Sammy Basso, an 18-year-old Italian boy afflicted with progeria, a rare genetic disease that ages him prematurely, is traveling Route 66, and a subsidiary with the National Geographic Channel is documenting the journey, according to the Bloomington Pantagraph. The folks in Pontiac, Illinois, in typical fashion, rolled out the red carpet for him: Basso, his … Continue reading Teen with rare aging disease is touring Route 66
“66 Mainstreet, Americana”
This film documents a couple of Brits, film director Andy Harrison and photographer Natalie Pluck, taking in a Route 66 trip. I like this film very much, mostly because it seems to be simply willing to go its own way. 66 Mainstreet, Americana from Andy Harrison on Vimeo. A few things to note before you view … Continue reading “66 Mainstreet, Americana”
Hello from Moscow
I bet you haven't heard this one. It's Ned Wright, singing Bobby Troup's "(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66" in 1955 in Moscow as part of The Everyman's Opera Concerto. It's a lot jazzier than you might think it is. Wright, by the way, was one of the first Americans allowed to perform behind the … Continue reading Hello from Moscow
Proposed Chicago park may include Route 66 museum
View Larger Map A small lot on the corner of Wabash Avenue and Adams Street in downtown Chicago that's planned as a Chicago Symphony Orchestra Park may include a small Route 66 museum to recognize its location on Route 66, according to a story in DNAinfo. The so-called pocket park would sit just west of the … Continue reading Proposed Chicago park may include Route 66 museum
Owner of troubled Bel-Aire Motel dies
Gopal Motwani, owner of the historic but troubled Bel-Aire Motel on Sixth Street (aka Route 66) in Springfield, Illinois, died Saturday near his home in Naples, Florida, reported the Springfield State Journal-Register. After putting the motel up for sale for $750,000 -- plus $114,000 in fines for 700 code violations -- this summer, Motwani told the newspaper he … Continue reading Owner of troubled Bel-Aire Motel dies
Johnny Rockets to open four types of Route 66-themed restaurants
The Johnny Rockets restaurant chain plans to open four types of Route 66-themed prototype restaurants -- including drive-ins, food trucks and drive-in theaters -- as soon as this year, according to a news release Monday from the company. The restaurant stated: Established in 1926 as one of America's original highways, Route 66 became the major path … Continue reading Johnny Rockets to open four types of Route 66-themed restaurants
Route 66 coloring book published
The "Route 66 Coloring Book," in conjunction with American Road magazine, was published a few weeks ago by creator Rich Newman, writers Dave and Laura Newman, and illustrator Abby Smith on the Coloring Books USA imprint. Here's a description of the book: Route 66 is one of the country's most traveled routes stretching from Illinois … Continue reading Route 66 coloring book published
The rebirth of Tulsa’s 11th Street
KTUL-TV in Tulsa recently did this story about the "rebirth" of 11th Street in town, known as Tulsa's Route 66. KTUL.com - Tulsa, Oklahoma - News, Weather We've dutifully reported about many of these businesses -- including Ike's Chili -- moving to the more-prominent alignment of Route 66 in Tulsa. I was a bit saddened … Continue reading The rebirth of Tulsa’s 11th Street
Plainfield considers new Route 66 signs
The village of Plainfield, Illinois, is considering new signage -- including ones marking Route 66 (seen above) -- as a rebranding effort for the town, reported The Herald-News. The new designs would encourage commemoration of the “legacy” of the historic Route 66, which runs along Route 59 through the village. The Route 66 signs could … Continue reading Plainfield considers new Route 66 signs
“Route 66” performed on Indonesia TV
Bobby Troup's estate got another dose of cha-ching Friday. On a show called "Rising Star Indonesia," contestant Reyna Qotrunnada performed his best-known song. https://youtu.be/cdgDKj131No Yes, her English during the song is a clumsy, but do remember it's not her mother tongue. But it seemed a lot of people in the audience recognized it. It's amazing … Continue reading “Route 66” performed on Indonesia TV