The new book "Greetings from Route 66" (Voyageur Press, hardcover, 240 pages, $30) at first glance looks as though it might be a terrific addition to a roadie's library. It was written by several authors who are Route 66 enthusiasts, and it's packed with eye-pleasing pages. However, I give it only a mixed review, at … Continue reading Book review: “Greetings from Route 66”
Rocking and roading
Here's a spirited version of Bobby Troup's "Route 66" by the Lamont Cranston Band, along with plenty of images from the road itself. The blues-based band has been a mainstay in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area since 1969. It's hard to find that sort of longevity in rock 'n' roll. (Hat tip: Westley Dornseif)
A capella kicks
Keith Beasley of London gave this solo performance the other day at Historic Seligman Sundries in Seligman, Ariz.
And now another message from our sponsor …
While we're on the subject of weird television commercials, I'd be negligent if I didn't mention the Dirt Cheap ads that run in the St. Louis area. The ads for this regional liquor-beer-wine-cigarettes chain have always been quirky and irreverent, but this one goes into the redline of the weirdness meter even by Dirt Cheap standards: … Continue reading And now another message from our sponsor …
That jumped to my attention
Check out the bizarre mascot in a television ad for the Route 66 Flea Market in Granite City, Ill.
She won’t settle for walking
Here's a version of Bobby Troup's "Route 66" by Nancy Sinatra, she of the "boots are made for walking" fame.
Relighting ceremony set for Munger Moss sign
If you want to see the Munger Moss Motel's classic neon sign the way it's supposed to look, circle your calender for the evening of Nov. 6. That's when the Route 66 Association of Missouri and its Neon Heritage Preservation Committee will hold a relighting ceremony for the refurbished sign. The event should take place … Continue reading Relighting ceremony set for Munger Moss sign
Inaugural Mother Road Marathon draws 1,600 runners
The first Mother Road Marathon gained 1,645 competitors Sunday during the footrace from Commerce, Okla., through Kansas and finishing in Joplin, Mo., reported the Joplin Globe. The event included a 5-kilometer run in Joplin's Schifferdecker Park, a half-marathon that started in Baxter Springs, Kan., and the 26.2-mile main event. The entire course was on old … Continue reading Inaugural Mother Road Marathon draws 1,600 runners
Tax advice from one of the apostles
After a summer break, "Route 66: A Road Trip through the Bible" returns with the Book of Matthew. I dunno ... I always liked cheese gift boxes.
Co-founder of Big Texan Steak Ranch dies
Mary Ann Lee, co-founder of the Big Texan Steak Ranch with her husband Bob Lee, died Friday in Amarillo at age 86, according to the Amarillo Globe-News. Lee and her husband started the Big Texan along Route 66 in Amarillo in 1963. The restaurant moved to Interstate 40 for survival's sake during the 1970s, although … Continue reading Co-founder of Big Texan Steak Ranch dies