A word from "The Rocket" commentary by Rick Rodriguez

"Baseball Purity" Commentary by Rick Rodriguez

Commentary by Rick Rodriguez

I originally wrote "Baseball Purity" in 2006.  Today (1/14/10), I received a call from the San Ramon Valley Times requesting my permission to publish a follow up piece to the ongoing drama that I recently wrote.  While my recent commentary is quite harsh, and I wrote it while I listened to the recent revelations of Mark McGwire, it concurs with most of what I read, heard, and seen written in various mediums about the ongoing steroid mess.  While my castigation is not personal, it represents my sentiment about what I feel has destroyed the integrity of the game of baseball!

By Rick Rodriguez

I often express myself in words to the Opinion pages section of the San Ramon Valley Times (SRV Times).  I sent this letter to the SRV Times shortly after the 2006 World Series concluded.  My attacks aren't personal.  What I am opposed to is how the world of baseball has changed so much since the time I collected baseball cards as a kid.  I yearn for the days when I could admire athletes for their on field accomplishments earned through hard work, dedication, and the unaltered limits of their ability. However, I am sadly afraid those days are gone!

" Baseball Purity" San Ramon Valley Times Published November 10, 2006 by Rick Rodriguez

"It's difficult to be happy for local resident and baseball manager of the world champion St. Louis Cardinals, Tony La Russa.  Yes, La Russa has just guided the St. Louis Cardinals to a world championship, and for that, he will receive appropriate accolades. 

However, for baseball purists and those who care about the integrity of the game, La Russa also will be recalled as the manager of the two leading protagonists of the baseball steroid scandal: Mark McGwire and Jose Canseco.  Regrettably, these two players were at the vanguard of the insidious disease that is now ubiquitous in professional sports.

Moreover, the deleterious effects of steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs continue to influence the results and performances we witness on the playing fields.

Of course, it would be inappropriate to cast La Russa as responsible for his player's actions; however, I often wonder how a stand up guy like La Russa, as the leader of his ball club, couldn't have discovered the behavior of the players he was responsible to manage.  Let us remember that La Russa didn't manage these players for a year or two, but in McGwire's case more than a decade.

So, as I see it, La Russa has some culpability for looking the other way while his players were obliterating sacred home-run records with Arnold Scharzenegger-like forearms.

As a baseball purist, it's the actions of some and the inaction of others that have destroyed my passion for the game."

And here is another attachment to this story and an end to my argument on this subject:

San Ramon Valley Times "McGwire's lies" January 18, 2010 by Rick Rodriguez

"So now we know Mark McGwire was lying all along.  He was lying to his friends, his kids, and his buddy Tony La Russa.  It seems these days all liars are getting caught, doesn't it? 

How I remember McGwire embracing his son (batboy) after he broke Roger Maris' home run record and shaking hands with Maris' family representatives on hand for a historic event (?)

Good, now we know that Jose Canseco was telling the truth, an ostracized Canseco, ousted from baseball for ratting out his buddies.  Canseco, embarrassed by La Russa, who announced his trade by pulling him from the on-deck circle!  A class guy the La Russa--I know nothing, I see nothing!"

In this final closing statement to the steroid era and three leading protagonists, I submitted the above to the SRV Times and was published a 2nd time on this story.  I am certainly not proud of my castigations or opinions.  But, certainly I said what is being said by many including many nationally circulated papers; on sports blogs, commentary's; and by such broadcasting luminaries like--Bob Costas! 

I can't find the capacity to accept McGwire's pre-scripted apology!  He doesn't owe me anything personally.  I am nothing more than a fan of baseball and of a game I grew up with and appreciated for its team concept and sense of historical value.  What he and others have done is shattered that sense of history and placed his entire career and created a parenthesis or asterisk on it forever!

Rick Rodriguez is a writer and is frequently published in opinion/editorial sections in local and national newspapers. Rick, a San Francisco Bay Area native and graduate of Saint Mary's College lives in Danville, California with his two children.  Contact Rick at rrodriguez@pacunion.com or (510) 326-4795.

