On The Fly

In this episode, The Power of a Thank-You Note . . . Halloween night is a time for spooky fun and neighborhood camaraderie. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the streets, neighbors emerged from their homes, transforming their driveways into festive candy stations. A familiar face caught my eye as I strolled around the neighborhood, taking in the sights and chitchatting with the neighbors. It was a neighbor I hadn't spoken to in years, a young mother whose daughter had interviewed me for a school project on gemstones and the GIA in 2014. As I approached her, a spark of nostalgia ignited. "So, how old is your daughter now?" I asked, curious about her journey. "She's 23," she replied, a smile spreading across her face. "She's studying architecture now." I was taken aback. "That can't be possible," I exclaimed. "It feels like she interviewed me for her school project just yesterday." Time had s

Oh, a World Series, a magical sight, Dodgers and Yankees, a fearsome fight. With a 3-1 WIN , the Dodgers stand tall, One game away from taking it all! Freddie's the force, with homers so grand, A mighty swing across the land. A historic grand slam sailed through the air, Leaving Yankee fans gasping and tugging their hair. Mookie Betts in the field, so quick and so sly, Snatching up balls like a hawk in the sky. Kiké Hernández and Téoscar, too– with hits so clutch, Making big plays when they mattered so much! Shohei Ohtani joined in on the fun: A welcome surprise, a new Dodger son! And there’s Tommy Edman, Oh, what a find; with a glove and with the bat, he’s one of a kind. Max Muncy and Chris Taylor are all in the mix, swatting and fielding; they’ve got all the tricks! And Walker Buehler, with heat that won’t quit, Striking out batters, bit by bit. But look at the Yankees; they’re struggling, too. Aaron Judge in a slump; Oh , what to do? Anthony Rizzo is always on base, And Soto–clu

Game One: Yankees 3 vs. Dodgers 6 - A Game for the Ages 120th World Series –  Forty-three years of anticipation culminated in a clash of titans, a World Series showdown between two baseball dynasties. And what a way to kick off this historic series! The stage was set: bottom of the tenth, bases loaded, two outs. The hero? A hobbled Freddie Freeman, his ankle injury a testament to his grit and determination. The pitch soared, a moment suspended in time. Then, a thunderous crack of the bat. The ball arced skyward, a breathtaking flight toward rightfield. A collective gasp, a hush, then a roar. The ball cleared the fence, a grand slam of epic proportions: a walk-off masterpiece, the first in World Series history! As the echoes of the crowd’s jubilation filled the stadium, Vin Scully’s iconic voice rang out in the minds of Dodger fans: “High fly ball into right field, she is gone!” It was a fitting tribute to a moment that defied all expectations. Yankees 3—Dodgers 6. In a year of the unex

In this episode, GridBot and Gramps . . .   – Meanwhile, back in Greenwood, Dr. Jon Gellborn, Ph.D., sat at his cluttered desk, the dim glow of his ancient desktop flickering as he pecked at the keyboard. His workspace, a chaotic mix of handwritten notes, old newspapers, and dog-eared magazines, mirrored his frustration. Marvin’s grandfather was a relic of an analog world, though he tried to keep up with the times. For the past week, he’d been baffled as to why Marvin had hurriedly left town, disappearing to the High Sierras without much explanation. “Mary, have you heard from Marvin?” he called out, frowning at his inbox. “He isn’t answering my emails.” From the kitchen, his daughter Mary poked her head around the corner. “Dad, remember? Marvin’s off-grid on that fishing trip. There is no service out there in the mountains. He’ll be back soon.” Dr. Jon sighed, fiddling with his outdated oversized flip phone. “This old PC . . . I can’t get my blog post sent to my friends on Facebook.

“Oh NO, not again!” In this episode, Sierra Reflections 2024 . . . This was my immediate and pressing thought as I squirmed in my camp chair at Trout Lake in the Eastern Sierra. A glance at my watch–4:45 a.m. on day three, Tuesday, October 1, 2024, of this year's Sierra adventure. There was no time to waste. Stumbling through the dark with my headlamp, “Hurry–gotta find that spot to dig yet another hole.” Without getting too graphic, it was day two of the “trots”– a colloquial expression for diarrhea. But let's start from the beginning . . . As autumn descends upon Little Lakes Valley, the landscape becomes a canvas of vibrant hues as we ascend Rock Creek Road off the Eastern Sierra Scenic Byway (Route 395). The aspens, once a shimmering sea of green, now blaze with fiery gold. Like falling stars, their leaves dance in the gentle breeze, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. Fall has arrived, bringing crisp, refreshing air carrying the scent of pine and fallen leaves. The lakes sh

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