On The Fly
282 episodes - English - Latest episode: 1 day ago - ★★★★★ - 1 ratingA smidgen of history, a dash of culture - a minute dedicated to making you smile.
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Episodes
Shopping Smarter: The Costco Advantage
July 13, 2024 18:04 - 6 minutes - 12.4 MBThis episode examines Costco as a case study for business-savvy 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.
Firetrucks & Donut Holes
July 05, 2024 14:57 - 4 minutes - 7.4 MBDateline: July 4th, 2024. In this episode, Fire Trucks & Donut Holes: California Summit Celebrates Independence Day! Today, we're celebrating the spirit of community with a recap of this year’s fantastic California Summit Neighborhood 4th of July parade!
Keep Smilin' Alex
June 28, 2024 14:50 - 5 minutes - 10.2 MBThis week, The Cenergy Team wants to recognize the dedication, steady hand, and contributions of our Senior Accountant, Alex Shoushtari.
More Than Just Stats
June 22, 2024 12:57 - 7 minutes - 14.2 MBThe passing of Willie Mays on June 18, 2024, has deeply saddened baseball fans everywhere. However, he leaves behind a remarkable legacy. To honor him . . .
Mindset Magic
June 15, 2024 13:14 - 7 minutes - 13.2 MBWelcome 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.
The Hard-Boiled Detective
June 08, 2024 14:09 - 5 minutes - 11 MBWelcome back to On the Fly, your dose of literary lightning! Just for fun, let’s continue our study of fictional detectives. Today, we're diving headfirst into the world of crime fiction and the man who practically invented a whole new subgenre: Dashiell Hammett.
Decoding Doyle & Deduction
June 01, 2024 12:57 - 7 minutes - 13 MBThis week, fiction fans, we explore the story of the world's most famous detective – Sherlock Holmes! But to understand Holmes fully, we need to crack the code of his creator, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
Happy Accidents
May 25, 2024 09:00 - 5 minutes - 10.8 MBHave you ever had one of those moments where you stumbled upon something incredible, completely by chance? Maybe you found a hidden gem of a restaurant while getting lost or ran into an old friend you haven't seen in years. That, my friends, is the magic of serendipity.
Power For the People
May 18, 2024 13:38 - 6 minutes - 11.3 MBPeople often ask me, "You work for a solar company; don’t you have solar on your home?” Nope! “With an astonished look, they exclaim, “Why not?” Here’s the short answer. "I monitor our yearly electricity consumption totals approximately 2,500 kWh per year.”
Thats Funny
May 11, 2024 12:50 - 7 minutes - 13.2 MBHave you had a good laugh recently? Why not? In today’s critical, cynical world of stupid politics, with Trump on the news day after day and protests at many Universities, we need a break from all this strife and tension. I’m here to say we need a good laugh.
Powering the West
May 04, 2024 13:34 - 6 minutes - 11.3 MBToday, we're soaring across the Pacific Northwest down to sunny California, tracing the fascinating history of the Pacific Northwest–Pacific Southwest Intertie.
What Time Is It
April 26, 2024 12:16 - 7 minutes - 13.9 MBIn 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?
It Runs on Steam
April 19, 2024 13:13 - 6 minutes - 12.1 MBRecently, 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 . . .
Big Apple, Big Charge
April 11, 2024 12:14 - 7 minutes - 12.9 MBToday, 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!
Dare to Dream–Dare to Do
April 06, 2024 09:00 - 5 minutes - 9.48 MBCelebrating over 260 episodes of On the Fly and the power of dreaming and doing.
Achoo! Spring Allergies
March 30, 2024 13:27 - 4 minutes - 8.99 MBSpring 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!
Cracking the Case of the Easter Egg Hunt
March 23, 2024 09:00 - 4 minutes - 7.35 MBHey 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!
Why Corn Beef & Cabbage
March 18, 2024 00:34 - 4 minutes - 8.53 MBHappy 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?
California Community Solar Update
March 16, 2024 14:16 - 5 minutes - 10.5 MBToday, we'll discuss Community Solar in California, a rapidly expanding industry that the CPUC will regulate starting in July 2024.
Spring Forward Shenanigans
March 09, 2024 14:28 - 4 minutes - 8.21 MBWith 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.
Chasing Whales
March 02, 2024 15:50 - 6 minutes - 12.5 MBToday, 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 is Back
February 26, 2024 12:45 - 4 minutes - 8.17 MBBaseball – 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.
