On The Fly

In this episode - Grid Addiction . . . Last week I asked you to walk out your front door and find the electric meter for your home. While you were out there, did you examine the power lines that link you to the electric grid (the grid)? You may live in a neighborhood like ours where all you see are the street light poles - no distribution lines because they're all underground. But one thing is for sure, we all rely on the electricity that connects us to the vast infrastructure called the grid. Let's consider the obvious first; you have a smartphone. You carry a charger and a cord connecting you to power to keep that device functioning. It could be a USB cord these days that plugs into your car's charging port. For all we know, the electricity that charged your phone may have been generated miles from your home. Anyway, you get the picture you're reliant in some way to get power for that device. Without it - there's panic! As I learn more about the challenges and be...

In this episode - The Summer Solstice . . . Ah, the Summer Solstice, a celestial delight; Let me explain, dear listener, with all my might. In the realm of astronomy, it's a significant day, When the sun reaches its highest display . It occurs once a year, in the month of June, When the Earth tilts, oh, what a boon! You see, our planet, it tilts on its axis so, Leaning towards the sun, what a marvelous show. On this special occasion, the Northern Hemisphere, Basks in the glory of daylight so clear . The Summer Solstice brings the longest day, With sunlight extending in a splendid display. Oh, the sun rises early and lingers late, Spreading its golden rays, just wait! The sky awakens with a vivid hue, And paints the world with a vibrant view. The warmth embraces both land and sea, Inviting all creatures to roam and be free. But do not fret dear Southern Hemisphere, For the Winter Solstice brings its cheer. While the North enjoys the sun's loving rays, The South finds beauty i...

In this episode - The Smart Meter . . . Walk out your front door and find the electric meter for your home. Is it digital, or has a dial that rotates (analog)? In 2021, U.S. electric utilities had about 111 million advanced ( smart ) metering infrastructure installations (AMI), equal to about 69% of total electric meters installations. Approximately 88% of all AMI installations belonged to residential customers, while around 69% of the residential electric meters were AMI. So, what is a smart meter? A smart electric meter, or digital meter, is a device that measures and records the consumption of electricity in real time. It is an upgraded version of traditional analog meters used in many households. The primary purpose of a smart electric meter is to provide more accurate and detailed information about energy usage and enable two-way communication between the utility company and the consumer. Let’s explore some key features and hidden benefits of smart meters: Accurate and real-ti...

In this episode - ChatCPT . . .   As children, we learn by asking questions and relying on our parents to answer them. As we mature in our conscience thinking, we begin to explore the existence of a higher being, and through prayer, meditation, or quiet contemplation, we ask much larger philosophical questions. Answers to those questions are synthesized based on experiences accumulated over a lifetime from our education, experiences, and creative thinking. However, today’s world has a cloud-based computer system that can consolidate knowledge and provide answers to just about anything you choose to ask. So, the question is, what do you ask? Like many, I’ve been exploring the power of ChatGPT and some of its practical uses. So, I asked, “What are the three most common questions people ask you?” Chat GPT: "What is the meaning of life?" or similar philosophical inquiries: People often ask deep existential questions, seeking insights into the purpose and meaning of life, the uni...

In this episode - Gratitude . . . Have you ever experienced a giddy feeling of lightheadedness? I’m not talking about an event that calls for a trip to the hospital but rather a delightful moment that fills you with wonder! Such was the case for me just yesterday during my first visit to Normans Rare Guitar in Tarzana. CA. When I left that day, I experienced an immense feeling of joy. I’ve wanted to upgrade my favorite practice guitar - a Squire Strat - and decided we needed professional advice. If you are shopping for a guitar, watching YouTube videos is fun, but you must get your hands on one and find an instrument that sings to you. One that tickles your ear with a sweet sound and has a remarkable feel in your hands. Today, there are so many variations of acoustic and electric guitars; how can one decide? Admittedly, I was intimidated planning the trip to Los Angeles to pursue my dream guitar. For those unfamiliar with Normans Rare Guitars, I would best describe it as a specialized ...