On The Fly

In this episode - The 1939 Story of Rudolph . . . Everyone knows Rudolph was the last reindeer to join Santa's team, but few people know about the department store copywriter who brought his story to the world. The year was 1939, the Great Depression was waning, and a manager at Montgomery Wards in Chicago, Il. decided that the store should create its own children's book for the annual holiday promotion. Free to kids who came to see Santa Claus. The boss tapped Robert L. May, an ad man for the store, to take a crack at a story. May always a hit at holiday parties for his way with limericks and parodies. But May didn't see himself as a winner. He had always felt like a bit of an outcast, and, at 35, he thought he was far from reaching his potential, pounding out catalog copy instead of writing the Great American Novel as he had always dreamed he would. The now-famous story of a misfit reindeer named Rudolph turned his “nonconformity" of a large shiny red nose to advant...

In this episode - The Story of Rudolph . . . “If I live to be 100, I’ll never be able to forget that BIG snowstorm a couple of years ago. You might not believe it, but the world almost missed Christmas.” Since 1964 children of all ages have cherished the story of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer as told by Burl Ives (alias Sam the talking snowman) in the animated feature produced by Rankin/Bass. “Rudolph, could it be that some of you are not acquainted with the story of Rudolph? Well, pull up an ice block and lend an ear.” Narration from the Little Golden Book . But don’t take my word for it; go to YouTube and watch Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer FULL MOVIE 1080P HD again for the first time. “Ready, Rudolph?” “Ready, Santa.” “Ok Rudolph, full power . . . Up-Up-Up and away! I’m Patrick Ball; Merry Christmas. See you in the next episode.

In this episode - A 5G Christmas . . . Eureka! Did you know, that YouTube still archives the Norelco  Santa commercials for all to enjoy during the Christmas season!  What? Who cares? Face it; there's comfort in cherished memories that make the holidays special. Was it that long ago? I remember when you could turn on the TV and catch Santa cruising down the snow-covered slopes riding his triple-head  Norelco  electric shaver. Ha, ha, before your time? No problem, just say, "Hey Siri, show me Norelco Santa commercials on  YouTube . How can you help but notice, that this year, the commercials are all about 5G! "Black Friday is better with our 5G phones."  Thanksgiving is now a memory, and  Yes , "Christmas - is - just around the corner." During my kid days - just around the corner - meant Main Street, and our local stores on the square – Ben Franklins, Marshall's, Coxs Corner, and of course, there was Santa Land.  Walmart, no such animal. We would ...

In this episode - Happy Thanksgiving . . . "The year has turned its circle, The seasons come and go. The harvest all is gathered in And chilly north winds blow. Orchards have shared their treasures, The fields, their golden grain, So open wide the doorway~ Thanksgiving comes again!" -Author Unknown On this Thanksgiving Day, we wish you happiness, tasty memories, the warmth of friends, family, and  healthy life.  Happy Thanksgiving! I'm Patrick Ball; thanks for listening. See you in the next episode.

In this episode - If it Sounds Good - It Is Good . . . Let's talk about Guitars. When considering a purchase, do you find yourself on Google searching for that unique guitar and rely on the expertise of some stranger who tries to record a comparison review on YouTube? Come on - let's be honest, they all sound the same through computer speakers or headphones. And the biased of the critic always seems to come through. Honestly, though, a competent reviewer will always say, "Don't take my word for it; play the guitar yourself and just listen." Yes, I'm guilty of the above. Since August 2016, I've played my treasured 60th birthday gift and love it, my Fender Telecaster. Thankfully, my skills have improved, and I now understand why so many performers play an acoustic guitar. It's not only convenient, but the sweet, simple, soft, resonating sound achieved from an acoustic is emotionally moving. Last weekend we made a trip to Los Angles to visit the Griffith...

In this episode – Interview with Dr. Don Hanley . . . Music and singing, “In the year 2110, folks decide to think again, Choosing life is always free, It's the best in history, whoa whoa” . . .   Audio – Interview Questions: Hello Dr. Don, how are you today? Please tell the audience a bit of yourself. What is your doctorate in? Did you know we now have four podcast episodes, A New World of Hope , excerpts from your book on Spotify as a playlist ? Let's talk about the book. How did you come up with the premise for the book? What do you want people who read your book to come away with? You focus on the difference between indoctrination and education. Is there a solution? Why include the quote from Hitler? "What good fortune for those in power that people do not think.” How do you propose to teach people to THINK rather than just memorize? Do you have any final thoughts you would like to share with our audience? Thank you for your time today. The discussion continues; tune i...

