Sunday, February 1, 2015

Changes

A generation that raised me has nearly passed. Yesterday we buried the woman who raised me, next to where my parents are buried, and one other family friend who also was like a second mother to me. These people devoted much of their lives to me, and now they are all gone.

This was a good time, but nothing is forever.
These chapters are ending during a transition time in my life. Closing doors on old relationships, at the same time new ones open. Children growing older. I myself am older. New opportunities are happening for me, for my loved ones. We've given up old homes for new ones...

Yes, I want to live every moment. There is fear... Fear is good, driving me, helping me to confront a life of unknowns, both good and bad. I have no control over the outcomes or the details. I make choices and blindly believe that everything will be all right in the end, no matter what is happening.

Can you see the wave I am riding? It's rising ever higher on the horizon. And yes, that's me riding the crest on my stomach. Do you see my face? Do you see me smiling, and closing my eyes when I can't look? My eyes do open again: I am doing this, and it's incredible. I am blessed. I am living. I am me and it is a gift.

Life will always change. No one and no thing is forever, except the force that keeps the sun rising and setting, the one that sparked the heart beat in my chest and ended it for Gigi, the woman we laid to rest. Until I know of something else, there is no greater power in my life, and I am grateful for everything, because it has been worthwhile, and it continues to be. I don't pass up the opportunities. I love life. Life is good.

I make a toast to life every day, drinking from my cup as I sit on my perch over the city of my birth, setting out to make sure that I follow the path that's being laid out for me. I'm tasked with accepting what comes my way, and to be alright, regardless. My only challenge is to remember and reinforce. For it's that momentum that carries me back to my bed at night, and if I am fortunate, I will awaken again to have another day.

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Marching for Street Safety in Brooklyn


Families joined street safety advocates last night to demand safer streets and stricter penalties for motorists involved in street crashes after a 9-year-old Brooklyn boy was fatally struck down earlier this month. The driver's vehicle set off a chain reaction that injured several other victims, including the boy's 5-year-old brother and 47-year-old mother.
While the driver was charged by police with criminally negligent homicide, so many others have gone free on lesser, or no charges. The outrage, pain and frustration over such accidents has been building for years. In this case, moms, dads and small children came out with advocates from street safety groups to insist that New York cops investigate all of these crashes more aggressively.
Here are the facts from police in this latest case: Lucian Merryweather was crushed by an out-of-control 2000 Ford Expedition that jumped the curb at Dekalb and Clermont Aves on the afternoon of Nov. 2. Anthony Byrd, 59, of Clermont Ave. was charged by police.

New Yorkers joined street safety groups, including  "Make Brooklyn Safer", in spreading the word about the march using social media. It was a peaceful and compelling procession that included dozens who marched to a local community board hearing to deliver their message. A follow up event for anyone concerned is scheduled tomorrow at 7:30 p.m. at Congregation Beth Elohim, 8th Ave. and Garfield Pl. The focus yesterday was on preventing more child victims. Right of Way, a street safety advocacy group, also has brought attention to young children in its well-known stencil campaign.


Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Map Room At The New York Public Library Goes Green



The map room of the main branch of the New York Public Library is a wood paneled vault of century old maps of the city, an incredible archive depicting how New York has grown and changed since it was first settled. Here one finds maps by the earliest New Yorkers, showing what one imagined the five boroughs looked like before satellite pictures and Google Maps.

I had my own collection and foolishly threw them out one day of insane house cleaning. How I regret that. Maps are fascinating, spanning time, linking the past and present, showing what no longer exists. Relating us to history, our changing surroundings and what we can preserve for future generations.
I came to the map room last month with a group of guests invited by Green Map System, a nonprofit organization which had submitted 500 “unique editions of green maps,” maps that highlight ecological, cultural, social and green living sites. These maps reflect different patterns of sustainable initiatives, challenges, and practices, as seen through the eyes of the universities, city agencies, nongovernmental organizations, entrepreneurs, and grassroots groups who have created them,” according to a press release.

300 of Green Map’s outreach and education materials were also entered into the archive. And Green Space used the occasion to unveil its new website, GreenMapNYC.org, which highlights the organization’s initiatives across the New York.

“Culminating a three year process, the Green Map Archive now has an iconic home that suits the global nature of this remarkable collection to a ‘T,’ said Green Map founder Wendy Brawer in the release. “As part of the map division’s collection, each thoughtfully designed Green Map will continue to be an important resource to mapmakers, researchers, journalists, and others worldwide seeking models for resilient and sustainable communities.”

