On The Fly

In this episode, A Speeding Ticket . . . This week I wanted to share an exciting bit of trivia from one of my online subscription newsletters, Interesting Facts that you might enjoy. Have you ever gotten a speeding ticket? Did you know that the first-ever speeding ticket was issued to a driver going 8 miles an hour? Walter Arnold probably didn’t think he’d be making history when he took his “horseless carriage” for a spin through the humble English village of Paddock Wood in the borough of Tunbridge Wells in Kent, England, on January 28, 1896. But make history he did — by traveling at a blinding pace of 8 miles per hour on the main thoroughfare. And while you may find it difficult to believe that a bicycle-riding constable was able to catch up to him, the low-speed pursuit led to Arnold paying the first-ever speeding ticket. The story has it, speeding wasn’t all he was charged with. Arnold was cited on four accounts: using a “locomotive without a horse” (the nerve!) and on a public ro...

In this episode - The Dentist . . . Ok, let's just fess up and be honest - you hate going to the dentist! Why? Here's what happens. You wake up the day of your appointment with thoughts of " Oh NO, today is the day!" Your stomach starts to churn; your nerves are on edge; what are they putting me through today ? With trepidation, you bravely move forward. To calm yourself, you tend to your daily routine: breakfast, shave, shower, brush your teeth, floss, and rinse. Then you hop into the car, make the drive, and check-in at the reception desk. Unknowingly your blood pressure starts to rise. You're called into the examination room and slide into the dental chair. Then your mind starts racing. Here's the reality - we all have horrible memories that cause you to start squirming in the chair. Try to eliminate those bad experiences; those memories become the forefront of your thoughts. T he  one  that stands out for me was circa 1962, i n Dr. Sandercock's offi...

In this episode, "Easter Traditions'" . . .   Will you join the children in scouring their yards on Easter Sunday for plastic eggs and filling baskets with chocolate bunnies? Have you ever wondered why we do such strange things? According to an article in the online newsletter Mental Floss by Stacey Conradt, Pagan rituals and old superstitions mostly. Here are some of the reasons behind a few of our Easter traditions. 1. Dyeing Easter Eggs The tradition of decorating eggs may go back to the ancient pagans. It's easy to see why eggs represent rebirth and life, so associating them with spring and new growth isn't much stretch. To celebrate the new season, it's said that people colored eggs and gave them to friends and family as gifts.   When Christians came along, they likely incorporated the tradition into their celebrations. According to some legends, Mary Magdalene could be responsible for our annual trek to the store to buy dye kits. As the story goes, Mary ...

In this episode - Baseball by Ken Burns . . . The signs are all around you. Leaves on the trees have started to pop. Aqua blue skies form the backdrop over an eye-pleasing manicured green diamond, spotted with bases so white they appear to glow against the brown clay of the infield. The sweet smells of spring. Right now, it's a picture in your mind—a visit to the Ballpark. Today, April 7, 2022, the baseball season officially opens. With 162 games to play, 30 teams step confidently into the opening day with renewed hope, allowing me to set the tone. Baseball - by Ken Burns (Audio only segment) Baseball fans rejoice! This is your year. Please continue to practice safe habits, get out and treasure America's national pastime. I'm Patrick Ball; thanks for listening. See you in the next episode.  

In this episode, Jackie Robinson Day . . . What? You don't know what Jackie Robinson Day is? Well, pull up a seat and lend an ear. Jackie Robinson Day is an event in Major League Baseball (MLB) that occurs annually on April 15, commemorating the day Jackie Robinson made his major league debut. This year, the destination is Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, CA. Friday, April 15, 2022, will host the 75th anniversary. Jackie is celebrated and honored at all MLB ballparks. On that day, players, coaches, umpires, and managers on both teams, wear Robinson's uniform number, 42. On April 15, 1947 (Opening Day), Robinson shattered baseball's color line during the Dodgers' 5-3 win over the Boston Braves at Ebbets Field. His debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers (today's Los Angeles Dodgers) ended over 80 years of baseball segregation. Robinson went 0-for-3 at the plate but handled 11 plays at his new first base position. By the season's end, Robinson had played in 151 games, scoring...

In this episode, Be a Friend by Edgar Guest  . . . Yes, we all know that on April Fools' Day it's an annual custom to play jokes and pranks on people. These pranksters often reveal their actions by shouting, "April Fools!" Did you know, April 1st is not a public holiday in any country except Cyprus, it's a national holiday (though not for April Fools' Day but instead for a holiday called "Cyprus National Day"), and Odesa, Ukraine where April 1st is an official city holiday. In the United States, the custom of setting aside a day for playing harmless pranks upon one's neighbor what follows is a reminder to be a friend. Be A Friend Be a friend you don't need money, Just a disposition sunny. Just the wish to help another Get along some way or other. Just a kindly hand extended Out to one who's unbefriended, Just the will to give or lend, This will make you someone's friend.   Be a friend. You don't need glory. Friendship is a simple...

In this episode, Our Town . . . Like millions from the  Baby Boom  generation, I grew up in a vibrant small Midwestern town with a population of ~1,300. While listening to music on Spotify, I was recently emotionally moved by the 2007 Grammy Award-winning song  Our Town  written for the Disney Movie -  Cars. Lyrics & Music  by Randy Newman and sung by James Taylor. In my imagination, I'm transported back in time. With tears welling up in my eyes, I can see all the storefront businesses on  our  town square, which surrounded a Bandstand on Main Street. In those days,  Our Town had three grocery stores, two cafes', two hardware stores, a National Bank, a Ben Franklin Store, Movie Theater, a Tastee Freeze, Drug Store with a Soda Fountain, a Furniture Store, Men's Clothing Store, Marshalls Plumbing & Heating, Tavern, Insurance offices, Wilma's Pool Hall, Doctors Office, a Newspaper Printer, Post Office, Library, two Barbershops, a Ford De...

In this episode, The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum . . . Baseball fans, Major League Spring Training started on March 17, 2022. ( My Cubs vs. Chicago White Sox ) Opening day is less than one month away. My question to you is this, "Have you made plans which ballparks to visit this year?" How about the American League Central, Kansas City Royals? Casual fans may not realize this, but baseball in Kansas City has a grand tradition. Just ask Johnny. At 18th and Vine, history comes alive at the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City. A few years ago, while in Kansas City, I met Johnny. A dapper museum docent, seated in the lobby, sporting a fedora, wearing a fine vest, a large turquoise ring on his right hand, and high gloss polished shoes, Johnny took the time that day to share the following tale he heard baseball legend Buck O'Neil spin many times. "It was the grand opening celebration of the museum, 1990. My hero, Buck O'Neil, had invited the stars of black...