On The Fly

In this episode – Childhood Revisited . . .   In more ways than I’m probably aware of, I was lucky to have moved to Los Angeles in 1985, as it introduced me to a comic strip through the Los Angeles Times that helped develop my curiosity and imagination. While pondering what to share with you this week, I happened to see a documentary on Calvin and Hobbes by Bill Watterson. This made me realize that life can't always be serious, and we all need a little escape from the world occasionally. That's what Watterson provided. Looking back, I miss seeing a newspaper with a robust comic section. Calvin and Hobbes became hugely popular and was syndicated in over 2,400 newspapers worldwide during its peak. Created by Bill Watterson, it gained a massive readership and became one of the most beloved and successful comic strips from 1985-1995. For those who may have missed it, the story revolves around a six-year-old boy named Calvin and his anthropomorphic tiger friend, Hobbes, and their im...

In this episode – Traffic Everywhere . . . Our commute in California has recently increased from a local 5-minute drive to an hour-long trip on the California freeways. This made me wonder about the extent of traffic congestion on today's roads. With more cars on the road than ever, it's no wonder many end up stuck in traffic. Over 90% of American households own at least one car, so chances are you have been in a gridlock a few times. What causes traffic congestion, especially those sudden jams? Is traffic getting worse, and how much time do we spend in traffic? Here are a few facts about traffic that can help answer some of these questions. According to INRIX , a traffic analytics firm, in 2022, the average time Americans spent in traffic was 51 hours. While this may seem like a lot, the United Kingdom had it worse, with an average of 80 hours of traffic delays. In addition to the time lost, Americans also had to bear an average of $546 in fuel costs due to traffic delays. The...

In this episode - The Secret . . . This year, we started a podcast series reviewing books that have influenced my life and management style. I want to introduce you to "The Secret: What Great Leaders Know — And Do" by Ken Blanchard and Mark Miller. This book outlines several management principles that are crucial for effective team leadership. Here's a summary of these principles: Blanchard & Miller prioritize the well-being and development of their team members through Servant Leadership . A great leader serves their employees and creates a culture of trust, respect, and collaboration. “How do you do it?" can be answered by elaborating on five key objectives. S – See the future E – Engage and Develop Others R – Reinvent Continuously V – Value Results and Relationships E – Embody the Values  Leadership is an Influence Process: Leadership is not about authority but influence. Effective leaders influence their teams positively by setting a compelling vision and i...

In this episode - Refire! Don’t Retire . . . It's 2024, and I'm feeling overwhelmed with all the talk about New Year's resolutions, goals, exercise, and spiritual growth. On top of that, this year marks the 50th anniversary of my graduation from Cuba High School. Some of my friends have been suggesting that I take a break and enjoy the simple pleasures of retirement. Imagine sitting in a cozy rocking chair on your back porch, watching the beauty of nature unfold before your eyes. Being able to pull out that old camera and explore the creative world of photography, travel again, explore the Sierras, or just spend some time with family and friends. You’ve heard it said that it’s important to prioritize your well-being and find joy in the little things, so why not consider retiring and taking it easy for a while? Doesn't this sound inviting? Be careful what you wish for. Recently, while meeting with my primary care physician for an annual physical, he asked, “Do you have a...