Randy's Guide CCXVI (216)

Historic milestones: 7 years since the Concorde's final flight; 32 years since the deaths of Harvey Milk and George Moscone; 97 years since the introduction of the moving assembly line (by Ford Motor); 151 years since Charles Darwin's publication of "On the Origin of Species"; and 233 years since the founding of San Jose, Calif.


Local News
San Francisco Giants first baseman Aubrey Huff has gone from unemployed to a $22 million contract holder after a miraculous year. His rally thong epitomized the camaraderie in the clubhouse, and he ended up leading the team in home runs, hits, and walks. www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/11/23/SP9S1GGGFN.DTL


Deal of the Week
I know many of you will be among the 200 million shoppers to hit the stores this on Friday. Check out www.blackfriday2010.com beforehand to see all of the specials and plan out your day.


Change for Change
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 Curry Without Worry.


Holiday Weekend Weather
* San Francisco: Saturday rain, otherwise cold inland nights below freezing. High 53, Low 43.
* Los Angeles: Breezy and mostly clear. High 65, Low 44. {Hello, from sunny Seal Beach!}
* Yosemite: Saturday and Sunday snow showers. High 39, Low 25.
* Lake Tahoe: Saturday and Sunday snow showers. High 36, Low 10.
* Las Vegas: Clear. High 50, Low 35.
* Portland, OR: Friday and Saturday rain. High 40, Low 34.
* Denver: Partly cloudy. High 42, Low 20.
* Chicago: Wednesday rain and possible Thursday snow. High 37, Low 29.
* New York: Thursday and Friday rain. High 47, Low 33.
* Washington, D.C.: Friday rain. High 51, Low 39.
* Miami: Mostly sunny. High 80, Low 65.
* Houston: Warm start, cold finish. High 81, Low 67 -> High 60, Low 41.
* Honolulu: Chance of showers. High 79, Low 66.


Movies {domestic revenues for November 19-21}
"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1" soared to first place with $125.0 million [4125 theatres; $30,307 per theatre]. Russell Crowe's actioner "The Next Three Days" opened weakly in fifth with $6.5 million [2564 theatres; $2,552 per theatre]. The Naomi Watts-Sean Penn drama "Fair Game," based on Valerie Plame, expanded nicely with $1.5 million [386 theatres; $3,772 per theatre; $3.7 million overall]. Meanwhile, "Megamind" crossed the $100 million mark.

Mainstream films:
-Burlesque (PG-13): Musical; co-starring Cher and Christina Aguilera
-Faster (R): Action; co-starring Dwayne Johnson and Billy Bob Thornton
-Love and Other Drugs (R): Comedy; co-starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Anne Hathaway, and Hank Azaria
-Nutcracker in 3D (PG): Fantasy; co-starring Nathan Lane and John Turturro
-Tangled (PG): Animated; co-voiced by Mandy Moore, Brad Garrett, and Ron Perlman

Art-house films:
-Ahead of Time (NR): Documentary
-Made in Dagenham (R): Comedy; co-starring Sally Hawkins and Bob Hoskins
-Welcome to the Rileys (NR): Drama; co-starring James Gandolfini, Kristen Stewart, and Melissa Leo
-White Material (NR): Drama; co-starring Isabelle Huppert

DVD Pick - Young @ Heart (PG): This documentary will win you over, guaranteed. It focuses on a group of elders who form an a cappella group with tunes ranging from Coldplay to Bruce Springsteen. Domestic box office: $4.0 million; foreign: $3.1 million.


