Randy's Guide LVII

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Randy's Guide LVI

Today is Zac Efron's 20th and Jesse Helms' 86th; Tuesday is Hungarian National Day and Mole Day. Welcome to all new readers. Next week, you will likely receive this from a new e-mail address - do not be alarmed! Please forward on to friends, family, and colleagues... and update me about any e-mail changes.


Local News Story of the Week:
Gap Inc. has begun the process of introducing a one megawatt system at its Fresno distribution center. It will be financed, owned, and operated by a separate company, who will sell back the power to Gap Inc. at a predictable rate. http://www.gapinc.com/public/Media/Press_Releases/med_pr_solar101607.shtml


~ Event Alert ~
Lights Out San Francisco is this Saturday from 8 to 9 p.m. Turn off all unnecessary lights to cut energy, help slow global warming, and send a message of solidarity. Gap Inc. headquarters, the Golden Gate Bridge, City Hall, and other city buildings will participate in the event. http://www.lightsoutsf.org/


Change for Change
Congratulations - $50 goes to Bay Area Community Services!

Charity to consider: Blue Energy. The San Francisco-based nonprofit, which started as a graduate project at MIT, provides low-cost wind and solar electric systems in Nicaragua and eventually will spread its model worldwide.

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, and Bay Area Community Services.

Donate through the non-profit's Web site or your corporate donation program.


Weekend Weather:
Friday rain, clearing Saturday, and much warmer on Sunday
High 61-70, Low 52: SF (beaches), Carmel
High 64-74, Low 51: SF (downtown), Berkeley
High 66-80, Low 44-50: Concord, Danville, Oakland, San Jose, Windsor

High 55-65, Low 45: St. Paul, MN (Friday rain, then drier)
High 80, Low 60: Mobile, AL (Friday thunderstorms, then drier)
High 68, Low 54: Santa Barbara, CA (clear)
High 35-60, Low 15-30: Vail, CO (chance of weekend snow)
High 75, Low 50: Washington, DC (Friday thunderstorms, then clear)


Environmental Tip of the Week:
To prepare for Halloween, purchase fair-trade candy with organic sugar for trick-or-treaters. Sugar and cocoa production are often very destructive to local ecosystems and harmful for the laborers. Visit http://www.divinechocolateusa.com/ to search for local retailers.

Previous:
In light of two recent major beef recalls -- Topps and American Chef's -- consumers should again refocus efforts on selecting the healthier alternatives. Labels such as USDA organic, grass-fed, and certified humane raised and handled are better indicators than free-range, hormone-free, and natural. Some of the meat producers to look for are Niman Ranch, Coleman, and John Morrell.


Video of the Week:
"Lazy Eye" by Silversun Pickups (Los Angeles)

Entertaining headliners, with Midnight Movies opening, are at the Fillmore in SF on Friday night, the Wiltern in LA on Saturday night, then off to Canada and Europe touring with Kaiser Chiefs for the next month.

Previous:
"Pain" by Jimmy Eat World (Mesa, Arizona)

U.S. tour swings through Southern California this week, then the East Coast in early November.


New Films: {#1 Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married (PG-13), $21.4MM, 2011 screens; #2 The Game Plan (PG), $11.0MM, 3128 screens; #3 We Own the Night (R), $10.8MM, 2362 screens, #15 Darjeeling Limited (R), $1.1MM, 95 screens}
- Comebacks (PG-13): Spoof comedy; about an out-of-luck coach and his team of misfits

- Finishing the Game (NR): Comedy; about the recasting of Bruce Lee in a movie following his death; co-starring James Franco; with special appearance by director Justin Lin, lead actor Dustin Nguyen, and other cast members on Friday and Saturday night performances

- Gone Baby Gone (R): Drama; about two private detectives who track the disappearance of a girl; co-starring Casey Affleck, Ed Harris, and Morgan Freeman; directorial debut by Ben Affleck

