John Lasseter, the Oscar-winning director of the 2006 Disney-Pixar movie "Cars" and a guiding force for many other Pixar Animation Studio films, received an honorary star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Tuesday. Check two vehicles that showed up at the vehicles: "Cars" stars who attended the ceremony included Bonnie Hunt, Cheech Marin, Owen … Continue reading “Cars” director gets star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
A closer look at Lincoln’s Ghost Bridge
Alas, the Decatur (Ill.) Herald & Review didn't post this until after the event. But this video shows the legendary Ghost Bridge of Route 66 in Lincoln, Ill., and the Ghost Bridge Walk that became a fundraiser for The Mill in Lincoln. https://youtu.be/esCesCUTJMY
Excerpts from “Route 66: The Road West”
This video clips contains excerpts from "Route 66: The Road West," a three-part television documentary that aired on NHK in Japan and a one-hour version on the A&E Channel here in the States. A lot of good stuff here, including Club Cafe in Santa Rosa when it was still open, Russell Soulsby when he was … Continue reading Excerpts from “Route 66: The Road West”
Former Firestone station will reopen Nov. 21
The former Bristow Firestone Service Station building on Route 66 in Bristow, Okla., will hold its grand reopening from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 21, according to a news release from the Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program. At noon that day, officials from the program will present a plaque to owner Jack Longacre, who … Continue reading Former Firestone station will reopen Nov. 21
Pontiac tourism rises 30 percent in one year
The Route 66 town of Pontiac, Ill., is seeing a 30 percent increase in tourists over a year ago, according to a report in the Bloomington Pantagraph. Tourism director Ellie Alexander keeps a regular tally of visitor numbers. So the boost in tourism isn't anecdotal. An increase in the number of tour groups is mostly … Continue reading Pontiac tourism rises 30 percent in one year
Book review: “Billy Connolly’s Route 66”
"Billy Connolly's Route 66" was a highly rated, four-episode television program that aired on ITV1 in the United Kingdom this fall. It earned a lot of praise from roadies who saw it, and its popularity very likely will spur a new wave of Britons traveling Route 66 in 2012. This entertaining but flawed book of … Continue reading Book review: “Billy Connolly’s Route 66”
New Route 66 photos site launched
Photographer Frank Gifford has launched a rt66pix.com site that not only is selling his images, but also merchandise that contains those images. The site contains more than 500 images, "and more images are being added." Gifford (who is no relation to the NFL Hall of Famer and broadcaster by the same name) said in a … Continue reading New Route 66 photos site launched
Bridge soon will be replaced near Carthage
The bridge over the Spring River northeast of Carthage, Mo., will be torn down and replaced starting in late spring 2012, reported the Joplin Globe, impacting Route 66 travel in that area. The bridge carries Missouri Highway 96 (aka Route 66) over the Spring River. The bridge's deck rating by the Missouri Department of Transportation … Continue reading Bridge soon will be replaced near Carthage
A new song about the Mother Road
A Czech blues-rock band, After 40, has recorded a song titled "Route 66." And it's not a cover of the famous Bobby Troup tune; it's new song. Here's the video for it. Apparently someone sent a film crew to the Mother Road in Arizona and California: https://youtu.be/iLob6sx6jL8 After 40's newest album also it titled "Route … Continue reading A new song about the Mother Road
Is Barney’s Beanery haunted?
Barney's Beanery, a fixture on Route 66 in West Hollywood, Calif., since 1927, is known for many things. Home to the Second-Best Chili in Los Angeles. Hangout to Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison, and scads of other music and movie stars. A focal point in the fledgling gay-rights movement during the 1970s and '80s. But the … Continue reading Is Barney’s Beanery haunted?