Follow Rick at:

http://www.rickrodriguez.net/

www.RickRodriguez.typepad.com/The_Rocket

www.RickRodriguez.typepad.com/The_Rodriguez_Report

 

Barry Bonds "Cheating the Norm" Commentary by Rick Rodriguez

Commentary by Rick Rodriguez

April 8, 2011

Time for me to apologize to Barry Bonds!  In August of 2007, I mistakenly assumed that Barry had taken steroids to enhance his on field performance and break the all-time home run record held by Hammerin Hank Aaron!  Now, it appears that Barry Bonds will be exonerated and will walk against THE United States government's charges of obstruction and perjury!  So, as perhaps the final chapter (Roger Clemins/Afterword) of this dreary and disturbing tale about steroids and baseball, Barry Bonds has proved he never knowingly took performance enhancing drugs!  All hail to the home run king--Barry Bonds!

The following article was published by the San Ramon Valley Times. I wrote it to express my dismay with the deterioration of integrity when it comes to baseball players using performance enhancing drugs, and the general pervasiveness of cheating in society.  I have examined several sources in order to come to my opinion, and though neither Barry Bonds or an unnamed kid have been convicted of any illegal activity, the court of public opinion is weighing heavily against Bonds, and the kid is serious trouble.

"Cheating the Norm" published by The San Ramon Valley Times August 22, 2007 by Rick Rodriguez

"Now that Bonds has passed the Real Home Run King--Hank Aaron--on the all-time home run list perhaps we can begin to see less coverage of the farce we are witnessing, and the unbelievable fans that adore Bonds and his tainted record.  How is it that people can watch this guy and cheer for a record he achieved under the influence of something banned by the major leagues?  Why has cheating become so rampant in our society that it’s accepted as the norm?  Bonds is the classic case of innocence?  But, there are others, too. 

Take for instance the case of the kid accused of falsifying grades at Diablo Valley College: He’s innocent, too?  Or, so he says, at least that is what I read in my local paper. I can only imagine when he glanced at his report card and saw he had straight A’s that certainly didn’t register that perhaps there was a problem—or an oversight!  The problem no longer is whether we cheated or not—but whether we, the public, will buy it until the next cheater comes along."

Looking back, I was railing against the rampant cheating ubiquitous in all walks of life!  Four years later, cheaters in every profession have become widely known with the most famous being a golfer I once admired and a rogue trader that bilked millionaires and billionaires around the world!  In a very real sense, observing very public mistakes makes me observe my own behavior; where my shortcomings are and how to improve them!

Rick Rodriguez is a writer and is frequently published in opinion/editorial sections in local and national newspapers. Rick, a San Francisco Bay Area native and graduate of Saint Mary's College lives in Danville, California with his two children.  Contact Rick at rrodriguez@pacunion.com or (510) 326-4795.

Follow Rick at:

http://www.rickrodriguez.net/

www.RickRodriguez.typepad.com/The_Rocket

www.RickRodriguez.typepad.com/The_Rodriguez_Report

 

Tiger Woods wins another tournament Commentary by Rick Rodriguez August 5, 2007

Commentary By Rick Rodriguez

In light of the recent events concerning Eldrick "Tiger" Woods, mainly he has decided to move away from the public eye and its scrutiny by not playing professional golf; I revisited the original post of "A word from the Rocket," about Tiger Woods.  In the original post below, you'll note my admiration of Woods, my reasons are pretty clear; moreover, I make a case against Barry Bonds, and his alleged transgressions.

I guess I shouldn't be disappointed in Woods, nor should I make a judgment of any of the the protagonists of my posts; however,  I offer the following reasons:  Mainly, "I am a golfer" and with that statement comes a responsibility to play the game with honor, integrity, and those values represent character.  Undoubtedly, Tiger Woods, has never been accused of "transgressions" on the golf course, but the recent revelations of character flaws attributed to Woods saddens me. It crushes my hope of a Superstar Athlete also being a man of character; a Father with integrity; a true humanitarian; a husband of commitment, and an honorable golfer.  Make no mistake Tiger Woods has reversed the heights that he had attained in each of these categories. 

The photographs featured in this post were taken by me at the JBWere Masters in Melbourne, Australia in November 2009.  Incidentally, this was Tiger's last competitive tournament and two weeks before Tiger's world began to unravel.  I was extremely privileged to be at the tournament and proud that Tiger represented America with class, style, integrity, excitement, and a great win!  Yes, I was there and now I move away from that position, from Tiger, as a fan, and admirer, and this as a GOLFER saddens me.