- Lake of Fire (NR): Documentary; about the U.S. division over abortion; co-starring Noam Chomsky, Norma McCorvey (Roe), and Alan Dershowitz

- Lars and the Real Girl (PG-13): Comedy; about an introverted man who introduces a life-size doll as his new girlfriend; co-starring Ryan Gosling

- Rendition (R): Political thriller; about an American wife who searches for her missing Egyptian-born husband, and the CIA analyst who questions his assignment; co-starring Reese Witherspoon, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Alan Arkin

- Reservation Road (R): Drama; about two families whose lives converge; co-starring Joaquin Phoenix, Jennifer Connelly, and Mira Sorvino

- Sarah Landon and the Paranormal Hour (PG): Thriller; about a teenage girl who has mysterious encounters in a small town

- Sleuth (R): Remake thriller; about a wealthy detective novelist who tracks down the man who ran off with his wife; co-starring Michael Caine and Jude Law; directed by Kenneth Branagh

- Things We Lost in the FIre (R): Drama; about a woman who tries to cope with the loss of her family and the friend who tries to help her move forward; co-starring Benicio Del Toro, Halle Berry, and David Duchovny

- Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas in 3D (PG): Animation; about Halloween's attempt to take over the Christmas holiday; re-released in 3D for the first time

- 30 Days of Night (R): Horror; about an evil striking the town of Barrow, Alaska, during the winter period of 30 days without sun; co-starring Josh Hartnett

- Weirdsville (R): Drama; about two stoners who mistakenly bury their friend; co-starring Scott Speedman and Wes Bentley


Free Festivals:
16th Danville Fall Festival [Sat-Sun 10am-5pm]: Along Hartz Ave. http://www.mlaproductions.com/

Oktoberfest 2007 Concord [Sat 11am-6pm]: 20+ microbrews, farmers' market, live music and more. At Todos Santos Plaza. http://www.communityconcerts.com/

6th Windsor Pumpkin Festival [Sun 10am-1pm]: Pumpkin desserts, pumpkin contest, live music. In Windsor Town Green. http://www.windsorfarmersmarket.com/

19th Fiesta on the Hill [Sun 11am-6pm]: Along Cortland Ave. in Bernal Heights (SF). http://www.fiestaonthehill.com/

5th Portola Festival [Sun 11am-4pm]: Along San Bruno Ave. (SF). http://www.portolafestival.org/


Other Activities:
Ice Skating - Disney's High School Musical: The Ice Tour [Fri-Sun in Oakland; Oct. 24-28 in San Jose]: Everyone's favorite cable production hits the ice during this national tour. At the Oracle Arena (Oakland) and HP Pavilion (San Jose), $18-60.

Live Jazz - 25th San Francisco Jazz Festival [Oct 17 - Nov 30]: At various locations in San Francisco. http://www.sfjazz.org/

Athletics - Nike Women's SF Marathon: [Th 4-8pm, Fri 10am-8pm, Sat 8am-6pm] pick up race packets and free goodies at Union Square, get free manicures and massages; [Sun 4:30am-noon] let the race begin through Union Square, along the waterfront, and through the Presidio and Golden Gate Park.

Live Music - Dashboard Confessional [Fri 8pm]: With Augustana opening. At the Warfield (SF), $28. http://www.dashboardconfessional.com/

Ballet - Mei Lanfang [Fri-Sat 8pm, Sun 3pm]: Guanghou Ballet makes its West Coast debut with this work based on the life of the legendary Peking Opera performer. At Zellerbach Hall (Berkeley), $32-68. http://www.calperformances.net/

Live Music - Frederica von Stade [Sat 6pm, Sun 3pm]: Joining the mezzo-soprano will be Jake Heggie on piano. Saturday evening reception/dinner at Quail Lodge, $195; Sunday performance at Sunset Center (Carmel), $47-62. http://www.carmelmusic.org/

