On The Fly

In this episode, The Solar Pro . . . Have you ever considered your impact on people? Whether in a group or individual setting, do you think about the impression you make? In previous podcasts, I've honored my friend, Doan Vo, highlighting the enduring impact of seemingly small actions that make lasting impressions. Recently, a birthday luncheon was hosted for Dr. Vo at the  Phoenix Renewable Services  (PRS) headquarters in Carlsbad, CA., with a staff of about 30 present. I was invited to attend, working from home that day. As we greeted the employees with a warm smile and a handshake, the question kept coming up: “Are you going to sing another song for this event like last time?” I was somewhat shocked–you see– the "Take Me Home"   song (click the link for those who missed it) was written and performed over two years ago. Despite feeling a bit silly at the time and experiencing some embarrassment while performing it, I was surprised that the staff remembered it, especial

In this episode, The Silent Grid . . . In the sleepy town of Greenwood, where life unfolds at a predictable pace, a quiet revolution is brewing. A seemingly innocuous smartphone, a gift from the future, is slowly infiltrating the minds of its residents. Marvin Gellborn, a man who values his independence, soon realizes that his new device is more than just a tool; it's a weapon, a silent, insidious force that's erasing individuality and turning his neighbors into mindless drones. As the grip of the Silent Grid tightens, Marvin must race against time to save his town and break free from the clutches of this unseen enemy. Welcome back to On the Fly. Please click the link in the blog post to read the beginning of Marvin's thrilling journey to save his town and break free from the grip of the Silent Grid . This is my first attempt at crafting science fiction, inspired by a legendary figure in the genre: Isaac Asimov. He is known for his prolific writing and ability to make com

Marvin Gellborn lives in Greenwood, a quiet Midwest town with just over a thousand residents. The village has one main street, a country diner that doubles as the town's social hub, a town square, and an old grain elevator that looms over the fields like a sentinel from another time. Marvin is a young, confident, single man with a strong jawline, sandy-brown hair, and piercing brown eyes. He radiates energy, and his practical common sense, positive attitude, and friendly demeanor make him a joy to be around. Ask any neighbor, and they say, “Marvin is the town's Renaissance man, fixing everything from leaky faucets to glitchy gadgets. He is known for his practicality, creativity, and dislike of unnecessary frills.” So, no one was surprised that he kept his ancient, beat-up phone until it finally gave out. When he bought his new smartphone, though, everything changed. This smartphone was different from the others Marvin had reconditioned. It was the latest model, sleek and fast,

In this episode, Fascination . . . Why do people experience boredom? Have you ever pondered this question? I searched my dictionary for the word “bored," but it appears to have no meaning. Or maybe someone tore that page out? Anyway– Some may argue, "Come on, be realistic; surely there are moments when you can't find anything engaging to do." Obviously, we all experience times every day when we sit and stare with a glassy gaze, contemplating our world. When you decide to schedule some free time, I challenge you to pick up a book outside your usual reading habits. Lately, I've been intrigued by Isaac Asimov's short stories from the book Nightfall, which I mentioned in last week's On the Fly podcast.   Today, I read the 1954 story “It's Such a Beautiful Day." The story is set in a futuristic society (2117) where transportation is primarily done through teleportation devices called “Doors." The tale follows Dickie Hanshaw, a young boy who

In this episode,  Homesick  . . . "You can never go home again." – Thomas Wolfe. We've been watching a documentary about the 1970s – 1971, to be exact, on Apple TV+.  The Year That Music Changed Everything , how music influenced culture. The Beatles were breaking up, John Lennon recorded the classic  Imagine ,  and many Pop bands emerged to protest the Vietnam War. Marvin Gaye's iconic album  What's Going On  was released in 1971, addressing social issues like poverty, war, and racial injustice. The music from the documentary reminded me of who I was in the 1970s, a time of social and political upheaval. Hippies, with their long hair and anti-war protests, challenged traditional values. Their emphasis on peace and self-expression resonated with many young people, including myself ( See Captain Fantastic) . In short, there was political and social unrest throughout the world. It was my sophomore year in high school, and in  my  world, life was about exploring scien

In this episode, The Art of the Possible . . . Politics is The Art of The Possible. My first introduction to that statement during a Philosophy class was The Prince, by Niccolò Machiavelli. Machiavelli's The Prince , published in 1532, is a political treatise that offers rulers advice on gaining and maintaining power. It is often considered a controversial work due to its candid exploration of the tactics and strategies that can be employed to achieve political success. Three key themes in The Prince include: The nature of power: Machiavelli argues that power is essential for political stability and that rulers must be willing to use force and deception to maintain their authority. The importance of virtue: While Machiavelli acknowledges the importance of virtue, he also emphasizes that rulers must be willing to compromise their moral principles to achieve their goals. The role of fortune: Machiavelli believed that while human action is essential, fortune also significantly determ

In this episode, Griffith's Glory and Electric Glee . . .   Welcome back to On the Fly, Lori asked me if I wanted to do something special for my weekend birthday (August 16th, 2024). My thought: Hmmm–It’s been over 35 years since we’ve had one of our Friday night dates at the Griffith Park Observatory. ” What if we spent the weekend in Los Angeles, had dinner at a historic diner, visited the Observatory, and hiked Griffith Park the following morning?” This was a regular occurrence when I lived in Glendale, CA., and Lori lived on Los Feliz Blvd; she could walk to the Observatory. So, we did. Now, don't get me wrong. We've been to LA many times since moving to Carlsbad for various reasons like Dodger games, my memorable 60th birthday trip to Guitar Center, our visit to Norman's Rare Guitars, the trip to Exposition Park to see the Space Shuttle, and yearly trips to pick up Lori's Mom for Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. My blog is filled with such adventures, not j