
-The Freebie (R): drama
-The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest (R): thriller
-Leaving (NR): drama; co-starring Kristen Scott Thomas

DVD Pick - Brothers (R): The Afghanistan war drama, directed by Jim Sheridan ("In America"), loves deep family dramas. This one centers on Tobey Maguire in his Golden Globe-nominated role as a soldier presumed dead, Natalie Portman as his wife, and Jake Gyllenhaal as his hooligan brother. Domestic box office: $28.5 million; foreign: $14.6 million.


Free Weekend Activities
Persephone's Roots [Thu-Sun 5:30p]: A journey following Persephone's journey through the underworld, with giant puppets and masked creatures. At Cordonices Park (Berkeley). www.raggedwing.org

Waterfront Flicks [Thu 7:30p]: Featuring "Twilight." At Jack London Square's Market Green (Oakland). www.jacklondonsquare.com

Halloween Beer [Fri 4-9p]: Featuring live bluegrass, new porters flavored with pumpkin or vanilla, and a costume contest. At Speakeasy Brewery (SF). www.goodbeer.com

Halloween in the Tenderloin [Fri 4-7p]: Featuring face painting, a pie-eating contest, pumpkin carving, and trick-or-treating, with Notre Dame de Namur University's Streetwise Sociology class. At the Children's Playground, 570 Ellis (SF). www.facebook.com/NDNUBelmont

Critical Mass [Fri 6p]: Drivers, be forewarned. Starts at Justin Herman Plaza (SF). www.sfcriticalmass.org

City Hall Ghost Walk [Fri 6:30p]: Featuring tour guide Rob Spoor on an annual walk through City Hall's spooky past. At City Hall's South Light Court (SF). www.sfcityguides.org

Rally to Restore Sanity [Sat 9a-3p]: Featuring guest speakers, comedy, poetry, costume contest, the SF Mime Troupe, and a dance flash mob. At Civic Center Plaza (SF). www.sfsanityrally.com

Family Halloween Day [Sat 10a-2p]: Featuring live entertainment, fun games, and arts/crafts. At Randall Museum (SF). www.randallmuseum.org

Paxton Gate Halloween Party [Sat 11a-1p]: Featuring a costume parade, games, prizes, and a hands-on workshop. At Paxton's Gate Curiosities for Kids (SF). www.paxtongate.com

Midnight Movie Marathon [Sat noon-Sun 11a]: Nearly 24 hours of Halloween-themed cinema, including John Carpenter's "The Thing" and David Lynch's "Eraserhead." At CellSpace (SF). www.sfindie.com

Journey to the End of the Night [Sat 7p]: Featuring hundreds of costumed people competing to solve puzzles. Starts at Justin Herman Plaza (SF). www.totheendofthenight.com

Halloween Costume Walk [Sun noon-1:30p]: At Yerba Buena Gardens (SF). www.ybgf.org

Palace Hotel Ghost Walk [Sun 6:30p]: Special annual tour. At the Palace Hotel (SF). www.sfcityguides.org

Vote [Tue 7a-8p]: Vote once at any precinct or at the county offices, or drop off your absentee ballot. www.sfgov.org/elections

Free Museum Day [Tue 9a-6p]: At the SFMOMA (11a-5:45p, Cartoon Art Museum (11a-5p), de Young Museum (9:30a-5:15p), YBCA Gallery (noon-8p), Museum of Craft and Folk Art (11a-6p), and Conservatory of Flowers (9a-5p). In SF.

Dia de los Muertos [Tue 6-9p]: Featuring a sidewalk candle processional and a mobile diorama. Near Shattuck and Cedar (Berkeley). www.anotherbullwinkleshow.com

Day of the Dead [Tue 4:30-11:30p]: Featuring a community altar, processional, and festival. From 22nd St. and Bryant to Garfield Park (SF). www.dayofthedeadsf.org

Armistead Maupin event [Wed 7p]: The popular "Tales of the City" series author will present his latest novel. At Books Inc. Opera Plaza (SF). www.booksinc.net

Randy's Guide CCXI (211)

Less than one week to Election Day. I'll be up at 3:30am again to prepare for a long day as a field election deputy for San Francisco County. Please, submit your absentee ballots or show up at the polls!

