Yeah, many of you already know that Larry the Cable Guy supplies the voice of Mater the tow truck in Pixar's upcoming film, "Cars." But Joe Marusak of the Charlotte Observer reports that the character was inspired by Doug "Mater" Keever of Sherrills Ford, N.C. Keever has a small speaking part in the movie. He … Continue reading The man behind Mater
More images from the Mother Road
I received an e-mail from a reader, Amarillo photographer Shannon Richardson. He's been shooting photographs on Route 66 for the past few years, and his work is sublime. Check out the Mother Road images here.
Report from Rick and Jane
Rick and Jane McKinney, the evangelical couple that is walking the country as part of their Walk to Reclaim America crusade, have posted their first report in nearly two weeks. Some tidbits: HBO is planning to interview them on the road for its "Religion in America" documentary. Rick and Jane also were interviewed for a … Continue reading Report from Rick and Jane
Ace Jackalope reaches the end of Route 66
Ace Jackalope of The Lope blog meets the end of the trail on his Route 66 trek at Santa Monica, Calif., including the Santa Monica Pier. Again, many nice photos are taken, including of the pier's attractions. And I'm not sure how I missed this, but here's another Ace Jackalope entry from his adventures in … Continue reading Ace Jackalope reaches the end of Route 66
Roadside architecture photo album — in progress
A few weeks ago, Debra Jane of the terrific Roadside Architecture Web site contacted me for advice and confirmation on roadside icons in Oklahoma, including on Route 66. She said her photo collection from the Sooner State and Texas was a bit lacking, but was planning to rectify that during a big road trip. I … Continue reading Roadside architecture photo album — in progress
Go see Route 66 cookbook author
Marian Clark, who wrote "The Route 66 Cookbook" and "The Main Street of America Cookbook," will be at Oak Tree West Fine Collectable Books at 26 E. Dewey Ave. in Sapulpa, Okla., from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, according to the Sapulpa Daily Herald. She will talk briefly about the Mother Road and sign copies … Continue reading Go see Route 66 cookbook author
Food Network gets a taste of Route 66
The Pontiac Daily News reports that the historic Odell Station on Route 66 in Odell, Ill., will be featured on The Food Network's show, "A Blast from the Past." Famed chef Bobby Flay made an appearance. The program also features members of the Illinois Route 66 Association and preservationist John Weiss. Flay used a barbecue … Continue reading Food Network gets a taste of Route 66
New “Cars” movie trailer is up
You can view it here. A really cool song is part of the soundtrack, too. 🙂 Pixar's "Cars" opens wide in theaters on June 9. UPDATE: I've added a couple screen shots so you could see this amazing world Pixar has created. The first is a shot of the Cozy Cone Motel, which is a … Continue reading New “Cars” movie trailer is up
In defense of neon signs
Several towns along Route 66 have restrictive zoning codes against neon signs -- rules that seem nonconducive to the Mother Road experience. One of the reasons some municipalities restrict the use of neon signs is traffic safety. Apparently there is concern that the vivid light of neon lighting will distract motorists and cause accidents. I … Continue reading In defense of neon signs
Interview with “Cars” director
USAToday.com helps crank up the hype for Pixar Animation Studios' upcoming Route 66 movie, "Cars." First is an interview with "Cars" writer and director John Lasseter, the first since the Disney/Pixar merger last month. Tuesday, Cars will preview at ShoWest, the yearly Las Vegas convention of theater owners, who are starved for an injection of … Continue reading Interview with “Cars” director