Free Weekend Activities
DJ Mark Farina [Wed 9p]: 8th annual. Just bring an unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots, or a non-perishable food item for Glide Memorial Food Bank for an evening with DJ Mark Farina. At Ruby Skye (SF). www.rubyskye.com/index1.html

Vegan Thanksgiving [Thu 11a-3p]: Free meal. At Cafe Gratitude (SF). www.cafegratitude.com

Winter Wonderland [Fri noon-8p, Sat 9a-noon]: 31st annual. Featuring free snow sledding, live entertainment, and wintertime parade. Along Fourth St (San Rafael). www.sresproductions.com

Ghirardelli Square Tree Lighting [Fri noon-5:30p]: Featuring all-day live entertainment and the tree lighting at 5:30pm. In Ghirardelli Square (SF). www.ghirardellisq.com

Macy's Tree Lighting [Fri 6p]: 21st annual. Featuring Katharine McPhee, Giants pitcher Barry Zito, the Glide Ensemble, UC Berkeley Men's Octet, and "Shrek: The Musical" cast. In Union Square (SF). www.unionsquareshop.com/TreeLightingUnionSquare.html

Rockridge in the Snow [Sat 3-6p]: Featuring a snow play area, live holiday entertainment, and vendor discounts. Near Rockridge BART (Oakland). www.rockridgedistrict.com

Pop-Up Black Sunday [Sun 11a-5p]: Featuring fashion bloggers, live makeup demos, photo booth, and local artisans. Donated clothing will go toward local charities. At the Metreon (SF). www.indiebazaar.net

Creating Coraline discussion [Sun 3-4:30p]: Speak with SF Playhouse Artistic Director Bill English about the process of translating the popular children's book into a musical. At the Main Library's Koret Auditorium (SF). www.sfpl.org

Castro Tree Lighting Ceremony [Mon 6p}: Featuring the Lesbian and Gay Freedom Band, Metropolitan Community Church Choir, San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus, and merchant discounts. Near 501 Castro (SF). www.castrocbd.org

The Glass Menagerie discussion [Mon 7:30p]: Moderated discussion with a theatre professional, courtesy the Aurora Script Club. At the Aurora Theatre (Berkeley). www.auroratheatre.org

Randy's Guide CCXV (215)

Historic milestones: 15 years since the first full-length computer-generated film (Toy Story); 16 years since the establishment of SETI Institute; 20 years since Milli Vanilli lost its Grammy Award for lip-syncing; 47 years since the first use of the push-button telephone and the assassination of President JFK; 147 years since President Lincoln's Gettysburg Address; 152 years since the founding of Denver; and 384 years since the consecration of St. Peter's Basilica.


Local News
Target received unanimous approval from the San Francisco Redevelopment Agency to open a two-floor store inside the Metreon. The signature bulls-eye will grace the side of the building, and the store (San Francisco's first) should be open in 2012. www.sfexaminer.com/local/Metreon-scores-big-box-Target-108850839.html


Deal of the Week
A repeat, as the days grow cold, dark, and rainy: Free Seattle's Best coffee at all Burger King restaurants on Friday mornings in November. No coupon required. www.bk.com


Change for Change
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 Curry Without Worry.


Bay Area Weekend Weather
Record heat on Sunday and Monday is giving way to our first arctic storm on Friday. Expect a wet Big Game - go Stanford!

Highs: mid-50s
Lows: mid-40s


Movies {domestic revenues for November 12-14}
"Megamind" repeated in the top slot, with $29.1 million [3949 theatres; $7,374 per theatre; $88.8 million overall]. Denzel Washington's second train-related thriller, "Unstoppable," opened in second with $22.7 million [3207 theatres; $7,075 per theatre]. The low-rent sci-fi "Skyline" tallied $11.7 million for fourth [2880 theatres; $4,060 per theatre]. The star-packed romantic comedy "Morning Glory" disappointed with $9.2 million [2518 theatres; $3,655 per theatre]. The biggest buzz, though, continues to build for James Franco's survival story "127 Hours," directed by Danny Boyle, as it added $0.4 million in very limited release [22 theatres; $19,934 per theatre, $0.8 million overall].

