This is interesting. YouTube poster jimvegas00 has posted a video of him driving a 1961 Volkswagen Beetle on an alignment of Route 66 near Kingman, Ariz., that predates the 1940s. You don't see this segment documented very often. He told me how he got to the alignment in Kingman: Heading west on 66, at 4th … Continue reading This old road
Meet the “Experts”
Shameless plug time. After a number of delays, Emily and yours truly are pleased to announce that our contributions to the Oklahoma Department of Tourism site about Route 66 launched today. We're labeled as "Route 66 Experts." About 10 stories or blog posts are already posted, and more are coming. It also contains an "Ask … Continue reading Meet the “Experts”
What to do about Bob?
In a few weeks, the panel that decides the Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame inductees for 2010 is going to deal with what could be a thorny problem -- the almost-certain nomination of Mother Road artist and ambassador Bob Waldmire, who died Dec. 16. There are two potential pitfalls with Waldmire's nomination. First, he … Continue reading What to do about Bob?
Hello from Argentina
This is a good version of "Route 66" by Bluesberry Jam, a rock band based in Buenos Aires but with key members from England and America.
Notes from the road
The historic Riviera Restaurant on Route 66 in Gardner, Ill., reopened on New Year's Eve. Check out this story in the Batavia Sun about it. However, there is one potential snag that will be worth watching: The new owner is dealing with a request from the Gardner Fire Department to put in an expensive commercial … Continue reading Notes from the road
Feeling chippy
Here's Alvin and the Chipmunks' version of "Route 66" by Depeche Mode. Yech. I suppose Alvin and the Chipmunks were amusing for five minutes or so when their "The Christmas Song" became a hit in 1958. But taking hit pop songs and simply speeding up the vocals in an attempt to amuse is just lazy. … Continue reading Feeling chippy
Roadside America launchs app for iPhone
RoadsideAmerica.com, a popular site devoted to fun and quirky tourism attractions, including those on Route 66, launched an application for the Apple iPhone and iPod Touch a few days ago. The app costs $2.99 for one of six U.S. regions, or you can pay $5.99 a year to cover the entire country. It works with … Continue reading Roadside America launchs app for iPhone
End of the decade
Newspaper names Dawn Welch Oklahoma’s Woman of the Year
Dawn Welch, owner of the historic Rock Cafe on Route 66 in Stroud, Okla., was named Oklahoma's Woman of the Year by The Oklahoman newspaper today, according to the newspaper's BAM's Blog. The Oklahoman no doubt honored Welch because of her tenacity, which the story details: In 2008, Welch watched helplessly as the historic cafe, … Continue reading Newspaper names Dawn Welch Oklahoma’s Woman of the Year
Scenes from the marathon
This is a just-posted promotional video posted of the Route 66 Marathon in Tulsa, which was held a few weeks ago. Very well done. In case you're wondering, the music is by U2, from its latest album. The next Route 66 Marathon is Nov. 21.