Randy's Guide CCXXI (221)

Historic milestones: 18 years since the separation of Czechoslovakia into the Czech Republic and Slovakia; 33 years since the incorporation of Apple Computer; 51 years since the admission of Alaska as the 49th state; 83 years since the first subway line in Asia (Tokyo); 86 years since Edwin Hubble's discovery of other galaxies; 103 years since the first Montessori daycare school (Rome); 120 years since the first Tournament of Roses Parade (Pasadena, Calif.); and 131 years since Thomas Edison's public incandescent lighting demonstration.


Local News
San Francisco residents dispose of approximately 500 tons of Christmas trees every year, and Recology sells the wood mulch to the Tracy Biomass Plant, which then produces about 20 megawatts of power. Place your bare holiday tree at the curb between January 3-14, or to Haight-Ashbury's recycling center by January 20. http://missionlocal.org/2010/12/where-do-all-the-christmas-trees-go


Deal of the Week
Use public transit on New Year's Eve! MUNI will be free from 8pm until 6am, with Metro service extended until 4am and extra Owl service (15 min wait). CalTrain will be free after 11pm, with added trains leaving SF at 12:45am, 1:15am, and 2:15am. BART will also offer extended service until about 4am.


Change for Change
Charity: Gay-Straight Alliance. Reader Michael K. wrote a compelling message regarding the difficulties that LGBT youths face during the holiday season. Please consider a special donation to Michael's cause! http://wishes.causes.com/wishes/157861

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, Curry Without Worry, and SF Neighborhood Theater Foundation.


Holiday Bay Area Weekend Weather
Wet again! Showers likely for New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.

Highs: low-50s
Lows: upper-30s (inland); low-40s (bay-coast); mid-40s (SF)


Movies {domestic revenues for December 24-26}
"Little Fockers," in the third outing between Ben Stiller and Robert De Niro, started with $30.8 million, about half the first film's attendance [3536 theatres; $8,720 per theatre; $45.1 million overall]. The Coen Brothers' "True Grit" nabbed the biggest Western debut ever, and deservedly so, with $24.9 million [3047 theatres; $8,156 per theatre; $36.1 million overall]. I will be cheering for young Hailee Steinfeld to grab an Oscar nomination. "Gulliver's Travels" opened disappointingly in 8th, with $6.3 million [2546 theatres; $2,477 per theatre]. And "The King's Speech" marched into more theatres and 11th place with $4.5 million [700 theatres; $6,426 per theatre; $8.3 million overall].

Art-house films:
- Hadewijch (NR): Drama
- Red Hill (R): Suspense

DVD Pick - Fantastic Mr. Fox (PG): Just plain fantastic. George Clooney and Meryl Streep headline a terrific cast, who have the benefit of creative director Wes Anderson (The Royal Tenenbaums; Rushmore) and a beautiful animation design. Nominated for 2 Oscars, best score and best animated film. Domestic box office: $21.0 million; foreign: $25.5 million.


Free Weekend Activities
Critical Mass [Fri 6p]: Be forewarned, drivers and bus takers. Starts at Justin Herman Plaza (SF). www.sfcriticalmass.org

Chamber Orchestra performance [Thu 5:30p, Fri 8p, Sat-Sun 3p, Mon 8p]: Featuring cellist Nathan Chan and the SF Chamber Orchestra, with works by Mozart and Tchaikovsky. At InterContinental Hotel (SF), First Congregational (Berkeley), St. Mark's (Palo Alto), Herbst Theatre (SF), and Empress Theatre (Vallejo). www.sfchamberorchestra.org

Billy Bowers/Roger Anderson opening exhibit [Fri 8p]: Featuring two new exhibitions, "Walt Disney Was Homosexual" and "Cockette Close-Up." At Steven Wolf Fine Arts (SF). www.stevenwolffinearts.com

NYE Fireworks [Fri midnight]: Featuring a 15-minute show launching just south of the Ferry Building (SF).

Kwanzaa 2010 [through Saturday]: Various discussions and events in celebration of Kwanzaa. At Yoshi's, Marcus Books, Buchanan YMCA, and other locations (SF). www.kwanzaasanfrancisco.com

TCHO Gourmet Chocolate Factory Tour [10am/2pm daily through 1/31]: It's like Whole Foods meets Willy Wonka. At Pier 17 (SF). www.brownpapertickets.com/event/141024

Randy's Guide CCXX (220)

Historic milestones: 42 years since the first lunar orbit by humans during the Christmas Eve Broadcast of Apollo 8; 44 years since the first celebration of Kwanzaa; 69 years since the establishment of Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday in November (FDR); 187 years since the anonymous publication of A Visit from St. Nicholas (or The Night Before Christmas); 192 years since the first performance of "Silent Night" (Oberndorf, Austria); and 233 years since the discovery of Christmas Island by Captain James Cook.