Mainstream films:
-Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1 (PG-13): Adventure sequel; co-starring Daniel Radcliffe and Helena Bonham Carter
-The Next Three Days (PG-13): Thriller; co-starring Russell Crowe, Elizabeth Banks, and Liam Neeson

Art-house films:
-Client 9: The Rise of Fall of Eliot Spitzer (R): Documentary
-Genius Within: The Inner Life of Glenn Gould (NR): Documentary
-Kings of Pastry (NR): Documentary
-Today's Special (R): Documentary
-Waste Land (NR): Documentary

DVD Pick - No Country for Old Men (R): The relentless look at Americana by the Coen Brothers won four Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director. See it as a sneak peek at their next feature, True Grit. Domestic box office: $74.3 million; foreign: $97.3 million.


Free Weekend Activities
De Young Artisan Faire [Fri 9:30a-8:30p, Sat 9:30a-4:30p]: 4th annual. Featuring local jewelers, stationers, artists, and textile craftspeople. At the de Young Museum (SF). www.famsf.org

San Rafael Parade of Lights [Fri noon-8p, Sat 9a-noon]: 31st annual. Featuring a holiday parade, snow sledding, live entertainment, and holiday marketplace. Along Fourth St. (San Rafael). www.sresproductions.com/san_rafael_parade_of_lights.html

Embarcadero Center Carnival [Fri 4-6p]: 24th annual. Featuring Disney on Ice performance, building center lighting, carnival games, guest appearance by Captain Sullenberger, and holiday music. At the Embarcadero Center (SF). www.embarcaderocenter.com

* Arms and the Man production [Fri 7:30p, Sat-Sun 3p]: This is a delightful free staging by the 16th Street Players for George Bernard Shaw's romantic comedy set during the Serbo-Bulgarian War. At Notre Dame Senior Plaza, near Mission Dolores (SF). www.missiondolores.org/events/upcoming_events.html

Vintage Paper Fair [Sat-Sun 10a-6p]: Featuring antique postcards, advertisements, and more. At Centre Concord. www.vintagepaperfair.com

Vegetarian Thanksgiving cooking demo [Sat 2p]: Featuring Chef Eric Gower (previously on Iron Chef). At Macy's Union Square Cellar (SF). www.macys.com/store/event/index.ognc?action=search&storeId=212

Yellena James exhibit [Sat 6p]: Opening reception for the joint work with Pete Belkin, entitled "Biosynthesis." At Gallery Hijinks (SF). www.galleryhijinks.com

Randy's Guide CCXIV (214)

Historic milestones: 22 years since the launch of the first major fair-trade label (Netherlands' Max Havelaar); 28 years since the dedication of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.; 37 years since President Nixon's "I am not a crook" interview; 54 years since the end of the Montgomery Bus Boycott; 74 years since the opening of the Bay Bridge; 84 years since the establishment of Route 66; and 121 years since Washington's admission as the 42nd U.S. state.


Local News
San Francisco has opened its first health clinic entirely run by volunteers, mainly retired medical professionals. Clinic by the Bay is affiliated with Volunteers in Medicine, which has 82 clinics nationwide. This clinic is open to uninsured residents in 94112 (Excelsior/ Outer Mission) and 94014 (Daly City), who are at or below 250% of the federal poverty line and have some income. www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/11/09/MNB31G3J39.DTL


Deal of the Week #1
Gap Inc. is having its semi-annual Give & Get Program, with 30% off all in-store purchases at its Gap, Banana Republic, and Old Navy parent and outlet stores. My designated charity is Teach for America, which will receive 5% of all purchases. Sale ends Sunday 11/14 at 11:59pm. Feel free to print out the discount page for in-store purchases. http://gap.m.delivery.net/w/webView?cid=18261100324&mid=1856354299&pid=860672&vid=13665&ee=cHJpdmF0ZXJ5YW43OEBob3RtYWlsLmNvbQ__&si=&mv=H&bv=H&oc=H&sc=&k=1kfRVx


Deal of the Week #2
Grab your free small Seattle's Best coffee at any participating Burger King on Friday mornings in November. www.bk.com


Change for Change
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 Curry Without Worry.