Theatre - The Color Purple: Musical about Love [through Dec. 9]: Oprah Winfrey presents this vivacious, moving adaptation of Alice Walker's novel. The semi-famous include LaToya London (American Idol Season 3) and Michelle Williams (Destiny's Child). At the Orpheum Theatre (SF), $35-99. http://www.shnsf.com/ recommended

Live Music - Interpol [Sat 8pm]: New York alt-rock band, with the Liars opening. Touring through Las Vegas, L.A., Mexico, and Europe after. At the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium (SF), $33. http://www.interpolnyc.com/

Opera - The Magic Flute [through Nov 3]: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's work about a young prince seeking to rescue a princess returns. At the War Memorial Opera House (SF), $10-275. http://www.sfopera.com/

Previous: Opera - Appomattox [through Oct 24 in SF]

Randy's Guide LV

Today is National Coming Out Day; Sunday is Polish Teacher's Day; and Tuesday is John Mayer's 30th. Welcome to all new readers. Please forward on to friends, family, and colleagues... and update me about any e-mail changes.

* Discount Alert #1 *
Muse Ten, owned and operated in San Francisco by my friend Cindy Tse, presents an online-only discount for its selection of specialty women's handbags and jewelry. Offer valid through Sunday. www.museten.com

* Discount Alert #2 *
Jamba Juice is spreading the word on its new Functional Smoothies. Work off that Pasta Pomodoro dish with the buy-one-get-one-free offer, valid through Tuesday. www.jambafunctionals.com/bogo/coupon.aspx

Local News Story of the Week:
Please give a warm welcome to Wikimedia Foundation, makers of Wikipedia, to San Francisco. Founder Jimmy Wales has quietly built up the nonprofit site to become among the 10-most-visited in the world. http://www.sfgate.com/flat/archive/2007/10/11/chronicle/archive/2007/10/11/BU69SNMQ2.html

Change for Change
Charity to consider: Bay Area Community Services. For over 50 years, BACS has served both adults with severe mental illness as well as seniors throughout Alameda County. http://www.bayareacs.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, and Farm Sanctuary.

Donate through the non-profit's Web site or your corporate donation program.

Weekend Weather:
Friday rain, then slightly warmer and fewer clouds through Sunday
High 59-64, Low 47: Half Moon Bay
High 60-65, Low 52: SF (beach), Montclair
High 63-68, Low 51: SF (downtown), Berkeley, Belmont
High 67-73, Low 46: Hollister

High 60, Low 37: Helena, MT (partly cloudy)
High 86, Low 75: Miami, FL (partly cloudy, humid)
High 65, Low 44: Philadelphia, PA (partly cloudy)
High 85-95, Low 60-65: Phoenix, AZ (clear)
High 70, Low 56: Seal Beach, CA (clear)
High 60-70, Low 40-50: Springfield, IL (partly cloudy)

Environmental Tip of the Week:
In light of two recent major beef recalls -- Topps and American Chef's -- consumers should again refocus efforts on selecting the healthier alternatives. Labels such as USDA organic, grass-fed, and certified humane raised and handled are better indicators than free-range, hormone-free, and natural. Some of the meat producers to look for are Niman Ranch, Coleman, and John Morrell.

Previous: Your milk purchases add up... the most energy-efficient choice is using a refillable glass container at dairy farms. The plastic containers come next, as they are easily recyclable and are a lighter material than glass or coated plastic.

Video of the Week:
"Pain" by Jimmy Eat World (Mesa, Arizona)

U.S. tour swings through San Francisco on Sunday, Southern California for six shows next week, and the East Coast in early November.

Previous:
"Harvest (within you)" by Clinic (UK)
<
Supporting Arcade Fire in the UK and Ireland over the next two months.