A summary of California propositions:
1. Proposition 19: legalization of sale and use of marijuana
YES
Orange County Register
San Francisco Bay Guardian
CA Libertarian Party
CA Green Party
SF Democratic Party
Rep. Barbara Lee (D)
CA Assemblyman Tom Ammiano (D)
CA Senator Mark Leno (D)
ACLU of Northern California
CA NAACP

NO
Los Angeles Times
San Francisco Chronicle
San Jose Mercury News
CA Republican Party
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R)
Senator Dianne Feinstein (D)
Senator Barbara Boxer (D)
SF District Attorney Kamala Harris (D)
Attorney General Jerry Brown (D)

2. Proposition 20: Congressional redistricting
YES
San Francisco Chronicle
San Jose Mercury News
Los Angeles Times
Orange County Register
CA Republican Party
SF Green Party
Gov. Schwarzenegger (R)
AARP

NO
CA Democratic Party
San Francisco Bay Guardian
Sacramento Bee
CA Sierra Club

3. Proposition 21: Vehicle license fee for parks
YES
CA Democratic Party
CA Green Party
San Francisco Bay Guardian
CA Assemblyman Tom Ammiano (D)
CA Senator Leland Yee (D)
Nature Conservancy
CA Teachers Association
Boy Scouts of America
San Jose Mercury News

NO
CA Republican Party
CA Libertarian Party
San Francisco Chronicle
Los Angeles Times
Orange County Register

4. Proposition 22: Ban on State Borrowing from Local Government
YES
CA Libertarian Party
SF Green Party
San Jose Mercury News
CA Fire & Police Chiefs Associations
League of CA Cities

NO
CA Democratic Party
San Francisco Chronicle
San Francisco Bay Guardian
Los Angeles Times
Orange County Register
CA Teachers Association
CA SEIU

5. Proposition 23: Suspension of environmental law
YES
CA Republican Party
CA Libertarian Party
Orange County Register
Valero Energy ($4 million donor)
Tesoro Energy ($1.5 million)

NO
CA Democratic Party
CA Green Party
San Francisco Chronicle
San Francisco Bay Guardian
San Jose Mercury News
Los Angeles Times
Gov. Schwarzenegger (R)
Lt. Gov. Abel Maldonado (R)
Candidate Meg Whitman (R)
Senator Barbara Boxer (D)
Senator Dianne Feinstein (D)
Attorney General Jerry Brown (D)
CA Teachers Association
National Resources Defense Council
Blue Shield of CA

6. Proposition 24: Repeal of business tax breaks
YES
CA Democratic Party
CA Green Party
San Francisco Bay Guardian
CA Teachers Association

NO
CA Republican Party
San Francisco Chronicle
San Jose Mercury News
Los Angeles Times
Orange County Register
Cisco Systems ($1.6 million donor)
Walt Disney ($1.4 million)
Genentech ($1.3 million)

7. Proposition 25: Majority votes for budget
YES
CA Democratic Party
CA Green Party
San Francisco Chronicle
San Francisco Bay Guardian
San Jose Mercury News
Los Angeles Times
CA Teachers Association
CA AFL-CIO
CA Sierra Club

NO
CA Republican Party
CA Libertarian Party
Orange County Register
CA Chamber of Commerce
American Beverage Association
Chevron ($2.5 million donor)
Phillip Morris ($0.7 million)

8. Proposition 26: Two-thirds votes for fees
YES
CA Republican Party
CA Libertarian Party
Orange County Register
CA Chamber of Commerce
American Beverage Association
Chevron ($2.5 million donor)
Phillip Morris ($0.7 million)