Local News
Stanford women's basketball coach Tara VanDerveer picked her 800th victory, as the Cardinal walloped the USF Dons 100-45. She is now the sixth women's coach at the college level to achieve the milestone. www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/12/23/SPP31GUFLP.DTL


Deals of the Week
* Free small coffee or tea at Border's bookstores through December 25. http://i53.tinypic.com/358uck6.jpg

* Free coffee or tea from Peet's on December 24. www.peets.com


Change for Change
Congrats to San Francisco Neighborhood Theater Foundation as the latest Randy's Guide donation recipient. www.sfneighorhoodtheater.org

New Charity: Gay-Straight Alliance. Reader Michael K. wrote a compelling message regarding the difficulties that LGBT youths face during the holiday season. Please consider a special donation to Michael's cause! http://wishes.causes.com/wishes/157861

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, Curry Without Worry, and now SF Neighborhood Theater Foundation.


Holiday Bay Area Weekend Weather
It'll be a wet Christmas, with rain and thunder forecast for Saturday through Sunday morning.

HIghs: mid-50s
Lows: low-40s (inland); mid-40s (coast-bay); upper-40s (SF)


Movies {domestic revenues for December 17-19}
"Tron Legacy" more than made up for the original's disappointing numbers, as it ushered in young adult males in droves to tally $44.0 million [3451 theatres; $12,758 per theatre]. "Yogi Bear," meanwhile, piqued the interest of young boys to open in second with $16.4 million [3515 theatres; $4,669 per theatre]. "The Fighter" went into nationwide release and brought in $12.1 million [2503 theatres; $4,848 per theatre; $12.6 million overall]. "How Do You Know" had a disappointing opening, considering the star power, as older women pushed its revenues to $7.5 million [2483 theatres; $3,014 per theatre].

Mainstream films:
- Gulliver's Travels (PG): Adventure; co-starring Jack Black, Emily Blunt, Jason Segel, and Amanda Peet
- Little Fockers (PG-13): Comedy sequel; co-starring Robert De Niro, Owen Wilson, Dustin Hoffman, and Barbra Streisand

Art-house films:
- Casino Jack (R): Biopic; co-starring Kevin Spacey
- Rabbit Hole (PG-13): Drama; co-starring Nicole Kidman, Aaron Eckhart, and Dianne Wiest; directed by John Cameron Mitchell (Hedwig and the Angry Inch)
- Somewhere (R): Drama; directed by Sofia Coppola (Lost in Translation)
- Summer Wars (PG): Anime
- True Grit (PG-13): Western; co-starring Jeff Bridges, Matt Damon, and Josh Brolin; directed by the Coen Brothers (No Country for Old Men)

DVD Pick - It's Complicated (R): Opening last Christmas, this romantic comedy targets older relationships, as Meryl Streep has to decide between her architect (Steve Martin) and her ex-husband (Alec Baldwin). It picked up 3 Golden Globe nominations, including Best Picture and Best Actress. Domestic box office: $112.7 million; foreign: $106.4 million.


Free Weekend Activities
Telegraph Holiday Street Fair [Thu-Fri 11a-6p]: 27th annual. Featuring 200+ local artisans. Along Telegraph Ave. (Berkeley). www.telegraphfair.com

Contemporary Jewish Museum Day [Fri 11a-4p]: You can buy Yank Sing dim sum or Ritual Roasters coffee as you take in special Curious George-themed performances. At the CJM (SF). www.thecjm.org

Kwanzaa 2010 [Sunday 12/26 - Saturday 1/1]: Various discussions and events in celebration of Kwanzaa. At Yoshi's, Marcus Books, Buchanan YMCA, and other locations (SF). www.kwanzaasanfrancisco.com

TCHO Gourmet Chocolate Factory Tour [10am/2pm daily through 1/31]: It's like Whole Foods meets Willy Wonka. At Pier 17 (SF). www.brownpapertickets.com/event/141024

Randy's Guide CCXIX (219)

Historic milestones: 21 years since the first Simpsons episode; 23 years since the first release of the Perl programming language; 45 years since the introduction of the first rural speed limits in the U.K.; 78 years since the first NFL championship game (won by the Chicago Bears); 150 years since the first state secession (South Carolina); 207 years since the completion of the Louisiana Purchase; and 303 years since the last recorded eruption of Mount Fuji.


