Former Pixar Animation chief John Lasseter, director of the Route 66-inspired "Cars" film in 2006, recently was hired as chief of Skydance Animation. Lasseter -- along with the film's vision of the fictional Route 66 town of Radiator Springs -- is the figure most responsible for the Mother Road’s continued renaissance except perhaps Michael Wallis … Continue reading “Cars” director John Lasseter hired by Skydance Animation
Tag: Cars the movie
Michael Wallis’ “The Coming of Roads” speech
A few days ago, someone at the National Center for Preservation Technology and Training uploaded a video and transcript of Michael Wallis' keynote speech during the "Are We There Yet: Preservation of Roadside Architecture and Attractions" symposium in April in Tulsa. Wallis speech, "The Coming of Roads," contains several familiar themes from those who have … Continue reading Michael Wallis’ “The Coming of Roads” speech
Sign at Jack Rabbit Trading Post gets a face-lift
The co-owners of the historic Jack Rabbit Trading Post near Joseph City, Arizona, announced Friday they had completed a restoration of the west side of the business' iconic "Here It Is" sign. In a Facebook post, the owners said the 27-day project "took longer than expected," but they dealt with rain and wind a few … Continue reading Sign at Jack Rabbit Trading Post gets a face-lift
Man’s cycling trip on Route 66 for cancer charity evokes memories of late son
Once upon a time, a family in Michigan had a small boy named Kevin. Kevin's favorite movie was the 2006 Disney-Pixar animated film, "Cars," the story about a fictional Route 66 town of Radiator Springs. The family vowed to take Kevin on a real-life Route 66 trip. But Kevin contracted neuroblastoma cancer when he was not … Continue reading Man’s cycling trip on Route 66 for cancer charity evokes memories of late son
Galena to redevelop more of its downtown
The city of Galena, Kansas, soon will begin a redevelopment of the rest of its downtown -- which includes Route 66 -- after a similar project about six years ago helped revitalize the area. KSNF-TV filed this report about the project: Most of the work will be installing new sidewalks and street lights. The station … Continue reading Galena to redevelop more of its downtown
Adam the Woo visits Cars Land after Route 66 trip
After 12 days on Route 66, popular videoblogger Adam the Woo decided it was a good time to visit the Mother Road-inspired Cars Land near his home base of Anaheim, California. "It just made sense to go to Disney California Adventure to visit Cars Land while Route 66 was fresh in my head," he wrote … Continue reading Adam the Woo visits Cars Land after Route 66 trip
Disney may remove “Cars” director John Lasseter
Although Walt Disney Co. officials so far remain silent about the issue, reports have emerged that John Lasseter, chief executive of Disney-Pixar's animation divisions, may not return to either company amid allegations of sexual harassment and bullying. The news will dishearten many fans of Route 66. Lasseter, who directed Disney-Pixar's 2006 hit film "Cars" that … Continue reading Disney may remove “Cars” director John Lasseter
Michael Wallis reprises his Sheriff of Radiator Springs role for PSA
Michael Wallis, author of "Route 66: The Mother Road" and other best-selling books, this week reprised what probably remains his best-known role -- the Sheriff of Radiator Springs in the Disney-Pixar "Cars" animated movies -- for a video about the dangers of texting and driving. The video was shot with a replica of a 1949 … Continue reading Michael Wallis reprises his Sheriff of Radiator Springs role for PSA
Former Midpoint Cafe owner running for mayor of Adrian
Fran Houser, former longtime owner of the landmark Midpoint Cafe and current owner of the nearby Sunflower Station in Adrian, Texas, is running for mayor in the tiny Texas Panhandle town. Houser filed for candidacy two weeks ago, but her campaign got a boost Thursday with a semi-viral video from a local woman on Facebook. … Continue reading Former Midpoint Cafe owner running for mayor of Adrian
Michael and Suzanne Wallis honored by Tulsa Global Alliance
The Tulsa Global Alliance last week honored residents Michael and Suzanne Wallis for their decades of work promoting and contributing to the preservation of Route 66. The alliance's Global Vision Awards event's theme was "Route 66: Where the World Meets America." The Wallises were lauded for their 'outstanding contribution to Citizen Diplomacy." The author of 18 … Continue reading Michael and Suzanne Wallis honored by Tulsa Global Alliance