Randy's Guide CCXXXIV (234)

Historic milestones: 10 years since the first nation to legalize same-sex marriage (Netherlands); 43 years since the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr.; 60 years since the first delivered commercial computer (U.S. Census Bureau - UNIVAC I); 62 years since the creation of the Republic of Ireland; 105 years since the establishment of the NCAA (go VCU!); 108 years since the first full-time movie theater (L.A.); and 181 years since the organization of the Church of the Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.


Deal of the Week
Stock up on Q-tips, shave cream, and toothpaste at Walgreens today only.
www.walgreens.com/topic/promotion/friendsandfamily.jsp

Local News
PETA has asked Mayor Ed Lee to rename San Francisco's Tenderloin area to something more positive, such as Tempeh District or Granola Flats. The Mayor and Supervisor Jane Kim have not commented thus far. www.sfexaminer.com/local/2011/03/wheres-beef-peta-wants-san-francisco-rename-tenderloin


Change for Change
Charity: Japanese Cultural & Community Center of Northern California. Founded in 1973, the JCCCNC typically offers programs, sports leagues, events, and community services for over 80 different national non-profits. The March earthquake and tsunami has led the JCCCNC to start the Northern Japan Earthquake Relief Fund, which will donate 100% of proceeds to a three-prong approach of immediate relief, mid-term recovery, and long-term rebuilding. The goal is $1 million. www.causes.com/campaigns/97128?cause_id=590211

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, SF Neighborhood Theater Foundation, and La Cocina.


Bay Area Weekend Highs
Records fell yesterday, as SF hit 82, Oakland 83, and Santa Rosa 85. Record heat continues today, then showers on Saturday.

Thursday: mid-70s (coast); upper-70s (SF-bay); low-80s (inland)
Friday: upper-60s (SF-coast); low-70s (bay); upper-70s (inland)
Saturday-Sunday: upper-50s (SF-coast); low-60s (bay); mid-60s (inland)


Music
"Hymn 101" by Joe Pug (Chicago, Ill.)

The folk rocker has sold some of his tour tickets with no service fees, and he offers his latest album for free through his website. I plan to be at his May 17 show at the Bottom of the Hill; other performance stops include Denver, Houston, Atlanta, NYC, Pittsburgh, St. Louis, Chicago, Seattle, Salt Lake City, and L.A. www.joepugmusic.com


Movies {domestic revenues for March 25-27}
"Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules" surprised in first with $23.8 million [3167 theatres; $7,500 per theatre]. "Sucker Punch" landed in second with $19.1 million [3033 theatres; $6,284 per theatre]. Meanwhile, "Rango" and "Just Go with It" both crossed the $100 million mark.

Mainstream films:
- Hop (PG): Comedy; co-voiced by Russell Brand, Hugh Laurie, and David Hasselhoff
- Insidious (PG-13): Horror; co-starring Patrick Wilson and Barbara Hershey
- Source Code (PG-13): Thriller; co-starring Jake Gyllenhaal

Art-house films:
- The Elephant in the Living Room (NR): Documentary
- The Last Godfather (PG-13): Comedy
- Miral (R): Drama
- Orgasm, Inc. (NR): Documentary
- Potiche (R): Comedy; co-starring Catherine Denueve and Gerard Depardieu
- Rubber (R): Comedy
- Super (NR): Comedy; co-starring Kevin Bacon, Ellen Page, and Liv Tyler

Paige's DVD Pick: Waiting for Superman (PG). This documentary takes a hard look at the educational system as seen through the eyes of several students. It won awards with Sundance and the National Board of Review. Domestic box office: $6.4 million.


