Fees and Cap On Mt. Fuji Climbers

Above, a Shinkansen (bullet train) view of Mount Fuji. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Yamanashi prefectural government, in an effort to curb over tourism on Mount Fuji, has voted to implement fees and a cap on the number of people climbing the mountain per day.

USA Today reported:

Tourists looking to climb Mount Fuji will now have to pay a 2,000 yen ($13) fee per climber for entry. There will also be a cap of 4,000 visitors allowed to scale the mountain per day.

Likewise, stricter guidelines will be put in place to control the people who do hit the trails, including official guides who will supervise the trails and advise people who are engaging in dangerous or inappropriate behaviors such as sleeping beside the trails or wearing sandals for the hike (a more common problem than you'd think.)

To read more, go here. 

Chance of Rain/Snow Showers

Above, from a storm in January. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Now that the past snows have melted away and the ground is drying out, we may get rain or snow showers tomorrow morning through Friday.

We can use the moisture for the plants and trees. 

According to the National Weather Service, the forecast for Jamestown, New Mexico:

 Tonight

Mostly clear, with a low around 27. Southwest wind 5 to 15 mph.

Thursday

A chance of snow showers before 9am, then a chance of rain showers. Some thunder is also possible. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 47. West wind 5 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

Thursday Night

A chance of rain and snow showers before 11pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 27. West wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

Friday

A chance of rain and snow showers after 11am. Partly sunny, with a high near 46. West wind 5 to 10 mph becoming northwest in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Friday Night

A slight chance of rain and snow showers before 8pm, then a slight chance of snow showers between 8pm and 11pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 23. North wind around 5 mph becoming southeast after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

NPS Fires Crater Lake Concessionaire

Above, a smoky view of Crater Lake's Wizard Island. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The National Park Service has made good on its threat to terminate Aramark's concessionaire contract at Crater Lake National Park in Oregon.

The announcement was made on Monday.

SFGATE reported:

After a tumultuous several years, the National Park Service has made good on its recent threat to terminate its current contract and replace Crater Lake National Park’s concessions operator.

Kansas-based ExplorUS announced in a news release on Monday that it had signed a “definitive letter of intent” to take over operations from Crater Lake Hospitality as well as its concessions for the popular West Coast national park.

Crater Lake Hospitality, a subsidiary of Philadelphia-based Aramark, was responsible for handling Crater Lake’s concessions, including food, lodging and other visitor services. The company’s contract was until 2030.

To read more, go here. 

Silver Spot Over $24.00/toz

Today, silver's spot price at COMEX has climbed over $24.00/toz today. It will be interesting to see if it will climb higher or fall back.

 

Facebook's Main Computer

 

Finally, I was able to log in with my phone first and then my laptop. What a mess!

Facebook Still Screwed Up

Facebook is still screwed up from yesterday's crash, especially for people with 2fa (two-factor authentication) such as I.

At least I am not the only one having problems (not being able to login), at least according to Downdetector. Others report the same problems as I am having.

This is especially bad for people who rely on Facebook for business. Thank goodness I don't.

I guess we'll have to wait it out hoping Facebook gets everything straightened out.

In the meantime, I can still post at X (formerly Twitter): @ArmandV 

Route 66 Centennial In 2026

Above, Route 66 in Williams, Arizona. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Did you know that the centennial of Route 66, "The Mother Road", will take place in 2026?

Yes, the centennial of Route 66 will be taking place and plans are being formulated on the most fitting ways to celebrate it.

A Route 66 Centennial Commission is seeking ideas from people on how to celebrate. 

Above, the Route 66 sign near Gallup, New Mexico. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Route 66 still is in the Gallup, New Mexico vicinity. For the most part, it is a frontage road from the I-40 Iyanbito interchange on through into Gallup. It also goes from Continental Divide on through into Albuquerque with some breaks along the route. Route 66 is still the main east-west highway through Gallup.

Above, eastbound on Route 66 outside of Gallup. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To access the Route 66 Centennial Commission's website, go here.

Chaos At Facebook and the NRA

This morning, Facebook crashed. Bigtime.

Nine hours after the crash, Facebook said that the problems have been resolved. There's only one word for that: BULLSHIT! 

