On The Fly

In this episode, Unexpected Encounter . . . Life presents peculiar twists that make us ponder the universe’s mysteries. Last week, I found an unexpected book :  Another Lousy Day in Paradise ,  A 1996 fly fishing journal by the inspiring humorist and author John Gierach.  It may seem strange for a random book selection to inspire such reflection but stay with me. I’ve always been a bookworm, often buying more than I can read—ask my wife. This book had been gathering dust on my shelf for over 28 years. As I delved into Gierach’s witty and insightful writing, I was captivated by his unique perspective on life, fly fishing, and the outdoors. In 1992, while living in Manhattan, I stumbled into a shop on 5th Avenue called The Urban Angler . I purchased my first fly rod, an Orvis eight-and-a-half foot, three-ounce, five-weight beauty! I remember thinking Dad would say, “Why the hell would you buy a fishing rod in New York City?” “Because I want to learn to Flyfish.” “In New Yo...

In this episode, More Than Just Stats: The Enduring Impact of Willie Mays . . .   Welcome back to On the Fly! Today, we're dedicating this episode to a true giant of Baseball, the one and only Willie Mays, the "Say Hey Kid.” The passing of Willie Mays on June 18, 2024, has deeply saddened baseball fans everywhere. However, he leaves behind a remarkable legacy. To honor him, we can't discuss Willie Mays without acknowledging his fellow New York baseball legends, Mickey Mantle and Duke Snider. These three outfielders dominated the baseball scene in the 1950s and 60s, creating a golden age for baseball in New York City. We’re talkin’ baseball . . . Especially “Willie, Mickey & The Duke." As a young little league player, I vividly recall the day my mother purchased my first baseball bat. It was a special moment when we visited our local True Value Hardware store. There, we chose an “autographed” Mickey Mantle bat. This bat became more than just a piece of equipment; i...

In this episode –  Big Apple, Big Charge  . . . Welcome back to On the Fly, your weekly dose of quirky observations and unexpected trends. Today, we're fresh off a trip to the Scaffolding/Plywood jungle, where we witnessed a phenomenon that will make you rethink your relationship with the humble wall socket. That's right, we're talking about New York City, and it's . . . wait for ­­it — Free, ubiquitous electric outlets! New York constantly buzzes with traffic, jackhammers, honking horns, and helicopters. But what struck me most was the sheer volume of people glued to their devices while commuting and navigating the streets with hundreds of construction obstacles. It's like everyone's “plugged into” some invisible grid—phones, tablets, watches, headphones, earbuds, e-bikes—you name it. And that's where things get interesting. But, unlike our quiet suburban life, free outlets in NYC aren't exactly abundant. So, how do these New Yorkers keep their gadgets...