NO
CA Democratic Party
CA Green Party
San Francisco Chronicle
San Francisco Bay Guardian
San Jose Mercury News
Los Angeles Times
CA Sierra Club
American Cancer Society
CA AFL-CIO
CA Teacher Association

9. Proposition 27: Elimination of Citizen Redistricting Committee
YES
CA Democratic Party
San Francisco Bay Guardian
CA AFSCME
California Teachers Association
Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers founder Haim Saban ($2 million donor)

NO
CA Republican Party
SF Green Party
San Francisco Chronicle
San Jose Mercury News
Los Angeles Times
Orange County Register
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D)
Stanford Physicist Charles Munger, Jr. ($11 million donor)


A summary of San Francisco propositions:
1. Prop A: Seismic retrofit bond
YES: SF Chronicle; SF Bay Guardian; SF Democratic Party; Mayor Gavin Newsom (D)

NO: SF Republican Party; SF Libertarian Party

2. Prop AA: License fee increase
YES: SF Chronicle; SF Bay Guardian; SF Democratic Party; SF Green Party; SF Sierra Club

NO: SF Republican Party; SF Libertarian Party

3. Prop B: Healthcare/pension reform
YES: SF Chronicle; SF Libertarian Party; Public Defender Jeff Adachi (D); former Mayor Willie Brown (D); former Board of Supervisors President Matt Gonzalez (G); investment banker Michael Moritz

NO: SF Bay Guardian; SF Democratic Party; SF Green Party; House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D); Mayor Gavin Newsom (D); State Senators Mark Leno (D) and Leland Yee (D); all 11 SF Board of Supervisors; CA Nurses Association; SF United Educators

4. Prop C: Monthly mayoral appearances with Board
YES: SF Bay Guardian; SF Democratic Party; SF Green Party

NO: SF Chronicle; SF Republican Party; SF Libertarian Party

5. Prop D: Non-citizen voting in school elections
YES: SF Bay Guardian; SF Democratic Party; SF Green Party

NO: SF Chronicle; SF Republican Party

6. Prop E: Election day registration
YES: SF Bay Guardian; SF Democratic Party; SF Green Party

NO: SF Chronicle; SF Republican Party; SF Libertarian Party

7. Prop F: Health Service Board term increase
YES: SF Chronicle; SF Green Party

NO: SF Bay Guardian; SF Democratic Party

8. Prop G: MUNI reform
YES: SF Chronicle; SF Republican Party; SF Libertarian Party; CA Senator Mark Leno (D); Mayor Gavin Newsom (D)

NO: SF Bay Guardian; SF Green Party

9. Prop H: Dual offices reform
YES: Mayor Gavin Newsom (D)

NO: SF Chronicle; SF Bay Guardian; SF Democratic Party; SF Republican Party; SF Green Party

10. Prop I: Saturday voting
YES: SF Chronicle; SF Bay Guardian; SF Democratic Party

NO: SF Republican Party; SF Libertarian Party; SF Green Party

11. Prop J: Hotel tax increase
YES: SF Bay Guardian; SF Democratic Party; SF Green Party; SF Sierra Club

NO: SF Chronicle; SF Republican Party; SF Libertarian Party; SF Chamber of Commerce

12. Prop K: Hotel tax loophole
YES: SF Bay Guardian; SF Republican Party; Mayor Gavin Newsom (D)

NO: SF Chronicle; SF Democratic Party; SF Green Party; SF Libertarian Party; SF Sierra Club

13. Prop L: Sit/lie sidewalks measure
YES: SF Chronicle; SF Republican Party; Senator Dianne Feinstein (D); Mayor Gavin Newsom (D); Police Chief George Gascon

NO: SF Bay Guardian; SF Democratic Party; SF Green Party; SF Libertarian Party; ACLU; CA Senator Mark Leno (D); CA Assemblyman Tom Ammiano (D)

14. Prop M: Police foot patrol ordinance
YES: SF Bay Guardian; SF Democratic Party; SF Green Party

NO: SF Chronicle; SF Republican Party; SF Libertarian Party

15. Prop N: Property transfer tax increase
YES: SF Bay Guardian; SF Democratic Party; SF Green Party; SF Sierra Club; SF United Educators

