On The Fly

On The Fly

By Patrick BallEducationSelf-Improvement
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On The Fly episodes

  • The Art of the Annoying Question

    In this episode, why "Cool" is the Enemy of Growth. Last night, Lori and I joined our friends at Sur La Table in Carlsbad, CA, for "Date Night in Southern Italy." The menu included Steak Tagliata, Sautéed Shrimp with Fried Capers, and handmade Garganelli.

    4 min
  • Stop Buying Rory's Ball

    Golfers, unless you have the rotational speed of a centrifuge, that "Tour" ball is costing you 5 strokes a round. I’m turning 70 this year, and I finally learned that gravity doesn't care about brand loyalty. Here is my guide to the best low-compression balls for the rest of us. ⛳️

    9 min
  • The Language of Home

    This episode is for anyone trying to find their footing in a new place—whether it’s a new city, a new job, or a new country. A tribute to my Mom.

    8 min
  • Why Is the Sky Blue

    It's the question we outgrew. Do you remember being five years old, lying on your back on a warm afternoon, squinting into a cloudless sky, and asking, “Why is the sky blue?”

    6 min
  • Taking Flight–Moving

    In this 500th episode, we’re moving to a new home. Here’s why—and what’s staying the same. Since April 2012, On the Fly has been on Blogger. Now, join me on Substack.

    5 min
  • Life OS: Version 2026

    Why Your Mind Feel Like It Has 47 Tabs Open? In 2017, I described the mind as a blank slate at birth—clean and ready for coding. If your Life OS feels slow or buggy, don’t wait for a hardware upgrade; you have full admin privileges. This week, instead of seeking miracles, look for glitches.

    8 min
  • Chasing 70

    They say golf is a game of misses. My first round at Rancho Carlsbad was a masterclass in missing. I turn 70 in August, and as part of my Great Un-Working Lifestyle, I want to shoot my age by my birthday.

    7 min
  • Fear Becomes the Default

    Early Sunday morning, I cycled past a veterans' park in San Marcos. The air was still, streets nearly empty. On one corner, a woman held a sign: "Be ANGRY. ICE agents are murdering people.”

    6 min
  • The Best Telescope

    Your telescope arrives in a cheer-filled box, promising galaxies and wonders nearby. The pictures shout WOW! The words say you’ll see the universe—easy!—Just wait, you’ll agree.

    6 min

About On The Fly

From the publisher's feed

A smidgen of history, a dash of culture - a minute dedicated to making you smile.