On The Fly

In this episode - HollywoodLand . . . If you've had the pleasure of visiting Los Angeles (L.A.), you surely wouldn't have missed the Hollywood sign - it has been a testament to the film industry for almost a century. It stands tall on Mount Lee, in Griffith Park  (50-foot-tall letters),   and is considered the iconic location for a photo-op in the City of Angels. The Hollywood sign represents fame, fortune, and glamour people aspire to achieve in the entertainment industry. However, some lesser-known facts about this famous landmark might surprise you. It's worth noting that the Hollywood Sign was originally created as a marketing tactic for a real estate project. In 1923, Harry Chandler, an investor in the Hollywoodland housing development, shelled out $21,000 to erect a billboard on Mount Lee. The sign was unique because it was illuminated at night by 4,000 20-watt light bulbs, making it a true marvel of electric advertising. The lights were timed so that the words ...

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...

Guitar Center, Sunset Blvd., Hollywood “Your taking guitar lessons at 60?” Absolutely! It’s my way of always learning something new and having some fun in the process. “Haven’t you ever heard the cliche, You can’t teach an old dog new tricks?” “Of course, but let me be completely clear,” Education is not a bag of tricks and humans are not dogs. Some resemble their  ole’ dog, anyway . . .  For years I heard that platitude from students who would use it as excuse for not being able to successfully learn a new skill to their satisfaction or expectation . Agreed, learning a new skill is challenging. Let’s be honest, it’s downright hard. We tend to get entrenched in our comfortable ruts. Think back a minute. Remember what it was like to learn to ride a bicycle? It was exhilarating! Well, maybe not at first. Did you have training wheels? I’m sorry. What happened when your Dad removed those training wheels. I’ll bet you fell - over and over again. But with...

Upon our return from India we spent a few days unraveling the sapphire mystery at Peridot’s home in Los Angeles. Not long after I was hired to teach at the school of Gemology, Hercule Peridot completed his sabbatical there and resumed his duties at the University. He had long since retired from his teaching as a tenured professor of Geological Sciences. The son of a wealthy businessman, he never wanted for money. He had moved west to earn his Ph.D. from Stanford. The access road was a narrow winding climb. What emerged was a low profile bungalow nestled in the Hollywood hills. Peridot’s home at 1740 Tsavorite Lane was rather spartan on the outside but would prove quite comfortable inside. “Thank you for the kind invitation.” I said as we entered through the large turquoise door, the feeling of spaciousness was overwhelming. The entryway contained Amethyst geodes, sentinels guarding the front entrance. Large skylights filled the space with soft light. “Welcome to my...