A word from "The Rocket" Rick Rodriguez

Launceston, Tasmania Australia

By Rick Rodriguez

On October 17, 1998, I arrived in Launceston, Tasmania.  Tasmania is an island-state located south of the continent of Australia.  The purpose of my trip was to play in two golf tournaments.  In one of the tournament rounds, I met David Direen, an Australian from Hobart.  Hobart is located on the south coast of Tasmania.  David, invited me to stay at his house over the weekend that was sandwiched between the Australian National Left-Handed Golf Tournament and the World Left-Handed Golf Tournament.  I went for the weekend but prior to that I spent a week in Launceston.

 Launceston is known mostly for its parks and gardens.  Cataract Gorge, located near my hotel, is a place I got to know by foot.  I ran the Gorge several times over the week I was there.  My runs would start from my hotel and I'd run through town streets until I crossed the suspension bridge spanning Cataract Gorge.  I'd run the Duck Reach Trail and return on the Zig Zag trail.  As I ran, I'd stop and try to capture the moments I was experiencing.  I do this frequently on my international runs because usually it is a once in a lifetime experience.  In the case of Cataract Gorge, I now wish I could have spent more time running those trails.  Nonetheless, the memories and notes of my experiences are vivid.  Here's a picture of the suspension bridge.  I caught the Gorge on a fairly benign day.   My runs were fairly tough but I was overwhelmed by the beauty of the region.   

I also made a very harrowing trip to Cradle Mountain.  Cradle Mountain is located South West of Launceston.  I went out to the mountain with friends from England, Gordon and Pam, and we decided to adventure into the King Soloman Caves; as well as, hike into the mountain.  The harrowing part of this adventure is that we never planned to have an extended stay on the mountain nor travel without a guide or map.  In fact, everything I've ever learned about hiking into the unknown--we violated!  No food, water, or adequate clothing. 

After a fairly benign hike, we decided to grab what appeared to be another short route, and after signing into the previous trail, we failed to resign the mountain log indicating our presence on the the new trail or mountain.  As we scampered up the mountain, the runoff had moistened the root covered trail to the point where injury was inevitable. Late afternoon turned into early evening as we reached the summit; much to our surprise a snow covered mountain, and needless to say I was beginning to realize that we might be in a bit of trouble.   As we moved through knee deep snow, I caught the sight of a bushy looking creature (a wombat), and I wondered if he was hungry for humans?  We moved across the mountain looking for signs of the trail, and as we traversed the canopy of trees we eventually found our way out of the mountain, but not before we encountered a group of wallabies; undoubtedly wondering what the heck we were doing up there!  As the 2.5 hour trip turned toward 5 hours, we made it back down to our car.  As we thawed, relieved, we got back on the road and headed back to our hotel.  On the way back, we stopped at The Mole Creek Inn for dinner in the unforgetable town of Mole Creek (?), and ended up getting back to the Hotel late. Needless to say, it was a heckuva time up in Cradle Mountain!!!   And while luck was on our side, the trip was risky but a great story to tell...

Confessions of an Economic Hit Man by John Perkins

By Rick Rodriguez

Confessions of an Economic Hit Man, is an intriguing read about the influence of Corporate America world-wide.  In fact, it's a riveting account of what corporations do to countries, leaders, and key industries to influence their agendas.  In this sense, the book offers an important story about what occurs behind the scenes.  Here's an excerpt posed by the author, John Perkins. (Perkins P.64) "I also began to wonder who benefits from war and the mass production of weapons, from the damming of rivers and the destruction of indigenous environments and cultures. I began to look at who benefits when hundreds of thousands of people die from insufficient food, polluted water, or curable diseases.  Slowly, I came to realize that in the long run no one benefits, but in the short term those at the top of the pyramid--my bosses and me--appear to benefit, at least materially." 

The book reads like an espionage thriller and is quite engaging.  In one sense, it's a sad story and perhaps it's one that not all will appreciate.  The story, in some ways contends, that the bastion of hope and goodwill; traits we assume of America, may not at all be true!  And in this sense, the revelations are disturbing.  My interests include economics, politics, critical thinking, and history.  In these subjects, the book is thorough, and the Author manages to blend his involvement quite fluidly.