This afternoon, following our coffee/breakfast gathering down at Denny's, I spent over two hours trying to resolve my login problems. I have been a little more successful with my phone in logging in. But, once I got in, I tried to make a post and immediately got bounced out. So nothing's really been resolved.

Luckily, the latest issue of Guns & Ammo arrived in the mailbox this morning. After giving up (for now) on Facebook, I did some non-stressful reading.

One item caught my attention. It was an article in Keith Wood's "Spent Cases" column. Wood is a longtime member and former employee of the NRA and, as he put it, is "rooting" for the NRA following Wayne LaPierre's departure. But he recognizes that the organization is currently "on life-support". 

He names several things the National Rifle Association needs to do in rebuilding trust. 

Fundamental changes include:

Leadership: Seek out and hire a qualified CEO who has a background in turning companies around.  The NRA needs a CEO with integrity and willing to do whatever is necessary. Handing out pink slips on the "executive floor" would be a good start, Wood states.

Transparency: A "top to bottom audit" by a credible third-party with the results posted online and shining a light on past wrongs. The NRA should create detailed quarterly reports and make them available to the membership. 

Relocation: Move the NRA headquarters and legal charter to a more appropriate location (a gun-friendly state). Unless unencumbered with debt, the sale of the NRA headquarters in Fairfax, Virginia would generate much-needed capital into the organization's budget.

Board Reform: He stated one of the "fundamental flaws of the NRA's structure is its 76-member Board of Directors." The Board's size ensures that the "members' power is too diluted to be effective." Apple, the world's largest corporation, has nine members on its Board and General Motors has 13, he points out. There is no need for a 76-member Board of Directors.

I totally agree. These steps are vital for a stronger-than-ever NRA.

Gov. Grisham Signs Gas Tax Hike Bill

Above, don't be surprised if gas prices rise this much. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

If there was ever a good reason to give the Democrat Party the boot out of Santa Fe, this one certainly takes the grand prize.

It is no surprise she would raise gasoline taxes since she is California Gov. Gavin Newsom's "butt girl" on leftist polices, including energy. Small wonder why she's one of the nation's most unpopular governors.

Piñon Post reported:

On Tuesday, the far-left, anti-energy Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed H.B. 41 into law. The bill sponsored by Sen. Mimi Stewart (D-Albuquerque) is dubbed the “clean fuel standard.”

The bill will increase gas prices by at least 50 cents per gallon, and you can expect similar increases in groceries and supplies and pretty much everything else. This bill will make life more expensive in New Mexico for average consumers — harming the poorest New Mexicans, who will take the biggest hit with the new law. 

The bill finally passed the Legislature by a thin margin of 36-33 in the House of Representatives.

California, Oregon, and Washington have similar laws in place, and the gas prices in these states have risen significantly due to the radical proposal.  

Remember this whenever you fill up your gas tank and remember to VOTE OUT ALL DEMOCRATS from the New Mexico state legislature. Under this law, gas prices can (and likely will) rise more than 50 cents per gallon.

To read more, go here. 

Facebook Down Worldwide

I had a feeling something was askew with Facebook this morning when I tried to share a blog post at Facebook.

The usual way of doing so was not working right, but I eventually got it done. It was sort of "going the long way around the barn."

According to the Daily Mail:

Meta's Facebook, Messenger and Instagram are down worldwide, leaving hundreds of thousands of users unable to access the social media platforms.

The issues appeared around 10:20am ET and are impacting both social media sites' apps and website.

The main issue was that I was unable to log back in. We'll just have to wait it all out. 

UPDATE (1:30 PM):

I still am having trouble logging in despite changing my passcode and entering various codes.

UPDATE (6:23 PM):

Still unable to log in. No login codes are being sent by Facebook.

UPDATE (3/6/24) (5:39 am):

Still unable to log in. No login codes being sent by Facebook.

UPDATE (5:48 am):

Now it's sending codes, but they don't work.

How Banno's Scrapped Godzilla Film Led To Legendary's Monsterverse

Above, Yoshimitsu Banno disclosing his plans for a Godzilla movie
 in 3D and IMAX to G-TOUR in Roppongi. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It is hard to believe that this year marks 20 years since the first G-TOUR to Japan by Daikaiju Enterprises, Ltd. (of G-FAN magazine fame) took place in 2004. I was a part of the 60-person tour group.

