Vintage Disney Storage Find #4 – Toys and Buttons!

Vintage Disney Storage Find #4 – Toys and Buttons! 

The Storage search continues….today I opened up a box and found a few toys and buttons I had stashed. “Muppet Treasure Island” promo button, Disneyland Birthday Button, Happy Meal Toys, and a Buzz Lightyear 5 1/2″ figure with “The Big One” Rocket!

Here are the pics:

Vintage Disney! “Muppet Treasure Island” & Birthday Buttons

Vintage Disney! Plastic Happy Meal Toys!

Vintage Disney! Plastic Aladdin, Jasmine & The Magic Carpet Happy Meal Toys

Vintage Disney! 1996 Plastic Buzz Lightyear & Woody Christmas Ornaments (not my kids)

Vintage Disney! Buzz Lightyear 5 1/2″ plastic opposable figure and “The Big One” Rocket

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Paramount Ranch Map with RPFS Locations!

Paramount Ranch Map with RPFS Locations!

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Paramount Ranch Map with RPFS Locations!

I posted a photo album from my recent visit to the Paramount Ranch on facebook and added a map with locations from the Renaissance Pleasure Faire in the 1980’s. A couple requests were made for a higher resolution pic, so here it is. I labeled it from memory and “best guess”, and the labels on the map are in the general vicinity unless there was an actual landmark.

Washing Well foreground, Twilziwop, DAW/SOB & Children’s Dell on the hillside (copyright 2014 JoshWillTravel)

 

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Sushi and Sake! Dinner at Yoshi’s in San Francisco!

Sushi and Sake! Dinner at Yoshi’s in San Francisco!

Saturday, 21 June 2014 – 6:00pm

Dinner at Yoshi’s in S.F. (copyright 2014 JoshWillTravel)

As part of the weekend road trip to San Francisco and the St. Paul’s Reunion, Pub Crawl and Brunch it was decided by Doug that we would have an early dinner in the Omakase Room at Yoshi’s in San Francisco. Our reservation was for six o’clock, so we taxied from the hotel to the restaurant and met our friends there.

The Bar at Yoshi’s in S.F. (copyright 2014 JoshWillTravel)

Our party of 14 was seated right away in a rectangular glass dining room with a long wood table within the larger dining room. It wasn’t private, but it was separated from the rest of the tables and other guests. The dining room is very large and the ceilings are super high. It’s very stylish, with black lacquered furniture and Japanese flourishes, and decorated with large and funky “paper lantern” light fixtures.

Dinner at Yoshi’s in S.F. (copyright 2014 JoshWillTravel)

And there’s live jazz performed during the dinner service. They also have a jazz club adjacent to the restaurant and bar, and if you have dinner you get preferred seating with your admission ticket for the show. Bobby Caldwell was playing the night we were there and the restaurant was full when we arrived. I took these interior pics after the early dinner crowd had gone into the club.

Dinner at Yoshi’s in S.F. – Live Jazz! (copyright 2014 JoshWillTravel)

There’s an Open Kitchen behind glass off the dining room.

Dinner at Yoshi’s in S.F. – Open Kitchen behind glass (copyright 2014 JoshWillTravel)

Dinner at Yoshi’s in S.F. – Open Kitchen behind glass (copyright 2014 JoshWillTravel)

On The Menu:

Dinner at Yoshi’s in S.F. (copyright 2014 JoshWillTravel)

Dinner at Yoshi’s in S.F. (copyright 2014 JoshWillTravel)

We ordered a fancy yuzu cold sake and edamame for the table, and then some appetizers: crab cocktail with avocado mousse, crispy brussel sprouts, and shishito peppers.

Dinner at Yoshi’s in S.F. – Shishito Peppers starter (copyright 2014 JoshWillTravel)

Dinner at Yoshi’s in S.F. – Crab cocktail with avocado puree (copyright 2014 JoshWillTravel)

Everyone ordered their own dinner and then we shared. The management sent us a complimentary Red Dragon Roll, which was nice. The food presentation was beautiful! We ordered a bunch of different rolls, sushi and sashimi, and a few people had the dinner entrees : Steak Diane, Scallops, Flank Steak and Pork Loin.