Calm Your Mind
February 24, 2024 13:40 - 4 minutes - 8.99 MBDo 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?
Let's Talk Pickleball
February 17, 2024 12:50 - 7 minutes - 13.2 MBThis 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!
Introducing Gemini
February 10, 2024 10:00 - 4 minutes - 7.76 MBToday, I'm excited to introduce you to someone who might change your thoughts about podcasts and AI. Meet Gemini.
We Are The World
February 03, 2024 15:55 - 3 minutes - 7.08 MB“I lived less than three blocks away from A&M studios and didn’t even know what was happening,” Lori said to me while watching the recently released Netflix special “The Greatest Night in Pop” - the documentary of the making of “We Are the World.”
Childhood Revisited
January 27, 2024 14:41 - 6 minutes - 12 MBIn 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.
Traffic Everywhere
January 20, 2024 14:14 - 5 minutes - 10.6 MBRecently, 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.
The Secret
January 13, 2024 14:21 - 7 minutes - 14.4 MBThis year, we started a podcast series reviewing books that have influenced my life and management style. I want to introduce you to "The Secret: What Great Leaders Know — And Do" by Ken Blanchard and Mark Miller.
Refire! Don't Retire
January 06, 2024 14:42 - 5 minutes - 10.7 MBRecently, 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 –
The Power of Positive Thinking
December 30, 2023 15:16 - 7 minutes - 13.7 MBThe Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale is a self-help book that explores the impact of optimism and positive thoughts on your life. Peale emphasizes the influence of one's thoughts on shaping experiences and achieving success. This small book has sold over 5 million copies since it was first published in 1952. I recently purchased a copy from our local Barnes & Noble and reread it because our lives were changing again. Let me explain.
At Christmas
December 23, 2023 13:22 - 4 minutes - 7.94 MBMerry Christmas - A special holiday reading of At Christmas, by Edgar Guest – narrated by Lori Ball.
Manners Matter
December 16, 2023 10:00 - 4 minutes - 8.94 MBAmidst 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
December 09, 2023 10:00 - 4 minutes - 7.9 MB"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!
Santa's Toy Shop
December 02, 2023 13:07 - 4 minutes - 8.76 MBExperience 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
December 02, 2023 10:00 - 4 minutes - 7.54 MBLittle 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.
Macy's Day Parade
November 23, 2023 14:40 - 4 minutes - 7.9 MBThanksgiving 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
November 18, 2023 14:13 - 4 minutes - 8.8 MB"The Man in the Glass" still resonates with readers due to its message about self-reflection, personal integrity, and honest.
Santas Address - Update
November 13, 2023 10:00 - 5 minutes - 10.2 MBDid 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!
EV of The Future
November 11, 2023 10:00 - 5 minutes - 9.85 MBHave you noticed the number of electric vehicles currently on the market today? But realistically, the electric vehicle (EV) landscape is still in its early stages. According to a recent article in the How-To Geek newsletter, electric vehicles will soon be faster, have extended ranges, and wireless charging capabilities.
Introducing Peridot
November 04, 2023 09:00 - 3 minutes - 6.22 MBIn 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.
The Miller Effect
October 30, 2023 17:20 - 6 minutes - 11.5 MBDr. 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.
A Good Cry
October 21, 2023 13:22 - 3 minutes - 6.94 MBIn 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!
Civil Discourse
October 07, 2023 09:00 - 3 minutes - 6.22 MBWhat is Civil Discourse? Respectful conversation, that's it. Introducing Dr. Don Hanley's new blog; join me.
Free Agent
September 30, 2023 09:00 - 8 minutes - 15.8 MBAre 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.
Better Safe Than Sorry
September 23, 2023 09:00 - 5 minutes - 9.98 MBCan 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.
Inside GIA Education
September 17, 2023 12:48 - 4 minutes - 5.75 MBBonus Episode - This is the inaugural episode of GIA Education Bi-Monthly Updates, a podcast series launched in 2006 entitled Inside GIA Education.
Las Vegas - Sept. 2023
September 16, 2023 09:00 - 6 minutes - 12.8 MBIn 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.
Television Inventors
September 09, 2023 09:00 - 6 minutes - 12.1 MBIn this episode, we will delve into the inventor of television life, whose legacy has been enshrouded in debate.
You Want To Paint
September 01, 2023 15:04 - 5 minutes - 10.1 MBAre 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.