I read the book pretty quickly.  It is a page turner.  The book made me think about what is occurring in our lives; and how much of what we're are told is worthy of acceptance without our own investigations?  The book is 277 pages.  I read it in November of 2008.

Australian National Left-Handed Golf Tournament Tasmania, Australia

By Rick Rodriguez

In 1998, I spent three weeks on the Island of Tasmania.  This is the tear drop land mass south of the continent of Australia.  I went there to play in two golf tournaments: the Australian National Left-Handed Golf Championship, and the World Left-Handed Golf Championship.  Tasmania is a 20 hour flight including stops from San Francisco !  I left out of Los Angeles (LAX) to Auckland in New Zealand to Melbourne, Australia, and then to the Launceston, Tasmania. 

I got there on October 17, and after I checked into the Hotel Grand Chancellor, I went for a practice round at the Riverside Golf Club.   Arriving at the course, I went over to the practice putting green and gazed over the horizon marveling at the course of events that had gotten me to this point in life.  Here I was, thousands of miles from home, standing on unfamiliar turf, about to play a game I love--GOLF!  I must have been jet lagged because I hacked it up that day, but I reasoned at least I was able to see one of the courses I'd eventually play in the tournament, and what the heck I was on vacation having fun!   After the round, I went for a short run to get a feel for the town.  Launceston is a quaint town with many small stores, and a variety of restaurants; and its got some key tourist spots including Queen Victoria Hall.  My run interweaved between small streets and Cataract Gorge (a key spot), and after a short run, I went back to the hotel and got settled in for dinner.

The next morning the Australian National Tournament got under way.  The 1st round was contested at the Launceston Golf Club.  As a crowd of golfers gathered to gaze at the starting golfers, I was busily trying to cope with my 1st tee jitters, very soon the gazes would turn toward me, and I wanted to perform well.  I must have shaken them off.  I got off to a good start (42) but struggled on the back and ended with a 95.  I was pretty dejected because I let a good opportunity get away  on what I felt was a fair course.  I had trouble with tight lies and the extremely fast greens.  In the 2nd round at Mowbray Golf Club, I started off well striping my drive right down the middle.  My confidence led to a quick Par, and after 9 holes I shot (45). The front was high-lighted by a great up and down from a green side bunker on hole 9.  Then, just like that I had two consecutive 8's!  Wow, I was crushed and I had to take myself aside for a fast pep talk.  After the positive self-talk, I shot even par that included a birdie on 17 (30 ft. Breaker) on the last six holes.  I shot 87 for the round.

After two rounds, I was in 3rd place in my flight, and I was looking forward to playing the Riverside Golf course; the site of my 1st round on the Island.   I played well (85), and found myself leading my flight after the 3rd round.  In the round, I was paired with a couple of Australians, David Direen and Keith Martin, and we had a fantastic time.  In fact, David and I hit it off pretty well, and after the round he asked me to come down to Hobart (his home) for the weekend.  Of course, I accepted and after the tournament on Friday we made our way down to Hobart.  After the round, I discovered that I was leading by 3 strokes; apparently no one in my flight had bettered my score.

In the last round, we played the Casino Country Club course, and while I was nervous, I shot another 85 and won my flight by two shots.  I was leading by several shots but on the 18th hole I triple-bogeyed the hole, and not knowing the final outcome actually thought I lost the tournament on 18.  I was quite disappointed.  I didn't discover until the tournament banquet that night that I had held on.  I was awarded a beautiful bronze Tasmanian tiger for the win.  Today, it sits on my desk; a constant reminder of one week in Tasmania!

I never really thought I'd end up winning a golf flight in Tasmania.  But, I guess things just sometimes work out that way.  I also ended up with a great friendship with David Direen that has been renewed in Ireland, New Zealand, and Canada in the ensuing years.  He has promised to come visit me at home, and when that day comes I'm sure it will include a friendly little game of GOLF!