Free Weekend Activities
SF Chamber Orchestra [Thu 5:30pm, Fri-Sat 8pm, Sun 3pm, Mon 8pm]: With works by Beethoven, Vivaldi, and Frank. At the Contemporary Jewish Museum (SF-Thu), Herbst Theatre (SF-Fri), St. Mark's (Palo Alto-Sat), First Congregational (Berkeley-Sun), and Empress Theatre (Vallejo-Mon). www.sfchamberorchestra.org

Rotunda Dance Series [Fri noon]: With Monique Jenkinson in her award-winning drag-queen persona, Fauxnique. At City Hall (SF). www.dancersgroup.org

St. Stupid's Day Parade [Fri noon-2pm]: Dress up and be smug. Starts at Justin Herman Plaza (SF). www.saintstupid.com

SOMA Artists Spring 2011 Open House [Fri 6-9pm, Sat-Sun noon-5pm]: Friday is the opening reception, and 50+ artists are featured nearby. At SOMA Artists Studios (SF).
www.somaartiststudios.com

SF Japan Benefit Concert [Sat 10am-6pm]: Features hula groups, ukelele bands, local musical acts, and MC Mike Inouye (NBC). At Japantown's Peace Plaza (SF).
www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=160840050639106

Cambodian New Year Festival [Sat 10am-5pm]: Features traditional blessings, dance, music, food, and games. Near Ellis and Hyde (SF) and the Cesar Chavez Center (Oakland). www.cambodiancommunity.org

Filipino-American Jazz Concert [Sat 1-4pm]: Co-sponsored by the Filipino-American and African-American Jazz Centers at the SFPL and by the SF Filipino-American Jazz Festival. At the Main Library's Koret Auditorium (SF). www.sfpl.org

From Grassroots to Netroots [Sat 1-4pm]: A thorough look at the Bay Area's political identity from the 18th century through today. At YBCA Forum (SF). www.ybca.org

Free Museum Day [Sun / Tue / Wed]: Sunday - Asian Art Museum. Tuesday - Cartoon Art Museum; de Young; Legion of Honor; SF MOMA; YBCA Galleries. Wednesday - Exploratorium; Bay Area Discovery Museum (Sausalito).

Macy's Flower Show [through April 10]: Several events include a Project Runway challenge (Thu 3/31 6pm), Men's Spring event (Fri 4/1 6pm $25), Mission Beach Cafe's Chef Alan Carter pie-making demo (Sat 4/2 2pm), and Bar III men's label launch (Sat 4/2 1-3pm). At Macy's Union Square (SF). www.macys.com

Our Soldiers' Stories exhibit [through April 22]: Featuring a photo exhibition by Maria Hohn and Martin Klimke focused on African-American GIs during the WWII era. At the African American Art & Culture Complex (SF). www.aaacc.org

Randy's Guide CCXXXIII (233)

Historic milestones: 22 years since the Exxon Valdez oil spill; 32 years since the Three Mile Island nuclear accident; 46 years since the completion of the Selma civil rights march; 58 years since the first successful test of the polio vaccine; and 115 years since the first radio signal transmission.


Local News
Twitter is contemplating a move to San Francisco's Tenderloin neighborhood, as long as the Board of Supervisors approves a massive tax break and benefits package sponsored by the area's supervisor Jane Kim. www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2011/03/24/BAFE1II5UI.DTL


Change for Change
Congrats to La Cocina! Check out this excellent food-entrepreneurship program one last time, or purchase one of the incubators' products at a local grocery store. www.lacocinasf.org

New Charity: Japanese Cultural & Community Center of Northern California. Founded in 1973, the JCCCNC typically offers programs, sports leagues, events, and community services for over 80 different national non-profits. The March earthquake and tsunami has led the JCCCNC to start the Northern Japan Earthquake Relief Fund, which will donate 100% of proceeds to a three-prong approach of immediate relief, mid-term recovery, and long-term rebuilding. The goal is $1 million. www.causes.com/campaigns/97128?cause_id=590211

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, SF Neighborhood Theater Foundation, and now La Cocina.


Bay Area Weekend Weather
It's a wet Thursday. And Friday. And Saturday. And Sunday. Next week looks good though, with sunshine in the mid-60s.

