Now tornadoes lash Oklahoma

Just days after much of Joplin, Mo., was destroyed by a tornado, twisters are wreaking havoc in neighboring Oklahoma -- including near and in the Route 66 town of El Reno, where at least three people are dead, according to the Daily Oklahoman and other media outlets. One Oklahoma City television crew that chased the storm … Continue reading Now tornadoes lash Oklahoma

Asleep At the Wheel archives

Bobby Troup's "Route 66" has been a part of Asleep of the Wheel's concert set list for decades. In fact, the western-swing band performs it just about every night. Here's the group's original recording of that song, way back in 1976: https://youtu.be/ih7kl0sjdSM

Route 66 tattoo artist sues “Hangover Part II” studio

A tattoo artist based on Route 66 in Waynesville, Mo., is suing Warner Bros. Pictures for copyright infringement because a tattoo that actor Ed Helms sports in the upcoming comedy "The Hangover Part II" resembles the artist's original design, according to The Daily Mail in London. S. Victor Whitmill co-owns Paradox Studio and Gallery, which is … Continue reading Route 66 tattoo artist sues “Hangover Part II” studio

Joplin tornado, continued

The Joplin, Mo., tornado thread was getting long, so here's another one to keep track of developments: The death toll as of Monday evening stands at 116 people, according to the Joplin Globe, with more then 1,100 injured. Local officials estimate about a third of the city has been destroyed. The disaster is the worst … Continue reading Joplin tornado, continued

Widespread damage, dozens dead in Joplin tornado

At least 24 people are dead and widespread damage has been reported after a tornado Sunday in the Route 66 town of Joplin, Mo., according to varying media reports. Here are a few facts that have come over in the last hour or two: 75 percent of the city reportedly has sustained damage All lanes … Continue reading Widespread damage, dozens dead in Joplin tornado

“Route 66” on Route 66

Asleep at the Wheel was in the Route 66 town of Lebanon, Mo.,  on Friday night. Naturally, the western-swing performed one of the stalwart songs of its set list. https://youtu.be/a3vUKYGX4S0

John Lasseter’s Hawaiian shirts

John Lasseter, director of the 2006 Disney-Pixar animated film "Cars" and the upcoming "Cars 2," showed a reporter his collection of more than 300 Hawaiian shirts. And, yes, he wears them. You'll see the Route 66 shield several times on his apparel. https://youtu.be/PmrJFxxeDZw I once asked a Pixar publicist about buying some of the Route … Continue reading John Lasseter’s Hawaiian shirts

Dairy Queen officials visit original store

About 20 company officials from Minneapolis-based Dairy Queen on Friday visited the restaurant where it all started -- at 501 N. Chicago St. (aka Route 66) in Joliet, Ill., reported the Chicago Tribune. The nearby Joliet Area Historical Museum passed out free DQ Dilly Bars to visitors. Then, Curly, DQ's soft-serve cone mascot, led the … Continue reading Dairy Queen officials visit original store

“Cars 2” featurette

Here's a behind-the-scenes look and an explanation of "Cars 2," which roars into movie theaters on June 24. https://youtu.be/wVDzxuLKdbA

Lights on at Highland Theatre

The historic Highland Theatre sign in the Highland Park neighborhood of Los Angeles was relighted during a ceremony Tuesday night, reported the Highland Park Patch. The link includes a video of the sign being relit. But here's a YouTube video of it, also: https://youtu.be/iBYsJXRX7kA The sign contains 502 light bulbs. Its restoration was paid for … Continue reading Lights on at Highland Theatre