On The Fly

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...

In this episode, Don't Just Pedal, Fly : Master the Art of Cadence . . . Welcome back to On the Fly. Today, we're examining the often overlooked yet critical element of cycling: Cadence. Let's start with the basics. What is cadence? In cycling, it's simply the speed at which you pedal, measured in revolutions per minute (RPM). A smooth, consistent cadence is key to efficient, fun, and powerful riding. Now, you might be wondering why cadence matters. Well, it's all about balance. A higher cadence can help you generate more power and speed, especially when climbing hills. It also conserves energy and puts less strain on your knees. The sweet spot for experienced cyclists is around 80-100 RPM, but it will vary based on terrain and personal preference. For example, I've been measuring my cadence this past month. My average cadence is about 75 RPM (cruising speed), with the highest consistent rate of 115 RPM when pushing it. However, I've been cycling for many ye...

In this episode, Unplugged and Strumming . . . Welcome back to On the Fly. Today, we're exploring the joy of summer vacation and the significance of taking a break. Yes, Summer is winding down, and the lazy vacation days are ending for many of us. Whether you hit the beach, explore a new city, or relax at home, it's important to take some time to recharge. Summer vacation is about biking, exploring new cities (like last week’s episode, Tecate, Mexico) , and immersing myself in playing chords and melodies on my guitar. Getting lost in the music is deeply satisfying, and it's a powerful way to unwind and let my creativity flow. And let’s not forget the 2024 Paris Olympics! The energy and excitement were electric. It was inspiring to watch athletes push their limits and achieve greatness. A special shoutout to Michael Phelps for his incredible commentary on the swimming events—his insights and passion for the sport were unmatched. Remember, it's okay to unplug and disconn...