By: Tony Ortiz | November 10th, 2019

Remember that period of time before school started again, when summer vacation was almost over and the excitement of getting new school supplies temporarily drowned out the memories of having to do too much homework, while you rather be watching Power Rangers, VR Troopers, or Batman (the animated series, not the Adam West reruns, although I’d have an affinity for those a bit later in life)?  That’s the set and setting of this story.

By: Tony Ortiz | January 19th, 2017

Honey guess what, Angela said.

What? Asked Daniel. 

You got another letter.

Another rejection, you mean?

C’mon, don’t say that.  Be positive.  Besides, I have a good feeling about this one.  Here open it.

By Tony Ortiz | December 28, 2015

1. Hello?  Oh, hi Miguel.  Why are you calling me blocked?  -  Because I’m not at my desk.  Some people have lunch at work you know.  Yea.  Yes, I said.  I’m with Maritza.  Ok.  I have to stay a little later again today.  Why are you ‘whatevering’ me?  Should I just quit my job?  Are you going to pay all the bills?  -  I didn’t think so.  I am doing what I got to do.  Ok, bye!

By Tony Ortiz | June 27th, 2015

Will the great recession be on the Midterm Professor?

Absolutely, and here’s the type of essay I’m looking for folks.  Show the understanding that the catalyst was the burst of the tech-bubble in the early 2000’s.  People began to search for safer investments, and settled on real estate.  In turn home demands rise while supply falls. 

By Tony Ortiz | March 22nd, 2015

        Henry woke up and went through his morning routines as quietly as possible, so that he wouldn’t wake Dolores.  But no luck.  As usual, she barely got any sleep the night before.  Too busy worrying.  He graduated the Academy barely 6 months ago and has a late night to early morning shift during his patrol.

By Tony Ortiz | March 1st, 2015

        They sat across from each other, on either side of the ballistic glass.  Rotary style phone receivers in hand.  He listened intently, as he usually does during these weekly visits, and she did most of the talking.  “Time’s up Inmate”, said C.O. McNeil, “Wrap it up”.  Sarah looked over her shoulder at him with a sarcastic acknowledging grin.

By Tony Ortiz | August 31st, 2014 

        It was a Saturday Afternoon.  A nice day too.  Sunny but not too hot & a cool refreshing breeze blew at welcoming times.  We were walking down Rockaway Boulevard by the new Casino.

“Have you been there?” Dave asked me.

“Once” I replied. “How about you?”

By Tony Ortiz | July 26th, 2014

“It’s a beautiful clear-skied Saturday morning folks.  The time now is 9:38am and you’re jamming with Jamin’ 102.8 FM.  Here’s Tracy with your weekend weather.  Tracy…”

“Thanks Mike.  Hello New York and hello warm, sunny-Summer!  Your low today is 73 degrees with a high of 84 and nothing but Sun, Sun, Sun.  Go to the beach, soak up some rays, or have a BBQ. 

By Tony Ortiz | June 21st, 2014

Setting: 4th Grade Public School class room in Queens, New York circa 1994

“Today is a very important day”, said Mr. K.  “As you all know we voted last Thursday to make this years class Play, Cinderella and today we find out who our Cinderella and Prince Charming will be!”

A nervous murmur sprinkled with excitement made its way around