ANOTHER WIN FOR TIGER AUGUST 5, 2007

BY Rick Rodriguez

So, what's the big deal: Tiger wins another tournament.  Many people out there aren't so happy when Tiger wins, but I am.  Perhaps, it's because the rich just get richer, or he wins all the time argument, but I love to see any athlete dominate his craft, and Tiger does.  As a golf enthusiast, player, competitor, and a sport fan in general; I'm thrilled when Tiger wins!  There is a reason for this and it is because Tiger brings respectability to the sport world.  Not only does he win, but he's a class act and demonstrates that to fans and competitors alike. 

Contrast that with the other big sport story, Barry Bonds.  How it sickens me to see a player tie the all-time home record under the alleged (past or present) influence of performance enhancing drugs: oh yeah Barry, flaxseed oil.  His and others continued denial of alleged drug induced performances are what has drawn many people away from the three major sports: baseball, football, and to a lesser extent basketball.  Now, a revelation that an NBA ref may have had an influence on NBA games: this makes a fan (like me) wonder whether what we are witnessing is actual or influenced by outside events.  Aren't you sick of all the cheating?

Rick Rodriguez is a writer and is frequently published in opinion/editorial sections in local and national newspapers. Rick, a San Francisco Bay Area native and graduate of Saint Mary's College lives in Danville, California with his two children.  Contact Rick at rrodriguez@pacunion.com or (510) 326-4795.

Follow Rick at:

http://www.rickrodriguez.net/

www.RickRodriguez.typepad.com/The_Rocket

www.RickRodriguez.typepad.com/The_Rodriguez_Report

 

Are you an Outlier Commentary by Rick Rodriguez

Commentary by Rick Rodriguez

Are you an Outlier?  What is an Outlier?  And, what does it have to do with success? I had never heard the term until a friend recommended I read  Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell. The book is a must read for anyone interested in success and what differentiates those that many consider successful. It really might not be what you think.....so maybe you should look again.  It was an eye opener for me! It aroused my interest to whether being an Outlier is applicable to those I know and me. The book, Outliers, teaches something about success that is not anecdotal.

I will say that it was somewhat relieving in the sense that my own climb up the ladder is greater appreciated from the OUTLIER perspective rather than all the accoutrements of success that most would say are a requirement for success. It isn't a story about if you do this and that this will be the result. Though those lessons are interwoven in some parts of the book, they are not the main premise. Gladwell.com "Outlier" is a scientific term to describe things or phenomena that lie outside normal experience. In the summer, in Paris, we expect most days to be somewhere between warm and very hot. But imagine if you had a day in the middle of August where the temperature fell below freezing. That day would be outlier. And while we have a very good understanding of why summer days in Paris are warm or hot, we know a good deal less about why a summer day in Paris might be freezing cold. In this book I'm interested in people who are outliers—in men and women who, for one reason or another, are so accomplished and so extraordinary and so outside of ordinary experience that they are as puzzling to the rest of us as a cold day in August"  

Here's what others say " A must-read for educators, recruiters, and parents......Outliers is evidence of Mr. Gladwell's 10,000 hours."------- Joanne McNeil, Sunday Times

"Outliers is a compelling read with an important message: by understanding better what makes people successful we should be able to produce more successful (and happy) people."---- Economist

"Insightful.....If enough people read and ponder the implications of Outliers, perhaps that can help begin the much needed process of turning around current counter-productive attitudes toward education and toward life."--------Thomas Sowell, Washington Times

"The thrust of Mr. Gladwell's argument is right on target.....He passionately emphasizes the need to cultivate great minds that might be limited by their circumstances or environment."--------David A. Shaywitz, Wall Street Journal

I won't go into the story but I will say that it may cause you to wonder about your own success; what factors attributed to your success, and whether intersections in your life directly attributed to your success. These are the lessons that I found here! I didn't look at this book as a how to and admittedly the book focuses on the big successes as examples (i.e. Bill Gates, Beatles, et al).

More importantly, where you start matters perhaps a lot less than you think! Or, it may have been your biggest advantage!

Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell is 270 pages. I read it September 2011.

Rick Rodriguez is a Entrepreneur, Avid learner, and writer and is frequently published in opinion/editorial sections in local and national newspapers. Rick, a San Francisco Bay Area native and graduate of Saint Mary's College lives in Danville, California with his two children.  Contact Rick at rrodriguez@pacunion.com or (510) 326-4795.

Follow Rick at:

http://www.rickrodriguez.net/

www.RickRodriguez.typepad.com/The_Rocket

www.RickRodriguez.typepad.com/The_Rodriguez_Report

Collecting Baseball Cards as a hobby Commentary by Rick Rodriguez

Commentary by Rick Rodriguez

Of the many constants of my life, few span my entire existence on planet Earth as my collection of Baseball Cards--my lifetime hobby.  I started collecting Baseball Cards in 1969!  And, I remember the experience of opening a pack of cards in front of my godparents home on Redding Avenue Oakland, California.  I was with my older brother, Jaime, that day, and as kids we collected hundreds of cards.  In that pack of cards that day, I only remember one player from that pack, a Detroit Tiger, pitcher Daryl Patterson .  That's the card pictured here!  Of course, I don't know why as a 6 year old I could have such fine recollection of Mr. Patterson, but I do!  Perhaps, it was the distinct black and yellow colors of the card that caught my eye, or his position in a follow thru mode; or the hazy color of the grass. I don't know what it was but here we are both today sharing a paragraph together--nearly 40 years later!  Yikes--I've been collecting for 40 years!

In 1970, collecting cards was a banner year for us (my brother & me) as we bought loads and loads of baseball cards.  Back then, we collected bottles and turned them in for cash, and yep, bought baseball cards.  Our cause was also aided by our older cousins from San Francisco, Michael & Jesse, that heaped dozens of cards at us when we visited their home on Paris Street.  We'd walk away with football cards from the mid 1960's; as well as, many late sixties Topps baseball cards. 

Right about that time (early seventies) , the Oakland A's, Oakland Raiders, and Golden State Warriors (yes, Golden State) were about to embark on a unique time in the San Francisco Bay Area--winning championships!  The A's won three straight world titles; the Raiders had many memorable playoff moments before winning the Super Bowl in 1977, and the Rick Barry led Golden State Warriors won the NBA Championship in the 1974-75 season!  The San Francisco 49ers joined the party in 1981 and 1985 and twice more in the 1980's on their way to the team of the decade!  It was a great run for the Bay Area.  Of course, those years further enhanced my collecting of cards of all three sports, and to this day memories of those years have remained a constant in my life.  I collected other things,too!  The infamous seat cushions (A's), wristbands (Warriors), bats, autographs, and pennants (A's).    Many of the items I collected stood the test of time and are still with me.  Others, befallen to  calamities such as mom's cleaning day, never made it.  While my cards have survived over the years stored in everything from cigar boxes to an army green metal toolbox; my other collectibles haven't been as fortunate.  In my many moves, I've lost track of many precious possessions, but alas, these items exist somewhere even if for now they remain out of my possession.

The explosion of Free Agency in the 1976 ended the reign of the Oakland A's.  I never got used to Catfish as a New York Yankee, or Reggie as an Baltimore Oriole, or Captain Sal Bando as a Milwaukee Brewer thus toward the end of the 1970's my collecting came to an end.  The Warriors lost in the NBA Western conference finals in 1975-76 Season, and never regained the status that saw them sweep the Washington Bullets (4-0) in the finals.  The Raiders went on to two more Super Bowl wins in 1980 and 1983.  But, when the Raiders went south to Los Angeles, my heart stayed here with memories of my beloved Oakland Raiders of the 1970's.

Due mainly to the explosion of baseball cards as an investment, and the introduction of a plethora of new card companies (Donruss & Fleer); and the idea that players were no longer part of team for more than a few seasons--my interest waned!  It was a sad end to the boyhood I had as a kid growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, collecting wax packs of Baseball Cards for the pure joy of it, and actually caring about the players as if they were somehow part of the family.    

