Podcast 198

News Cleanse Days 3 & 4. What happens when a news junkie quits cold turkey? No news. No Cable. No Talk Radio. No Newspapers, No Internet News. No Political Conversations. And by the way, the News Cleanse also includes TV Weathercasters. Continuing to get questions about whether I will talk about politics (yes) and ‘sociology’ (yes). “Is this forever?” (no). Late night, in the backyard of the bunker, as the neighbors sit around their bonfire, the last few planes on final approach at MSP, and lots of thoughts about the last two days without filling them up with news scanning, printing and reading. Without the anxiety and angst. Without the screaming and shouting. Spending time touring manufacturing companies, hanging with friends, and finding everyday Americans being quite creative. Which is better? Suburbia, exurbia, or the City. Saving money by shopping volume. How to blanch vegetables. A salmon recipe of sorts, discussion about Talk Radio, Media, and the future of media, including Podcasting. Getting some great email and questions about the News Cleanse, and seeing some great comments on the comments section at The Bob Davis Podcasts, and finding out many people listen to the podcasts right on the page. Suburban manufacturing warehouse availability and a tease on some new developments coming for the Bob Davis Podcasts. Sponsored by Autonomouscad.com

Podcast 194

Alcoholism. Some final thoughts on Robin Williams’ suicide. Aside from the idiocracy on Social Media, the vast wasteland which has become talk radio, there are people interested in what happened to Robin Williams, and what is happening to ‘older’ men in this country. New data indicates white men in their sixties who have suffered a loss of a job, struggle with addictions, or depressions are at high risk for suicides; which is a LOT of men sixty plus. How habits you adapt in your thirties and forties can ruin your life in your sixties. Should you listen to doctors? What about all those studies saying coffee is bad for you, the fact that french fries taste really good, and pancakes, pastries, cheesecake, donuts and other goodness. There is no reason why men in their sixties shouldn’t be robust, athletic and kicking ass. As Carlos Slim says, “60 is the new 40”. Meanwhile, the ‘depression’ motif has been extended to the ‘mood’ of the nation. Another spate of articles about the United States losing its MOJO. Its time to Buck Up Little Mister! We’re just living through the administration of the worst President in US History, and one of the dumbest Congresses! Plus floods, drought and the catastrophe of the coldest summer in 40 years. Goodbye Global Warming, we hardly new ye! Sponsored by Autonomouscad.com

Podcast 193

Robin Williams dead at 63. Updates on all the major stories for the week ahead. IBM has developed a ‘supercomputer on a chip’ that will be able to function like a human brain. As developments like this continue, what will the future look like for when we work, how we work, how we get paid, and how we consume. How’s your economy doing? Only 48 percent of Americans could lay their hands on four hundred dollars in cash, for an emergency! A third simply could not get ‘that much’. Meanwhile, investigations into waste, fraud and corruption in the US Federal Government are being thwarted, and an award winning ‘tele-work’ program at the US Patent office is rife with fraud; People who work for you — sorry…the ‘Government’ — working far fewer hours than they’re reporting and getting paid for. Wonder where the money is going? The big story; The airstrikes against the Islamic State heavy weapons engaging Iraqi Kurdistan. How are partisan political forces in the US reacting to the strikes, as Iraq begins to descend into chaos. What’s the takeaway? What politician is filling the void? Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you Hillary Rodham Clinton, the clearest voice in Foreign Policy this week. The coldest summer since 2004 may turn into a hot September. Remember Radio Shack? It may be a thing of the past (even though some people think it already is … of course it has ‘radio’ in its name) by Christmas. Finally, a comedian, a genius and a great dramatic actor, Robin Williams was found dead in his house Monday morning. A big loss. Sponsored by X Government Cars.