Local News
An 8-year-old girl from Menlo Park has lost her appeal to the city's Parks and Recreation Commission for her chance to play on the boys' basketball team. www.mercurynews.com/peninsula/ci_16872522


Deal of the Week
December birthdays receive a free $20 gift card for food and drinks at the Royal Exchange in downtown SF. Print out your voucher at www.mailboto.com/templates/royalexchange/bday-dec.pdf, good for parties of 2 or more on weekdays after 2pm.


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
Rain starts tonight through Tuesday, with the heaviest spells on Saturday.

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


Movies {domestic revenues for December 10-12}
"The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader" debuted in first with $24.0 million, a far cry from its earlier two installments [3555 theatres; $6,752 per theatre]. The star power of Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp couldn't lift "The Tourist" past $16.5 million [2756 theatres; $5,977 per theatre]. "Black Swan," with 4 Golden Globe nominations, continued to impress with $3.3 million in sixth place [90 theatres; $36,726 per theatre; $5.6 million overall]. And the very entertaining "The King's Speech," fresh off 7 Golden Globe nominations, expanded to take in $0.6 million [19 theatres; $31,148 per theatre; $1.5 million overall].

Mainstream films:
- The Fighter (R): Sports drama; co-starring Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale, Amy Adams, and Melissa Leo; directed by David O. Russell (I Heart Huckabees; Three Kings); 6 Golden Globe nominations
- How Do You Know (PG-13): Comedy; co-starring Reese Witherspoon, Owen Wilson, Paul Rudd, and Jack Nicholson; directed by James L. Brooks
- Tron: Legacy (PG): Sci-fi; co-starring Jeff Bridges and Michael Sheen
- Yogi Bear (PG): Animation; co-voiced by Dan Aykroyd and Justin Timberlake

Art-house films:
- All Good Things (R): Suspense; co-starring Ryan Gosling and Kirsten Dunst
- Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale (NR): Horror

DVD Pick - Toy Story 3 (PG): It's a good bet that this finale to the beloved trilogy, which focuses on the discarded side of childhood playthings, will follow up its Golden Globe nod for Animated Feature with an Oscar victory. Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, and Don Rickles are joined by Michael Keaton, Jodi Benson, and Ned Beatty. Domestic box office: $415.0 million; foreign: $648.1 million.


Free Weekend Activities
Posadas on 24th Street [Fri 5:45-8p]: Featuring Christmas processional, caroling, and sparklers. Along 24th St. (SF). www.lower24thstreet.org

Lighted boat parade [Fri 6p]: Featuring 75+ boats from the Fisherman's Wharf Fishing Fleet, Pier 39 Marina, and St. Francis and Golden Gate yacht clubs. From Pier 39 to Crissy Field (SF). www.fishermanswharf.com

FunCheapSF Holiday Party [Fri 6-8p]: Featuring two kegs of Fat Tire beer, free raffle, scavenger hunt, and games. At Sports Basement (SF). http://sf.funcheap.com/funcheapsf-holiday-party-2010-sf

Sharing the Spirit Concert [Fri 6p]: 28th annual. Featuring music, dance, theater, and film performances. At the East Bay Center for the Performing Arts (Richmond). www.eastbaycenter.org

Renegrade Craft Fair [Sat-Sun 11a-7p]: 2nd annual. Featuring 200+ independent artisans, a raffle, photobooth, and do-it-yourself activities. At the Concourse Exhibition Center (SF). www.renegadecraft.com/holiday-sf

Telegraph Avenue Fair [Sat-Sun 11a-6p]: 27th annual. Featuring 200+ artisans with inexpensive gift items such as jewelry, candles, and photography. Along Telegraph Ave. (Berkeley). www.telegraphfair.com

Macy's Cooking Demo [Sat 2p]: Top Chef contestant Yigit Pura will be demonstrating holiday treats. At Macy's Union Square (SF). www.macys.com

Randy's Guide CCXVIII (218)

Historic milestones: 38 years since the last astronaut lunar walk; 71 years since the Gone with the Wind premiere; 104 years since the first American Nobel Prize recipient (Theodore Roosevelt); and 159 years since the first YMCA in North America (Montreal).


