On The Fly

Today, we're soaring across the Pacific Northwest down to sunny California, tracing the fascinating history of the Pacific Northwest–Pacific Southwest Intertie.

In the era before smartphones, let’s say we’re on a telephone call, and you ask me, “What time is it?” As a five-year-old, I reply, "The big hand is on the two and the little hand on the eight.” What happened?

Recently, I visited my good friend Billy in Westfield, New Jersey. Among his many other hobbies, Billy is a steam engine enthusiast. He proudly fired up his miniature steam engine and confidently explained its workings, which got me thinking . . .

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!

Celebrating over 260 episodes of On the Fly and the power of dreaming and doing.

Spring is here! Flowers are blooming, birds are singing . . . and everyone's sniffling? Yes, sir, that's pollen allergies for you. If your eyes are itchy, your nose is running, and you sound like a foghorn, you're not alone. Pollen is pounding your immune system!

Hey there, young explorers! Have you ever wondered why we hide Easter eggs and then race around to find them? Today, On the Fly, we're going on an “egg-cellent” adventure to discover where this fun tradition hatched!

Happy St. Patrick's Day to all! And a special toast to our listeners named Patrick, Irish heritage—or not? I’m here to dig into a classic St. Patrick's Day dish (later tonight): corned beef and cabbage. But here's the thing—is it Irish?

Today, we'll discuss Community Solar in California, a rapidly expanding industry that the CPUC will regulate starting in July 2024.

With daylight saving time starting tomorrow, we're all about to lose an hour of sleep. But fear not, for I bring you tidings of great joy – we've got a few tips to help you adjust smoothly to Spring Forward.

Today, we set sail on a sunny adventure with the crew from Cenergy Power. Buckle up, because we're about to dive into Friday’s whale watching adventure in Dana Point, California!

Baseball – People ask me, why the Cubs? The answer is simple: My Dad was a Cubs fan (everyone called him Doc), and baseball was a big part of my childhood. 

Do you often find it hard to fall asleep because your mind is preoccupied with the tasks you must complete at work, chores you might have forgotten to do around the house, or a missed phone call? In other words, how can one calm their mind and find peace?

This week, we're serving a fresh take on a sport sweeping the nation – pickleball! It's not just for bored kids in the 60s anymore, folks!

Today, I'm excited to introduce you to someone who might change your thoughts about podcasts and AI. Meet Gemini.

In more ways than I’m probably aware of, I was lucky to have moved to Los Angeles in 1985, as it introduced me to a comic strip through the Los Angeles Times – Calvin and Hobbes.

Recently, our commute in California has increased from a local 5-minute drive to an hour-long trip on the California freeways. This made me wonder about the extent of traffic congestion on today's roads. With more cars on the road than ever before, it's no wonder many of them end up stuck in traffic.

Recently, while meeting with my primary care physician for an annual physical, he asked, “Do you have any questions?” Yes, "I was wondering what the typical health of your retired patients is. I'm considering retiring myself," I asked –

Merry Christmas - A special holiday reading of At Christmas, by Edgar Guest – narrated by Lori Ball.

Amidst the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it's easy to forget the importance of kindness and respect (manners). However, during this season of celebration, we have the chance to renew our commitment to these values and embody the true spirit of social refinement.

"The Christmas Song" (commonly subtitled "Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire") is a classic holiday tune that Mel Tormé and Bob Wells wrote. It was first penned in 1944 during a sweltering hot summer. Enjoy!

Experience the magic of Christmas this season with our audio rendition of "Santa’s Toy Shop" (circa 1950). This delightful tale was inspired by the Little Golden Book and illustrated by Walt Disney Studios.

Little Golden Books were launched in 1942 during World War II. The aim was to produce high-quality children's books at an affordable price (25 cents initially), making them accessible to a broader audience.

Thanksgiving in America is known for traditions like turkey dinners, football games, and Black Friday sales. The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is a long-standing tradition that captures millions of hearts.

"The Man in the Glass" still resonates with readers due to its message about self-reflection, personal integrity, and honest.

Did you know children have been sending letters to Santa for longer than the United States Postal Service has existed to deliver them? However, today, you’re far more likely to get a response if you include the correct address!

In the halls of academia, Professor Peridot, a man of venerable learning and profound sagacity, found an unexpected companion in Adamas Bontemps—a name as rare as the jewels they endeavor to fathom. Young Mr. Bontemps, a burgeoning gemologist of fervent curiosity, embarked on a journey not merely through the lustrous facets of gemstones but into the intricate tapestry of global intrigue and clandestine enigmas.

Dr. Vo, a brilliant yet witty electrical engineer, stood before the main breaker box of a massive 1.4 MW-DC solar array that had confounded everyone who had dared to diagnose its persistent issue. It had been six long months of head-scratching and ten failed attempts by others before the desperate call came into Dr. Vo's office.

In a recent article from the Interesting Facts newsletter, shedding some tears can be one of the best ways to restore your emotional equilibrium. It sure helped me!

What is Civil Discourse? Respectful conversation, that's it. Introducing Dr. Don Hanley's new blog; join me.

Are you waiting for a job description? Do you take the initiative to provide outstanding customer service? Who is your customer anyway? Reality check - in business and life as individuals, we are President & CEO of our own personal services corporation - Free Agents. 

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. Let's be safe when working with electricity.

Bonus Episode - This is the inaugural episode of GIA Education Bi-Monthly Updates, a podcast series launched in 2006 entitled Inside GIA Education.

In this episode, we review the stark contrast between the historical and modern eras during a recent visit to Las Vegas while attending the RE+ Solar Show at the Sands Convention Center.

In this episode, we will delve into the inventor of television life, whose legacy has been enshrouded in debate.

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. Here's my experience.

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?

On Saturday, August 12, 2023, we attended a Ball family reunion 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. Join me! 

Perched on the precipice of tickling enlightenment, a question persists: why, oh why, can't we tickle ourselves? It's a conundrum that's laughed in the face of time, and we're none the wiser. Let's explore!

Have you ever noticed that some people are more skilled at connecting with others and convincing them of their ideas than most? The secret to their success lies in mastering fundamental skills like empathy, communication, and leadership. Let's revisit Dale Carnegie's timeless guide, "How to Win Friends and Influence People." 

Dateline March 1989 - Surrounded by a city of motor homes that sprung up overnight in the middle of a normally wind-swept California desert, the question on everyone’s mind was, “How will we know when the space shuttle Discovery arrives?”

Have you noticed the constant background roar of jet engines during a flight? Probably not if someone was trying to comfort a squalling baby in front or behind you. Let's explore ANC technology.

Do your friends consider you to be a curious person? If that’s the case, what questions do you generally ask? Are they always practical? Could you explain why? Let's explore the concept.

During a concert by Tommy Emmanuel at the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, CA, on December 14, 2022, we were introduced to Mike Dawes, an exceptionally talented and creative guitarist renowned for his impressive fingerstyle technique.

As I learn more about the challenges and benefits of renewable energy, I'm convinced that too many people today take electricity for granted - they are addicted. It's not "Where's the beef" It's - "Where's the Power?"