New “Cars” trailer

Inside Line has a new "Cars" trailer from Pixar Animation Studios. It's similar to the Super Bowl ad, with a few new scenes thrown in.

St. Robert, Mo., will hook up with byway program

The Route 66 town of St. Robert, Mo., decided to participate in the National Scenic Byway program and is applying for a $1.3 million grant, reports The Pulaski County Democrat. The city would use the funds to install a Trail of Tears Interpretive site and fitness trail, working with the National Historic Trail System of … Continue reading St. Robert, Mo., will hook up with byway program

Pain Walker update

The Mountain View Telegraph in Albuquerque has a story about Dennis Kinch, the man who's walking Route 66 to raise awareness for the National Pain Foundation. According to the story, Kinch's toughest stretch of road of 1,300 miles so far was near Clines Corners, N.M., where he encountered a stiff headwind walking uphill.

Fat Man and his wife are splitting up

Steve Vaught of thefatmanwalking.com decided to head off some rumors at the pass, and confirmed that he and his wife are getting divorced. It sounds like this has been developing for some time. Apparently the couple feel they are better off apart than together. You can read about it here; scroll down to the Feb. … Continue reading Fat Man and his wife are splitting up

What Pixar researched for “Cars”

Jim Hill Media posts some thoughts about the Pixar 20th anniversary discussion at WonderCon a few weeks ago, including some tidbits about the animation studio's upcoming Route 66-themed film, "Cars." One is that "Cars" was partly inspired by a 1952 Disney animated short, "Little Deuce Coupe." Written by Bill Peet, it offers the story of … Continue reading What Pixar researched for “Cars”

Rose Bowl in Tulsa is sold

KOTV Channel 6 in Tulsa reports that the scorched-and-shuttered Rose Bowl on Route 66 has been sold to businessman Steve Baker. Baker says he hasn't figured out what to do with the former bowling alley, which suffered at least two arsons. One thing it can't be is a bowling alley again because of a non-compete … Continue reading Rose Bowl in Tulsa is sold

Illinois Route 66 Association reaches out

This is interesting. Not only is the Illinois Route 66 Association recruiting cities that are on the Mother Road, but it is now wooing towns that aren't. Marty Bilecki of the association is trying to persuade the City of Morris, which is at least 25 miles west of Route 66, according to the Morris Daily … Continue reading Illinois Route 66 Association reaches out

History of a ghost town

The Texas Vacations blog has a well-researched article about the Route 66 ghost town of Glenrio, Texas, which is on the New Mexico border. Check it out.

State approves money to fight fake crafts

The New Mexico Legislature approved earmarking $70,000 to the state regulation and licensing department to create a state "certification" mark that will be placed on arts and crafts made by American Indians in New Mexico, according to the Gallup Independent. It's interesting to read this story from the Gallup perspective. Gallup, along with Santa Fe, … Continue reading State approves money to fight fake crafts

A look back, a look now, and looking forward

Erik Siemers of the Albuquerque Journal takes a look at Route 66 in the Duke City as the highway is about to mark its 80th anniversary. It's an interesting overview of what the Mother Road once was, what it is, and what to do in the future to keep it around. Recommended reading.