Entertainment

  Greetings Chums,

The 2008 Olympics are now underway but we have 10 super non-Olympic-related events and happenings to enjoy around the Bay this weekend;
From a pit stop for the Gumball Rally in San Francisco to a top notch suds stop in Oakland.

Have a mad, fab one.

1 - WHEELS OF STEEL
Gumball Rally
Saturday August 9th, 10am
Fairmont Hotel, Mason Street, San Francisco
The world renowned Gumball Rally comes to San Francisco this weekend. Some of the flashiest and most expensive wheels of steel will be on parade as this ritzy car race treks from SF to Las Vegas and L.A. and then by plane to North Korea. Last stop Beijing. Check the race site for more: http://www.gumball3000.com/

2 — ALL THAT JAZZ
Burlingame Art and Jazz Fest
Saturday August 9th and Sunday August 10th
10am to 6pm
Burlingame Avenue, Burlingame
Enjoy all the fun of the fair at Burlingame's Annual Street bash. Music in the form of Dixieland, Jazz and Swing will fill the air as vendors serve all manner of gourmet food. There's even a children's wonderland for the under three foot highs, yep tots and their wee pals are welcome too.
http://www.burlingamechamber.org/events_cal.shtml

3 - GET ELECTRIC
U.S. Air Guitar Championships
Friday August 8th, 8.30pm
The Grand at The Regency Center
1290 Sutter Street, San Francisco
Phone: (415) 673 5716
Rock star wannabees rock out for the National air guitar crown in San Francisco this weekend. From faux Aerosmith to make believe ZZ Top, you will hear it all here at the world's biggest air guitar bash.

4 — AT THE MOVIES
Bottleshock
NOW Playing
Various Bay Area Theatres
It's the story of the little winery that could, how Charteau Montelena helped put Napa on the map and beat out the french at their own game at the Judgement of Paris in 1976. This comedic drama stars Bill Pullman and Alan Rickman in lead roles and though the performances are solid the film lacks the punch of a California Chardonnay. However, enjoy Napa and Sonoma in all it's cinematic glory in this inspiring tale of hope, love and triumph. And to think it all went down in our back yard!
www.bolttleshock.com

5 — HEAR THIS
Fleet Foxes
Online NOW
Once in a blue moon a band comes by with a sound that grabs you by the ears, pulls you in and transports you to sonic wonderland; meet Fleet Foxes, a band of talented guys from Vancouver, Canada. Their dreamy guitar driven sounds are intoxicating to say the least. Discover for yourself by popping on your headphones and surfing on over to their myspace page: www.myspace.com/fleetfoxes

6 — HOT TICKET
Mountain Winery
Monday August 12th, 8pm
14831 Pierce Road, Saratoga
Phone: (408) 741 2822
Take the time shuttle back to the 80's and enjoy the sounds of the Reagan era; ABC, Belinda Carlisle, Flock of Seagulls, and The Human League. Get out the Aqua-net and venture to the revamped Mountain Winery for a night of food, fine wine and musical memories. See you there.
www.mountainwinery.com

7 — ON THE WILD WILD WEB
Climate Matters Video Contest
Online NOW
Join actress Maggie Gyllenhall and friends in an effort to promote social action for climate consciousness. Brighter Planet and Sky1 are introducing the Climate Matters Video Contest to give the environmently sound everywhere, the opportunity to inspire our next president to take bold climate action. Check out the contest videos and post your video offering to the site: http://vimeo.com/climatematters

8 — GET OUT OF TOWN
Meadowood
900 Meadowood Lane, St.Helena
Phone: (707) 963 3646
Enjoy a one of a kind get away at Meadowood resort in St.Helena. This secluded retreat offers a cozy overnight stay in charming cottages, nestled among the trees. Relax by the pool and soak up some wine country rays, play a round of tennis or spoil yourself and your loved one at the Meadowood Spa. Enjoy dinner at one of the three resort restaurants. The two star Michelin Restaurant at Meadowood offers a sensational fine dining experience with fresh, flavorful food that will provide a satisfying party on your palate. Wine country seclusion comes at a price but it's worth every single cent. Head to the web site for more: www.meadowood.com

9 — CHEAP EAT
Nick's Lighthouse
2815 Taylor Street @ Jefferson
Daily 11am to 11pm
Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco
Phone (415) 929-1300
It's a foggy San Francisco day and you are seeking some cheap comfort food? Go no further than Nick's Lighthouse on Fisherman's Wharf. There is nothing fancy about this spot but what you will find is an inviting restaurant with a little history and some of the best fish and chips the Wharf has to offer. The cod was fresh and flaky and the chips as requested, were crisp but not crunchy. The joint is very cozy to say the least so don't be alarmed if your knees hit your chin when you take a seat. However, for the price, $11.95 for soup/salad and a main, you can't go wrong. There is a kids menu too with everything under $8.95.
http://www.nickslighthouse.com/

10 — HAPPY HOUR
The Trappist Bar
Tuesday to Friday, 4pm to Midnight
Saturday and Sunday, 2pm to 1am
460 8th St at Broadway, Oakland
Phone (510) 238-8900
It is happy hour here every hour from the moment The Trappist Bar opens until last call. This one of a kind bar serves up suds from Belgium in more than one hundred and fifty varieties. The bar packs a crowd so arrive early to get a a good spot. The barrels at the back provide a good perch to see all the action and provide a resting place for your mug of beer. The Trappist bar is the Rolls-Royce of Bay Area bars but, without the leg room.
http://www.thetrappist.com/

(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)