New Films: {#1 The Game Plan (PG), $16.7MM, 3105 screens; #2 The Heartbreak Kid (R), $14.0MM, 3229 screens; #3 The Kingdom (R), $9.7MM, 2802 screens; #22 Michael Clayton (R), $0.7MM, 15 screens}
- Elizabeth: The Golden Age (PG-13): Sequel drama; about Queen Elizabeth I's power struggle with Spanish King Philip II; co-starring Cate Blanchett, Geoffrey Rush, and Clive Owen

- Final Season (PG): Sports drama; about a small Iowa town's high-school baseball team; co-starring Sean Astin and Powers Boothe

- For the Bible Tells Me So (NR): Documentary; about the reconciliation of homosexuality with Biblical scripture; appearances by Richard Gephardt and Bishop Gene Robinson; appearance by Director Karslake in SF on Sunday at 5pm and 7:30pm

- Great World of Sound (R): Comedy; about two southern guys who become overnight record producers

- My Kid Could Paint That (PG-13): Documentary; about a 4-year-old painter who has sold more than $300,000 worth of paintings styled after Kandinsky and Pollock

- Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married? (PG-13): Comedy; about eight married college friends who reunite for their annual retreat in Colorado; co-starring Tyler Perry, Janet Jackson, and Jill Scott

- We Own the Night (R): Drama; about a New York family torn apart by the law; co-starring Joaquin Phoenix, Mark Wahlberg, and Robert Duvall

Freebies:
Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival [Sat-Sun 9am-6pm]: More than 200,000 people are forecasted to attend the 36th annual Halloween festival, with a pumpkin weigh-off, a parade, a haunted house, and a pie-eating contest. On Main St, between Miramontes and Spruce. www.miramarevents.com

Montclair Festival [Sat-Sun 10am-6pm]: In Downtown Montclair Village (Oakland). www.pacificfinearts.com

Noe Valley Harvest Festival [Sat 10am-5pm]: Along 24th St, between Church and Sanchez (SF). www.noevalleyharvestfestival

Orinda Fall Art Fair [Sat 10am-5pm]: At Orinda Community Center. www.laa4art.org

Potrero Hill Festival [Sat 10am-5pm]: At the Neighborhood House (SF). 415-826-8080

Berkeley Spice of Life Festival [Sun 10am-6pm]: Foodies enter! This is a celebration of North Berkeley's Gourmet Ghetto, with free tastings, cooking demonstrations, and yoga practice. www.spiceoflifefestival.com


Non-Freebies:
Event - Oktoberfest by the Bay [Th-Fri 5pm-midnight, Sat 11am-11pm, Sun 11am-7pm]: Annual celebration of German culture, which of course includes oompah bands and fresh beer. At Festival Pavilion in Fort Mason (SF), FREE-$20. Look for $5-off coupons at Sports Basement. www.oktoberfestbythebay.com

Event - Chocolate Fest [Fri-Sat 7:30-10pm, Sat-Sun 1:30-4pm]: Once you pay admission to this fundraiser, it's all-you-can-eat chocolate treats. At the First Congregational of Belmont, $17-25. www.uccbelmont.org/events.htm

Theatre - King Lear [through Sunday]: Based on Shakespeare's play about the madness of royalty. At Bruns Amphitheater (Orinda), $15-60. www.calshakes.org

Event - Northern California Renaissance Faire [through Sunday, 10am-6pm]: Popular historical costume party celebrating the age of the Renaissance. At Casa de Fruta (Hollister), $10-25. www.norcalrenfaire.org

Ballet - Smuin Fall/Winter Program [through Sunday]: With works by Amy Seiwert, Michael Smuin, and Kirk Peterson. At the Palace of Fine Arts (SF), $18-55. www.smuinballet.org

Comedy - Damon Wayans [through Sunday]: The "In Living Color" star makes an SF appearance. At Cobb's Comedy Club, $40. www.cobbscomedyclub.com

Previous: Opera - Tannhauser [through Friday in SF]; Theatre - Sweeney Todd [through Sunday in SF]; Theatre - Theatre Rhinoceros: The First Thirty Years [through Sunday in SF]; Opera - Appomattox [through Oct 24 in SF]