NO: SF Chronicle; SF Republican Party; SF Libertarian Party

Randy's Guide CCX (210)

Historic milestones: 9 years since the first iPod release; 44 years since the first all-female music group atop Billboard charts (the Supremes); 51 years since the opening of the Guggenheim Museum; 52 years since the first appearance of The Smurfs (Belgian magazine "Spirou"); 65 years since the Argentinian marriage of Juan Peron and Evita Duarte; 65 years since the founding of the United Nations; 84 years since magician Harry Houdini's last performance; and 149 years since the closure of the Pony Express (and later sold to Wells Fargo).


Local News
Local shoppers take note. Trader Joe's, in the latest twist, has reportedly decided to back out of its commitment to move into the Castro due to the continuing presence of Radio Shack in the building and the proposal to charge for parking for customers. Pearl's Deluxe Burgers will be opening up its fourth outpost at Sixth St. and Market, while Good Vibrations will have its fifth store across from Bloomingdale's on Mission St. near Fifth St. www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/10/20/BUDL1FUF0H.DTL


Deal of the Week #1
Free Orange & Creme Frutista at Taco Bell. Valid through Nov. 25. www.tacobell.com/promo/ocfrutistacoupon


Deal of the Week #2
World Pasta Day at Buca di Beppo! On Monday, Oct. 25, get a free plate of spaghetti with each purchase of a pasta dish or entree. Get an additional $10 off any purchase of $20 as an added bonus - ask me for a coupon. www.bucadibeppo.com


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
Cool autumn days are ahead, with the best rain chances on Thursday night and Sunday.

Highs: low-60s
Lows: low-50s


Movies {domestic revenues for October 15-17}
"Jackass 3-D" soared into first place with $50.4 million [3081 theatres; $16,343 per theatre]. The action comedy "Red" took second with $21.8 million [3255 theatres; $6,686 per theatre]. And in its third weekend, "The Social Network" held for third with $10.3 million [2868 theatres; $3,597 per theatre; $62.4 million overall].

Mainstream films:
-Hereafter (PG-13): Drama; co-starring Matt Damon; directed by Clint Eastwood
-Paranormal Activity 2 (R): Horror sequel

Art-house films:
-Conviction (R): Drama; co-starring Hilary Swank, Minnie Driver, Sam Rockwell, and Juliette Lewis
-Douchebag (NR): Comedy
-Inside Job (PG-13): Documentary

DVD Pick - 25th Hour (R): Edward Norton channels his Method acting again, this time in the sure hands of director Spike Lee. It's about a convicted felon who has 24 hours before heading off to jail for seven years. Domestic box office: $13.1 million; foreign: $10.8 million.


Free Weekend Activities
Noe Valley Harvest Festival [Sat 10a-5p]: 6th annual. Featuring a pumpkin patch, pumpkin decorating, a pie-eating contest, farmers' market, and later 8pm screening of "Lost in the Fog." Near 24th St. and Church (SF). www.noevalleyharvestfestival.com

Science & Engineering Festival [Sat 10a-2p]: Expand your minds with presentations and activities by UCSF, KQED, Lawrence Hall of Science, UC Berkeley Astronomy Department, American Chemical Society, and other groups. At Spieker Plaza (Berkeley). http://scienceatcal.berkeley.edu/festival

Danville Fine Arts Faire [Sat-Sun 10a-5p]: 19th annual. Featuring a Saturday parade, glass pumpkin patch, safe trick or treating, and more. Along Hartz Ave. (Danville). www.mlaproductions.com/Danville-Fall/index.html

Point Richmond Fall Fest [Sat 10a-6p]: Featuring a chili cookoff, live blues music, a bouncy house, pumpkin patch, and more. Near Park Place and Washington Ave. (Point Richmond). www.pointrichmond.com/fallfest