Dinner at Yoshi’s in S.F.  – Hamachi sushi (copyright 2014 JoshWillTravel)

Dinner at Yoshi’s in S.F. (copyright 2014 JoshWillTravel)

 

Dinner at Yoshi’s in S.F. – Spider Roll (copyright 2014 JoshWillTravel)

I enjoyed the appetizers. The crab cocktail was a WINNER! I ordered the 49er roll: salmon, crab and avocado; and an order of Hamachi (yellowtail) sushi. I also sampled the spider roll, red dragon roll, the three kingdom roll, and the butterfish roll. I love sushi! Everything I ate was super fresh and yummy. Knowing that we had some drinking to do, I didn’t want to stuff myself too much, so we exercised some restraint.

Dinner at Yoshi’s in S.F. (copyright 2014 JoshWillTravel)

Dinner at Yoshi’s in S.F. – Complimentary Red Dragon Roll (copyright 2014 JoshWillTravel)

Dinner at Yoshi’s in S.F. – Salmon and Tuna Sashimi (copyright 2014 JoshWillTravel)

Dinner at Yoshi’s in S.F. – Scallop dinner (copyright 2014 JoshWillTravel)

Dinner at Yoshi’s in S.F. – Three Kingdom Roll (copyright 2014 JoshWillTravel)

 

Dinner at Yoshi’s in S.F. (copyright 2014 JoshWillTravel)

Dinner at Yoshi’s in S.F. – Steak Diane dinner (copyright 2014 JoshWillTravel)

Dinner at Yoshi’s in S.F. – Pork Loin dinner (copyright 2014 JoshWillTravel)

Dinner at Yoshi’s in S.F. – Flank Steak dinner (copyright 2014 JoshWillTravel)

And a couple people had dessert: chocolate mousse and gelato and coffee mousse.

I did not.

Dessert at Yoshi’s in S.F. – Chocolate Mousse (copyright 2014 JoshWillTravel)

Dessert at Yoshi’s in S.F. – Coffee Mousse! (copyright 2014 JoshWillTravel)

A good time was had by all. The food was good. The service was good, but not great. Since I didn’t make the reservation or choose the restaurant, I was just along for the ride. If you have a party of 14 and a “private room” the service should really be GREAT! 

8:15pm Our limousine arrived at 8:00pm and was waiting for us outside the restaurant.

Your Limosine is waiting.

Yoshi’s – 1330 Fillmore Street, San Francisco 94115 http://www.yoshis.com

I’m told they have a great “Happy Hour” menu in the bar from 5-7pm daily.

UPDATE March 21, 2015: In October 2014, Yoshi’s changed names to The Addition. In January 2105, The Addition closed. Yoshi’s in Oakland remains open.

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Best Place to See Fourth of July Fireworks in Los Angeles?

NOTE: Independence Day is only two weeks away!

Q: Where is the best place to see Fourth of July fireworks in Los Angeles?

FIREWORKS!

A: July 4, 2014 – Independence Day Fireworks in Los Angeles

Grand Park BLOCK PARTY! Downtown Los Angeles, CA 90012

COST: FREE! 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm    www.grandparkla.org

From the Grand Park website: “Launching the biggest rooftop fireworks display in DTLA and expanding festivities from Temple to Second Streets, Grand Park’s 4th of July Block Party is bigger, better and FREE FOR ALL!

NOTE: Doors open at 1pm for early birds. Entertainment begins at 4pm. Prepared food picnics encouraged in the park. Grilling & cooking prohibited. Visitors may not bring alcoholic beverages into the event.” (but they’ll have some for sale I’m sure)

FIREWORKS!

The Rose Bowl Stadium and outside the Rose Bowl – Pay to see the 88th Annual “Americafest” show inside, pay for parking to see the fireworks show from the outside. It’s the biggest and longest running party in the L.A. Area.

2 PM: The 1st annual America’s BBQ & Brews Festival begins outside the stadium. This 2-day event showcases 200 vendor barbeque competitors from all over the U.S along with national and local Breweries presenting over 55+ brands of beer and wine. 7 PM: Live motorcycle stunts and musical performance by Liverpool Legends, the Ultimate Beatles Experience.

