On A. Lincoln, Drive-Ins, Road Parties, and the Simpsons

Some stuff I've come across recently:

1. SPRINGFIELD, IL- The Abraham Lincoln Library and Museum has purchased the Louise Taper's huge private collection of Lincoln memorabilia. It consists of hundreds of letters, documents, and items used by the Lincolns. Parts of it will be displayed in the museum during July.

2. THE SHAPE OF DRIVE-INS- Although only around 400 drive-ins around the US are still open, down from a high of over 4000, those still open are reporting great business. Evidently, Americans are discovering retro, thanks in part to the movie "Cars", a return to simpler times, and generally it costs less than an inside theater.

I know that I like to do a Retro Night several times each summer. I first go to the local Dog n Suds for a Coney Dog and that great root beer. Then, I get a large size plastic cup of the drink to go. While eating off the tray, the root beer needs to be in a frosted glass mug. We are fortunate to have two within five miles of us.

Then, I drive over to the McHenry Outdoor Theater (also about 5 miles) to see the double feature, if I can stay awake that long. It costs $6 a person. This is where I saw "Cars" for the first time. Now, this is a great place to first see that movie. Remember Rascal Flats' video of "Life is a Highway" was shot at a drive-in.

3. Lots of fun out west (and I didn't go thanks to Big Oil's excessive gas prices). The LINCOLN HIGHWAY CONFERENCE is winding down today out in Fort Morgan, CO. It started last Sunday.

The annual ROUTE 66 FESTIVAL kicked off yesterday in Clinton, OK, and will continue to Sunday. Next year, it will be in Litchfield, Illinois; a lot closer so we will probably make it even if Big Oil does their annual gouge. However, they might not as next year will be the presidential election.

4. Back to SPRINGFIELD, IL- There are 13 Springfields across the US competing to be "THE" Springfield where the Simpsons live. They will submit a video and readers of US Today will vote for their favorites next month. The winner gets to host the world premier. We'll be voting early and often for out fav...Springfield, Illinois!!!

Keep on Down that Two Lane Highway. --RoadDog