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
Angels of the road
Peter Shelton of the Telluride Watch tells the tale of selfless mechanics on Route 66 who helped get his broken-down vehicle running again -- one time in Holbrook, Ariz.; the other time in Victorville, Calif. It's a good read.
Bent Door has a new Web site
Ramona Kiewert, the new co-owner with her husband Roy of the historic Bent Door in Adrian, Texas, e-mailed me to inform everyone that they moved the Bent Door's Web site to a new URL on WordPress.com, which is blog-hosting site and home to Route 66 News. The new URL is here. So please update your … Continue reading Bent Door has a new Web site
Historic hotel reverts to city ownership
The Eagle Hotel in Wilmington, Ill., described as the oldest hotel on all of Historic Route 66, has reverted to city ownership after its holder wasn't able to reopen it by a Jan. 15 deadline, according to the Daily Journal. The hotel, built in 1836, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and … Continue reading Historic hotel reverts to city ownership
Review: “Songs from the Mother Road”
When I received a copy of The Road Crew's "Songs from the Mother Road," I was startled to see a positive review from country star Marty Stuart on the CD package. Having followed Stuart's career for at least 20 years, his endorsement heightened my anticipation of hearing the album. However, I have to conclude that … Continue reading Review: “Songs from the Mother Road”
The power of the orange 76 ball
This story from the Wall Street Journal that a reader pointed out doesn't have any Route 66 content, save for the soon-to-be-apparent roadside nostalgia. But this group's protests over ConocoPhillips' decision to remove the "76" orange balls from old Union 76 gas stations that the corporation acquired proves to be illustrative on how grassroots efforts … Continue reading The power of the orange 76 ball
Here we go again
Route 66's midsection is being hit by its third major winter storm in less than two months. According to the National Weather Service, winter storm warnings have been issued from the New Mexico-Arizona line to just east of Oklahoma City. Winter storm watches stretch from about Tulsa to just west of the St. Louis area. … Continue reading Here we go again
The Killer’s Pink Cadillac
Here's a fun new video of Jerry Lee Lewis covering Bruce Springsteen's song, "Pink Cadillac." And, yes, that's The Boss on backing vocals.
“Guy with the horns” dies
Arlen Strehlow's name probably doesn't ring a bell for most people. It probably wouldn't even jolt memories for many of his fellow Harley-Davidson motorcycle riders. However, Harley owners knew of him because of his look -- wearing a helmet fitted with a pair of outlandishly long Texas longhorns. He was known as "The Guy with … Continue reading “Guy with the horns” dies
Route 66 on ice
The Lope took a bunch of striking photographs after the terrible ice storm that struck the Route 66 town of Joplin, Mo., and other cities in eastern Oklahoma and southwest Missouri. He calls the post "Beautiful Disaster," which seems appropriate. The photo shown here is one that Ace shot, and even better ones are at … Continue reading Route 66 on ice