Today, I'm a proud owner of many baseball, football, and basketball cards.  I am still a fan of the A's, Warriors, and in a nostalgic sense of the Raiders.  My heart never went back to the Raiders once they left town!   And, while today's athletes have in many ways contributed to my enjoyment of the sports and teams; many have helped to further deteriorate my interest in the games.  I still collect cards, but only those of my boyhood days.  Over the years, I've added to my collection, and perhaps some day I'll get all the cards I'm missing or wanting.  I'm sure when that day comes, I'll sit back and recall that day back in 1969 when I first encountered Mr. Daryl Patterson...

Rick Rodriguez is a writer and is frequently published in opinion/editorial sections in local and national newspapers. Rick, a San Francisco Bay Area native and graduate of Saint Mary's College lives in Danville, California with his two children.  Contact Rick at rrodriguez@pacunion.com or (510) 326-4795.

Follow Rick at:

http://www.rickrodriguez.net/

www.RickRodriguez.typepad.com/The_Rocket

www.RickRodriguez.typepad.com/The_Rodriguez_Report

 

A time of turbulence Secrets of the Temple by William Greider Commentary by Rick Rodriguez

Commentary By Rick Rodriguez

In a time of turbulence, I often think of an extraordinary book, Secrets of the Temple by William Greider, and since that time I've been hooked on Economics/Politics. The book gave me the opportunity to examine who really runs this country (Federal Reserve), and who doesn't (the President of the United States), as most people assume. Surely, I understand that the Commander-in-Chief is still the President of the United States, and is considered the leader of the free world; however, the President's/government's influence here is more related to fiscal policy predominately spending and taxation, and have we been on a tear lately (7/2011)!  However, Greider's book taught me how monetary policy plays an enormous role in our everyday lives, and how the Federal Reserve has the power to control the economy with its influence on it.

A note on Monetary Policy: "

"Monetary policy is the process by which the monetary authority of a country controls the supply of money, often targeting a rate of interest for the purpose of promoting economic growth and stability. The official goals usually include relatively stable prices and low unemployment. Monetary theory provides insight into how to craft optimal monetary policy.

Monetary policy is referred to as either being expansionary or contractionary, where an expansionary policy increases the total supply of money in the economy more rapidly than usual, and contractionary policy expands the money supply more slowly than usual or even shrinks it. Expansionary policy is traditionally used to try to combat unemployment in a recession by lowering interest rates in the hope that easy credit will entice businesses into expanding. Contractionary policy is intended to slow inflation in hopes of avoiding the resulting distortions and deterioration of asset values."

The Secrets of the Temple chronicles the tenure of Paul Volcker, the Fed chairman prior to the more familiar Alan Greenspan. So, having recently read Alan Greenspan's The Age of Turbulence, another groundbreaking expose on the Federal Reserve seen from the perspective of Alan Greenspan, I thought it necessary for me to gain a perspective on another form of managing an economy--communism.

Certainly, I'm not going to declare Communism as comparable to capitalism in a superior fashion, or that it could exist in today's world; history has already proved that communism has, at best, failed in places like the Soviet Union and to some extent China.

Let's think about this for a minute! "Some critics of utopian or egalitarian socialism argue that income sharing reduces individual incentives to work, and therefore incomes should be individualized as much as possible. Critics of socialism have argued that in any society where everyone holds equal wealth there can be no material incentive to work, because one does not receive rewards for a work well done. They further argue that incentives increase productivity for all people and that the loss of those effects would lead to stagnation. John Stuart Mill in The Principles of Political Economy (1848) said:

"It is the common error of Socialists to overlook the natural indolence of mankind; their tendency to be passive, to be the slaves of habit, to persist indefinitely in a course once chosen. Let them once attain any state of existence which they consider tolerable, and the danger to be apprehended is that they will thenceforth stagnate; will not exert themselves to improve, and by letting their faculties rust, will lose even the energy required to preserve them from deterioration. Competition may not be the best conceivable stimulus, but it is at present a necessary one, and no one can foresee the time when it will not be indispensable to progress."

Frankly, that is an amazing statement and in my own life I have found that to conform with my thinking. What incentive would I have to work harder and produce more when my doing so meant nothing to anyone or I was not rewarded in any way for doing so? As a competitor, I am driven to improve in almost all facets of my life. Admittedly, this is a pain in the rear at times; it's almost like a harness that holds me in place and yet pulls me toward better experiences and feelings.