Well said Wendy.

The Green Map collection was achieved with the help of my Alma mater New York University, through its “Green Grants” program. University of Michigan School of Information, the New York Public Library and Green Grant Map System’s global office also provided their support. The collection will continue to grow as new editions are published in the 850 cities, towns and college campuses that have participated in “Green” map making.

A “digital resource” is in the planning stages to create high-resolution versions of Green Maps. Until then, there’s the map room, where visitors can peruse the print editions.

For more information, go to www.GreenMap.org.
Or call 212-674-1631.

Monday, March 18, 2013

The Occasional Film Review -- "Oz, The Great And Powerful"


Despite mixed reviews, I still liked Sam Raimi’s “Oz, The Great and Powerful," a $215 million Disney production that's got the studio hoping for another hit like Tim Burton's "Alice in Wonderland." Oz is likely to be another money-maker, but unlike Burton's effort, Raimi gives a more focused and masterfully crafted movie. And to him I am grateful. Here's why:


I grew up in a time when television was the primary medium in every U.S. household. Remember? It wasn’t too long ago. For me, it was the late 1960s, 70s and 80s. And in the early days of my childhood, “The Wizard of Oz,” was still an event movie, which quite frankly captivated me. From it’s incredible visuals, color and musical score, to the perfect casting of Judy Garland and company. It was the atypical MGM classic, a film for the ages that played so incredibly well in the home, even on a mono, black and white television, as I saw it for the first time at the age of 5 or 6. Who knows how many times I saw it, or listened to the vinyl record of the film. There was no other way to relive it, except in the original book, of course.

So naturally any attempt to reboot, or do a prequel of a film I loved so dearly captures my interest. Sadly, that interest has turned into contempt for most of the commercial productions that have emerged from Hollywood, even those from the original creators. George Lucas is the most guilty for trashing the Star Wars cannon with his Episodes I, II and III. I would have stuck with the third installment and ditched the first two, sparing audiences the atrocious writing and casting. I just couldn’t understand how Lucas could get it so wrong, with so many resources, and with his previous track record.

Sadly, I have to stick it to Steven Spielberg too, for producing a swan song Indiana Jones, “Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.” That one too was crippled by a weak story. Fortunately, “Skull” was carried by the cast. It was endearing to see Karen Allen in particular. I’m also a sucker for nostalgia, which “Skull” had, bringing me back essentially to what I loved most about the original film, “Raiders of the Lost Ark.”

So here comes Sam Raimi, the director of the great, indie horror film, “Evil Dead,” and who didn’t do a bad job with Spiderman, another of my favorites. Raimi’s “Oz,” thankfully, is not only a sweet homage to the original, but it expands on the story with even restraint. I didn’t cringe and I didn’t get lost while watching the film with my kids at the local multiplex. Oz was sweet, at times imperfect, beautifully produced, and balanced on the effects. Most importantly, it was appropriate for children, and entertaining enough for adults.

I’m not into spoilers. So don’t expect me to give up anything here. I’ll say the best parts of Oz are its sudden, emotional moments, interjected gracefully, never rammed down the audience’s throat. And Raimi's choice of James Franco for Oz is a good example of how  this is a film about our flawed, human nature.

Franco comes off as young and a bit miscast, but that’s the point. I read that Robert Downey Jr. was originally considered for the role, but no, I’m glad Franco did it, because Oz comes into the story as an unsure and self-absorbed, a character that’s his own worst enemy, who needs to have the same conversion Dorothy and her companions have following the yellow-brick road.

I have no complaints about the witches of Oz. Mila Kunis was a compelling, tragic figure portraying Theodora. Vulnerable and in the end, left heartless and evil. But Margaret Hamilton will forever be the best at playing the Wicked Witch of the West. Rachel Weisz also was good as the restrained, evil-plotting Evanora. She cuts a tall, slender figure, and is elegant in emerald green through out the entire film. Michelle Williams was the weakest as Glinda The Good, appearing very much like a "Disney Princess." She was competent at best, but forgettable in her dual role, also playing Oz's love interest from Kansas.

For the final word on the witches, I just have to say, to know Raimi, is to know a good witch, which you get in the finale of the film. And it's no surprise. His previous witch characters from Evil Dead and its sequels are the most frightening of the past 30 years. 

