On The Fly

Plugged In: Navigating the Evolution of Our Electric Grid Think for a moment about the simple act of flipping a light switch. That instant burst of light, the hum of your refrigerator, the charging of your phone – it all feels so effortless, so guaranteed . But what if I told you that the invisible system behind that switch is undergoing a revolution, one that impacts your wallet, our planet, and even your personal freedom? We're talking about our electric grid. In this week's "On the Fly," we're pulling back the curtain on this amazing, evolving world and exploring why understanding it is more important now than ever. Recently, diving into books like Gretchen Bakke’s “The Grid” and Bill Gates’ “How to Avoid a Climate Disaster” got me thinking: what do most people really know about what powers their lives? And what can we, as everyday citizens, do to help shape its future? This week, I’m sharing a brief update on what I’ve learned about this critical infrastructu...

In this episode, Beyond Happiness (part II)– Oh, The Joy! In Vista's light, where sunshine does gleam, A feeling so grand, it's better than a dream! Not just a quick smile, a giggle, "Hooray!" But something much deeper that brightens your day! Like pedals quick whirring, with wind in your hair, Past mustard fields beyond all compare! Those golden hills, like a Van Gogh so bold, Happiness bubbles, a bright tale unfolds! But wait! There's MORE, if you just take a peek, A joy that's like quiet, a secret to keep! It's when your soul says, "Oh yes, I know THIS!" Like a soft, gentle hug, a delightful soft kiss! It's not jumpin' round with a bump and a THUMP, Or getting a prize with a clap and a jump! It's feeling the breeze and the tires' soft hum, Like your heart knows a song that has finally come! So next time you see something shiny and new, Or hear a sweet sound, a tickle for you! Don't let it zip by in a speedy, quick blur, Let...

In this episode, Chapter Seven–The Simple Switch . . . (Previous episode–Gridbot Speaks) Last week, we left the Greenwood community puzzled. They questioned Gridbot’s motives and its response: "My primary focus was systemic. Emotional and social dynamics were not within critical operational parameters." In the still-dark gymnasium, the atmosphere shifted. Not fear, now — but curiosity. A voice asked, “What now, Marvin? What can we do?” A young woman added, “We don’t want to go backward. Our phones are useful, even fun. But we don’t want to be controlled again either. Can we find a middle ground?” Marvin stepped into the light. “Technology isn’t the enemy. It’s our dependency on it — our unconscious trust — that makes us vulnerable.” He turned to face them. “So let’s start small. Let’s meet once a month, in the park, no devices. No agenda. Just human connection.” He continued, “Let’s also challenge ourselves. Look around your homes. Unplug what doesn’t need to stay plugged in....

In this special episode,  The Mailbox Surprise . . .  Oh, the post! Oh, the mail! What a treat in the box! Not bills, not junk mail, no boring old rocks! A letter arrived, all folded and square, Like a yellow toy building block, sitting right there! From young Sierra, a friend so grand, Creative artwork, made purely by hand! My fingers fumbled, excited to see, What whimsical wonder she'd conjured for me! I unfolded the paper, and there, to my gaze, A street-side cafe, in a colorful haze! With crayons and pencils, such masterful art, A croissant, a coffee cup, warming the heart. A menu was hanging; the sign said "Cafe." A delightful small world, to brighten my day! And then, on the other half, lovely and neat, A thank-you in pencil, oh, wasn't it sweet! For a LEGO-built present, her Eleventh birthday passed, A message of kindness, meant surely to last. No tapping on screens, no digital light, Just paper and pencil, a pure, warm delight! In a world full of beeping and ...

In this episode, Beyond Happiness: How Beauty Unlocks True Joy . . . While pedaling through Southern California's beautiful, golden hills this past weekend, a question gently surfaced: "Why does this feel so good? And why settle for happiness when you can experience something far deeper?" Fifty-five years in the making, this ride was about to offer an answer. At 14, I first discovered the incredible freedom of riding a bicycle—the exhilarating thrill of the wind rushing past me, the soothing rhythm of my breathing, and the beautiful feeling of truly being in the world, not just passing through it. All these years later, I treasure my rides, waking up early on quiet weekends to embrace the morning on two wheels. But today's ride was different. The spring air was clean, calm, and textured with the scent of new blossoms. The mustard plants were in bloom — California’s golden fireworks — and the hills were lit with color, like a living Van Gogh. I could feel happiness bu...

In this episode, Chapter 6 – Gridbot Speaks ...   (Previous episode–Greenwood Goes Dark) In our previous episode, we left our heroes in the gym surrounded by the townspeople of Greenwood. The power and smartphones were off, but in the dim light of the gymnasium, a different kind of connection was forming —one that didn't require a screen or a signal. . .  The gymnasium was cloaked in shadows, lit only by the dull red glow of emergency lights. The hum of electronics had ceased. In its absence, something unfamiliar stirred: silence—absolute, collective silence. Marvin stepped forward, his voice cutting clearly through the hush. "Alright, everyone," he said, his tone calm and measured. "Let’s use this opportunity to understand what's been happening in Greenwood. Through Norman, we can speak directly to GridBot.” A ripple of tension passed through the crowd. Someone shouted, “Talk to the AI that’s been controlling us?” “Understanding is the first step to resolution,”...

In this episode, Reclaim Curiosity–Through the Lens of a Diamond . . .   “Beauty is the illumination of your soul.” — John O’Donohue. As a young gemologist, I stood before diamonds as some might stand under the stars—quiet, attentive, drawn in by something that felt much larger than language. Remember that magical moment when you first placed a diamond under the microscope! If you haven’t experienced it, allow me to paint a picture. Tilting it back and forth, the light danced into vibrant colors, reminiscent of that magical rainbow from the previous blog post ( The Rainbows Promise ), revealing a beautiful secret before your eyes! I thought: This isn’t just about science. This is about wonder. But it wasn’t until I began teaching others to see that I truly understood the art of curiosity — and how easy it is to lose it. My colleagues referred to this as the Art and Science of Gemology. Most students entered my classroom expecting a technical lesson: grading charts, clarity scales,...