In this episode - Experience . . . Have you ever considered the details your brain retains from an experience? Recently during a visit to the Griffith Park Observatory in Los Angeles, CA., vivid experiences from the past exploded into my minds-eye. First, a bit of housekeeping. In preparing to visit the Observatory, check the website https://griffithobservatory.org before leaving home. (Chuckle) . . . What am I thinking? With wireless cellular transmission and a smartphone, your traveling partner can plan your visit on the way. Since COVID 19, the Observatory has limited hours, Friday - Sunday 10 am. - 10 pm. We arrived at the parking lot about 9:30 Saturday morning. It was foggy, early November; fall was in the air, step out of the car, close your eyes, take a deep breath, feel the damp air on your face, smell the cool familiar clouds. Hidden in the thick fog, the Hollywood sign was not visible. Surprisingly, everything looked the same - except for pay stations that require you to pa...

In this episode - Don’t Throw Away Yesterday . . .    On Friday, October 22nd, Lori and I celebrated another special wedding anniversary. We decided to take a day and drive to Orange County for a fabulous lunch. While in Orange County, we strolled the church grounds where we were married, reminiscing about that day 33 years ago. Garden Grove Community Church, at that time, was called the Crystal Cathedral. Father time certainly has a way of dimming the past. We strolled the campus now called Christ Cathedral, part of the Catholic Dioceses. To my astonishment, it was as if the history had been completely erased. As we took in the sights, sounds, and smells of the beautiful gardens, I was reminded of all the life-changing experiences we had as church members. And how Robert H. Schuller had affected the lives of millions over the 50 plus years of his ministry. You see, Dr. Schuller epitomized the philosophy of Possibility Thinking, always dreaming about tomorrow. Many only witnes...

In this episode – Sundays with Glenn | Ep. 2 . . . Have you ever had a friend that you wish you could spend more time with? But life's daily responsibilities just seem to get in the way. You may know such a person, a kind, gentle soul that you could just sit relaxed on your porch on a crisp autumn afternoon, passing the time engaged in conversation? We all have. Or should I say we all wish we had? With years of experience, Glenn has that uncanny ability to synthesize life lessons into rare practical ideas that strengthen individuals, families, and communities. Welcome to episode two of Sundays with Glenn. "March to the beat of your own drummer and let not those about you deter you from that which you know to be right. Each step you take is the foundation for the next, and when you are young, there are so many steps ahead of that a single step seems of little consequence. Yet, a single step can change your destiny, so build a solid footing. Reach for the horizon, and if you acq...

In this episode – Sundays with Glenn | Ep. 1. . . Have you ever had a wise friend that you wish you could spend more time with? But life's daily responsibilities just seem to get in the way. You may know such a person, a kind, gentle soul that you could just sit relaxed on your porch on a crisp autumn afternoon, passing the time engaged in conversation? With years of experience, this individual has that uncanny ability to synthesize life lessons into rare practical ideas that build communities. We all have. Or should I say we all wish we had? Allow me to introduce you to my friend, Glenn Ferguson, who turns 100 years of age on October 29, 2021 - today. I've been privileged to know Glenn over the past ten years. Admittedly, life has a funny way of introducing you to people (at just the right time) that affects your values for the better. That is, provided you recognize the opportunity and are willing to listen. Sadly, I'm afraid not many folks are eager to listen. It was ear...

In this episode – I’ll Prove It . . .   Music and singing, “In the year 2141-  The air it can’t be seen The smog is rather clean, we can breathe” . . .  Audio – Narration of Chapter 2 pgs. 21 - 23. You've just heard an excerpt (part IV) from the novel A New World of Hope by Don Hanley. We received another question from one of our listeners. Let’s give Professor Haloran a call on our communicator to see if we can chat. Question; “I believe you were a bit shocked by what you saw in the U.S. when you arrived in the year 2018, what shocked you the most?” Mark's response . . .  "Thank you, Mark, for joining us today; we hope to have you on another episode down the road.” If you haven't heard, this podcast is now available on Amazon Music! Just say, "Alexa play - On the Fly podcast by Patrick Ball. Also, if you have a question for Professor Haloran or would like to be a guest on this podcast, visit our blog - On The Fly , and email pball@sbcglobal.net. Or  click the ...

In this episode – Autumn Color . . . I'm sure you've noticed the leaves on the trees are changing. This science update from howstuffworks.com by Jennifer Horton gives us some insight as to why - join me. For most of the year, leaves are a tree's workhorses, constantly converting carbon dioxide, water, and sunlight into energy in a process called photosynthesis. The special ingredient for this process, the pigment chlorophyll, gives leaves their bright, green color. But while chlorophyll is the star of the show, it has some help in the pigment's carotene and xanthophyll. Xantho is Greek for "yellow," and carotene gives carrots and egg yolks their orangish color. These two pigments are always present in leaves and help absorb sunlight, which they transfer to chlorophyll for photosynthesis. As the days get shorter, the increased amount of darkness stimulates trees to prepare for hibernation. Leaves won't continue photosynthesizing during winter due to the dry...