Serbian Food Festival [Sat noon-10p]: Featuring traditional Serbian dishes (i.e. sarma / kobasce), pastries (i.e. strudel / rostule), music, and dancing. At Holy Trinity (Moraga). www.holytrinitymoraga.org

Bring Your Own Queer event [Sat noon-6p]: Featuring LGBT artists and performers, fashion shows, and special guest director John Cameron Mitchell. At Golden Gate Park's Music Concourse (SF). www.byoq.org

El Cerrito Celebration of the Arts [Sat 2-6p]: Featuring a historical society display, a local student's magic show, film screenings by local filmmakers, Polynesian dancers, and more. At El Cerrito City Hall. www.el-cerrito.org/gov/artsday.html

Potrero Hill History Night [Sat 7-9p]: Featuring long-time Potrero Terrace residents, a special video, and a gardening talk. At International Studies Academy (SF). Call (415) 863-0784.

* Sunday Streets [Sun 10a-3p]: Featuring free bike rentals, bike maintenance, the StreetSmARTS Mobile Free Wall Project, Capoera Brasil SF performances, dog training programs, roller skate rentals, live bands at Great American Music Hall, and more. In Civic Center Plaza and along Polk, O'Farrell, and Ellis (SF). www.sundaystreetssf.com

Golden Gate Park Book Fair [Sun 10a-5p]: Featuring vintage, rare, and collectible books. At Golden Gate Park's County Fair Building (SF). www.ggpbookfair.com

Dia de Los Muertos Festival [Sun 10a-5p]: 15th annual. Featuring live Latin performances, cultural activities, 25+ commemorative altars, and more. Near East 12th St. and 35th Ave. (Oakland's Fruitvale district). www.unitycouncil.org/ddlm/index.htm

Family Music Day [Sun 10a-3p]: Featuring the San Francisco Chamber Orchestra, an instrument petting zoo, face painting, instrument making, and more. At Crowden Music Center (Berkeley). www.crowden.org

International Festival [Sun 10a-5p]: 6th annual. Featuring live salsa/merengue lessons, a Latin marketplace, Aztec dancers, mariachi band, and more. At Alto St. and Belvedere St. (San Rafael). www.festivalsanrafael.blogspot.com

Miko Marks concert [Sun 2-4p]: San Francisco-based award-winning country artist. In Union Square Park (SF). www.mikomarks.com

Halloween/Day of the Dead Celebration [Tue 2-6p]: Featuring Aztec dancers, a commemorative altar, a pumpkin carving contest, champurrado (Aztec hot chocolate), farmers market, and more. At Derby St. and MLK Way (Berkeley). www.ecologycenter.org

Randy's Guide CCIX (209)

Historic milestones: 4 years since the U.S. population hit 300 million; 19 years since the Oakland Hills fire (3,469 homes destroyed, 25 killed); 21 years since the Bay Area's Loma Prieta earthquake (63 killed; $6 billion in damages); 42 years since the first live telecast from a manned spacecraft; 44 years since the creation of the Black Panther Party; 85 years since the opening of the Grand Ole Opry; and 143 years since the U.S. took possession of Alaska.


Local News
Let's Go Giants! The triumvirate of Lincecum-Sanchez-Cain will start the first three games for the National League Championship Series against the Philadelphia Phillies. Game 1 will be in Philly on Saturday evening. www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/10/13/SPGJ1FS9OT.DTL


Giants Tickets
On a more personal note, I would be thrilled if one of my readers were to purchase two extra Standing Room Only tickets for Game 5, which is next Thursday at 4:57pm at AT&T Park. It looks like Craigslist and Stubhub are placing the value at $125 each. Of course, I'd be willing to discount. E-mail if interested.


Deal of the Week
Pet owners can get a free five-pound bag of Natura Advantage dog food. Type in your address to see the closest locations for this product. www.naturaadvantage.com


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
Record-setting heat, with San Francisco 88 on Monday and Oakland 91 on Tuesday, is coming to an end. Back to the usual morning clouds and afternoon breezes by Friday.