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


Music
"I Drink Beer" by Dan Reeder (Delaware)

His light-country lyricism over three albums evokes a bygone simpler time. Catch him in a rare performance at Santa Rosa on April 11, or in other shows in Reno, Portland, and Seattle. www.danreeder.com


Movies {domestic revenues for March 18-20}
Bradley Cooper's first star vehicle, "Limitless," opened in first with $18.9 million [2756 theatres; $6,860 per theatre]. "The Lincoln Lawyer," which sold nearly 190,000 tickets through Groupon (its first joint-venture with a studio), came in fourth with $13.2 million [2707 theatres; $4,879 per theatre]. "Paul" started in fifth with $13.0 million [2802 theatres; $4,655 per theatre]. Last, but not least, Justin Bieber's film has surpassed Michael Jackson's as the highest-grossing concert documentary.

Mainstream films:
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules (PG): Comedy sequel; co-starring Steve Zahn
- Sucker Punch (PG-13): Sci-fi; co-starring Jon Hamm and Vanessa Hudgens; directed by Zack Snyder (300, Watchmen)

Art-house films:
- Carancho (NR): Thriller
- Desert Flower (R): Drama
- Kill the Irishman (R): Drama; co-starring Val Kilmer and Christopher Walken
- Queen of the Sun (NR): Documentary; co-starring Michael Pollan
- Win Win (R): Comedy; co-starring Paul Giamatti and Amy Ryan
- Winter in Wartime (R): Drama

Shea's DVD Pick: Tales of the City. The first three books of Armistead Maupin's series are brought to vivid life in 1993, 1998, and 2001. The TV miniseries (set in San Francisco) co-stars Laura Linney, Olympia Dukakis, and Parker Posey. The American Conservatory Theater has a musical coming out May 18-July 10, and it's sure to be a huge hit.


Free Weekend Activities
Belmont Festival [Fri-Sun 10am-5pm]: At Carlmont Village Shopping Center (Belmont). www.pacificfinearts.com

"Identity Project" opening [Fri 5pm]: Support the Central City Hospitality House Community Arts Program, which has partnered with the ARTery project to jump-start revitalization efforts in mid-Market. At the Central City Hospitality House (SF). www.sfartscommission.org

Critical Mass [Fri 5:30pm]: Drivers be forewarned. Starts at Justin Herman Plaza (SF). www.sfcriticalmass.org

Your F!#&ed Up Relationship [Fri 10:30pm]: Courtesy of EndGame Improv's Free Friday series. At the Alcove Theater (SF). www.endgamesimprov.com

Keith Urban concert [Sat 1pm]: No tickets required. Free 30-minute set from the country superstar. At Maiden Lane (SF).

Britney Spears concert [Sun noon]: Tickets required. Free 60-minute set from the pop superstar to celebrate her latest album on Good Morning America. At the Bill Graham Auditorium (SF).

Disposable Film workshops [Sun noon/2pm]: First a panel, then a workshop. Bagels and coffee too? At Oddball Film + Video (SF). www.disposablefilmfest.com

Cesar Chavez celebration [Tue 3:30-7pm]: Enjoy live music, performances, and guest speakers. At the Berkeley Farmers Market. www.ecologycenter.org

Karen Finley [Wed 7pm]: The performance artist will present excerpts from her latest novel and chat with YBCA's Executive Director. At YBCA Screening Room (SF). RSVP to www.ybca.org/reality-shows-karen-finley

Our Soldiers' Stories exhibit [through April 22]: Featuring a photo exhibition by Maria Hohn and Martin Klimke focused on African-American GIs during the WWII era. At the African American Art & Culture Complex (SF). www.aaacc.org

Randy's Guide CCXXII (232)

Historic milestones: 8 years since the start of the war in Iraq; 48 years since the closure of Alcatraz; 80 years since the legalization of gambling in Nevada; 159 years since the publication of Uncle Tom's Cabin.


Deal of the Week
Spring Friends & Family is here. If you'd like your own personal 30% off voucher for Gap, Old Navy, Banana Republic, and their outlets (including online), send me an e-mail. The sale runs through Sunday.