9 PM: The largest fireworks show in Southern California by Pyrospectaculars by Souza http://www.rosebowlstadium.com/events/detail/americafest

3-Day July 4th Celebration at the Hollywood Bowl – Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers will be headlining the three-day Independence Day celebration with fireworks each night at the Hollywood landmark. July 2-4th, 7:30 pm $15-$243 + fee www.hollywoodbowl.com

FIREWORKS! Hollywood Bowl 4th of July!

Santa Monica Pier and Marina Del Rey

Celebrate America – Sat., June 26 5pm at Santa Monica College Corsair Field – Fireworks salute to America and our nation’s independence. Call (310) 434-3005.

4th of July Parade 9:30-11:30am Main Street – The entire stretch of Main Street in Santa Monica will be closed. After the parade there will be a refreshment area at Ocean View Park, including one band that will continue to play until noon. Call (310) 564-1968

Marina del Rey Fireworks 9:00pm Burton Chace Park & Fisherman’s Village – Fireworks shot over the Marina’s main channel. Park early most public spaces are filled by 6pm.

So there are five good options for the 4th of July in L.A., but there are many other smaller celebrations, both public and private events, happening all over Southern California. Check the local listings! LA Weekly, LAist, LA Times & google.

The Queen Mary and Disneyland both have special events and extra-special fireworks for the holiday. Disneyland has special fireworks all week long!

Disneyland Fireworks!

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FIREWORKS!

 

World Cup Facts!

Every Four Years…WORLD CUP SOCCER! (aka Futbol)

World Cup!

The World Cup or “Coupe du Monde” is the most viewed sporting event in the world exceeding even the Olympic Games.

FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014

Tournament Kickoff: 12 June, 2014

Final (Championship) Game: 13 July, 2014

732 Players on 32 National Teams

A record 204 countries entered qualification for the 2010 World Cup.

BRAZIL is the host nation in 2014 

World Cup 2014 – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

FIFA -Fédération Internationale de Football Association

FIFA Membership: 209 national associations

FIFA Headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland

FIFA President is Sepp Blatter

FIFA was founded in Paris on 21 May, 1904. Founding Members: Belgium, Denmark, France, the Netherlands, Spain (the Madrid Football Club; Spanish Federation wasn’t created until 1913), Sweden and Switzerland. The same day, the German Association telegrammed its intention of affiliating. Membership expanded beyond Europe with South Africa 1908, Argentina and Chile 1912, Canada and the United States 1913.

In tournaments from 1934-1978, 16 teams competed except in 1938, when Austria was absorbed into Germany after qualifying, and in 1950, when India, Scotland and Turkey withdrew. The tournament was expanded to 24 teams in 1982 and then to 32 in 1998 allowing more teams from Africa, Asia and North America to take part.

“Coupe du Monde” FIFA World Cup Trophy

The 1974 FIFA World Cup, the tenth staging, was held in West Germany. The tournament marked the first time that the FIFA World Cup Trophy, created by the Italian sculptor Silvio Gazzaniga, was awarded. The previous trophy, the Jules Rimet Trophy, had been won for the third time by Brazil in 1970 and was awarded permanently to the Brazilians.

Largest official attendance at a World Cup match: 173,000 in Maracana, Brazil, July 16, 1950 (unofficial attendance: 220,000)

WORLD CUP 2014! USA! USA! USA! USA defeats Ghana 2-1 on 16 June, 2014!

The next two World Cups will be hosted by Russia in 2018 and Qatar in 2022.

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World Cup 2014! USA! USA! USA! United States of America – One Nation One Team!

UPDATE: 1 July, 2014 United States eliminated. Belgium 2 – United States 1

Great game! – Extra time! – Heartbreaking loss! – Belgium wins. Thank you and good night! Tim Howard played an amazing game as Goalkeeper, making 15 saves and keeping the U.S. in it until extra time. Too many opportunities for Belgium and too many missed opportunities for the United States. It was a good run, but now the U.S. is out of the competition. Congratulations Belgium. Good luck against Argentina.

CHEERS!

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The Historic Barrel Cafe on Vineland in North Hollywood is being restored!