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

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

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


Movies {domestic revenues for October 8-10}
"The Social Network finished on top again," adding $15.5 million [2771 theatres; $5,576 per theatre; $46.0 million overall]. The Katherine Heigl-Josh Duhamel romantic comedy "Life as We Know It" took second with $14.5 million [3150 theatres; $4,605 per theatre]. Horse drama "Secretariat" took the show position with $12.7 million [3072 theatres; $4,132 per theatre]. Wes Craven's latest, "My Soul to Take," scared up a measly $6.8 million in fifth [2572 theatres; $2,660 per theatre]. "Waiting for 'Superman,'" a documentary about the education system, tallied the highest per-screen average in the top-30 [$0.7 million; 103 screens; $6,236 per theatre; $1.4 million overall].

Mainstream films:
-Jackass 3D (NR): comedy; co-starring Johnny Knoxville
-Red (PG-13): action comedy; co-starring Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman, John Malkovich, and Helen Mirren

Art-house films:
-Cropsey (NR): documentary
-Gerrymandering (NR): documentary; co-starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Gray Davis, and Howard Dean
-Masquerades (NR): drama
-My Dog Tulip (NR): animation; co-starring Lynn Redgrave, Christopher Plummer, and Isabella Rosselini
-Nowhere Boy (R): biopic; co-starring Kristin Scott Thomas
-Tamara Drewe (R): drama
-Stone (R): thriller; co-starring Robert De Niro and Edward Norton

DVD Pick - Goodbye Solo (R): It's a quiet, little film set in North Carolina. The unlikely friendship between an immigrant cab driver and a crusty old man ushers in both laughter and tears. The sure hands of director Ramin Rahrani previously created "Man Push Cart" and "Chop Shop." Domestic box office: $0.9 million; foreign box office: $0.1 million.


Free Weekend Activities
* Author Dave Eggers [Thu 6p]: The San Francisco writer, known as much for his literary works as his charity 826 Valencia, will be hosting a discussion about his latest book, "Zeitoun." At the Main Library's Koret Auditorium (SF). www.sfpl.org

Dolores Park Movie Night [Thu 7:30p]: Featuring "Adaptation," with Nicolas Cage, Meryl Streep, and Chris Cooper. Winner of one Oscar (Chris Cooper) and nominated for three others. At Dolores Park (SF). www.doloresparkmovie.org

Jack London Square Movie Night [Thu 7:30p]: Featuring "Fame," an update on the 1980s musical. At Jack London Square (Oakland). www.jacklondonsquare.com

Menlo Park Festival [Fri-Sun 10a-5p]: 14th annual. Featuring 90+ artisans. Along Santa Cruz Ave (Menlo Park). www.menloparkchamber.com

* Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Festival [Sat-Sun 9a-5p]: 40th annual. Featuring three live-music stages, pumpkin-pie eating contest, and costume contest. Pumpkin pancakes, ice cream, smoothies, sausage, and churros to boot! Along Main St (Half Moon Bay). www.miramarevents.com/pumpkinfest

Oktoberfest - Campbell [Sat-Sun 10a-5p]: 16th annual. Featuring live German music, German bratwurst and pretzels, 120+ artisans, and of course lager! In downtown Campbell. www.campbellchamber.com

* Trolley Dances [Sat-Sun 11a-2:45p]: 7th annual. I attended part of year's trail from Dolores Park to Balboa Park... well-worth the visit. Featuring tour guides who take viewers to three different modern-dance locations, with six dance companies. Between Duboce Park and Golden Gate Park's Botanical Gardens (SF). www.epiphanydance.org

Potrero Hill Festival [Sat 11a-4p]: 20th annual. Benefits NABE, the Potrero Hill Neighborhood House, which has served as a community center for over 100 years. Featuring a Cajun brunch catered by the California Culinary Academy ($10 tickets), two music stages, pony rides, Potrero Hill restaurants and artists, and more. Along 20th St, between Missouri and Wisconsin (SF). www.potrerofestival.com