Best of the Bay
Randy's Guide urges your vote for Indie Industries as best urban apparel store. Reader Marcus L. provides a link: http://baylist.cityvoter.com/indie-industries/biz/110328


Local News
Danville teen Evan O'Dorney became the first Bay Area resident in 70 years to win the Intel Science Talent Search, the high-school equivalent of the Nobel Prize. He later met President Obama for a second time; the first was following a gold medal at the International Mathematical Olympiad. Evan plans to attend Harvard University in the fall. www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2011/03/16/BAH91IAQEA.DTL


Change for Change
Charity: La Cocina. Low-income food entrepreneurs, particularly female minorities or immigrants, now have an outlet for their talents. Some products you may have seen at local farmers' markets or Rainbow Grocery include Kika's Treats or Clairesquares. www.lacocinasf.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, Curry Without Worry, and SF Neighborhood Theater Foundation.


Bay Area Weekend Weather
Rain will resume overnight, with thunder and hail possible on Friday. Snow level will be 3000 feet. Showers should persist through Monday.

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


Music
"What You Know" by Two Door Cinema Club (Bangor, Northern Ireland)

Recently featured on Jimmy Fallon, this comes as the fifth UK single release from the band's debut album. Catch them at the Fillmore on April 14, along with other shows in Minneapolis, Chicago, Kansas City, Seattle, and Coachella. www.twodoorcinemaclub.com


Movies {domestic revenues for March 11-13}
"Battle: Los Angeles" stormed to the top spot with a heavily older male audience for $35.6 million [3417 theatres, $10,411 per theatre]. "Red Riding Hood" brought in younger females to earn $14.0 million [3030 theatres, $4,622 per theatre]. Special-effects-laden "Mars Needs Moms" bombed into fifth for $6.9 million [3117 theatres, $2,218 per theatre].

Mainstream films:
- Limitless (PG-13): Sci-fi; co-starring Bradley Cooper and Robert De Niro
- Lincoln Lawyer (R): Thriller; co-starring Matthew McConaughe
- Paul (R): Comedy; co-starring Simon Pegg, Seth Rogen, and Jason Bateman

Art-house films:
- The Butcher, the Chef, and the Swoardsman (NR): Comedy
- Certified Copy (NR): Drama; co-starring Juliette Binoche
- Heartbeats (NR): Drama
- The Human Resources Manager (NR): Drama
- Jane Eyre (PG-13): Drama; co-starring Judi Dench and Jamie Bell
- Lord of the Dance 3D (NR): Documentary
- The Music Never Stopped (PG): Drama; co-starring Julia Ormond
- Phil Ochs (NR): Documentary

Randy's DVD Pick: Animal Kingdom (R). This little-heard import from Australia garnered a deserved Oscar nomination for Jacki Weaver (best supporting actress) as a delusional matriarch of a crime family. Sundance also handed this film its Grand Jury Prize last year. Check it out! Domestic box office: $1.0 million; foreign: $4.8 million.


Free Weekend Activities
St. Patrick's Day Block Party [Thu 11:30am-midnight]: Party to Irish pipe bands and a live DJ. Free entry before 3pm. Along Mark Lane (SF). www.theirishbank.com

Free Cab Rides [Thu 3pm-3am]: A law firm is picking up the tab for St. Patrick's Day revelers to travel from a bar or restaurant to home. Call Luxor at 415-282-4141 for SF trips, and Veterans at 800-281-4488 for East Bay trips. Request Berg Injury Lawyers promotion. www.berginjurylawyers.com

St. Patrick's Day Block Party #2 [Thu 3pm-2am]: Live music from Wonder Bread 5. Along Front St., between Sacramento and California (SF). www.royalexchange.com

Family Resource Fair [Sat 10am-3pm]: Peruse summer activities for children and families. At Bill Graham Civic Auditorium (SF). www.sfkids.org

