Book review: “Polaroid Photos from Route 66”

Polaroid photography was immensely popular decades ago, but corporation that made it eventually stopped its production as its use faded. But a small but enthusiastic group continues to keep the original Polaroid format alive because of its unique look and unpredictable qualities. If that description seems to match the boom, bust, and small revival of … Continue reading Book review: “Polaroid Photos from Route 66”

Shout! Factory releases details about “Route 66” DVD re-release

A few weeks ago, Shout! Factory, a respected DVD and music label, announced it had acquired the rights to the "Route 66" television series of the early 1960s, and would re-release it on DVD and broadcast it on varying formats. Kathy Callahan, senior director of sales at Shout! Factory, provided a few more details about … Continue reading Shout! Factory releases details about “Route 66” DVD re-release

Dublin Dr Pepper is no more

Dublin Dr Pepper, a regionally popular soda pop made in small-town Dublin, Texas, soon will disappear from store shelves after the corporation that owns Dr Pepper forced the small bottler to stop production. Dublin Dr Pepper was notable because it was made with cane sugar, not the high-fructose corn syrup that flavors regular Dr Pepper. … Continue reading Dublin Dr Pepper is no more

“Extreme Makeover Home Edition” caps finale in Joplin

The reality TV series "Extreme Makeover Home Edition" aired its final episode Friday night after nine seasons. It ended it with a bang -- building seven homes in seven days for families in the tornado-stricken city of Joplin, Mo. If you missed the finale, like I did, you can watch the two-part episode online: Joplin … Continue reading “Extreme Makeover Home Edition” caps finale in Joplin

Was the cheeseburger invented on Route 66?

The Pasadena Sun newspaper investigates the claim that the cheeseburger was invented in a diner on Route 66 in Pasadena, Calif. It turns out the case is fairly strong: Legend has it that teenage short-order cook Lionel Clark Sternberger invented the cheeseburger one fateful day in the mid-1920s at a restaurant called “The Rite Spot” … Continue reading Was the cheeseburger invented on Route 66?

Interview with Michael Wallis

KTUL-TV in Tulsa conducted an interview with "Route 66: The Mother Road" author Michael Wallis before his recent a href="https://tulsatownhall.com">Tulsa Town Hall speech. The station deserves credit for this wide-ranging and surpringingly long (seven minutes) segment. Refresh the page or head to the KTUL link above if the video embedding doesn't work.

A closer look at Ramone’s Body Art in Cars Land

The Disney Parks Blog posted this construction time-lapse of Ramone's Body Art inside Cars Land at Disney's California Adventure park. https://youtu.be/mbUaKkz-Loc Ramone's resembles the historic U-Drop Inn along Route 66 in Shamrock, Texas. Disney says Ramone's eventually will have neon lighting. Cars Land was inspired by the fictional Route 66 town of Radiator Springs, depicted … Continue reading A closer look at Ramone’s Body Art in Cars Land

A video report from San Bernardino County

This local television show interviews Brad Mitzelfelt, vice president of the San Bernardino (Calif.) County Board of Supervisors. https://youtu.be/c-cAnExjXJk In this video, Mitzelfelt talks about: The effort to erect Route 66 historical marker signs in the county. The status of the proposed Mojave Trails National Monument, which shadows much of old Route 66 in the … Continue reading A video report from San Bernardino County

Tulsa’s Blue Dome District added to the National Register

Tulsa's Blue Dome District in the eastern part of downtown has been named to the National Register of Historic Places, according to an email Friday from the National Park Service. According to NPS, the listing was effective Dec. 13. The district includes Second Street, an alignment of Route 66 from 1926 to 1932. The approximate … Continue reading Tulsa’s Blue Dome District added to the National Register

Tulsa soon will beef up section of East 11th Street

The City of Tulsa has awarded a contract to build decorative streetscaping and a wayfinding sign on 11th Street between 89th East Avenue and Garnett Road area. Construction should begin by March 1, according to city planner Dennis Whitaker. Whitaker says the project should take about 120 days, which means a completion time of late … Continue reading Tulsa soon will beef up section of East 11th Street