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
Tag: Cars the movie
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
Michael Wallis inducted to Circle Cinema Walk of Fame
Michael Wallis, author of the best-selling "Route 66: The Mother Road" and the voice of the Sheriff of Radiator Springs in the Disney-Pixar "Cars" movies, recently was inducted into the Walk of Fame at the Circle Cinema in Tulsa. Wallis received a medallion embedded on the sidewalk in front of the historic theater, which opened … Continue reading Michael Wallis inducted to Circle Cinema Walk of Fame
Route 66 has spawned many “new” places
A reader over the weekend asked me what are some of the "new" businesses or attractions on Route 66 in the past 10 years or so. Naturally, this sort of question sent me down a rabbit hole of research for hours. I set the "new" criteria as the post-"Cars" era -- since the 2006 release … Continue reading Route 66 has spawned many “new” places
Movie review: ‘Cars 3’
"Cars 3" not only becomes Pixar's animated tribute to stock-car racing, but it represents a return to the emotional core of the original 2006 film. Before describing the plot about humanized cars, Route 66 aficionados should know the fictional town of Radiator Springs makes several appearances in "Cars 3," along with the town's original characters … Continue reading Movie review: ‘Cars 3’