Dear Godfather. You are the last living son from five fabulous children of our grandparents Antoñico Soto y Tete Polo, and the youngest son (my late dad was the oldest).

You are a loving family man, devoted professor, community leader, attorney and founding father of SALAD (Spanish American League Against Discrimination), as well as having earned so many other acclaims, that it would literally take forever to gratefully acknowledge and declare with enthusiastic approval what you signify to me and for that matter, for all of us, who are members of The Soto Polo Family.

Get out into the wild this winter and take advantage of NYC Parks' Urban Park Rangers birding hikes and tours. Sick of being cooped up indoors? Set out with NYC Parks' Urban Park Rangers on one of the many hikes and birding tours they offer. Winter is a great time to spot Bald Eagles, Peregrine Falcons, Red-Tailed Hawks, Snowy Owls, and many more bird species.

"Birding is a great way to get outdoors this winter and stay active," said NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP. "Our Urban Park Rangers offer hikes and tours for people of all abilities in every borough. Whether you're an experienced birder or just looking for a fun winter activity outdoors, I encourage everyone to join us on a birding tour this season."

In the winter, many Raptors, or birds of prey, tend to fly further south to New York City in search of food. Bald Eagles are expert fishers and swoop down to snatch fish out of the water with their massive talons. The Saw-Whet Owl is speckled and striped, perfect for helping to camouflage them when they are roosting and hunting. After virtual extinction, the Peregrine Falcon has made a remarkable comeback and can be seen in New York City along the coast. If you see a shoreline full of birds and ducks suddenly scatter, scan the skies -- a powerful and fast-flying Peregrine Falcon is probably nearby. How many species can you spot?

Event: iPhone Reporting: How To Do It All with Just One Small Device
When: January 30, 2015, 9:30-11:00 a.m.
Where: National Press Club Journalism Institute, Washington D.C.
WTOP reporter and iPhone whiz Neal Augenstein will offer a "how to" session on everything from reporting to recording with the popular phone that does much more. Learn the power of smartphone reporting with this interactive class - be sure to bring your iPhone! . Registration is $5 for NPC members; $10 public: bit.ly/1Fan3PM.

Event: Advanced Search Techniques
When: February 2, 2015, 9:30-11:00 a.m.
Where: National Press Club Journalism Institute, Washington D.C.
Have you ever been frustrated by an internet search that turns up no hits? Or by one that returns too many? Have you felt in your bones that the info you need is out there in the wild west of the internet, but you just can’t find it? Up your average by learning tricks of the trade from a news librarian with who has worked as a researcher at the Newseum, NPR and The National Press Club. Registration is $5 for NPC members; $10 public http://www.press.org/events/advanced-search-techniques.

Event: Steve Coll to Speak at Knight Bagehot alumni event in NYC
When: February 3, 2015, 6 p.m. (Registration Deadline: January 29, 2015)
Where: Bloomberg News, 731 Lexington Ave, New York City
Please join the alumni and friends of the Knight Bagehot Fellowship program as Steve Coll, Dean of the Columbia Journalism School, interviews Julia Angwin about her new book, "Dragnet Nation: A Quest for Privacy, Security, and Freedom in a World of Relentless Surveillance." The event will also feature the presentation of a $2,000 prize to Mark Garrison, winner of the 2nd Annual Women's Economic Round Table essay contest. Also, prospective fellowship applicants are encouraged to attend as there will be information on how to apply using our new online application system. The event, hosted by Bloomberg News, is free and open to the public, but space is limited and registration is required. Dealine date to register is January 29, 2015. For questions and to reserve your spot please email Gary Hill at gh2206@columbia.edu