While the tour was in Tokyo, a dinner was held in the Roppongi section of the city at T.G.I. Friday's. One of the guests at the dinner was Godzilla vs. Hedorah director Yoshimitsu Banno.

Banno gave a talk and divulged that he was planning on making a Godzilla movie in IMAX and 3D. A working title was Godzilla 3D To The Max. This was the first news that Godzilla fandom received of this project. Some got very excited of the prospect of a 3D and IMAX movie while others dismissed it (largely for fandom political reasons).

The movie never got off the ground, but it did lead eventually to Legendary Pictures and Warner Bros. Monsterverse series of movies with Banno as one of the executive producers. 

Slash Film has posted an article one how the scrapped IMAX Godzilla short led to the Monsterverse.

It begins with:

Much like any other long-running franchise, "Godzilla" is filled with a great many would-be projects that never managed to see the light of day. Perhaps no scrapped project featuring the King of the Monsters is more consequential than what is most commonly known as "Godzilla 3-D." The film, which was in development in the early 2000s, was going to be a short filmed for IMAX made with American audiences in mind. It never came to be, but development of the project indirectly led to the creation of the MonsterVerse franchise, which kicked off with 2014's "Godzilla" and is still going strong today.

So, how do we go from theatrically-released short film to blockbuster-sized, American-produced theatrical feature? It's an odd, messy journey, and one that is a little heartbreaking in some ways for both fans and one of the franchise's most unique directors. Namely, Yoshimitsu Banno, who helmed 1971's "Godzilla vs. Hedorah," which remains one of the franchise's most bizarre entries to date, yet also one of its most celebrated. The story of this big-budget short film begins with Banno and his desire to once again step behind the camera to tell a tale about Godzilla and the Smog Monster.

To read the full article, go here.

Trump Wins Supreme Court Ballot Decision

"9-0 UNANIMOUS Supreme Court rules that Donald Trump can run for President, will remain on the 2024 ballot." - posted by Donald Trump Jr. at X.

Even the liberal justices sided with Trump!

Utah "Tourist Traps" and Alternatives

Above, Checkerboard Mesa at Zion National Park in Utah. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The state of Utah is one beautiful state. 

It is home to several national parks and scenic views can be found everywhere. As this is the case, it draws a lot of people. 

TheTravel has posted an article on Utah "tourist traps" and alternatives to them. I have to disagree about some, like Zion National Park, being a tourist trap. While it is true that it and other places get very crowded during the vacation season, crowds can be avoided if one can vacation during the off-season. Zion is often described as "Yosemite in color" and is worth visiting.

One place listed, Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, isn't as crowded as it is made out to be. But if one has a phobia against crowds, I recommend visiting in late September or early October. 

Still, the alternatives do have merit. 

The begin the article with:

Those who travel to the Beehive State, be it for pleasure, via any of the scenic bucket list road trips in Utah, by plane, or train, are generally doing so to see the natural wonders this stunning state offers. Unfortunately, some of those places that have become extremely popular with visitors have also become overrun or overhyped. As such, those who travel to Utah for just a short time may be disappointed with their trip if each stop is nothing more than an overpriced tourist trap where an alternative would do just as nicely, if not better.

Of course, some areas in the state just need to be seen; many of the top tourist attractions in Utah, like Zion National Park and its epic hikes, are unmissable, even if they often see crowds. It's not just Zion, though, as there are a great many tourist traps in Utah with alternatives instead. Because of this, when visiting the Beehive State for the first or umpteenth time, knowing where Utah's tourist traps are located and what alternatives might just provide equally gorgeous scenery, fewer crowds, and better entertainment, even at lower costs in some cases.

For off-the-beaten-path experiences, discover the popular tourist traps in Utah to avoid and alternatives to visit instead, from Zion National Park to Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park and many more.

To read more, go here. 

Shōgun and Osaka Castle

Above, Osaka Castle in 2015. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Back in the 1980s, there was a mini-series based on James Clavell's book, Shōgun. It was basically a soap opera set in feudal Japan. 

It was an enjoyable mini-series and, in 1977, I met James Clavell in Sacramento at a birthday party at the Capitol.

Above, James Clavell is at right in the background. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Shōgun is now back in the form of a new FX mini-series. It is seeing rave reviews.

One place that the new mini-series is set at is Osaka Castle. I visited Osaka Castle twice. The first was in 2004 with G-TOUR and then in 2015.

