Meritocracy—a word that has been bounced around a lot lately. We’ve heard it frequently during U.S. senate confirmation hearings in the past few weeks. But what actually is meritocracy? Well, my trusty Merriam-Webster dictionary defines it as: "A system, organization, or society in which people are chosen and moved into positions of success, power, and influence on … Continue reading Meritocracy
Author: Edward Ortiz
Book Review: Surviving Sue
As I was preparing this post, I considered writing it in two parts: a book review and my commentaries. However, since this is a blog and I appreciate the flexibility it provides, I decided to write a single post that includes some commentary, personal reflections, and concludes with the book review. In my head, it … Continue reading Book Review: Surviving Sue
Rockin’ Thursday XLIX
For today’s Rockin’ Thursday, I’m featuring Go Your Own Way by Fleetwood Mac, a British-American rock band formed in London in 1967. The song, released in 1976, reached the top 10 on the US Billboard chart in 1977. Here’s an interesting fact about the song: "Go Your Own Way was written at a house the band rented … Continue reading Rockin’ Thursday XLIX
The Activity and Art of Reading
My friends, I’ve been spending some time this week writing reflections and a review of Vicki’s excellent book, Surviving Sue. I’m hoping to publish it this Friday, but my heart and mind are taking me on an interesting journey as I read my notes and try to draft the post. So, of course, I need to … Continue reading The Activity and Art of Reading
In Memory of the Lives Lost Over the Potomac River
Today, I’m taking a moment to mourn those who perished yesterday in a terrible air accident over the Potomac River near Reagan National Airport, just outside Washington, D.C. Reports indicate that 60 passengers and a crew of four on an American Airlines flight are feared dead, in addition to three soldiers who were flying on … Continue reading In Memory of the Lives Lost Over the Potomac River
God Bless the Sent One
It has been a while since I last posted a poem from my grandfather-in-law, Pedro Rodríguez Miranda. Today, I’m posting a beautiful poem that he wrote for his amazing great-granddaughter, Aneris. The poem is titled God Bless the Sent One and is from the Love Poems in Old Age section of his book. Aneris is a very smart and strong … Continue reading God Bless the Sent One
I Just Want a Normal Life
I was reading a news article about politics in Germany this weekend, and something a 20-year-old said caught my attention. This young man said, "… but we just want a normal life.” All politics aside, this declaration took me back to when I was 20—yes, a little over 31 years ago for those who want … Continue reading I Just Want a Normal Life
Rockin’ Thursday XLVIII
For today’s Rockin’ Thursday, I’m featuring "Love Will Keep Us Alive” by the Eagles, an American rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1971. I thought I’d continue the theme of love that I started yesterday with my poem. Also, with everything happening in this country and around the world, I feel that these words, "Love Will Keep … Continue reading Rockin’ Thursday XLVIII
My Forever Love
It took me some time to write this poem, but it finally arrived. It’s dedicated to my beautiful wife, an extroverted soul who completes me in every way. Words, whether written or spoken, are not enough to describe the love I feel for her. It has been a little over 30 years since I first … Continue reading My Forever Love
The Burden of Leadership
I have been thinking about writing a post that connects the challenge of leadership with the wildfires occurring in California. Here are some thoughts on the issue. It’s frustrating to see and hear national-level leaders and company CEOs blaming the fires on actions taken by state leaders that have nothing to do with the actual … Continue reading The Burden of Leadership