Honey Festival [Sat 10am-1pm]: Browse educational activities and cooking demos by Sunset Magazine and Bar Agricole. At the Ferry Building (SF). www.cuesa.org

Brides of March [Sat 2:30pm]: Parade through Union Square shops and bars with dozens of decked-out brides. Start at Tunnel Top Bar or Chelsea Place (SF). www.bridesofmarch.org

Sunday Streets #1 [Sun 11am-4pm]: Rent bikes or roller skates for free, try out rock climbing or zumba, and participate in a mural painting. Along the Embarcadero, from Mission Bay to Fisherman's Wharf (SF). www.sundaystreetssf.com

The Comedy of Errors [Mon 12:30pm]: Soak in Shakespeare's comedy in an outdoor setting with the ACT Master of Fine Arts Program. At Union Square Plaza (SF). www.act-sf.org

Climate Change discussion [Wed 6-7:30pm]: Join author Mark Hertsgaard and California Academy of Sciences director Healy Hamilton to review optimistically the upcoming 50 years of change that will unfold for plants and animals. At the Main Library's Koret Auditorium (SF). www.sfpl.org

Our Soldiers' Stories exhibit [through April 22]: Featuring a photo exhibition by Maria Hohn and Martin Klimke focused on African-American GIs during the WWII era. At the African American Art & Culture Complex (SF). www.aaacc.org

Randy's Guide CCXXXI (231)

Historic milestones: 18 years since the first female U.S. Attorney General (Janet Reno); 26 years since the first registration of an Internet domain name (www.symbolics.com); 43 years since the My Lai massacre; 73 years since the Austrian Anschluss; and 135 years since the first telephone conversation.


Local News
UC Davis is shutting down the 14 housing domes built during the 1970s. The 24 students, who pay $226 monthly rent, will miss the communal vegetarian dinners, weekend landscaping, and consensus government. Meanwhile, zero-net-energy housing for nearly 2,000 students will start its rollout starting fall 2011. www.mercurynews.com/california/ci_17582689


Change for Change
Charity: La Cocina. Low-income food entrepreneurs, particularly female minorities or immigrants, now have an outlet for their talents. Some products you may have seen at local farmers' markets or Rainbow Grocery include Kika's Treats or Clairesquares. www.lacocinasf.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, Curry Without Worry, and SF Neighborhood Theater Foundation.


Bay Area Weekend Weather
Rain is likely for Thursday and Sunday.

Highs: upper-50s (SF-coast); low-60s (bay); mid-60s (inland)
Lows: upper-30s (inland); low-40s (coast-bay); mid-40s (SF)


Music
"Brand New Day" by Joshua Radin (Shaker Heights, Ohio)
His songs are all over. He's gotten over 75 film and television placements (including "Scrubs" and "Grey's Anatomy"), plus a plum performing role at Ellen DeGeneres' wedding. He stops by San Francisco's Great American Music Hall on Friday and Saturday night before heading to Australia. www.joshuaradin.com


Movies {domestic revenues for March 4-6}
"Rango" soared with Johnny Depp's voice as an ugly lizard to $38.1 million [3917 theatres; $9,722 per theatre]. Matt Damon scored his highest non-Bourne opening with "The Adjustment Bureau" at $21.2 million [2840 theatres; $7,450 per theatre]. Alex Pettyfer's second movie this year, "Beastly," tallied $9.9 million [1952 theatres; $5,047 per theatre]. "Take Me Home Tonight" bombed with $3.5 million in 11th place [2003 theatres; $1,730 per theatre].

