Rock ‘n’ roll landmarks on Route 66

I just finished Chris Epting's 2007 book, "Led Zeppelin Crashed Here," subtitled "The Rock and Roll Landmarks of North America." It's the most comprehensive book I've read that lists famous rock history sites, venues of noteworthy concerts, where rock musicians died, their burial sites, locations of famous album covers, and rock-inspired museums. Epting's book will … Continue reading Rock ‘n’ roll landmarks on Route 66

Mother Road matchmaker

The Daily Mirror in London reports today that Paul McCartney plans to marry new American girlfriend Nancy Shevell. Shevell's divorce from her husband recently became final after she separated in 2007. The newspaper reports that McCartney's daughter Stella has given the green light for the former Beatle to marry. And apparently the Mother Road was … Continue reading Mother Road matchmaker

“In Sight It Must Be Right”

Pulitzer Prize-winning film critic Roger Ebert waxes ecstatic about the Steak 'n Shake restaurant chain and his memories of the restaurant growing up in Urbana, Ill. Ebert's whole blog entry is worth reading (as are the comments and his replies). But here is a choice excerpt, of which many roadies will concur: If I were … Continue reading “In Sight It Must Be Right”

A blast from “The Daily Show” past

This segment was just uploaded to the archives of the Comedy Channel's "The Daily Show" -- a younger, thinner Jon Stewart in 1999 giving his usual irreverent take on the news. This time, Stewart was poking fun at Route 66, after President Clinton signed legislation that created the Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program. Nearly 10 … Continue reading A blast from “The Daily Show” past

Photo exhibit includes Route 66 images

Artist Laura Smetak will host an exhibit of her recent photography, including old signs on Route 66, at the McKinney Performing Arts Center in McKinney, Texas, on Jan. 31, reports Pegasus News. The show, titled "At Work and On The Road, A Collection of Photos Taken on America's Backroads and in McKinney's Backyard," presents a … Continue reading Photo exhibit includes Route 66 images

A big hole in the ground

The International Herald Tribune has an excellent article about meteor impact sites and other natural holes around Arizona, including the big Meteor Crater off Route 66 east of Flagstaff. Some interesting facts about Meteor Crater: If a football game were played at the bottom, the crater's walls would hold 2 million spectators. The 4,100-foot-wide crater … Continue reading A big hole in the ground

Another stimulus proposal

Another community has latched on to trying to get money from President Obama's upcoming stimulus package. This time, according to WEEK-TV, the Route 66 town of Chenoa, Ill., is making a pitch: And community leaders in Chenoa say they also are requesting more than $300,000 in federal stimulus funds in order to build a bike … Continue reading Another stimulus proposal

Book review: “The Leisure Seeker”

He has Alzheimer's disease. She has a serious case of cancer and has stopped taking the treatments. He's driving the family's late-1970s RV. She's riding shotgun and popping pain pills. He's subject to outbursts of anger and confusion. She's cynical and wistful. The elderly couple is going down Route 66 for a final vacation together. … Continue reading Book review: “The Leisure Seeker”

Pedal to the metal

This version of "Route 66," starring pedal steel guitarist Herby Wallace, will probably please some Western swing or country fans out there. Scat singing is Ben Brogdon.

Hometown of Castle Car Wash eyed for preservation

The unique Castle Car Wash building on Ogden Avenue, aka Route 66, in the Chicago suburb of North Lawndale has recently become the target of preservationists. Now, according to the Chicago Tribune, other parts of Lawndale are being considered as important historic sites, and the car-wash building is now considered a catalyst in the effort: … Continue reading Hometown of Castle Car Wash eyed for preservation