On The Fly

In this episode - Steppin' Out . . . Welcome back to On the Fly, where we explore life’s adventures, big and small. This week's episode is all about stepping out of your comfort zone. And I'm not just talking about trying a new restaurant or taking a dance class. I'm talking about a real leap of faith. Recently, Lori and I decided to do something for her milestone birthday we haven't done in over 30 years: visit Mexico. Now, for those of you who know us, you know we're creatures of habit. We love our routine, our comfort zone. But sometimes, life calls for a bit of adventure, a little "steppin' out," if you will. Side note for my listeners from Cuba, Illinois. I know what you're thinking: "Mexico? Isn't that dangerous?" Well, let's say there was a bit of apprehension—fear of the unknown, language barriers, and the whole 'foreign country' thing. But then we remembered our friend and colleague John, who lives in Tijuan...

In this episode - One Giant Leap: 55 Years Later . . .   “Houston, Tranquility Base here. The Eagle has landed." - Neil Armstrong. It's hard to believe that today marks the 55th anniversary of one of humanity's greatest achievements: the first moon landing. I vividly remember July 20, 1969. Reports say over 57 million people were glued to their TVs, just like me, captivated by the suspense of that historic moment. Watching the original CBS broadcast was a defining experience. In the 1960s, NASA's Apollo program seemed like science fiction. As a 13-year-old, I was mesmerized by Walter Cronkite's coverage on our black-and-white Zenith. For a kid who devoured science fiction, this was the ultimate reality. But behind the awe-inspiring success, the Apollo missions were fraught with peril. The astronauts faced constant dangers, from the Saturn V launch's immense power to the vacuum of space and its unforgiving environment. A single technical malfunction or human err...

In this episode, Shopping Smarter: The Costco Advantage . . . Welcome back to On the Fly ! This episode examines Costco as a case study for business-minded listeners. Costco is more than just a place to buy in bulk—it's a cultural phenomenon, a haven for bargain hunters, and a place where strong, loyal communities thrive. Costco transformed the retail world when entrepreneur Sol Price introduced a groundbreaking retail concept in San Diego, California. Price Club was the world's first membership warehouse club, where efficient buying and operating practices gave members unmatched savings. We'll examine what about Costco inspires such devotion in its members and the reasons behind its success. First, let's paint a picture. You enter the vast warehouse and are greeted by an associate at the door. Towering shelves overflow with everything from appliances, diamonds, and toilet paper to TVs. The food court always has a line because of the iconic Costco hot dog and soda deal,...

In this episode, Fire Trucks & Donut Holes: California Summit Celebrates Independence Day! Dateline: July 4th, 2024. Welcome back to On the Fly , your neighborhood news on the go! Today, we're celebrating the spirit of community with a recap of this year’s fantastic California Summit Neighborhood 4th of July parade! The 5th annual parade was a resounding success! Over 60 residents, representing the diverse fabric of our community, celebrated our nation's birthday with a festive walkathon (parade). Families of all ages and backgrounds joined in, from energetic youngsters on bikes, electric scooters, and skateboards to families strolling with little ones. It was a true community effort, with everyone walking about a mile and 1/2 together. This year's parade had a Grand Marshal who rode in an electric golf cart. A group of happy kids followed closely behind on their decorated bikes, trikes, and scooters, as well as on foot. The mood was set by playing classic July 4th tune...

In this episode – Keep Smilin’ Alex   . . . Welcome back to this week's On the Fly . The Cenergy Team wants to recognize the dedication, steady hand, and contributions of our Senior Accountant, Alex Shoushtari. As he takes the next step in his life's journey to serve others and fulfill his mission, we want to express gratitude for his hard work, integrity, and commitment. This special tribute episode features lyrics to the iconic Dion Warwick song "That's What Friends Are For” by Burt Bacharach.  Click the link to listen to the original song " That's What Friends Are For " as you read the lyrics. Music by: Burt Bacharach -  Lyrics by: ChatGPT, Kevin Osborne, & Patrick Ball   Keep Similin' Alex Verse One For years, you’ve always led the way, Shuffling checks and books each day, I’m so glad I got the chance to say,                   With every balance, every call,                 ...

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 – Mindset Magic: Cultivating a Positive Attitude for Success . . .   Consider this simple question: Do you feel the world is treating you well? If you enthusiastically say "Yes," you present a positive attitude; "No" indicates a negative attitude, and if you struggle to decide, your attitude is probably average. Evaluation can be tricky at best, but that's entirely normal. Welcome back to On the Fly ! Today, we're exploring something that impacts all of us: Attitude . It serves as our internal compass, guiding how we perceive and engage with the world. Some might say, "Well, my attitude is just how I am," but guess what? There's a lot we can do to cultivate a more positive outlook. Here's the thing: a positive attitude isn't just about always feeling good. It's about having the tools to navigate life's challenges with resilience and see opportunities where others might see obstacles. How about this thought: ther...