Author and Route 66 expert Michael Wallis, who portrayed the Sheriff of Radiator Springs in the hit Disney-Pixar movie "Cars," provided some interesting news to me this week via e-mail: This week I spent several hours in studio recording a brand new CARS video game featuring the Sheriff, Mater, Lightning and many of the other … Continue reading New “Cars” video game being produced
Month: February 2007
Dining at Al’s
Scott Cherry, food writer for the Tulsa World, stopped by Al's Route 66 Diner in Sapulpa, Okla. Al's is gaining notice for its Big Daddy -- a 66-ounce burger, three pounds of french fries and a 32-ounce milkshake. If you have a big enough appetite for it, call a day ahead and it will cost … Continue reading Dining at Al’s
Rally ’round Red Fork
Today, I was sent this link to a video produced by Webster High School students in Tulsa and broadcast on a local TV station. The film is about the Red Fork Main Street revitalization program, and Route 66 plays a prominent part in those plans for Tulsa's west side. The fledgling program is giving Red … Continue reading Rally ’round Red Fork
Yes, the Grand Canyon Skywalk is real
It's been reported for a while that Hualapai Indian tribe is constructing a Plexiglass-rimmed Skywalk that juts out 70 feet into the Grand Canyon, over the Colorado River. The fantastical project sounds like a scenery-lover's dream (or a nightmare if you have problems with vertigo). Anyway, the Skywalk seems so improbable that Snopes.com, a site … Continue reading Yes, the Grand Canyon Skywalk is real
Why Toyota is ascendant
For years, I've told my friends that if I were an automobile executive with a new vehicle model, I'd take it down Route 66. First, a cross-country trip would expose any weaknesses of the vehicle so they be corrected before hitting the showroom floor. Second, driving the model down America's most famous highway would generate … Continue reading Why Toyota is ascendant
Blues jam with the Mediocre Music Makers
A fellow named Shadetree blows a mean blues harmonica while jamming with guitarist Harley Russell of the Mediocre Music Makers a block south of Route 66 in Erick, Okla. There's plenty of goofing around, but it's apparent that both are pretty good musicians.
Consuming a minute of your time
The Consumatron Minute takes an irreverent look at the beginning of Route 66 and Mother Road souvenirs -- all in less than 60 seconds. I advise a genuine road trip over cheap trinkets to gain a true Route 66 experience, however. 🙂
Big Chief restaurant’s new incarnation
Joe Bonwich of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reviewed B. Donovan's, the former Big Chief restaurant at 17352 Manchester Road (Route 66) in Wildwood, Mo., that has been extensively refurbished and reopened. The Big Chief's presence on the Mother Road dates to the 1930s. It's a somewhat mixed review, with Bonwich remarking that the restaurant is … Continue reading Big Chief restaurant’s new incarnation
Route 66 Marathon pays off
The Route 66 Marathon, which held its inaugural event in November, gave a $24,000 check Wednesday to the Tulsa Area United Way, reports KOTV in Tulsa. Apparently the check was more than anticipated: Because organizers had never tried it in Tulsa before, Jack Wing says he kept his hopes for Tulsa's first big-time marathon small. … Continue reading Route 66 Marathon pays off
Where’s Frank?
In the past few weeks, I've read a fascinating bunch of comments from people who collect toys from the Disney/Pixar "Cars" movie. It appears there is a rumbling of demand for a die-cast toy of Frank, the enraged harvester that chases Tow Mater and Lightning McQueen out of the pasture after they get their kicks … Continue reading Where’s Frank?