Author: Edward Ortiz

Rockin’ Thursday XLVI

For today’s Rockin’ Thursday, I’m featuring Back on the Road Again by REO Speedwagon, an American rock band from Champaign, Illinois, formed in 1967. They have many hits, including Can’t Fight This Feeling. Back on the Road Again was released in 1979 as part of their album Nine Lives. The band broke up last year, but their … Continue reading Rockin’ Thursday XLVI →

Thermodynamics: Because Political Nonsense Is Exhausting

Between proposals to make Greenland the 51st state of the United States, take over the Panama Canal, and rename the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, the word "thermodynamics" came to mind. Not because I’m some genius scientist—I’m certainly not—but because I’d rather pull out my old college Physics and Physical Chemistry textbooks … Continue reading Thermodynamics: Because Political Nonsense Is Exhausting →

Finding Your Flow

Happy New Year, my friends! We spent a wonderful week with family and said goodbye to 2024 in a low-key but meaningful way. As the year turned, I spent some time reflecting on the past and the future, and the word “flow” came to mind. In the book Quiet by Susan Cain, I read that … Continue reading Finding Your Flow →

My Reading List: 2024-2025

It’s that time of year when I recap the books I’ve read and share my reading plans for the upcoming year. Last year, I managed to read 13 books—one more than my original goal. This year, I read 21 books, and I couldn’t be happier. My reading time feels like a mini-retreat—a chance to lose … Continue reading My Reading List: 2024-2025 →

Rockin’ Thursday XLV

I hope you had a wonderful day yesterday, spending time with those close to you. As we prepare for the New Year, it’s hard to believe there are only five days left of 2024. I thought it would be great to find a New Year’s song to help us reflect on the past year and … Continue reading Rockin’ Thursday XLV →

A Warm Holiday Hug to My Wonderful WordPress Community

I know that many of you in this wonderful WordPress community will be celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, or simply taking a little break from the daily routine to enjoy time with family and friends. Let’s take time to celebrate the little things—the laughter, the shared moments, and the kindness we show one another. No matter how … Continue reading A Warm Holiday Hug to My Wonderful WordPress Community →

Authors’ Licensing and Collecting Society

About two weeks ago, I read a Medium article about the Authors' Licensing and Collecting Society (ALCS). The organization ensures that writers receive money when someone copies or uses their work. The article explained that the organization collects funds owed to writers from around the world and distributes these funds to them twice a year. … Continue reading Authors’ Licensing and Collecting Society →

Rockin’ Thursday XLIV

For today’s Rockin’ Thursday, I’m featuring "Summer of ’69” by Bryan Adams, a Canadian singer-songwriter, musician, record producer, and photographer. The song was released in 1985 and reached the number 5 spot on the U.S. Billboard charts that same year. The video is from this year, and at 65, the man is still rocking it! I know some … Continue reading Rockin’ Thursday XLIV →

Book Review: The Forgotten Americans

For the past 20 months or so, I have read several books focused on the subject of marginalized citizens. This interest partly comes from my desire to understand how social scientists, political theorists, and historians perceive our current problems and the solutions they propose. Books such as Poverty, By America, Evicted, There Is Nothing for … Continue reading Book Review: The Forgotten Americans →

Rockin’ Thursday XLIII

For today’s Rockin’ Thursday, I’m featuring "You're No Good” performed by Linda Ronstadt. The song, written by Clint Ballard Jr., was first performed by Dee Dee Warwick for Jubilee Records in 1963. It has since been covered by many artists, including charting versions by Betty Everett in 1963, The Swinging Blue Jeans in 1964, and Linda Ronstadt in … Continue reading Rockin’ Thursday XLIII →