When a developer essentially forced out the operators of Irv's Burgers on Route 66 in West Hollywood, California, it probably thought its big problems were over. Meanwhile, the Sonia Hong family is thriving with Irv's Burgers at a new site on Route 66 in West Hollywood. And the developer has run afoul of the local … Continue reading Developer runs into snags with Irv’s Burgers structure
Pops opens a stand at the Tulsa airport
In addition to its flagship location on Route 66 in Arcadia, Oklahoma, and a satellite location at Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City, Pops in recent days opened a new location inside Tulsa International Airport. The report from KOTV in Tulsa: News9.com - Oklahoma City, OK - News, Weather, Video and Sports | Unless … Continue reading Pops opens a stand at the Tulsa airport
A night at the opera at the pier
The Santa Monica Pier on Sept. 17 is hosting a free big-screen broadcast of LA Opera's production of Verdi's famed "La Traviata." It's not like seeing an opera live at the venue, but the idyllic scene of a setting sun, ocean breezes and the surf will be a nice compensation, I'm sure. More about the production: … Continue reading A night at the opera at the pier
Albuquerque sign irks tourists, businesses
I missed this the last few times I was in downtown Albuquerque. But a sign on private property that says "Please, no puking, no pissing, no panhandling or perversion, thank you" continues to draw the ire of Route 66 tourists, businesses and city officials. KOAT-TV in Albuquerque posted a story about the sign, which has … Continue reading Albuquerque sign irks tourists, businesses
Baxter Springs restaurant recovers impressively after tornado
I missed this when it initially happened, but Weston's Route 66 Cafe in Baxter Springs, Kansas, reopened just six weeks after it was destroyed by a tornado in April. KODE-TV filed a recent story about how Weston's, at 1727 Military Ave., and other businesses have recovered after the tornado: An excerpt from the report: For … Continue reading Baxter Springs restaurant recovers impressively after tornado
Annabelle Russell soon will move into hospice care
Annabelle Russell, one-half of the Mediocre Music Makers in the Sandhills Curiosity Shop near Route 66 in Erick, Oklahoma, soon will be moved into a hospice in Oklahoma City after a 3 1/2-year battle with ovarian cancer, according to the couple's Facebook account. Harley Russell posted this message this morning: Dear friends, I have called … Continue reading Annabelle Russell soon will move into hospice care
Fire destroys abandoned motel in Tucumcari
A suspected arson fire early Wednesday destroyed a long-closed motel known as the Payless Inn on Route 66 in Tucumcari, New Mexico, according to the Quay County Sun newspaper. When firefighters arrived at the Payless Inn, 2000 W. Rte. 66 Blvd., three separate buildings on the property were engulfed in flames, Rigdon said. The blaze leveled … Continue reading Fire destroys abandoned motel in Tucumcari
Another tune from the garage
The Beatles' invasion of America in early 1964 and later rush of British acts spawned a lot of rock bands in the United States. Here's one in the seemingly endless list, The Fabulous Pharaohs of Newark, Delaware. The band's take on Bobby Troup's "Route 66" is notable in the lyrics are about as butchered as any version … Continue reading Another tune from the garage
A visit to Elmer Long’s Bottle Tree Ranch
A lot of videos have made their way on the Internet about Elmer Long and his unique Bottle Tree Ranch along Route 66 near Oro Grande, Calif. But this one by KCET-TV, a community station in Los Angeles, is the best. The interview delves into Long's background. And, much to my relief, Long says his sons will continue … Continue reading A visit to Elmer Long’s Bottle Tree Ranch
Take a cruise with Snookum
Here's an old jazz version of Bobby Troup's "Route 66" you probably haven't heard. It's by pianist Isaac "Snookum" Russell and his All Reet Orchestra. https://youtu.be/u3ADEN8Q5jw Russell's band on the recording features Justin Adams on guitar, Artie "Weasel" Langston on bass, Frank Parker on drums, Wallace Davenport on trumpet and Hollis Carmouche on clarinet. Details on Russell are sketchy, although it's reported he and his band … Continue reading Take a cruise with Snookum