Bay Area Weekend Weather
Crisp mornings and bright sunshine afternoons... sure beats 31 and snowy in Denver, or rainy 50 in Seattle.

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

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


Movies {domestic revenues for November 5-7}
"Megamind" debuted strongly, with $46.0 million [3944 theatres; $11,668 per theatre]. The raunchy comedy "Due Date" picked up $32.7 million [3355 theatres; $9,743 per theatre]. Tyler Perry's adaptation "For Colored Girls" tallied $19.5 million [2127 theatres; $9,167 per theatre]. The latest Bollywood comedy, "Golmaal 3," brought in $0.6 million in limited release [86 theatres; $7,284 per theatre].

Mainstream films:
-Morning Glory (PG-13): comedy; co-starring Rachel McAdams, Harrison Ford, Diane Keaton, and Jeff Goldblum
-Skyline (PG-13): sci-fi
-Unstoppable (PG-13): action; co-starring Denzel Washington and Chris Pine; directed by Roger Scott

Art-house films:
-Cool It (PG): documentary
-Four Lions (R): comedy
-127 Hours (R): drama; co-starring James Franco; directed by Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionaire, Trainspotting)
-Vision (NR): biopic

DVD Pick - The Proposal (PG-13): Light and airy, this rom-com was Oscar winner Sandra Bullock's other hit in 2009. She plays a Canadian hard-nosed editor who hatches a plan to marry her assistant (Ryan Reynolds) in order to remain legally in the U.S. Domestic box office: $164.0 million; foreign: $153.4 million.


Free Weekend Activities
Meryl Pataky exhibit [Thu 6-8p]: Opening reception for the modern artist. At Muse Art Gallery (SF). www.yourmusegallery.com

DJ Irene @ Ruby Skye [Thu 8p-2a]: 18+ night with no cover at the popular Union Square nightclub. At Ruby Skye (SF). www.rubyskye.com

Pigeon Point Light Station Celebration [Sat 10a-8p]: 138th anniversary event, with grounds tours, historic exhibits, fresnel lens lighting, and more. At Pigeon Point Light Station (Pescadero). www.parks.ca.gov/pages/533/files/2010PPLH%20Annivposter.pdf

Petaluma Holiday Faire [Sat-Sun 10a-5p]: Featuring 55 Sonoma County artisans, along with gourmet food items. At the Petaluma Community Center. www.holidaygiftfaire.org

Armenian Festival [Sat noon-9p, Sun 12:30-3p]: 29th annual. Featuring traditional Armenian food, music, and crafts. At Calvary Church (SF). www.cacc-sf.org

First Thanksgiving cooking demo [Sat 2p]: Featuring Chef John Farais of Indigenous Edibles, with two preparations of First Thanksgiving dishes. At Macy's Union Square Cellar (SF). www.macys.com/store/event/index.ognc?action=search&storeId=212

Arms and the Man production [Fri 7:30p, Sat-Sun 3p]: Free staging by the 16th Street Players for George Bernard Shaw's romantic comedy set during the Serbo-Bulgarian War. At Notre Dame Senior Plaza, near Mission Dolores (SF). www.missiondolores.org/events/upcoming_events.html

Jimmy Ernst exhibit [Sat 6-9p]: Opening reception for the abstract-surrealist artist, the son of painter Max Ernst. At Weinstein Gallery (SF). www.weinstein.com

Outdoor Film Screening - Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi [Sat 7p]: Featuring the Bollywood classic about a middle-aged man seeking a fresh start to life. At Japantown's Peace Plaza (SF). www.japancentersf.com

Academy of Sciences [Wed 9:30a-5p]: Free admission (adult retail: $29.95) to the wildly popular science museum. Reserve timed tickets for the IMAX planetarium shows when you first arrive. In Golden Gate Park (SF). www.calacademy.org

Randy's Guide CCXIII (213)

Historic milestones: 21 years since the election of the first African-American U.S. governor (Virginia's Douglas Wilder); 63 years since the TV debut of "Meet the Press"; 86 years since the election of the first female U.S. governor (Wyoming's Nellie Ross); 94 years since the election of the first Congresswoman (Montana's Jeannette Rankin); 136 years since the first use of the elephant for the U.S. Republican Party; and 138 years since Susan B. Anthony's first (illegal) vote.