In this episode – RCA Studio B, Nashville . . . You've never been to Nashville; what sights would you want to see? Is it the "Broadway Honkytonk Scene" where live bands "blast" their music non-stop from 9:30 am until 3:00 am every day! Maybe it's The Grand Ole' Opry? Or how about the Earnest Tubb Record Shop serving downtown Nashville since 1947 - hosting The Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree, the second longest-running radio show in history. Broadcast on WSM 650 with a live audience every Saturday at 10:00 pm. For me, it was Historic RCA Studio B. Constructed in 1957, RCA Studio B became known as the birthplace of the "Nashville Sound." A melodic style characterized by background vocals and strings helped establish Nashville as an international recording center from 1957 – 1977 – Music City USA. On December 3rd, 1957, country singer Don Gibson stood before a microphone in a newly built Nashville studio at 17th Ave. South and Hawkins St, leased to ...

 In this episode – Tommy at The Ryman . . . "Shit happens! This is real life; just give me a minute to retune this guitar." Tommy Emmanuel pounds the driving cord to his live performance during a pulse-pounding rendering of "Fuel" from his album Tommy Songs. Red strobe lights flash, a loud pop, darkness, then silence reverberated throughout the auditorium, and a little laughter from the stage - one of his guitar pickup amplifiers has blown completely out. It was Saturday-evening, September 25 th, 2021, seated in the balcony 4 th , row center stage left, in the Pews at Nashville's most famous concert venue, the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tenn. You may know it as the original Grand Ole' Opry. There was no doubt; this is what we came to experience! It was clear that Tommy Emmanuel was keyed-up for tonight's show. Was it the historic venue, the fact that live stage performances had not been played since the start of this COVID pandemic, or was it the pu...

In this episode – You're Not Convincing . . . Music and singing, "In the year 2110, folks decide to think again, Choosing life is always free, And it's the best in history, whoa whoa" . . .  Audio – Narration of Chapter 1 pgs. 2 - 5. Well, what do you think now? You've just heard an excerpt (part II) from the novel A New World of Hope by Don Hanley. Let's see if we can get Professor Mark Haloran to spend a few minutes with us on this week's podcast?  Last week we asked our listeners, "What would you do or think if someone from the year 2141 appeared in your home right now? Interview segment - "How are you on this fine day, Mark? "We have a few responses from our listening audience; the big question that came up was this, "Why on Earth would you pick 2018?” Mark's response . . . "Thank you, Mark, for your time; we hope to have you on another episode down the road.” The story continues; tune in next time, same  Pod   time, same ...

In this episode – In the Year 2141 . . . Music and singing, "In the year 2141, we truly are awake, We swim in every lake cause it's clean. Audio – Narration of Chapter 1 pgs. 1 & 2. What you've just heard is an excerpt from the novel A New World of Hope by Don Hanley that we introduced to you in last week's episode. Are you interested in hearing more? I'd love to know; if not, let me know as well. To help with your decision, allow me to share the Preface to Professor Mark Haloran's story with you. Audio – Narration of the Preface. Question – “What would you do if a man or woman from the year 2141 appeared in your house this morning? What would you think, and what would YOU ask them?” Tune in next time, same Pod time, same Pod channel, and let's see if we can get Professor Haloran on the phone to talk about the year 2141. If you haven't heard, this podcast is now available on Amazon Music! Just say, "Alexa play - On the Fly podcast by Patrick ...

Podcast – A New World of Hope . . . "Books are filled with ideas, and it's ideas that shape our lives." Sometimes, a book captures your imagination, motivates you to act, and fulfills a desire hidden deep within your soul. Let me introduce you to an author and his most recent novel that I just finished reading. But before I do, allow me to set the stage for how unforeseen pivotal moments can unexpectedly touch your life for the better. In hindsight, one of those moments was an invitation to join a local writer's group after my early retirement from GIA in 2014. It was during that experience I met and came to know Don Hanley, Ph.D. A former Catholic Priest who left the ministry to marry. Don earned a doctorate in psychology and has worked as a psychotherapist, graduate school professor, and counseling supervisor. His writings include professional articles and booklets, three novels, and he is currently working on a fourth. Don lives in northern San Diego County. During...

In this episode - Wisdom at 65 . . .   As a wise man once said, "There ain't no free lunch.” Yes, I realize the grammar is completely wrong. However, this statement reveals a lot when you take its meaning to heart. It's about work. At 65, I'm still wondering why more folks don't attempt to learn new skills? Challenge yourself, go beyond what you've comfortably achieved in the past. It's exciting, a little unsettling at times, but that's what motivates me every day. "You don't pay the price - you enjoy the benefit" of work that allows you to contribute to society. During my journey through this maze, we call life on earth. Here are a few nuggets that I've uncovered - not discovered, there is a big difference.  Please understand I don't claim originality to these timeless truths. Like everyone who has come before me, I'm just passing on what's helped me along the way. First, as we mentioned in a previous podcast, I attribute ...