I’ll have to see the film again, to see if I'll still feel the same after a second viewing.  Blu-Ray is the perfect format for Oz at home. I wouldn’t press seeing the film in 3D, but it is definitely worth catching on the big screen while you can. Word of mouth has been positive, so it seems good-size audiences will continue coming for the next few weeks.  

So, I have to commend Raimi, and thank him for sparing the audience of cutesy characters that aren’t funny, and overbearing special effects. Oz essentially is a good time for a couple of hours, a nostalgic turn for anyone who grew up with the original, and undeserving of some of the criticism reviewers have given it. Sometimes you don’t have to look for a classic to give tribute to a classic, or to follow it up. 

Thursday, February 28, 2013

New Yorker drowns while vactioning in Hawaii

I'm always amazed how the local angle can bring a far-away story to a media outlet. The story can involve anyone. But make it a New Yorker, and that's all that you'll need to see the New York papers pick it up. Of course that's true in any place. Readers want to see if they know the people involved in a news report. And that's the case with me and the drowning woman I mentioned above. So, let me draw your attention to the unfortunate demise of Norka Villacort.

Norka was smart, savvy and well-connected in the financial world. She also was flirty, elegant and funny. A Peruvian by descent, I used to affectionately refer to her as "Peruvian Diva." But most importantly, she had a good heart, and the ability to listen and be a good friend.

I met her in 2010, during a big annual fundraiser known as Hedge Funds Care, where Norka literally dropped $2,500 on the spot to auction for a ring. What a rock too. She was having a good time that night, was a bit tipsy, and slipped on snow outside as we left to go share a cab. Fell right on her rump too, but took it in stride. Norka stayed in touch, giving me story ideas for the financial newsletter I currently write for, and offering a sympathetic ear during some hard personal times.

We met at restaurants and bars around New York and enjoyed hours chatting about hedge funds, relationships, and her sometimes exotic vacations. I wasn't surprised when I emailed her to say hello and she responded the following:



-----Original Message-----
From: Norka Villacorta []
Sent: Wednesday, February 20, 2013 5:21 PM
To: rortega
Subject: Re: Hedge Fund Alert

Thanks Ralph.
I'm in Hawaii this week so taking a little break now.

See you soon

Sent from my iPhone



She passed away about 24 hours later. Very sad. A great many people are missing her, both personal friends and professionals from her business circles. "There are a lot of people on our team who are lost right now. There's a huge void," said one of her bosses at the financial data company she worked for, Revere Data.

She'll be waked on Sunday. A service is to follow on Monday. Norka lived in Manhattan and had family in Queens. She very much loved her boyfriend. My condolences to all.

I never thought I'd be so saddened by the loss of someone from the financial world, which is almost all of the time all business. But Norka was one of those from finance who was all about personality, charm and being of service to others. She was a rarety.




Back from the brink

I have incredibly allowed more than a year to go by since my last blog entry. Blame it on a bout of insanity and self-absorption, partly due to a personal break up. But really, it was more about my own issues... fear, anger, resentment. Those demons are at bay now, thanks to a number of factors that have come into my life. The biggest being my days now spent in New York with friends and work. And my returns most weekends to my home in Pennsylvania, where I spend time with my four children. They are my precious ones.

So, I'm taking this opportunity to return to this blog, which I stumbled upon doing a Google search of myself. I was like, "Oh yeah, that thing, haha. I forgot about that."

So, "So, shall we begin?"

Monday, August 8, 2011

Free internet in the lobby, should be an added bonus with the apartment

Yes, I discovered a while back that I can pick up the free internet connection from the Starbucks around the corner from my aunt's building when I sit in the lobby. This obviously is an added bonus for any New Yorker looking for that extra value in housing. They could include the internet access when marketing the good old "Clermont Towers" on the Upper Eastside. One problem, however, arose tonight when a lady walked by and told me how inappropriate she thought it was that I was using the lobby as my living room. I explained it was because of the free internet from Starbucks next door, but that failed to impress this person. I was Skyping with my kids. Don't see how that was so awful. In fact, I would imagine most people would think of it as cute, or clever that I was picking up the Starbucks wifi. It's not enough that we have to smell the roasted beans all the time in the lobby since they opened the bucks. The free internet is a nice trade off, right? In any case, I copped a big resentment towards this lady, but only had the courage to say that she was the only person to complain. In any case, she was a jerk.