  

Barack Obama President-Elect of the United States of America

By Rick Rodriguez

Finally!  It's over!  And, it couldn't come any sooner for our ailing nation looking for solid direction.  One thing is always sure--change is the only thing we can count on--and this election has certainly proved it.  So, congratulations has to go out to the Barack Obama campaign, and now we will see if the promises offered during the campaign will come to fruition.  It's pointless in debating whether those promises will surface, now that 52% of the voters have decided that change is what we need!  The changes will come now as the president and congress see fit.

I actually thought the president-elect had won by a wider margin, but after the votes were tabulated he barely outdistanced our reigning President G.W. Bush in margin of victory in the last presidential election.  So, it is with the slight blessing of half the American voters in his camp that we move on in the course of direction our new president will set. 

Many people weighed in on who was the best candidate for presidency including yours truly:  Here's what I said:

The San Ramon Valley Times October 29, 2008 "Curious Time" by Rick Rodriguez

 "The San Ramon Valley Times (SRV Times) endorsement of Barack Obama for president comes at a curious time.  Why the endorsement some three weeks prior to the election?  What agenda is the SRV Times attempting to influence by submitting a public endorsement so early with so much clearly at stake?

In my observations, Barack Obama has a questionable background and much has to with his association with interesting characters; however, I'm not so concerned with his past history.  I am more concerned with his experience as a leader.

The world-wide financial debacle has created a situation where a "rookie" (Obama) is clearly inexperienced.  Add to that, the possibility of a world war, especially with the tenuous economic situations around the world, and you've really got a whole lot for a young senator to handle.  His tax plan really doesn't make sense with the unprecedented financial situation.  So, essentially saying goodbye to all his social change programs seems realistic.

If his plan is to tax Americans and give breaks to the middle class; how is he going to accomplish this given the extraordinary outlay of government commitments in the preceding weeks?  So, what will the SRV Times endorsed "dynamic" leader do?

Contrast this with the SRV Times 'one heart beat away" theory for the John McCain camp; why is it that McCain is one heart beat away from dying?  We're all one heart beat away!  In the SRV Times endorsement for Obama, the implication is let's not vote for McCain; he may die and then we get Sarah Palin--and she's not experienced or dynamic?  So, who is running for president?  And, why is the SRV Times attempting to influence/promote Barack Obama with so much time left in the campaign?"

Looking back now, I wrote this Letter to the Editor for several reasons:  The first, was that I opposed the reasons the SRV Times seemed to offer as a defense for a Obama presidency, and one of the most profound statements made against McCain--he was simply too old!  Undoubtedly, the course the country has taken is not the direction either candidate is willing to continue.  How could either candidate succeed in the present course of events?  Secondly, this notion that somehow Obama was/is more experienced than McCain or Sarah Palin is hardly a clear cut argument.  Certainly, placing Sarah Palin as the candidate for presidency served its purpose in that it weakened McCain's campaign, and perhaps that's what many in the media (including SRV Times) used to persuade; and the notion that McCain is one heart beat away from dying. Lastly, I opposed the three week lead time the SRV Times used to endorse, promote, and influence with their early endorsement.  Most of the time, the SRV Times waits until just prior to elections, to voice its opinion.  In this case that didn't occur, and I opposed their influence on the populace with so much time left in the campaign.

  Barack Obama is unquestionably a dynamic and charismatic orator, and perhaps he will be a great leader( Bobby Kennedy comes to mind).  As he said in his speech, he is my president, too!  And, it is time that we all come together despite our differences and begin the healing process.  In this effort, I hope that the challenges I highlighted in my letter that President-elect Obama not only overcomes, but achieves the necessary success our ailing nation so desperately needs!  My hope is that he succeeds and leads us back to being the undisputed leader of the world where beliefs like hope and progress continue to exist!

Healdsburg, California Healdsburg Half-Marathon October 25, 2008

By Rick Rodriguez

I spent last weekend up in Northern Sonoma County.  My main reason for the trip was to run in the inaugural Healdsburg Half Marathon.  And, the race went well, but I also got a chance to discover an excellent Italian restaurant in Santa Rosa's historic Railroad Square district, and took in a couple of wineries, St. Francis and B.R. Cohn.