Screen Rant has posted an article on the significance of Osaka Castle in Shōgun.

They begin it with:

The new FX hit series Shōgun features Osaka Castle as a setting, and there's prominent real-world history and information that's fascinating to know about the location. Based on the 1975 novel of the same name, written by James Clavell, the 2024 TV series has been met with astounding acclaim, with critics even drawing comparisons to Game of Thrones in the show's scale and production value excellence. Set in the year 1600, Shōgun may be based on a novel, but its narrative is rooted in fascinating history.

To read more, go here. 

Classic Rock Music Monday

The stuff that now passes as "music", particularly rock 'n roll, leaves me cold. So, to start off the week, here's a video of a classic rock artist.

As I mentioned last week, this is the second week (of three) of a classic rock music artist from 1971. This week spotlights Joy of Cooking. I remember the following songs (yes, two of them) as I was starting my senior year of high school. I mainly heard their music on Los Angeles progressive/underground rock station KPPC-FM (later KROQ-FM).

The songs are "Brownsville" and "A Thousand Miles" from their 1971 album, Closer To The Ground.

From Wikipedia:

Joy of Cooking was an American music ensemble formed in 1967, in Berkeley, California. Identified with the hippie culture, the band's music melded rock & roll with folk, blues, and jazz. The band released three studio albums on Capitol Records in the early 1970s as well as a minor hit single in 1971, "Brownsville". Led by guitarist Terry Garthwaite and pianist Toni Brown, who shared lead vocals, Joy of Cooking was an unusual example of a rock band fronted by women.

  

 

Next week's 1971 Classic Rock Music Monday will spotlight a band from Canada. No, it's not Rush.

"Want" and "Need"

Above, buying the Winchester 1894 in April 2019. The price for these has risen considerably since then. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Prior to 2019, I had been on the lookout for a pre-1964 Winchester 1894 rifle or carbine in .30-30 Win. It was a rifle I've always wanted.

When I went to Albuquerque in April 2019 to overnight for an early morning flight the next day to Fort Lauderdale for a cruise to Cuba, I did two things while there. I dropped off my motorhome to the local Ford dealer to have the dash air conditioner fixed (due to rodents). I then checked into my motel room near the Albuquerque Sunport. 

Rather than sit around in the motel room, I contacted Uber to get a ride to Ron Peterson Firearms to just browse around. The store had a great reputation on used guns according to friends, so I decided to go there.

As I was browsing around the gun shop, I came across a Winchester 1894 carbine that was in .30-30 and a pre-1964. The serial number indicated it was made in 1962. It was in great shape (the bore was nice and smooth) and I put it on layaway. I picked it up upon my return from the cruise. 

What prompts this post was a Facebook Winchester 94 post by a fellow who bought a similar rifle. But there was another available.

He posted:

I just bought a 1952 Model 94 in 30-30 from a local pawn shop. The rifle looks to be in really nice shape (no pics yet). While I was there, I noticed another 50’s era 94 in 32 WSP I could pick up for the same price as the 30-30. The 32 is not as nice as the 30-30 but not terrible either. Now, I already have a Marlin 336 and now the 94 so I really don’t “need” another rifle but I’ll get it if it’s collectible enough to buy.  Thoughts???

This led to amusing replies on the terms "need" and "want" when it came to firearms.

Here's three replies (there were 46 replies):

Need has zero to do with your wants. Just get it!!

Need? I apologize but, what is this word supposed to mean in this context? I want it. I have the means to buy it. So it’s mine now. See how easy that is to say?  Need indeed!!! Lol  

Buy it or it’s going to haunt you for years lol I know!

My attitude in the gun store aligned perfectly with the second response above. I bought it!

After the responses, the original poster replied:

Thanks for all the comments, you've helped me make my decision. I'm adding another to the collection. I'll post pics up when I pick them both up on Friday...

That settled that! See how easy that was?

Tennessee National Guard Deploying To Southern Border

Things are about to get interesting.

I spotted the following post at X (formerly Twitter):

 

Made It To Gallup and Back

A little while ago, I got back home from a little grocery shopping trip into Gallup.

It was a nice drive except for the windy conditions we are experiencing. The winds are averaging 30 mph with gusts of around 45 mph. I figured I'd best get everything done before we are hit with dust storms this afternoon (at least that's what the National Weather Service is forecasting). 