Local News
On a day of sobering news that California's dropout rate moved above 20 percent, San Francisco's percentage has dropped to below 10 percent. School officials credit vocational programs, college-focused coursework, and truancy reduction for the success. www.sfexaminer.com/local/education/2010/12/city-s-student-dropout-rate-decreasing


Deal of the Week #1
Parking has gotten a little bit more reasonable in San Francisco for carpools through Dec. 26. Seven garages (Ellis-O'Farrell; Fifth-Mission; Sutter-Stockton; Geary-Stockton; Lombard-Marina; Vallejo-Chinatown; 21st-Bartlett) are offering one hour of free parking with three occupants, and two hours for 4+ occupants per vehicle. The Civic Center garage is offering free parking on weekends only. Cars must enter between 10am and 6pm. www.sfmta.com/cms/pnews/HolidayCarpoolParkingValidation.htm


Deal of the Week #2
Free Wendy's natural-cut fries with sea salt. www.mrcheapstuff.com/coupon-go/wendy_free


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
Blue skies, at last. Time to hit the fresh powder!

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


Movies {domestic revenues for December 3-5}
We've just closed out the weakest December in 15 years, in terms of attendance. "Tangled" assumed the first spot with $21.6 million [3603 theatres; $5,997 per theatre; $96.6 million overall]. "The Warrior's Way" stumbled into ninth with $3.0 million [1622 theatres; $1,880 per theatre]. Natalie Portman's ballet drama "Black Swan" played to sold-out crowds for $1.4 million [18 theatres; $80,212 per theatre].

Mainstream films:
-Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (PG): Fantasy sequel; co-starring Tilda Swinton
-The Tempest (PG-13): Drama; co-starring Helen Mirren, Russell Brand, and Chris Cooper; directed by Julie Taymor ("Across the Universe")
-The Tourist (PG-13): Thriller; co-starring Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie

Art-house films:
-King's Speech (R): Historical drama; co-starring Colin Firth and Geoffrey Rush
-Legend of Pale Male (NR): Documentary
-Night Catches Us (R): Drama
-Queen of the Lot (R): Romance
-Tiny Furniture (NR): Comedy

DVD Pick - The Last Station (R): The historical drama about the closing years of writer Leo Tolstoy lends more insight than expected. Christopher Plummer and Helen Mirren are the top-billed and Oscar-nominated Tolstoyan couple, while Paul Giamatti and James McAvoy have juicy supporting roles. Domestic box office: $6.6 million; foreign: $6.3 million.


Free Weekend Activities
Market Street Art [Thu 5-7p]: Featuring three art installation launches, fire jugglers, Filipino lantern displays, and a community procession. Near ACT Costume Shop, 7th and Market (SF). www.sfartscommission.org

Golden Gate Park Holiday Lighting [Thu 5p]: 81st annual. At McLaren Lodge (SF). www.sfrecpark.org

Hometown Holiday Stroll [Thu 5-8p]: Featuring holiday carolers and special discounts. In downtown Walnut Creek. www.walnutcreekdowntown.com

Holiday Party for Hellraisers [Thu 6p]: First 120 drinks on the house. With the staffs of Rainforest Action Network, Greenpeace, the Ruckust Society, Amazonwatch, Corporate Ethics International, and Forest Ethics. At Brunos (SF). www.ran.org

Believer Magazine Art Issue Release Party [Thu 7:30p]: Featuring local artists by the San Francisco-published magazine. At Electric Works Gallery (SF). www.sfelectricworks.com

* Mission Block Party [Fri 5-10p]: 3rd annual. Featuring holiday refreshments and special discounts at shops. Between Mission and Dolores, 14th and 24th St. (SF). www.getlocalsf.com/events

Boom! Reception [Fri 6-9p]: Featuring Carnegie Mellon's Miller Gallery Director Astria Suparak and her juried exhibition on Northern California artists interpreting the word "Boom." At Southern Exposure (SF). www.soex.org

Alternative Press Festival [Sat 10a-4p]: Featuring self-publishers from the Bay Area. At Berkeley City College. http://EastBayAlternativePressBookFair.blogspot.com

Telegraph Avenue Holiday Fair [Sat-Sun 11a-6p]: Featuring 200+ holiday artists, festive lights, and gourmet food. Along Telegraph Ave (Berkeley). www.telegraphfair.com

* Bazaar Bizarre [Sat-Sun noon-5p]: Featuring 150 selected local artists and designers with goods ranging from handbags to silk-screen t-shirts and body products. With Off the Grid gourmet food carts. At Fort Mason (SF). www.bazaarbizarre.org

Under the Holiday Lights [Sat-Sun noon-5p]: Featuring Santa photos. Along Fourth St. (Berkeley). www.fourthstreet.com

Winterfest [Sun 11a-6p]: 16th annual. Featuring snow sledding, Santa photos, and live carols. In Depot Plaza (Mill Valley). www.millvalley.org

Randy's Guide CCXVII (217)

Historic milestones: 28 years since the first U.S. lethal-injection execution; 30 years since the assassination of John Lennon; 56 years since the opening of the first Burger King (Miami, Fla.); 71 years since the opening of New York's La Guardia Airport; 113 years since the world's first licensed taxicabs (London); 129 years since the first edition of The Los Angeles Times; and 206 years since Napoleon became the first French Emperor in 1,000 years.


