People 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.” --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/patrick-ball/message

Have 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. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/patrick-ball/message

Today, we're soaring across the Pacific Northwest down to sunny California, tracing the fascinating history of the Pacific Northwest–Pacific Southwest Intertie. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/patrick-ball/message

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? --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/patrick-ball/message

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 . . . --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/patrick-ball/message

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! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/patrick-ball/message

Celebrating over 260 episodes of On the Fly and the power of dreaming and doing. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/patrick-ball/message

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! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/patrick-ball/message

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! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/patrick-ball/message

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? --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/patrick-ball/message

Today, we'll discuss Community Solar in California, a rapidly expanding industry that the CPUC will regulate starting in July 2024. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/patrick-ball/message

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. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/patrick-ball/message

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! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/patrick-ball/message

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.  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/patrick-ball/message

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? --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/patrick-ball/message

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! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/patrick-ball/message

Today, I'm excited to introduce you to someone who might change your thoughts about podcasts and AI. Meet Gemini. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/patrick-ball/message

“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.” --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/patrick-ball/message

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. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/patrick-ball/message

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. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/patrick-ball/message