Century City was once a back lot of Twentieth Century Fox Studios, but was sold in 1961, after the movie Cleopatra nearly bankrupted the studio. When I was in college, I spent a few summers working on the Fox Lot, and the Century City Shopping Center was a favorite haunt of mine.  I lived a few blocks away, and frequently drove there just before closing to pick up Mrs. Field's cookies at the deep end-of-day discount.  As malls go, Century City has always led the way in shopper comfort, and my visit there last week revealed the latest convenience: Illuminated parking guides.  Not just signs telling you how many spaces are left on each level, but signs that guide you specifically towards open spaces, and a light over each space that glows red if it's occupied, or green if it's available.  Finding a spot is as easy as looking down the row for a green light.  Parking at Century City has always been free for the first 3 hours, now it's free and easy. What a smart use of the same sensor technology that brought us self-flushing toilets.