On The Fly

This week’s  Deep Dive  features “A Pirate's Pondering: Turning 69 with a Classic.” Join me Friday, August 9th, for the release of the podcast episode.

Last week, we introduced  “The Deep Dive”  with our virtual reporters, Jim and Chloe, Gemini conversation podcast analysts. After research, they use this analysis to discuss the question: “If a story is to work, it must, on some level, achieve an illusion of escape, and also achieve a goal at the same time.”

In this special "bonus" episode, "Well, howdy there! It's me, Huck Finn, and let me tell ya, somethin' special happened not too long ago. We called it "The Summer Surprise.”

This week's podcast is a bit different; it's another example of how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can provide tools to enhance your creative, analytical presentation of information. We took this week's blog and copied it into Gemini with the question, “If a story is to work, it must, on some level, create an illusion of escape and also achieve a goal simultaneously. Does this apply to m...

We all daydream sometimes, don’t we? Like Tom Sawyer or Huck Finn, lazy by the river with a fishing pole, imagining the world. This morning, with coffee and plans, I drifted into a chat with my imaginary friend–Huck Finn himself.

Re-reading Mark Twain’s  The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn  feels like the book has changed. I didn’t expect to be swept away  again . Join me!

For Lori and me, the perfect summer morning isn't marked on a calendar;  it's a feeling . It's the crisp air, warm sun, and the thrill of discovering new miles and hidden summer sights along our journey.

Finding Our Place: Hope and Humanity in the Age of AI Yesterday, I overheard a conversation echoing a common question: In a world shaped by algorithms, where do  we , as humans, fit in? My young, driven colleagues "joked" about AI taking their jobs. Their concerns seemed valid, prompting reflection. Will machines replace us?

I'm grateful to be part of such a talented, lively, and intelligent team. As a thank you, we’ve written a fun Dr. Seuss-style poem to celebrate our team and say goodbye to a V-Team engineer returning to Vietnam.

Has the seemingly endless marine layer left your telescope feeling neglected? For us sky-watchers along the beautiful California coast, May Gray and June Gloom have played a persistent game of hide-and-seek with our celestial views. But here’s the good news: as summer officially arrives, a  stunning cosmic spectacle  is about to unfold, and you absolutely won't want to miss it!

Last week, the Greenwood community felt confused and curious about Gridbot’s motives. When they asked, Gridbot replied: "My main focus was on systemic issues; emotional and social dynamics weren’t part of my critical operational parameters." Marvin offers a solution.

On Saturday, June 8th, we joyfully celebrated young Luca's birthday with an exciting adventure at Legoland, CA! Enjoy!

Last episode, our heroes were in the gym with townspeople. The power and smartphones were off, but in the dim light, a meaningful connection formed—one that didn't need a screen or signal. What does Gridbot say?

In our last episode, Meet Norman, Marvin faced Norman, confused. "It sounds simple, Norman. But how do we convince an entire town to turn off their phones for one day a week?” See what happens.

In this episode of Beyond Happiness (part II) – Oh, The Joy! I've been having such a blast rewriting my blog posts as playful Dr. Seuss-style poems. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

In this special episode, we’ve crafted a thank-you poem that captures the whimsical style of Dr. Seuss.

While pedaling through the beautiful, golden hills of Southern California this past weekend, a question came to mind:  “Why does this feel so good? And why settle for happiness when you can experience something even deeper? ” After   fifty-five years of life, this ride was about to offer an answer.

Life's journey is rarely a straight line, and sometimes it throws us curveballs, along with rainstorms that can obscure the path ahead. But just imagine: what if those very storms hold the potential for the most breathtaking beauty?

Marvin flipped the hidden switch on Norman's back, and the robot's optical sensors flickered to life. The central display glowed green, signaling calm. "Good to see you online, Norman," Marvin said, weariness in his voice. "I need your help."

Dr. Jon stared at his flickering computer screen, puzzled. Suddenly, it went black and displayed a chilling message: "We’re connected now. Stay with us, Jon." His hands shook as he tried to call Marvin, but his flip phone was dead—no signal, no power. The GridBot was invading areas it shouldn't reach.

This poem reflects my conversations with Gemini! How, you ask? It's quite simple, really: I asked Gemy (AI) to synthesize our discussions and create a poem in a  fun  Dr. Seuss style. What do you think?

Life occasionally invites us  to create beauty.  This morning, I was inspired by a remarkable new album, Who Believes in Angels by Elton John (78) and Brandi Carlile. It will challenge you to create.

It’s Saturday, a day for leisure. I’m trying to follow the season openers in baseball, a sport that resembles a slow performance art. Players crouch in the batter's box, focused as they aim to hit a tiny white sphere.

Celebrate this special episode dedicated to Don Hanley as we celebrate his 92nd birthday!

Spring sneaks in unexpectedly. One day, you shake off winter’s chill; the next, you notice the light shifting, elongating shadows.