Evil Chicken laments that the Wildwood movie theater he first saw Star Wars in is now a condominium:
I mean really – condos? The theater closed in the late eighties and became a “Laser Tag” arena where players would run around shooting each other while people played sniper shooting at the players from the sidelines. The summer tourist attraction was originally located close to the “Jack Rabbit” roller coaster and “Dracula’s Castle”, both of which are now gone – just like the theater.
I know that theater well. It is where I saw RockyII. I was thirteen, I think and it wasn’t playing in Cape May. One had to go to the metropolis of Wildwood in order to see the big movie that summer. The only way to get there was a parent driving and my folks eschewed the tourist attractions, particularly during the hight of the season. Yet, their little boy really wanted to see the hot movie.
My dad came to the rescue. Foreshadowing a later event, Dad drove me to Wildwood that busy night. I suspect he went to play bridge afterwards, but frankly do not recall. He was in a wheelchair and avoided movie theaters, particularly at that time. I recall him pulling up and me jumping out. I paid and entered alone. Dear reader, it was 1979 . . . times were different.
The trailers were playing. Woody Woodpecker may have even been on as I recall cartoons before the movies. Anyhow, the theater was packed, the lights were out, and I had just come in from the bright sunny resort. Being blind, an usher escorted me down. He had a little flashlight. He took me pretty far up. He motioned to one particular aisle and said there was an empty seat in the middle.
The opening of the movie was on, folks were geared up, and I was trying to find this seat. I couldn’t see a thing! I sat on at least one person’s lap. I eventually found my seat and refused to leave for fear of never finding my way back.
I was a boy in the shadows of Philadelphia. I was the target audience for Rocky. What a rush!
How I got home, is all lost at this point. Dad probably picked me up. He made certain his little boy got to see the movie he really wanted to. That’s how Dad was.
Evil Chicken mentioned the nearby Dracula’s Castle. This was always in the shadow of the much better Brigatine Castle, but fun nonetheless. I have fond memories of the castle. Later, I even knew a couple folks who worked it. Anyhow, I too recently drove by this area. It’s neat seeing the boards getting ready for the season. So many memories . . .
As for Star Wars, I had a much different experience than most. Released in 1977, I did not attend. I am not a science fiction fan, and despite the hoopla, I had no interest in seeing this movie. The movie was re-released a year-and-a-half later. It was then that I saw it in a theater (Beach Theater, Cape May). I was most impressed. It really was a good movie.
Despite enjoying it and having seen the other two originals, I never made it through the “new” prequels. I tried. I even like Natalie Portman. I just couldn’t make it through. I still don’t like science fiction much.
I was never the fan of The Planet of the Apes that all my friends were . . . sci fi et al. But I think there is enough in Heston’s back catalogue to keep one busy: Macbeth, A Man for All Seasons, Julius Caesar, Antony and Cleopatra, Mister Roberts, The Greatest Show on Earth, Ben-Hur, and Soylent Green.
We have been talking to Beetle about Easter. We explained that Jesus died on Good Friday and rose on Easter. She asked how he died. “Mean people,” Gert explained. “Oh, no!” was my daughter’s response. “That is not good.”
But whenever we speak about Easter, she raises her hands above her head and exclaims, “He’s alive!”
It reminds me of the commercial years ago for the movie of the same name. Ominous music played as a voiceover explained:
Some people are just a little bit frightened when they have their first baby. The Davis’s are terrified. You see there’s only one thing wrong with the Davis baby. It’s Alive!
All the while a baby carriage spun around. At the end of the commercial, someone came on with a high-pitched voice to announce the rating of PG. I used to chuckle aloud whenever it came on the television.
Ever since I received the iPod, I have been listening to far more podcasts. I had listened to some of the Cache-A-Maniacs podcasts previously, but I am not comfortable listening to them on the laptop. Nevertheless, the last month or so my iPod has been filled.
Today while I was out and about it dawned on me I should answer the questions that DarrylW4 and Firefly03 ask their guests each week. Hey, why not?
How long ago did you start geocaching and how did you find out about it? Webfoot is responsible!
Rapid Response Questions Micro or ammo can?
Ammo can
Traditional or unknown?
Normally traditional, but there are unknowns that top my favorites list (which doesn’t really exist)
Virtual or Earthcache?
Having never completed an Earthcache that has particularly interested me, I guess virtuals. Frankly, virtuals pale compared to shutterspots.
Placing or finding?
I find more than I place, so finding, I suppose. But when I am in placing mode, I will eschew finding as I am so focused on the hide. So really, whatever it is I am doing is what I prefer. Otherwise, I would be doing the other.
Urban or woods?
Woods, without hesitation.
Number runs or challenging caches?
Errrr . . . challenging caches. I was surprised that this week’s guest actually answered number runs.
Geocoins ot Travel Bugs?
Neither.
Paper or paperless?
Paperless
Favorite GPSr?
Well, I use a Magellan Meridian Gold. It is my favorite as that is the only one I use. Until recently, I had been contemplating updating to a Garmin 60CSx. I am now holding off on that. The new Colorado intrigues me. Yet, it seems riddled with issues right now from the geocaching POV, so presently, I am not looking to purchase anything unless I can find an inexpensive PPC with a GPS.
Caching alone or part of a group?
Almost all of my caching is completed solo. My son or daughter occasionally join me. I explore with others and sometimes divert the exploration to include a nearby cache.
Any signature items or trademarks?
Not yet. I figure there’s no hurry. For years I have pondered this to no avail. I was this || close before the geocoin craze hit to minting a coin. I decided not to and have been very happy that I did not. I have sought a unique item that isn’t going to break the bank. I recently came up with such a thing and will begin working on the prototype here within the next month or two.
Any learning experiences that you would like to share with others?
I do not know how to answer this concisely. Um . . . read this blog.
Anything you would like to see improved in geocaching?
Wow! An opportunity to do it my way. The only thing I can think of is to remove find counts. This one thing appears to be the root of most angst that occurs.
Of the many slogans and taglines for geocaching, what is your favorite?
I used to use hiking with a purpose. I always liked that. Recently, I have heard of G.U.I.L.T (grown up idiots looking for Tupperware). That’s cute. I describe it as hide-and-seek for adults to my students. That conveys the activity somewhat.
How do you classify geocaching: sport, hobby, or game?
I don’t. Well, I refer to it as a game, but when inspected, game doesn’t really hold up to scrutiny. I do not like sport. I do not think it holds up in today’s environment of park-and-grabs. Hobby makes me think of models, baseball cards, etc. While there are similarities I have noted, I do not think it really fits well there either. Maybe it’s a recreation.
What other hobbies besides geocaching do you do?
Keep reading this site.
Do you have a favorite movie, television show, or musical group you would like to share?
I have been claiming my favorite movie is The Deer Hunter for decades now. But there are others I like too. Other than a couple reality shows I watch with Gert, I do not watch much television other than the news and sports (primarily baseball). Older shows I like(d) are All In The Family, Seinfeld, and early Law & Order. Musically, I like what is called classic rock, with an emphasis on Grateful Dead, Neil Young, Derek Trucks, and Roger Waters.
I distinctly recall Sister Alice telling our freshman class not to go see The Life of Brian. Hey, I was the one reading Catcher in the Rye in the lunch room at Catholic school. I love this movie.
Today was a rough day. I needed a pick me up. Enjoy Eric Idle et al. singing my happy song.
For years I have pondered this to no avail.