I haven't spent much time around Santa Rosa, and I was looking for a restaurant to grab a carbo load meal prior to the early morning Saturday run I had planned in Healdsburg.  So, as I was driving aimlessly around Santa Rosa, I caught a glimpse of a crowd outside of a restaurant.  I wasn't immediately able to find a parking space so I looped around the block, parked, and sauntered over near the restaurant.  As I peered over the small crowd at the door and briefly glanced at the menu, I flirted with the idea of trying the crowded sushi place next door, while simultaneously mulling over the possibility of getting a table for one in the crowded restaurant.  While I stood in the street, I noticed a wine bar two doors down, and tried to reason a glass of wine as an appetizer.  As the notion of the vino subsided to the importance of a carbo load meal, I made a request for a bar seat at the restaurant and luck was on my side as I landed the only available seat.  Seated close to the kitchen, the area bursting with activity, a gentlemen next to me busily conversing in Italian; I sat scanning the menu for the perfect pre-race meal.  Quickly, a bread basket appeared accompanied with an olive oil garlic concoction that was just scrumptious.  I asked for a glass of house red, and as I merrily enjoyed each, a conversation ensued with my neighbor, Carlo.  Carlo claimed that this was an excellent Italian restaurant, and based on the off the menu order he placed, he seemed to know what he was talking about.  Very shortly, other people came by to greet Carlo, and he introduced me to Harry & Loretta, and we sat and shared short stories.  Loretta happened to know someone I know back home in Danville, proving the theory that we're always eight people away of having something in common with others.  I had a delicious entree of Rigatoni and meatballs, a recommendation from Joe LoCoco, the owner of the establishment, and after a wonderful evening, I retreated to the confines of my hotel room and rested up for the next day.

The next morning I rose early and headed off to the start line.  I enjoyed a brisk morning run along with about 2000 other runners.  Afterward, we were treated to live music, wine tasting, and a relaxing post race finish at the Lake Sonoma recreation area. 

I made my way home through the Sonoma Wine Region and stopped at two wineries.  The first was St. Francis in Santa Rosa.  I caught it on a busy Sunday afternoon, but very quickly found myself in the Reserve Room.  There, my host, Elliott, poured me a sampling of his finest vino.  I caught an early interest in a Zinfandel he poured, and later a Cabernet, as he schooled me on the idiosyncrasies of the wine and the region.  He told me that St. Francis sells its special wines to its wine club members; and having had St. Francis wines in the past--I had to concur that I had yet to taste something as fine from them as I had this day.  I spent about an 1 1/2 hours in Elliott's tasting room, and as the afternoon was quickly skirting away, I made my way back on to the road. 

I had time to stop at another winery, and after passing little known contenders I happened upon B.R. Cohn.  I chose this winery because of my familiarity with their Cabernet Sauvignon.  I recalled the tremendous value I received when I first had a bottle at Amber Restaurant in Danville.  On that night, we celebrated my wife's birthday, and B.R. was a big hit.  The retail section of this winery is small yet comfortable.  They were quite busy, but I had a nice time sipping a flight of their reds.  In contrast to St. Francis, the tastings here are free if you buy a bottle; I bought two.  I selected a couple of their Cabernets and was on my way as quickly as I got there.  The ride home was pleasant and uneventful.  In just under two hours I was back home with my family.    

I'd recommend both wineries in that they contrast each other.  The St. Francis winery has a beautiful setting as does B.R. Cohn.  As a wine aficionado, it would be difficult for me not to find anything I didn't like in my wine experiences or my quick jaunt up to Healdsburg for the half-marathon.  I've been to Healdsburg with the family, and while it's geared to fine dining and wine, a weekend with the family in this area is a great investment in time!  On a previous trip, we discovered one of the best candy stores in Healdsburg that I've ever seen. As a runner, the experience was marvelous and I plan on returning next year for the 2nd annual Healdsburg Half-Marathon!  For a full report on the race, go to www.RickRodriguez.typepad.com/Running_with_the_Rocket.