“Cars” passes $200 million mark in domestic grosses

The movie "Cars" passed the rarified $200 million plateau in domestic box-office receipts during the weekend, according to Box Office Mojo. It is the third-most successful film this year, and it's coming up fast on the No. 2 film, "The Da Vinci Code." There's plenty more money to be made. "Cars" has grossed just $24 … Continue reading “Cars” passes $200 million mark in domestic grosses

Tulsa Monument Co. building is safe

There was some fear when a monument company that occupied that historic, Art Deco-designed Tulsa Monument Co. building at 1735 E. 11th St., aka Route 66, moved out a few weeks ago at the behest of the landlord. What would be the future of that landmark building? Not to fear -- the building is safe. … Continue reading Tulsa Monument Co. building is safe

Farm disappears; Magic Lamp Inn keeps going

The Inland Press-Enterprise has a story about Anthony Vernola, owner of the landmark Magic Lamp Inn along Route 66 in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. The Vernola family is having a shopping development in Mira Loma named after them. Anthony Vernola's father ran a farm in that area; the farm, like many others, is now long-gone because … Continue reading Farm disappears; Magic Lamp Inn keeps going

Bob Waldmire spotted at Tucumcari festival

Since roving Route 66 artist Bob Waldmire is a Luddite in terms of the Internet and cell phones, it's hard to figure out where he is at times. This often leads to "Where's Waldmire?" questions when Mother Road fans talk among themselves. Well, this weekend Waldmire is in Tucumcari, N.M., for the Route 66 festival … Continue reading Bob Waldmire spotted at Tucumcari festival

Illinois town will hold its first Cruise Night

Pontiac, Ill., which is home to the Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum, is hosting its first-ever Pontiac Cruise Night next Saturday. It also will have Cruise Nights on the third Saturdays of August and September, reports the Bloomington Pantagraph. For more, read the rest of the article. Pontiac Cruise Night also has … Continue reading Illinois town will hold its first Cruise Night

Another Route 66 video

Scott Leitner has provided yet another slideshow to accompany one of the songs from the "Cars" movie soundtrack. It's a more upbeat video this time; it's John Mayer's version of "Route 66" along with businesses on the Mother Road that are still operating and serving tourists. The video is here. It's a large, 20 mg … Continue reading Another Route 66 video

DVD shows Route 66 from different era

A new Route 66 documentary, "Old-Fashioned Fun on Route 66," contains familiar sights and sounds of the current Mother Road. But what's remarkable about it is it also contains rare film footage from the road's golden era. In the 1940s and '50s, Patricia and Judy Larry's family had an 8mm motion-picture camera and used it. … Continue reading DVD shows Route 66 from different era

Write to help the Southwest Museum

The Southwest Museum of the American Indian is just off Route 66 and is the oldest museum in Los Angeles, dating to 1913. Some controlling interests want to move the museum's contents to another site; American Indians and other museum advocates want the artifacts to stay where they are. For more background on this complicated … Continue reading Write to help the Southwest Museum

L.A. uses “Cars” to trumpet itself

The story is roundabout and the headline is perhaps even inaccurate. But the Los Angeles Convention and Visitors Bureau is using the "Cars" movie as a hook to attract travelers to its sections of the Mother Road. Other cities along Route 66, take note. This is a smart way to get people curious about your … Continue reading L.A. uses “Cars” to trumpet itself

Rick and Jane reach the end

Rick and Jane McKinney, the evangelical couple that walked about 1,500 miles on Route 66 during their cross-country Walk to Reclaim America, came to the end of their trek in Washington, D.C. They were greeted by about 30 people, mostly friends and family. They wore out 20 pairs of shoes during their walk. Here is … Continue reading Rick and Jane reach the end