Podcast 214

North Dakota. The final On-The-Road podcast takes us through Montana to North Dakota. When you travel, especially in a car, you get philosophical. Subscribers to the Bob Davis Podcasts suggested a trip to Williston, for a first hand look at what ‘Fracking’ has wrought. One does not have to go to Williston to see the effects of development and economic growth in North Dakota. Everything is new. Kicking off some musing about the different ways the American West Developed, how the West uses its resources for economic growth. The sheer geographic size and scope of Western States is truly impressive, not to mention innovation and opportunity from the coffee stands and whitewater outfitters in Moab, Utah to brand new service stations, franchises, apartment buildings, hotels and office buildings in North Dakota. While North Dakota leads the nation in economic growth and energy development, it is just one state. The whole trip through the so called ‘Mountain West’ definitely leaves a visual impression, but it also serves as a reminder of just how majestic the United States is, and how much potential there really is. From trains, to smaller cities all over the west, in states so large you wouldn’t even know there is growth and development, and innovation everywhere. One can’t help but wonder how much more potential for growth would exist if people enjoyed an easier path to following their dreams. The Minneapolis Tribune and New York Times don’t like North Dakota’s oil boom, but then again, the establishment ‘back east’ has never been comfortable with the diverse economic interests ‘Out West’ that have struggled with development, exploitation of natural resources, agriculture and ranching issues, for over one hundred years. Sponsored by Ryan Plumbing and Heating of Saint Paul. 

Podcast 200

Back Into The News. The News Cleanse is officially over, but there will be some changes on the podcasts due to lessons learned from it. What happened during the News Cleanse week? US Journalist James Foley got his head chopped off by Islamic militants (or, criminals, or thugs if you prefer). And, we’re surprised by this? And – gasp – that convoy of Russian military trucks painted white got into eastern Ukraine despite the red cross refusing to escort the convoy. Oh yeah, and the President played golf. After the guy got his head chopped off. At ease people. Go back to doing whatever you were doing. Nothing to see here folks. Meanwhile, the media keeps putting out noise. Fortunately Bob Davis is on it, to bring some clarity to these events, such as they are, and such as clarity is. An earthquake in Napa, California. The price of corn is down, which is bad for farmers, but good for steak eaters in the coming months. Fox Television is copying something from Bob Davis’ old radio show on KSTP. Bobovia will become a reality show called Utopia. You’re welcome, Fox. The Minneapolis Tribune is now taking its stories from the Bob Davis Podcasts, doing a big spread this weekend about gentrification in Uptown (where did they get that idea). You’re welcome, as well. And, oh yeah, the President played golf. And, a few more final observations about the cleanse. Sponsored by Baklund R & D.