Yesterday, the people of Puerto Rico commemorated the 72nd anniversary of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, which technically is the controlling document of Puerto Rico. In reality, however, the United States Congress has constitutional powers over the island.1 Here is a brief history of the creation of this document: The United States … Continue reading Reflecting on Puerto Rico’s 72-Year Constitutional Legacy
Author: Edward Ortiz
Rockin’ Thursday XXV
Today, I’m doing something a little bit different. I’m posting two versions of the same song: one released about a month before I was born and the second one released in 1991, which I heard many times while I was in Army Basic Training. I really love both versions. First Version (Original): Sir James Paul McCartney … Continue reading Rockin’ Thursday XXV
Eats, Shoots & Leaves
Learning grammar can be fun sometimes. I read an outstanding book about grammar a while back, titled "Eats, Shoots & Leaves" by Lynne Truss. I’m definitely not an expert in grammar, English or Spanish, so I’m always looking for ways to improve my grammar skills in both languages. Anyway, the book contains a joke that … Continue reading Eats, Shoots & Leaves
Rockin’ Thursday XXIV
Aerosmith is an American rock band formed in Boston in 1970. They have achieved twenty-one Top 40 hits on the US Hot 100, nine number-one Mainstream Rock hits, four Grammy Awards, six American Music Awards, and ten MTV Video Music Awards. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001.1 I … Continue reading Rockin’ Thursday XXIV
Philosophical Reflections: on Life, Freedom, and Governance
I’m currently reading The History of Philosophy by A.C. Grayling1 and am at the part where the author describes the philosophical thoughts of Baruch Spinoza, born in 1632 in Amsterdam. Grayling explains Spinoza’s ideas about the best life and the purpose of the state (or government). Below are some parts that caught my attention. Regarding … Continue reading Philosophical Reflections: on Life, Freedom, and Governance
Letter to My Wife
Continuing our series featuring poems by Pedro (Pellín) Rodríguez Miranda, my grandfather-in-law. Today, I’m sharing his eleventh poem titled “Letter to My Wife,” written on July 15, 1952, while stationed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Carta A Mi EsposaEsposa del Alma:Vivo esperando que lleguen tus cariciasA revivir este amor que sufre y muere,A darle vida … Continue reading Letter to My Wife
Compassionate Accountability
I just read an article from the Harvard Business Review about holding your team accountable in a compassionate manner. The article raised some great points, and I think leaders should spend some time thinking about new ways to hold people accountable. Of course, what’s discussed in this article can be directly applied to our regular … Continue reading Compassionate Accountability
Rockin’ Thursday XXIII
Brandi Carlile is an American singer-songwriter and producer. Her music spans many genres, including folk rock, alternative country, Americana, and classic rock.1 Her song "The Story", which I love, was released in 2007 and reached the top 100 in the U.S. I included the lyrics this time because I think they are powerful. I hope … Continue reading Rockin’ Thursday XXIII
Ed’s Notes
We had an amazing weekend in Wisconsin enjoying 4th of July events and celebrating my birthday. I can’t believe that I’m 51; time flies indeed, but I'm happy to be alive. We stayed at the Kalahari Resorts, and we loved the place. It's the perfect option regardless of the weather. The weekend started cloudy and … Continue reading Ed’s Notes
Rockin’ Thursday XXII
Billy Joel is an American singer, songwriter, and pianist, commonly nicknamed the "Piano Man" after his signature 1973 song of the same name.1 Billy Joel has many hits, but today I’m posting his song “We Didn’t Start the Fire,” which was released in 1989 and reached the #1 spot on the U.S. Billboard that same … Continue reading Rockin’ Thursday XXII
Thoughts about leadership, history, and more 