Loves-Truck-Stop-Love-Bob Davis Podcast 1091

Loves Truck Stop Love

Firstly it’s time for some Loves Truck Stop Love. I’ve spent a lot of time in these places. Details in Loves-Truck-Stop-Love-Bob Davis Podcast 1091.

Tom Love Passes Away

Secondly the guy who built the Love’s Truck and Travel Stop chain Love’s passes away recently at 85.

Live Podcast

Therefore it’s time for a podcast live from the Love’s.

National Highway System

Above all this subject gets me going on the history of first the National Highway System and it’s successor the Interstates.

Trucking

In addition while I am not an expert on the history of trucking I’ll spend some time on this subject.

Independent Businesses

As well as discussing the whole subject of how the truck stops starting as independent refueling stations grew with the Interstates and the US from the 1960’s.

Logistics

Certainly it’s fair to say that over the road trucking coast to coast…

And the container system with railroads…

Has contributed greatly to America’s logistics systems.

Truck Stops

Of course the Truck Stops of all kinds have been a big part of that.

Nationwide

As a result Truck Stops like Love’s are nationwide.

Most importantly the truck stops also cater to travelers and nomads.

More Comfortable

That is to say fuel, great food, products we need and showers make life on the road a lot more comfortable and enjoyable than it was back in the day.

When The Interstates Were New

Likewise I am old enough to remember when the Interstates were still in construction.

Family Road Trips

Taking family road trips that often detoured onto two lane highways through the South and central US.

Passion For Travel

Moreover these trips fueled my passion for the travel experience.

Mom And Pop

Including the mom and pop truck stops of old.

Lamenting Change

Finally you often hear people lament the changes in this country.

Good Changes

But some of those changes have produced results that we will remember fondly someday when they too pass into the mists of time.

Truckers Travelers and Nomads

In short for Truckers, Nomads and Travelers Truck Stops are a necessity.

So here’s to Tom and Judy Love…

Built From A Small Business

And what they built from a small business back in the day.

Sponsored By 36 LYN The Independently Owned And Operated Refueling Station

Loves-Truck-Stop-Love-Bob Davis Podcast 1091

Backroad-Weather-Adventure-North Carolina-Bob Davis Podcast 880

Back To Minnesota

I am on the road heading back to Minnesota. These days the name of the game when it comes to back roads is avoiding the weather. It’s most noteworthy that I avoided the snow and ice. I did not avoid the rain. Learn more in Backroad-Weather-Adventure-North Carolina-Bob Davis Podcast 880.

My Radar And More Help For My Back Road Adventure

Especially relevant is an AP called ‘My Radar‘. Really helps to be able to track storms, so they can be avoided. Unlike summer storms, winter storms mean icy road conditions and that is no fun.

Weather Is More Important When Back Roading In Winter

Moreover since I am all about the back roads staying abreast of the weather situation, especially temperatures, is important.

Back Roads Are Fading? What?

What I have learned on this first leg of the trip home? First of all, back roads even in places like North Carolina are starting to fade. I’ve been talking about this on all the podcasts from this trip.

Growth Means Interstates

As a result of the growth in the South freeway systems we used to associate with big northern cities are becoming the norm here. Bottom line? If you want the back roads in some parts of the south you have to fight to stay on them.

Two Lane Roads And National Highway System

Even more this says something about the argument against big highway systems in general. The classic American two lane road is usually associated with the National Highway System built after World War One. I’ll explain in Backroad-Weather-Adventure-North Carolina-Bob Davis Podcast 880.

An Interstate Is Not A Back Road

Google ‘national highway system’ today, and you’ll get articles about the Interstate system. Decidedly not two lane roads. Consequently the highways people often associate with ‘back roads’ might just be Interstates that cut through less urban areas.

No More Cruise Control Please

Certainly for me it’s all about those two lane roads. And I do fight to stay on them. The scourge of freeway driving known as ‘cruise control’ makes driving on the Interstate a pain.

The Route South and West From Richmond Virginia

Finally, join me as I roll south through Virginia on the classic and perfect US 360, to US 29, on through Western North Carolina on the way to Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Sponsored by Tim LaCroix of LaCroix Law for Real Estate and Ryan Plumbing and Heating of Saint Paul

Backroad-Weather-Adventure-North Carolina-Bob Davis Podcast 880

 

 

Value-Persuasion-Disruption-Live At The Mall-Podcast 687

These days we seldom think about what is valuable. We want the newest. The latest. Consume. Enjoy. Move on. Spending a day at the mall makes me wonder what has real value today. In Value-Persuasion-Disruption-Live At The Mall-Podcast 687.

At The Mall

We’re at certainly one of the oldest indoor malls. Southdale Mall, in Edina, Minnesota. I used to come to Southdale a lot. Not so much anymore. While malls in general have fallen on hard times, Southdale is still home base for me.

Things Change And Stay The Same

Shopping at the mall pretty much like it always was. While decorations have changed the idea stays the same. Especially relevant is the idea that all the stores are more closely defined. Seems like more clothing and accessories than back in the day of the JC Penny on one end of the mall, and Sears on the other. We’ll talk about it in Value-Persuasion-Disruption-Live At The Mall-Podcast 687.

If That’s All There Is My Friend Then Let’s Keep Dancing

What is valuable to us these days? Many things are disposable. Software and hardware upgrades feed buying the newest and latest. The idea of a waffle iron or heavy coat that lasted a lifetime is in the past. We discuss real value in Value-Persuasion-Disruption-Live At The Mall-Podcast 687.

Brand Names and Quality

Words like Value evoke brand images in every generation. For some it’s a car, or a consumer item. For others value triggers thoughts of clothing, an accessory or something that seemed to last forever. Real value though, can also be intangibles. Attributes attached to people. ‘Things’ we have to earn.

Missing Intangibles

Seems like these days so called intangibles are taking on a great deal more significance. We miss integrity, trustworthiness and respect. We crave time and forget the value of health and the people we care most about.

Beautiful Downtown Fill In The Blank

Malls are designed to evoke feelings and images of the old time markets. Walking through the mall is supposed to feel like the old time main street and its row of shops. The watchmaker and jeweler, tailor and shoe store, outdoor store and record shop. The texture and surfaces make us feel comfortable and somehow like we’re at home.

How Do You Spell Happy?

In conclusion I could suggest that the ‘things’ that make us feel secure and happy aren’t things at all. So, in Value-Persuasion-Disruption-Live At The Mall-Podcast 687, some thought starters for your Christmas and New Year’s season about what’s really important.

Sponsored by Ryan Plumbing and Heating of Saint Paul and Brush Studio In The West End Saint Louis Park

Value-Persuasion-Disruption-Live At The Mall-Podcast 687