The historic Barrel Cafe (Idle Hour Cafe, Rudy’s Keg, La Cana Restaurant) on Vineland in North Hollywood is being restored and protected! I was driving up Vineland the other day and saw that they were finally restoring the old La Cana Restaurant, so I took this picture. I posted the pic in a group on facebook, and a Blog just happened. The building has a great history and it’s being preserved!

The Historic Barrel Cafe on Vineland under construction (copyright 2014 JoshWillTravel)

The Historic Barrel Cafe on Vineland (Large photo Daily News; small photo HCM application)

Built in 1941 and closed since 1984, Bigfoot Lodge owner Bobby Green and his 1933 Group picked up the building at auction and a full restoration is underway. It reopens sometime next year as the Idle Hour Cafe.

The Idle Hour Cafe 1940’s

UPDATE! 17 January 2015 – The restoration is almost complete and it looks amazing! The woodwork is beautiful both inside and out! The gate was open and the guys were inside working on a Saturday afternoon. I asked if I could take a few pictures of the interior but they told me there was a “Gag Order” and they weren’t in charge of the decision. I’ll just say it was very impressive. The Bar, the interior space and the dining area…everything is beautiful wood. Opening in February as the new Idle Hour Cafe, or so I was told….. (and there’s a liquor license permit notice posted on the wall)

The Historic Barrel in North Hollywood (copyright 2015 JoshWillTravel)

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UPDATE: 2-27-2016

Completely rehabilitated by 1933 Group, the famous barrel bar, abandoned for years in North Hollywood, has returned. Built 75 years ago, the design was meant to draw in drivers. 1933 Group worked on this project for over 3 years before opening The Idle Hour in 2015.

The restored wood glistens with golden hues. Patrons can have a cocktail or eat inside the barrel or on the patio where the centerpiece is the rescued Bulldog Cafe which served ice cream and tamales 1928-1960 at 1153 W. Washington Boulevard in Los Angeles.

 

Bulldog Cafe – Idle Hour Patio – Phot0 by William Bradford

Idle Hour open daily 11 am-2am
21+ during all hours – Friday Happy Hour: 3-7pm
Parking: Metered street parking on Vineland and valet

Idle Hour – 4824 Vineland Ave., North Hollywood 91601 (south of Magnolia Blvd)

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Vintage Disney Storage Find #3 – Winnie the Pooh

Vintage Disney Storage Find #3 – Winnie the Pooh 8″ Plush Toy

Vintage Disney Storage Find #3 – Winnie the Pooh

“Winnie the Pooh, Winnie the Pooh, tubby little buddy all stuffed with fluff…. 

Vintage Disney Storage Find #3 – Winnie the Pooh

He’s Winnie the Pooh, Winnie the Pooh, willy-nilly-silly ol’ Bear!”

Vintage Disney Storage Find #3 – Winnie the Pooh

Found in my storage during the move this week. Don’t know where he came from, or what happened to his red shirt, but he’s in great condition! The tag is shredded so I don’t know who the maker is or how old it is, except that it’s been there for at least 20 years.

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Vintage Disney Storage Find #2A – Vacationland Summer 1977 Magazine

Vintage Disney Storage Find #2A – Vacationland Summer 1977 Magazine (part 1)

NOTE: I spent last few days moving my storage and having some fun, so it’s been a little hectic here. There a few other blogs in varying stages of development, just haven’t had time to finish, polish and post…apologies to my loyal readers. I am proud to point out that at least one blog was posted each day the week before, so go back and check out the archive! There’s some pretty fun stuff and I’d like some feedback if you’re out there! Thanks!

Vintage Disney! Disneyland Vacationland Summer 1977 magazine – FRONT COVER

I actually found this vintage piece before I found the “Sleeping Beauty” poster (see previous blog) and have been posting individual pages on my facebook page http://www.facebook.com/joshwilltravel and sharing them with the Vintage Disneyland group.

The magazine was in MINT CONDITION and I was hesitant to even scan it for fear of damage. It was just too cool not to share! I’m working on a long blog and the contents include the articles on the Main Street Electrical Parade, the Golden Horseshoe Revue, “The Rescuers” and Disneyland Costume Division. There are also vintage promotions for the Gerber Baby Center and Orville Reddenbacher Popcorn (both new additions in 1977) and cool retro ads for Disneyland, Wonder Bread/Hostess, GAF/Kodak and even other theme parks: Knotts, Magic Mountain, Lion Country Safari and Universal Studios.