Yerba Buena Festival [Sat 11a-3p]: Featuring KFOG DJs, free admission to SFMOMA and California Historical Society, guided gallery and neighborhood-history walks, and more. At Yerba Buena Gardens (SF). www.ybcbd.org

Middle Eastern Food Festival [Sat-Sun 11a-8p]: Featuring Middle Eastern food, entertainment, games, and arts/crafts. At St. George Church (SF). www.sjorthodox.org

Venetia Carnival [Sat 11a-4p]: 3rd annual. It's a fundraiser for funds and school supplies for the school. Featuring cross-fit gymnastics, jump houses, raffle, cake walk, and more. At Venetia Valley School (San Rafael). www.vvef.org

Oktoberfest - Concord [Sat 11a-6p]: Featuring two live entertainment stages, recycled-fashion show, bike rodeo, and more. In Todos Santos Plaza (Concord). www.communityconcerts.com

JumpstART [Sat noon-10p]: Featuring live performances of dance, theatre, and music. At the new ODC Theater (SF). www.odctheater.org

Taste of Fillmore [Sat 1-6p]: 2nd annual. Featuring in-store fashion shows, food/wine pairings at boutiques and restaurants, and local-merchant raffles. Along Fillmore St, between Post and Jackson (SF). www.tasteoffillmore.com

Spice of Life Festival [Sun 10a-6p]: 8th annual. Featuring yoga demos, a farmers market, local artisan restaurants and food carts, live jazz music, and more. Along Shattuck in the Gourmet Ghetto (Berkeley). www.northshattuckassociation.org

Fiesta on the Hill [Sun 10a-6p]: 22nd annual. Featuring a petting zoo, pumpkin patch, two stages of music, and more. Along Cortland Ave (SF). www.sresproductions.com/fiestaonthehill.html

Golden Gate Park Band [Sun 1p]: 128th season. Final week's theme - Grand Finale, all-request program. At Golden Gate Park's Music Concourse (SF). www.goldengateparkband.org

California Academy of Sciences [Wed 9:30a-5p]: Free admission to the pricey, new sciences-themed museum. Arrive early for timed tickets to the Planetarium IMAX shows. In Golden Gate Park (SF). www.calacademy.org

Randy's Guide CCVIII (208)

Historic milestones: 24 years since the first performance of "The Phantom of the Opera"; 54 years since the only perfect game pitched during the World Series (Yankees' Don Larsen); 55 years since poet Allen Ginsburg's first reading of "Howl"; 91 years since the founding of Dutch airline KLM; 118 years since the introduction of "Pledge of Allegiance"; and 200 years since the first Oktoberfest.


Local News
It was a rollicking good time in Golden Gate Park for the 10th annual Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival. I caught personal faves Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, Basia Bulat, and the Indigo Girls in 45-minute sets, plus great performances from Randy Newman, the Del McCoury Band, Shelby Lynne, and Elvis Costello. Police estimate over 600,000 attended the three-day free music fest, with only one arrest and four citations issued by police. www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/10/04/DDO51FNSD9.DTL


Deal of the Week
Free bottle of Advil. www.takeadvil.com


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
A slight warming trend is expected for the weekend. A great TV showcase for San Francisco during the Giants playoff games!

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

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


Movies {domestic revenues for October 1-3}
"The Social Network," the fast-paced, must-see look into the first days of Facebook, friended $22.4 million [2771 theatres; $8,100 per theatre]. I highly recommend it. "Case 39" opened in seventh, with $5.4 million [2211 theatres; $2,420 per theatre]. The remake "Let Me In" predictably floudered into the eighth, with $5.1 million [2020 theatres; $2,548 per theatre]. Finally, the latest Bollywood film "Anjaana Anjaani" debuted in fifteenth, with $0.5 million [91 theatres; $5,688 per theatre].

