According to Steve Vaught's latest journal entry on his thefatmanwalking.com site, his weight has dropped to 292 pounds. He started his trek at over 400. He has fewer than 400 miles remaining.
Chowing down in the Duke City
The I8Route66 site has added the Flying Star Cafe in Nob Hill to its list of restaurant reviews along Route 66 in Albuquerque. Flying Star is an American-Mexican eatery that earned a 9 out of 10 rating.
McDonald’s history tour
I know many Route 66 aficionados are loathe to give restaurant chains any sort of attention. But a tour on April 22 led by historian Chris Nichols explores the very early history of McDonald's, from when the McDonald brothers came to Southern California to when Ray Kroc buys the business. And, yes, there is a … Continue reading McDonald’s history tour
UFO on Route 66?
Apparently someone reported seeing a mysterious cigar-shaped aircraft in the Mojave Desert settlement of Amboy, Calif. Here's the report posted at the National UFO Reporting Center. I wonder whether this was seen in the vicinity also.
“Ghost Light” short will be in “Cars” DVD
Best-selling author Michael Wallis has confirmed that a Pixar animated short based on the real-life "Spooklight" near Route 66 in Kansas will be included with the eventual "Cars" movie DVD. Wallis voices the part of the sheriff in the "Cars" full-length movie, set to be released wide on June 9. He and his character, along … Continue reading “Ghost Light” short will be in “Cars” DVD
Coliseum Ballroom in Benld is for sale
The historic Coliseum Ballroom, located on the 1926-34 alignment of Route 66 in Benld, Ill., is for sale, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. The asking price: $210,000. And maybe, just maybe, the Coliseum will be returned to its original incarnation -- a live-music venue. And both of two prospective buyers would like to see … Continue reading Coliseum Ballroom in Benld is for sale
State Farm is touting “Cars”
It looks like State Farm Insurance has become a major sponsor of Pixar's "Cars" movie, according to the Auto Channel. This makes some sense, as State Farm is based in the Route 66 town of Bloomington, Ill. State Farm's CARS promotion is underway with this week's launch of the "State Farm Countdown to CARS" Giveaway, … Continue reading State Farm is touting “Cars”
Funks Grove general store will reopen
This is great news. The Bloomington Pantagraph is reporting that the long-closed general store near the railroad tracks in the Route 66 settlement of Funks Grove, Ill., will reopen this weekend as Anna Rey's at Funks Grove Country Store. The store, which opened in 1913, had been shuttered for about 30 years. It will be … Continue reading Funks Grove general store will reopen
The countdown begins …
ComingSoon.net has an exclusive look at a countdown poster for Pixar's "Cars" movie, which roars into theaters on June 9. In related news, "Cars" will be a sponsor for the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, Calif., this weekend, according to ILikeRacing.com.
Illinois Route 66 bike trail project may be delayed
The Bloomington Pantagraph is reporting that funding delays may put two major bicycle trail projects in Illinois on hold -- including the Route 66 Bikeway. I've excerpted a chunk of the story here, but it looks like you can blame the state and Washington for the problems. Officials expected IDOT to announce grants by late … Continue reading Illinois Route 66 bike trail project may be delayed