Okay, this was just a BIG TEASE because I don’t have time to post the whole blog…it’s under construction…and I spent some time on World Cup USA ’94 (coming soon) tonight.

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Vintage Disney Storage Find #1 – “Sleeping Beauty” Movie Poster

Vintage Disney Storage Find #1 – “Sleeping Beauty” 1970 Rerelease Movie Poster

Vintage Disney Storage Find #1: Walt Disney’s “Sleeping Beauty” 1970 Rerelease Movie Poster

It measures 3-1/2′ x 2-1/4′ (there’s a little damage at the bottom, a small torn corner, and it’s still partially wrapped in the original cellophane). Must be a sign that it’s time to finally have it framed!

Spring is a time of cleaning! I’ve been trying to get organized for about twenty five years. I’m definitely a “pack rat” in that I don’t like to throw stuff out, and I believe you never know what item might be important or valuable later. Not just in terms of having a monetary value, but in terms of the emotional connection an item has, or the dormant memory that an item triggers.

I don’t think I’m a hoarder, but it probably depends on someone else’s opinion. To manage my “STUFF” and to keep my day-to-day life relatively clutter free, I’ve maintained a storage space for years and years.

Storage! Three Past Lives Stored in Boxes in 300 Square Feet of Rented Space

I have three past lives stored away in boxes in about 300 square feet of rented space:

1. Things from before the Northridge earthquake of 1994, when I had everything stored in Northridge, and the facility was yellow tagged. I moved everything that was salvageable to North Hollywood. This stuff includes keepsakes from childhood through college, retro furniture, hand-me-down kitchen appliances, film/prop/set/art/lighting/costume supplies from my first years in Hollywood production and camping equipment/building material from the Renaissance Faire.

2. Things from my life after college in Los Angeles, including furniture, bar and glassware, kitchen and cookware, housewares, appliances, electronics, books, vinyl records, VHS tapes, cassette tapes, and assorted memorabilia and papers from my post-college, Hollywood production and management years, and a past married life long ago.

3. Things from this current life that are taking up space or need to be stored away out of sight. STUFF! There are real estate files, old talent management files, financial records and receipts, office supplies, file cabinets and office furniture, toys & games, collectibles, magazines, clothes and linen, old computer software and hardware, miscellaneous junk, and empty boxes waiting to be filled with more stuff.

Periodically, I will sell some of my stuff, but the collection always continues to grow! So, after 20 years at the facility in North Hollywood, because of circumstances beyond my control, I’m moving everything. I’ll be trashing some stuff, selling some stuff, and moving some stuff to other places.

Which brings us back to the “Sleeping Beauty” Movie Poster I found today between a large unframed mirror and a glass tabletop. I recently joined the Vintage Disneyland group on facebook and I’ve already found a couple of cool vintage pieces.

I’ll be posting stuff for sale soon. Check back here and on my facebook. And please let me know if you’re interested in buying anything that I’m selling! Thanks!

Storage! Three Past Lives Stored in Boxes in 300 Square Feet of Rented Space

“That’s all you need in life, a little place for your stuff. That’s all your house is: a place to keep your stuff. If you didn’t have so much stuff, you wouldn’t need a house. You could just walk around all the time. A house is just a pile of stuff with a cover on it. You can see that when you’re taking off in an airplane. You look down, you see everybody’s got a little pile of stuff. All the little piles of stuff. And when you leave your house, you gotta lock it up. Wouldn’t want somebody to come by and take some of your stuff. They always take the good stuff. They never bother with that crap you’re saving. All they want is the shiny stuff. That’s what your house is, a place to keep your stuff while you go out and get…more stuff! Sometimes you gotta move, gotta get a bigger house. Why? No room for your stuff anymore.” and “Nobody owns anything. When you die, it all stays here.” ~ George Carlin

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UPDATE Wed 11 June 2014:

Cleaning out my closet! (copyright 2014 JoshWillTravel)

Almost done…Anyone need a beautiful khaki-cream overstuffed soft leather couch with dual kick-out recline? (wrapped in heavy plastic and located in the San Fernando Valley) Message me for details.