It might get a little wet around here starting Thursday.

The forecast for today and the next few days:

Today

Patchy blowing dust between 3pm and 4pm. Sunny, with a high near 54. Windy, with a southwest wind around 30 mph, with gusts as high as 45 mph.

Tonight

Increasing clouds, with a low around 30. Breezy, with a southwest wind 15 to 25 mph.

Monday

Mostly cloudy through mid morning, then gradual clearing, with a high near 52. Southwest wind 15 to 20 mph.

Monday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 26. West wind 5 to 10 mph.

Tuesday

Sunny, with a high near 54. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph increasing to 15 to 20 mph in the afternoon.

Tuesday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 26.

Wednesday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 56.

Wednesday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 26.

Thursday

Scattered rain and snow showers after 11am. Partly sunny, with a high near 49. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Thursday Night

Scattered rain and snow showers before 11pm, then a slight chance of snow showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 25. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

RV Life: How To Rent An RV

Above, El Monte RV rental agency in the San Fernando Valley. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Back around 1974 or so, my parents rented a travel trailer for a trip to Mesa Verde National Park. I don't remember where they rented it from, but it was a 16' travel trailer that we pulled with our 1968 Buick LeSabre and the rental company was a small one.

Since then, there are many nationwide companies who rent trailers and motorhomes. RV Life has posted an article on how to rent an RV.

The begin it with:

Whether you’re a veteran RVer or a total newbie, renting an RV can be an excellent way to get out and see more of the world. There are many reasons to rent an RV, and it can be especially beneficial if you are shopping for a new (or new to you) RV. 

Read on to learn what you need to know about renting an RV.

To read more, go here. 

Gas Station Credit Card Scams On The Rise

In these days of Bidenflation, there are some out there who are scamming people and their credit or debit cards. The problem is on the rise, particularly at gas stations.

RV Travel has posted an article on not falling victim to gas station credit card scams.

They begin it with:

RVers, beware! There’s a new threat lurking at one of the places you visit most… gas stations. Gas station credit card scams are on the rise and here’s what you should know about them.

Picture this: You pull up to a gas station, swipe your card at the pump without a second thought, and go about your day. Harmless, right? Wrong. Gas station credit card scams have been on the rise across the country, leaving unsuspecting consumers vulnerable to identity theft and financial loss.

It’s been happening in my neighborhood lately and is the topic among local NextDoor and Facebook groups. It’s happening to our community members at grocery store gas stations, but it could happen anywhere… and it is.

To read more, go here. 

RV Travel: Why Are So Many Tourists Stupid?

In recent years, there have been (unfortunately) numerous stories of stupid behavior of tourists in national and state parks.

There are people who think nothing of putting themselves in danger just to get a selfie with a bear, elk or bison.

RV Travel asks why are so many tourists stupid in a new article.

They begin it with:

OPINION

There’s an undeniably smug pleasure many of us take in observing others’ failings or stupid behavior, and indeed, it’s hard not to feel superior when reading about the latest winners of the Darwin Awards. Or when gaping at the pictures posted on the People of Walmart site. Who goes out in public like that? How do some people come up with such incredibly dumb ideas?

And aren’t we special/smart/superior not to be like that?

And yet … and yet, perhaps the line between smart and stupid is a lot fuzzier than we think. Consider, for example, the gleeful fascination that self-styled outdoorsy types have with “tourons,” that mashup of tourist and moron used to describe people who think it’s a good idea to take selfies with a bison or elk, or who try to pet bear cubs. These encounters, which frequently end badly for the touron, are grounded in a Disney-fied view of nature and its creatures as essentially benign and placed on this world for our enjoyment. For a touron, the thought that we might be perceived as a threat—or even as a food source—is inconceivable. And it’s that lack of awareness that causes so much self-satisfaction for observers who pat themselves on the back for knowing so much better.

 To read more, go here.

I Voted For Superman (Among Others)

Above, Dean Cain in 2018.

Yesterday, I mailed in my completed ballot for the National Rifle Association's election of their Board of Directors. 

The ballot stipulated that up to 25 candidates can be voted for. There was also a by-laws amendment measure on the ballot.

Of the candidates I voted for, actor Dean Cain, formerly of Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, was one of them. He was running for re-election to the NRA Board.

