Here's a startling fact about actor Paul Newman, who died Friday of cancer at the age of 83. "Cars," the hit Disney-Pixar animated film in 2006 that helped spur new interest in Route 66, wound up being Newman's last acting film role. Not long after that film's release (plus a "Cars" short titled "Mater and … Continue reading Paul Newman, R.I.P
Category: Movies
“Cars 2” moves up release date
IGN.com reported today from the Walt Disney Studios Showcase that "Cars 2," the sequel to the Disney/Pixar hit movie "Cars," will likely be released earlier than originally thought: Among these in-development projects is Cars 2, which Pixar will now rush to complete in time for a 2011 (rather than a previously announced 2012) release date. … Continue reading “Cars 2” moves up release date
Governor pledges more projects for Tucumcari
The city of Tucumcari made a strong bid but failed last month to gain a license for a casino and horse-racing track. But apparently the effort has created some positive side effects. Local officials who made a bid for the "racino" license met with Gov. Bill Richardson, and he pledged to bring future economic development … Continue reading Governor pledges more projects for Tucumcari
Branding of Kingman — a response
On Tuesday, I linked to a story in the Kingman (Ariz.) Daily Miner, in which a city councilwoman questioned whether there is enough interest in Route 66 by young parents and their children to use the Mother Road for tourism purposes. I responded that the dynamic has changed since the release of the Disney/Pixar "Cars" … Continue reading Branding of Kingman — a response
Jerry Reed, R.I.P.
Jerry Reed, the so-called "Alabama Wild Man" who found success as a recording artist, session guitarist and actor, died of emphysema on Sunday night, reports The Tennesseean in Nashville. He's best-known for "Amos Moses" and "When You're Hot, You're Hot," both of which were in the early 1970s and went to the Top 10 of … Continue reading Jerry Reed, R.I.P.
Councilor seeks brand for Kingman
City Councilwoman Carole Young wants a distinctive brand to help sell the city of Kingman, Ariz., to tourists, according to the Kingman Daily Miner. That's a worthy goal. But here's where she unwittingly runs off the rails: Another problem, Young said, is that while Kingman can draw the baby boomer crowd in with its connection … Continue reading Councilor seeks brand for Kingman
John Wayne memorabilia displayed at Williams museum
"Chili" Bill Brooks was John Wayne's pilot for about 10 years, when he flew the actor down to his two ranches in Arizona. Brooks befriended Wayne, famed for his roles in "True Grit," "The Searchers" and hundreds of other Westerns, until his death in 1979. The Wayne memorabilia that Brooks collected over the years now … Continue reading John Wayne memorabilia displayed at Williams museum
“Sh-Boom”
A great scene in "Cars" from the fictional Route 66 town of Radiator Springs. A lot of people who didn't understand the allure of neon lighting "got it" after that scene. Music by The Chords, on what is arguably the first rock 'n' roll song.
Movie’s setting is on Route 66
This sounds promising. A movie starring Renee Zellweger, "My One and Only," is at least partially set on Route 66, according to the Mountain View Telegraph in New Mexico. The movie, set in 1953, is based on the early life of actor George Hamilton, on the road with his mother and brother. Zellweger, as glamorous … Continue reading Movie’s setting is on Route 66
Notes from the road
The Motel Safari in Tucumcari, N.M., has added another mural image, courtesy of local artist Doug Quarles. It's a 1953 Flxible Clipper bus. Motel owner Richard Talley also passed along this news: On another note, we just had our first celebrity guest check-in! No, it wasn't Sir Paul!!! During the annual Rattler Reunion weekend, a … Continue reading Notes from the road