Mainstream films:
-Life as We Know It (PG-13): Romantic comedy; co-starring Katherine Heigl and Josh Duhamel
-My Soul to Take (R): Horror; directed by Wes Craven
-Secretariat (PG): Drama; co-starring John Malkovich and Diane Lane

Art-house films:
-Enter the Void (NR): Drama
-Grant Morrison: Talking with Gods (NR): Documentary
-Hideaway (NR): Drama
-I Spit on Your Grave (NR): Horror
-It's Kind of a Funny Story (PG-13): Comedy; co-starring Emma Roberts and Zach Galifianakis-Redline

DVD Pick - Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (PG): The beloved children's story received a fun cinematic update, with great voicework from Neil Patrick Harris, Bill Hader, and James Caan. Domestic box office: $124.9 million; foreign: $118.1 million.


Free Weekend Activities
* Fleet Week [Thu 1p - Mon 3p]: Featuring the US Navy Blue Angels, military band concerts, ships parade, guided tours, and more. Near Pier 39 and Fort Mason (SF). www.fleetweek.us

Dinka: Legendary Cattle Keepers of Sudan exhibit [Thu 5:30-7:30p]: Opening reception for an Angela Fisher and Carol Beckwith's exhibit, which details the disappearing indigenous cultures of Africa. At Modernbook Gallery in Union Square (SF). www.modernbook.com

Hula concert [Thu 6-7:30p]: Featuring Bay Area musician Faith Ako, with Kumu Hula Shawna Alapa'i and Na Pua O Ka La’akea providing the hula dancers. In Jessie Square (SF). www.ybgf.org

Bass Derby & Festival [Fri 4-10p, Sat 10a-10p, Sun 11a-5p]: 63rd annual. Featuring a bass fishing derby, carnival rides, charity dunk tank, classic car show, and more. In downtown Rio Vista. www.bassfestival.org

Mission Dolores Fiesta [Sat 10a-5p, Sun 11a-4p]: Featuring a silent auction, food booths, sports bar, carnival games, and live entertainment. Benefits Mission Dolores School. At Mission Dolores School Auditorium (SF). www.missiondolores.org/events/upcoming_events.html

Pumpkins in the Park [Sat 10a-4p]: Featuring a giant pumpkin patch, scarecrows, apple tastings, kids' activities, and more. In Guadalupe Park's Discovery Meadow (San Jose). www.grpq.org

Pleasant Hill's Festival [Sat 10a-9p, Sun 10a-5p]: 8th annual. Featuring a live music stage, a children's stage, local artisans, and more. At Pleasant Hill Plaza. www.pleasanthillchamber.com/art-jazz-wine.php

San Carlos Art & Wine Festival [Sat-Sun 10a-5:30p]: 20th annual. Featuring live music, local artisans, wine tasting and more. Along San Carlos Ave and Laurel St (San Carlos). www.sancarloschamber.org

Oaktoberfest [Sat 11a-6p]: Featuring two live music stages, kids' activities, and 20 local brewers such as Drake's, Trumer Pils, and Triple Rock. Near Fruitvale and MacArthur (Oakland). www.oaktoberfest.org

Art Walk Livermore [Sat 11a-5p]: 9th annual. Featuring local art boutiques, street musicians, wine bars, and outdoor diners. In downtown Livermore. www.artwaklivermore.org

Bicycle Family Day [Sun 11a-3p]: 4th annual. Featuring a scavenger hunt, parade, games, and bike maintenance. In Golden Gate Park near Stow Lake (SF). www.sfbike.org/familyday

Jewish To Life Festival [Sun 11a-5p]: Featuring local Bay Area Jewish organizations, live entertainment, authentic food, and more. Along California Ave (Palo Alto). www.paloaltojcc.org/tolife

Italian Heritage Parade [Sun 12:30p]: 142nd annual. Featuring a parade between Fisherman's Wharf and North Beach, along with street musicians and open-air dining specials.

Golden Gate Park Band [Sun 1p]: 128th season. This week's theme - Jazz in the Park. At Golden Gate Park's Music Concourse (SF). www.goldengateparkband.org