Mainstream films:
- Battle: LA (PG-13): Action; co-starring Aaron Eckhart, Michelle Rodriguez, and Ne-Yo
- Mars Needs Moms (PG): Animation; co-voiced by Seth Green and Joan Cusack
- Red Riding Hood (PG-13): Drama; co-starring Amanda Seyfried, Gary Oldman, and Julie Christie

Art-house films:
- Carbon Nation (NR): Documentary
- Happythankyoumoreplease (R): Comedy
- I Saw the Devil (NC-17): Horror
- Vidal Sassoon (PG): Documentary
- William S. Burroughs: A Man Within (NR): Documentary

Randy's DVD Pick: Winter's Bone (R): Nominated for 4 Oscars, it's a harrowing, scary look at life in the Missouri back-country. Though both nominated, Jennifer Lawrence outshines Hailee Steinfeld in "True Grit" in a very similar role, namely a strong-willed young woman who goes on a crazy-man-filled mission. I highly recommend this film. Domestic box office: $6.5 million; foreign: $1.5 million.


Free Weekend Activities
Happy Birthday, Good Vibrations [Thu 6-9pm]: Score some great specials while munching on cake and champagne. At Good Vibrations (SF/Berkeley). www.goodvibes.com

Poet's Gallery [Fri 6:30pm]: Featuring Native American poets. At Pier 5 Law Offices (SF0. www.pier5law.com

St. Patrick's Day Parade & Festival [Sat 10am-5pm]: 160th annual. Festival is at Civic Center Plaza, while the parade proceeds along Market St. from the Financial District to City Hall. www.uissf.org

Dublin's St. Patrick's Day Festival [Sat-Sun 10am-5pm]: Check out the Irish Tea Cottage, two Irish music stages, an Irish dance stage, and a parade with 80+ entrants. At Dublin Civic Center. www.dublinstpats.com

Real World 26 Casting Call [Sat 10am-5pm]: Bring your 18-24yo head and a headshot to Hooter's (SF). www.bunim-murray.com

World Naked Bike Ride [Sat 11am]: Starts at Justin Herman Plaza for two hours of nude riding. www.sfwnbr.org

Asian Film Festival Forum [Sat noon-10pm]: It's a kick-off to the Asian-American Film Festival, complete with an outdoor Bollywood film, slam poetry, taiko drums, and more. In Japantown Peace Plaza (SF). www.caamedia.org

Family Concert Series [Sat 3pm/7pm, Sun 3pm]: The SF Chamber Orchestra explores South American music. At Kaiser Center Auditorium (Oakland 3pm Sat), Bayview Opera House (SF 7pm Sat), and CSM Theater (San Mateo 3pm Sun). www.sfchamberorchestra.org

Eine's art reception [Sat 7pm]: His work was given to Barack Obama by Prime Minister David Cameron, and he's worked with Banksy on the Palestinian Wall project. At White Walls (SF). www.whitewallssf.com

Food Rebels talk [Mon 6:30pm]: Sit down with author Mark Winne and photographer Anne Hamersky to discuss food sustainability. At the Ferry Building (SF). RSVP at http://newfoodmovement.eventbrite.com

Persian New Year Festival [Tue 6-10pm]: Soak in fire jumping, Persian music, an elaborate altar, and more. Near Durant and Shattuck (Berkeley). www.anotherbullwinkelshow.com/persian-fest

California Academy of Sciences Museum [Wed 9:30am-5pm]: Free admission to all! Tickets cost up to $29.95. In Golden Gate Park (SF). www.calacademy.org

Our Soldiers' Stories exhibit [through April 22]: Featuring a photo exhibition by Maria Hohn and Martin Klimke focused on African-American GIs during the WWII era. At the African American Art & Culture Complex (SF). www.aaacc.org

Randy's Guide CCXXX (230)

Historic milestones: 26 years since the international release of "We Are the World"; 78 years since the first female Cabinet member (Frances Perkins - Labor); 88 years since the first publication of Time magazine; and 94 years since the U.S. Senate's adoption of the cloture rule.