Local News
It's been a great week for the Bay Area. First, the San Francisco Giants finally won a World Series, and the City celebrated Monday night in the streets and Wednesday morning for the ticker-tape parade and ceremony. Then, the election ushered in Oakland resident Jerry Brown into the Governor's office, SF Mayor Gavin Newsom as Lt. Governor, and East Bay Assemblyman Tom Torlakson as State Superintendent. www.sfgiants.com http://vote.sos.ca.gov


Deal of the Week
Treat yourself to free small coffee at any 7-Eleven store. Valid through 12/31/2010. https://online.citibank.com/USBA/einserts/3270.pdf


Change for Change
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 Curry Without Worry.


Bay Area Weekend Weather
The sun shone for the Giants parade, but expect showers to return by Saturday.

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


Movies {domestic revenues for October 29-31}
Halloween scared up $22.5 million for Saw 3D, the seventh installment [2808 theatres; $8,024 per theatre]. "Paranormal Activity 2," the prequel sequel, added $16.5 million [3239 theatres; $5,097 per theatre; $65.7 million overall]. The heavy Hilary Swank drama "Conviction" had a tepid expansion, with $1.8 million for tenth place [565 theatres; $3,241 per theatre; $2.4 million overall]. Meanwhile, "Jackass 3D" crossed the $100 million mark.

Mainstream films:
-Due Date (R): comedy; co-starring Robert Downey Jr., Juliette Lewis, and Jamie Foxx
-For Colored Girls (R): drama; co-starring Janet Jackson; directed by Tyler Perry
-Megamind (PG): adventure animation; co-voiced by Will Ferrell, Tina Fey, and Brad Pitt

Art-house films:
-Carlos (NR): biopic
-Fair Game (PG-13): thriller; co-starring Naomi Watts and Sean Penn
-Monsters (R): sci-fi
-Tibet in Song (NR): documentary; co-starring Richard Gere
-Wild Target (PG-13): comedy; co-starring Emily Blunt and Rupert Everett

DVD Pick - The Soloist (PG-13): These two actors - that is, Robert Downey Jr. and Jamie Foxx - tried their Oscar best to portray a damaged journalist and musician, respectively. It's a compelling look into the underbelly of the Los Angeles downtrodden. Domestic box office: $31.7 million; foreign: $6.6 million.


Free Weekend Activities
I Live Here exhibit [Fri 6-9p]: Featuring 170+ local microcelebrities in a photograph exhibit opening. At SOMArts (SF). www.iliveheresf.com

* Green Festival [Sat 10a-7p, Sun 11-6p]: I'll be there on Sunday morning... come say hello. Featuring over 450 exhibitors and 100 speakers spreading the latest environmental news and products. Bring in four nonperishable food items, a used mobile phone, or a Rainbow Grocery receipt of at least $10 for free admission! At the Concourse Exhibition Center (SF). www.greenfestivals.org/sf

Asian Art Museum [Sun 10a-5p]: Free admission! At the Asian Art Museum (SF). www.asianart.org

Oakland Museum of CA [Sun 11a-5p]: Free admission! At the Oakland Museum of CA. www.museumca.org

Family Concert [Sun 3p]: Featuring the SF Chamber Orchestra and the SF Ballet School Trainee Program. At Kaiser Center Auditorium (Oakland). www.sfchamberorchestra.org