On The Fly

In this episode - Better Safe Than Sorry . . . Can you identify the device in the photo? Here's a clue: it's the size of your thumbnail and functions as a safety device that shields an electrical circuit from excessive current flow. Often found in modern-day furnaces, this device is a 3-amp fuse. Fuses are essential components in electrical systems to protect equipment and wiring from overcurrent conditions that can cause electrical fires or damage other electrical components. We recently had our home repainted and had to remove all the light fixtures, electrical outlet covers, heater grates, and the thermostat that manages our HVAC system. An electrician advised me that it's important to unplug your furnace from its electrical outlet, cover exposed wires with electrical tape or wire nuts, or shut down the power from the circuit breaker panel box before starting any electrical work. Why? Because the thermostat, connected to the furnace, is powered by a DC transformer that ...

In this Bonus episode - Inside GIA Education . . . Eureka - “ I found it!" The original “ Inside GIA Education ” CD our team at the Gemological Institute of America ( GIA) produced for its Alumni celebration at the Tucson Gem Shows for 2006 (and it contains some fun gems). This MP3 file was the first episode of our podcast series, launched in 2006, and introduced our bi-monthly education updates. As the Director of Education Training, I had the privilege of visiting Apple's headquarters in Cupertino, CA, and participating in the beta testing phase of iTunes U. This platform was instrumental in helping GIA take the first steps towards transitioning from print to digital delivery. In 2007, Apple launched iTunes U, a dedicated area within the iTunes Store that offered free educational content from prestigious universities such as Stanford University, the University of California, Berkeley, Duke University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and the Gemological Institut...

In this episode - Las Vegas September 2023 . . . Einstein once said, “Not all knowledge needs to be useful, and sometimes, it can be just for pure pleasure.” That could be what downtown Las Vegas represents - a place of pure pleasure.  I was amazed by the dramatic contrast between the historical and modern experiences during a recent visit to Las Vegas to attend the RE+ Solar Show at the Sands Convention Center. Whatever your preference, starting your morning with a positive attitude is crucial, and having a nutritious breakfast sets the tone and fuels your body for a productive day. The short-order cooks were busy preparing meals at Denny's Diner, and the restaurant was bustling with activity. The lively and energetic atmosphere was infectious.  Upon entering the diner, I noticed all the booths were already occupied. But I quickly grabbed an empty seat at the counter, an excellent vantage point to observe everything. The waitress was friendly and efficient, skillfully handlin...

In this episode - Television Inventors . . . As you bask in the convenience of your portable screens and smartphones, have you ever pondered the identity of the innovator behind the television? In this episode, we will delve into the inventor’s life, whose legacy has been enshrouded in debate. Television technology was a battlefield of innovation and competition during the early 20th century, with several brilliant minds vying for the title of television's true pioneer. So, who were these contenders? One name that comes to mind is Vladimir Zworykin, a Russian-born engineer who toiled at the Radio Corporation of America (RCA). He's often recognized as the developer of the iconoscope , an early television camera tube. Zworykin's work was pivotal in shaping television technology, and he boasted a trove of television-related patents. Then there's Charles Francis Jenkins, an American inventor who significantly contributed to early mechanical television systems. His inventive...

In this episode - You Want to Paint . . . Are you considering giving your home a fresh, new look? Whether you're moving into a new space or simply craving a change, there's no denying the beauty of a well-executed paint job in transforming the ambiance of your living space. When it comes to finding the right professionals for the job, look no further than " The Painting Company" in North County San Diego. As one satisfied customer, I’m excited to share my experience with this top-notch company. I’ve been putting this project off for a long time. When I finally decided to take on our home interior painting project, my friends and neighbors were kind enough to volunteer their help, assuring me that “it would be a breeze.” Realistically, the walls of our home have 18-foot vaulted ceilings and rounded corners that needed major repair work. I did not have the necessary tools, confidence, or expertise to complete this project. For example, during my four-year experience wo...

In this episode - Your AC Adapter . . . Do you typically carry a laptop, tablet, or phone daily? If so, it's likely that you also find yourself having to lug around a cumbersome charger block. Have you ever stopped to consider how these charging blocks actually work? When you plug your laptop charger into a nearby outlet, it converts the electricity from the wall into the type of power that your laptop needs to function. That’s the obvious answer; here’s a more detailed one. Step-Down Transformer: The charge cycle typically starts with a step-down transformer. This component reduces the high voltage (120VAC) power from the wall outlet to a lower voltage suitable for the laptop's needs. The typical voltage of a laptop battery depends on the specific type and configuration. Most laptops use lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries, which typically have a nominal voltage of around 3.7 to 3.8 volts per cell. The actual battery voltage can vary since laptop batteries are composed of multiple ...

In this episode - Family Stories . . . When you travel, you will frequently meet new people, and the conversation may lead to the question, "Where are you from?” “Cuba,” - then I wait for their expected response. “Havana?” They ask. “Nope, Havana is about 19 miles from Cuba on the Illinois River.” “Cuba, Illinois.” Hah, ha! People furrow their brows, squint their eyes, then smile as they finally get the joke. This always elicits a chuckle and sets a friendly, humorous tone for the conversation. What reminded me of this, you ask? When handed the microphone, this was my running joke at the annual Ball Family Reunion on Saturday, August 12, 2023, hosted by my aunt Deanna Ball in Fairview, Illinois. I’ll admit this was probably the first reunion I’ve attended in about 50 years. Followers of my blog may know that my father's side of the family had nine children: Lawrence and Helen Ball's kids, who lived in rural Canton, Illinois. As each sibling married, they had, on average, ...

In this episode - A Michelin Star . . . A Michelin-starred restaurant is a distinguished dining establishment recognized and honored by the Michelin Guide for its exceptional quality and influence in the culinary industry. The Michelin tire company in France created the Michelin Guide in the early 20th century (1900) to encourage people to travel and wear out their tires, thus boosting the demand for replacements. However, the Michelin Guide has evolved over the years into a symbol of Culinary Excellence and a Quality Standard in the restaurant industry. In 1926, the guide began to award stars for fine dining establishments, initially marking them only with a single star. Five years later, a hierarchy of zero, one, two, and three stars was introduced, and in 1936, the criteria for the starred rankings were published. I get it; some people may only see Michelin Star restaurants as expensive ($$$); allow me to share our experience. We recently celebrated Lori's birthday at Jeune ...