Local News
On the heels of a historic San Francisco Giants World Series title, another local team, Stanford University football, has wrapped up its best regular season in its history, finishing 11-1 and currently ranked number 4 in the country. Depending on this weekend's results, Stanford may play for the national title or for a lesser BCS bowl such as the Rose Bowl. www.stanforddaily.com/2010/12/01/jaffe-dont-focus-just-on-football


Deal of the Week
San Francisco MUNI is offering $2 all-day transfers on Sundays in December. Cable cars and Candlestick Park express buses are exempt. www.sfmta.com/cms/malerts/SundayFunDayPass.htm


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
Best shower chances will be Thursday night and Saturday night into Sunday. Keep your umbrellas or coats handy for the next several days though!

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


Movies {domestic revenues for November 26-28}
For the second weekend, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1" topped the charts with $49.1 million [4125 theatres; $11,900 per theatre; $219.1 million overall]. Disney's "Tangled" was its highest-grossing non-Pixar animated film debut yet, with $48.8 million [3603 theatres; $13,535 per theatre; $68.7 million overall]. The musical "Burlesque" opened in fourth with $11.9 million [3037 theatres; $3,934 per theatre; $17.3 million overall]. The Jake Gyllenhaal-Anne Hathaway romantic comedy "Love and Other Drugs" tallied $9.7 million [2455 theatres; $3,967 per theatre; $13.9 million overall]. Finally, "Faster" puttered into seventh place with $8.5 million [2454 theatres; $3,473 per theatre, $12.0 million overall].

Mainstream films:
-The Warrior's Way (R): Action; co-starring Geoffrey Rush and Kate Bosworth

Art-house films:
-Black Swan (R): Thriller; co-starring Natalie Portman
-I Love You Phillip Morris (R): Comedy; co-starring Jim Carrey and Ewan McGregor
-Marwencol (NR): Documentary
-Saint Misbehavin': The Wavy Gravy Movie (NR): Documentary
-The Temptation of St. Tony (NR): Drama

DVD Pick - Broken Embraces (R): The latest Pedro Almodovar (All About My Mother; Talk to Her) film brings feisty Penelope Cruz into the mix as a wide-eyed actress who falls in love with both a wealthy patron and a romantic director. It's not his best work, but it's still worth a look. Domestic box office: $5.0 million; foreign: $26.0 million.


Free Weekend Activities
San Carlos Hometown Holidays [Fri 5-8p, Sat 9:30a-2p]: Featuring Santa by helicopter, free refreshments and children's gifts, train rides, tree lighting, and more. Along Laurel St. on Friday, and the Hiller Museum on Saturday (San Carlos). www.cityofsancarlos.org

Chestnuts on Chestnut [Fri 5-8p]: Featuring free hot cocoa, mini cupcakes, face painting, Santa photos, and more> Along Chestnut St. (SF).

Jack London Square Tree Ceremony [Fri 5:30-7:30p]: Featuring festive music, the tree lighting, and the holiday float preview. At Jack London Square (Oakland). www.jacklondonsquare.com

CCA Holiday Fair [Sat 11a-3p]: Featuring live jazz music, homemade arts & crafts, holiday treats, and more. At California College of the Arts (Oakland). www.cca.edu

Oakland Holiday Parade [Sat 2-4p]: Featuring colorful floats, floating balloons, and more. Along Broadway (Oakland). www.oaklandholidayparade.com

Festival of Lights [Sat 3-6p]: 20th annual. Featuring reindeer rides, Santa photos, cupcake decorating, and more. Along Union St. (SF). www.sresproductions.com/fantasy_of_lights.html

Pleasanton Hometown Parade [Sat 3:30-7:30p]: Featuring a parade, Santa photos, holiday tree lighting, and more. Along Main St. (Pleasanton). www.pleasantondowntown.net

Snow in Berkeley [Sun 10a-3p]: Featuring imported snow, hot cocoa, holiday crafts, and more. At Andronico's (Berkeley). www.gourmetghetto.org

Free SF Museum Days [Sun / Tue]: Sunday - Asian Art. Tuesday - de Young, SFMOMA, Conservatory of Flowers, Cartoon Art, Legion of Honor, and YBCA.