Local News
This makes me mad. THQ and GameStop partnered to release 10,000 red balloons from Moscone Center as part of a new video game launch. Unfortunately, wind and rain carried thousands of the biodegradable balloons into San Francisco Bay. Twitter, Flickr, and Facebook became launchpads for the environmentally concerned to post pictures and complaints. www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2011/03/03/BAU11I2LER.DTL


Change for Change
Charity: La Cocina. Low-income food entrepreneurs, particularly female minorities or immigrants, now have an outlet for their talents. Some products you may have seen at local farmers' markets or Rainbow Grocery include Kika's Treats or Clairesquares. www.lacocinasf.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, Curry Without Worry, and SF Neighborhood Theater Foundation.


Bay Area Weekend Weather
Mostly cloudy, with a chance of rain on Sunday.

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


Music
"Dog Days Are Over" by Florence + The Machine (London, England)

24-year-old Florence Welch released a debut album that remains one of the top-selling albums in the UK after 1-1/2 years. I am utterly psyched to be attending her Berkeley show at the Greek on June 12. She'll also have stops in L.A., Chicago, Nashville, Atlanta, and NYC. www.florenceandthemachine.net


Movies {domestic revenues for February 25-27}
"Hall Pass" eked out victory with $13.5 million [2950 theatres; $4,588 per theatre]. "The King's Speech" rode its Oscar coronation with $7.3 million [2386 theatres; $3,076 per theatre; $114.2 million overall]. "Drive Angry" became Nicolas Cage's nightmare with just $5.2 million [2290 theatres; $2,265 per theatre].

Mainstream films:
- The Adjustment Bureau (PG-13): Thriller; co-starring Matt Damon and Emily Blunt
- Beastly (PG-13): Romance; co-starring Vanessa Hudgens, Alex Pettyfer, and Neil Patrick Harris
- Rango (PG): Animation; co-voiced by Johnny Depp, Abigail Breslin, and Alfred Molina
- Take Me Home Tonight (R): Comedy; co-starring Topher Grace

Art-house films:
- Carmen in 3-D (PG-13): Opera
- I Am (NR): Documentary
- The Last Lions (PG): Documentary; co-starring Jeremy Irons
- Machotaildrop (NR): Drama
- Nora's Will (NR): Thriller
- Of Gods and Men (PG-13): Drama
- Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives (NR): Drama
- When We Leave (NR): Drama

Nic's DVD Pick: Muriel's Wedding (R). When it's cold and rainy out, and you need to feel good... count on Muriel! I have to concur with this pick, as it was a genuine surprise watching this Aussie import in theatres over a decade ago. Domestic box office: $15.1 million; foreign: $42.3 million.


Free Weekend Activities
Opening art receptions [Fri 6pm]: Deborah Oropallo's show "Tale Spin" and the 4th annual International Juried Plastic Camera Show are within a block of each other. At Gallery 16 and RayKo Photo Center (SF). www.gallery16.com www.raykophoto.com

Bay Area Now 6 talk [Sat 1-4pm]: Join the discussion about Bay Area culture and diversity. At YBCA (SF). www.ybca.org

Handel's Alcina [Sat 7:30pm, Sun 2pm]: The Conservatory Baroque Ensemble performs. At the Conservatory of Music (SF). RSVP at 415.503.6275. www.sfcm.edu

International Women's Day [Sun 11am-2pm]: Check out the guest speakers, great food, march, and more. At Dolores Park (SF). www.domesticworkers.org

Choreographer chat [Mon 8pm]: Choreographer Stephen Petronio discusses his new dance narrative and career in general. At Margaret Jenkins Dance Lab (SF). www.mjdc.org

Mardi Gras Celebration [Tue 5-7pm]: Juggling, stiltwalking, and a live performance are the free highlights. The party then continues at area jazz clubs such as Yoshi's and Rasselas until closing. At Fillmore Center Plaza (SF). https://app.e2ma.net/app/view:CampaignPublic/id:1354022.6266721781/rid:a80e58a70dae73f7471fe981203a6483

Our Soldiers' Stories exhibit [through April 22]: Featuring a photo exhibition by Maria Hohn and Martin Klimke focused on African-American GIs during the WWII era. At the African American Art & Culture Complex (SF). www.aaacc.org