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