According to an e-mail from the director of the National Park Service, Glenrio's historic district -- which comprises most of the Route 66 community straddling the border between Texas and New Mexico -- was added to the National Register of Historic Places on Jan. 17. Glenrio's location in two states (and two counties) at … Continue reading Glenrio, Odeon added to National Register
Month: January 2007
A new Route 66 song
Here's a video of a new song, "Route 66," by the Jimmy: Damm Suess Band. It's self-deprecating and rocking at the same time. The singing's not great, but the guitar riffs are aces. The song is from the San Diego band's album, "Summer Time Fun." The video was definitely shot on 66, but I'm not … Continue reading A new Route 66 song
Blu-ray Disc of “Cars” coming this summer
Buena Vista announced in early January the coming releases of a bunch of special Blu-ray Discs specially made for HDTVs. Among the coming Blu-ray releases is "Cars" this summer. For the uninitiated, Blu-ray discs contain a lot more data than standard DVDs or even HD-DVDs, making them ideal for the burgeoning high-definition television market. The … Continue reading Blu-ray Disc of “Cars” coming this summer
Abe Lincoln wagon moved to Lincoln
I think it's time to describe Geoff Ladd as A Guy Who Gets Things Done. First, the Logan County tourism director fended off a very likely demolition of The Mill along Route 66 in Lincoln, Ill., eventually will rehab it and convert it into a tourism center. Now, according to today's Lincoln Courier, Ladd has … Continue reading Abe Lincoln wagon moved to Lincoln
DVD review: “Independent America”
As a Route 66 aficionado, I don't need encouragement to patronize mom-and-pop businesses. Visiting independent stores remains a vital part of the Mother Road experience. So a documentary that advocates supporting mom-and-pops is preaching to the choir. However, I learned from the just-released DVD of "Independent America" (subtitled "The Two Lane Search for Mom & … Continue reading DVD review: “Independent America”
Roadside America updates
Periodically, I get e-mails from the good folks at Roadside America, informing me about updates to the site. The latest edition has few new reader tips that should be of interest to Route 66 fans: The big cross just off Route 66 in Edmond, Okla. It's big, but not nearly as huge as the one … Continue reading Roadside America updates
Down at the ol’ Rabbit Ranch
It's always a treat to visit to Henry's Rabbit Ranch, located on old Route 66 in Staunton, Ill. Not only is proprieter Rich Henry an affable host, but it's fun to pet the ever-mellow Montana, one of his 37 pet rabbits, and see the new stuff Henry has acquired or planned. Henry's has a well-stocked … Continue reading Down at the ol’ Rabbit Ranch
Restoring the Meadow Gold sign
Greater Tulsa Reporter Newspapers has a story about the ongoing restoration and re-erection of the historic Meadow Gold neon sign on 11th Street (Route 66) in Tulsa. Much of the information has already been reported, but the article fleshes out new material about the sign's restorer, Claude Neon Federal Signs, and its work: The sign … Continue reading Restoring the Meadow Gold sign
The Oscar-nominated song “Our Town”
Today, Randy Newman's song, "Our Town," performed by James Taylor, was nominated for an Academy Award for Original Song. Here is the song and its key scene from the hit Pixar animated movie, "Cars." "Our Town" is available on the "Cars" soundtrack. And, yes, the album and song both are available on iTunes.
“Cars” receives two Oscar nominations
The Disney/Pixar animated movie "Cars," which takes place on Route 66, was nominated for two Academy Awards today. One nomination was for Animated Feature Film. The other nominees were "Happy Feet" and "Monster House." The other nod was for "Our Town," written by Randy Newman and performed by James Taylor, for Original Song. Three of … Continue reading “Cars” receives two Oscar nominations