Above, the current (March) issue of American Rifleman.

The ballot was included with the current issue of American Rifleman magazine.  

Hopefully, once the election is over, the Board can get to the task of straightening out the financial and membership issues left in the wake of Wayne LaPierre's departure. 

Yellowstone Approaching Spring Season

Above, Lower Yellowstone Falls. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Yellowstone National Park is a playground for winter sports activities such as snowmobiles, snowcoaches and skiing.

But the winter season is nearing its end and the park will be gearing up for the spring season.

According to National Parks Traveler:

Yellowstone National Park’s winter season wraps up early March as roads begin to close to snowmobile and snowcoach travel. By March 16, most visitor services and park roads will be closed including the South, West and East entrances. The park annually closes most roads at this time of year to prepare them for a spring opening for the public. 

To read more, go here. 

Interest-Free Home Loans For Illegal Aliens In California

The Looney Left Report

Thank God that I moved out of the People's Republic of California. The place has gotten loonier and loonier ever since I did six years ago. I knew this would happen once Gavin Newsom became governor.

Here's the latest, courtesy of the Gateway Pundit:

Meanwhile in the Democrat hellhole of California…

Illegal aliens will get interest-free home mortgage loans under a new California bill.

Democrat assemblymember Joaquin Arambula (Fresno) recently introduced Assembly Bill 1840 to extend a first-time homebuyer loan program to illegal aliens.

If the bill becomes law, illegal aliens will be eligible for a new program that offers a loan worth 20% of the purchase price of the residential property. There are no monthly payments and no interest accrues on the loan. Rather, the loan is paid back when the borrower refinances or sells the property. The borrower will have to pay back the original loan plus a 20% increase in the value of the property.

I guess the Democrats haven't learned any lessons from the mortgage meltdown of 2008.

To read more, go here. 

Castle Doctrine States

 

Castle doctrine refers to self-defense laws that allow individuals to use force, including deadly force, to protect themselves within their own homes or other legally occupied spaces without the obligation to retreat.

Dollar At ¥150

Now that we're in a new month, it is time to take a peek at how the U.S. dollar is faring against the Japanese yen in foreign exchange.

According to SaltWire:

Against the yen, the dollar was up 0.26% at 150.36, after rising 6.3% in the first two months of the year. The moves put the Japanese currency close to its weakest levels since November and not far off the lowest since 1990.

This is one of the big reasons why travel to Japan is more popular than ever. Travelers are able to exchange for more yen to spend. This boosts American tourists' purchasing power in Japan.

To read more, go here.

Century Drive-In Theater

Above, a view of the Century Drive-In with its Cinerama screen erected in front of the old screen in 1964.

One noteworthy theater in the Los Angeles area was Pacific Theaters' Century Drive-In Theater. It opened on July 2, 1949.

It was noteworthy for having a curved Cinerama screen (erected in 1964) to show Cinerama movies and being under the approach to Los Angeles International Airport with resulting jet engine noise from approaching planes. It was located near Hollywood Park Racetrack.

The first Cinerama feature shown there was This Is Cinerama. 

The theater had spaces for 918 cars. It originally was a single screen drive-in, but a second screen was added in the 1970s.  

When the theater was to start showing Cinerama movies, a curved screen was erected in front of the old standard screen. 

I never saw a Cinerama movie there, but I did see other movies at the Century Drive-In such as Gone With The Wind. We generally tried to avoid the Century due to the jet noise from planes on approach to LAX. Before the advent of jets, airplane noise was not a problem.

The drive-in was demolished in 1984.

To read more, go here.

Southside Theater In Los Angeles

Above, the Southside Theater in 1949.

On Vermont Avenue near Imperial Highway in Los Angeles stood the Southside Theater. Well, the building still stands as a church, but it looks largely unchanged since it opened on September 21, 1949.

It was the closest theater to where I lived in Los Angeles from 1958 to 1966. 

The design of the theater looked like a giant quonset hut, but it was a big theater that had 1,466 seats.

Above, I went with friends to see this movie at the Southside Theater.

I have been to the theater many times with my parents in the 1960s. But the only movies I remember seeing there were The War Lord (1965) with Charlton Heston and  Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song (1971) with Melvin Van Peebles.

To read more about the Southside Theater, go here.