 

Here are some excerpts and paraphrases of MARX by Gil Hands:

According to Hands (2007) "Karl Marx is considered to be one of the greatest thinkers in the last thousand years. Born in Germany in 1818, he was a great philosopher, historian, economist, and social theorist. His writings led to revolution and to a total change in the political structure of the world."

Hands (2007) states " that Marx's main contribution to the development of philosophy was historical materialism: a way of studying the relationship between the material world and the world of ideas." He further states " the capitalist economy needs costly machinery to produce goods. Only those who can afford to invest capital in the economy can profit from it."

From the COMMUNIST MANIFESTO " The proletarians will eventually rise to power through class struggle: the bourgeoisie constantly exploits the proletariat for its manual labour and cheap wages, ultimately to create profit for the bourgeois; the proletariat rise to power through revolution against the bourgeoisie such as riots or creation of unions. The Communist Manifesto states that while there is still class struggle amongst society, capitalism will be overthrown by the proletariat only to start again in the near future; ultimately communism is the key to class equality amongst the citizens of Europe."

Most of us, including me, have just assumed that we can get job, start a business, make money, and someday become rich. However, there are some people that have a head start, and are in positions which according to my understanding of the book exploit others for their labor. In other words, it's always been that way and always will under capitalism.

Another key idea according to Hands (2007) is Marx's description of "how fetishisms of money, capital, and commodities alienated people." Here, my understanding is we (capitalists) are so focused on materialism that we become alienated from each other because in many ways we are competing with each other, and are always trapped by materialism; yet material possessions somehow serve to assuage our alienation.

I gained a new perspective, and though I certainly don't believe the system (communism) could ever work, some of the ideas Marx describes about capitalism, good and bad, have come to fruition. I alos learned a lot about the inculcated beliefs that I hold or I have adopted through extraneous social and cultural influences.

I leave it to the reader, learner, and individual that questions the way things are to continue the quest of discovery. I value the accomplishment of challenging my mind to gain a new perspective, and to further aid me in evaluating the world we live in.

MARX by Gill Hands is 178 pages. I read this book in May of 2008.

Rick Rodriguez is a writer and is frequently published in opinion/editorial sections in local and national newspapers. Rick, a San Francisco Bay Area native and graduate of Saint Mary's College lives in Danville, California with his two children.  Contact Rick at rrodriguez@pacunion.com or (510) 326-4795.

Follow Rick at:

http://www.rickrodriguez.net/

www.RickRodriguez.typepad.com/The_Rocket

www.RickRodriguez.typepad.com/The_Rodriguez_Report

Achieving goals commentary by Rick Rodriguez

Commentary by Rick Rodriguez

Simply put achieving goals comes down to a few basic things but none is more basic than writing down your goals!  I found this to be the case experimenting with this process for nearly thirty years.   Of course, what I am about to share is nothing some hot shot guru can't tell you; or a professional athlete; famous actor or somebody even more impactful--an iconic figure. The difference between them and me is well I am none of those!  I am merely someone that believed enough in the power of writing down goals that it inspired me enough to go out and achieve them!

So, how did it go?  I mean for me.  Did I achieve what I set out to do when I was twenty years old?  Yes would be my first answer!  A closer look though reveals that I achieved some things quite accurately; others not at all, and still some others as a modified version.  Was I disappointed of not reaching all my goals?  Frankly, not really, but some could have been better had I had more: awareness, ambition, ability, and had taken more action!

For example, in 1993, I set out to run a marathon (26.2 mile races), partly because I wanted a big challenge and at the time it was somewhat of a huge accomplishment.  Of course, it still is a big accomplishment but many more people have found that with dedication, desire, and commitment this is an attainable goal.  I achieved this goal in San Francisco and later in the same year in Dallas, Texas!  On that day in Dallas, I achieved what would be my fastest time (3:36) and actually had a better pace going to twenty miles (2:40)!  Naturally, I was extremely proud to have run that race that well to my level of training in such a short time (less than a year) but my awareness level was low after the accomplishment.  I took for granted the training that created that level of fitness.  I also didn't recognize my ability.  I somewhat took for granted that I could muster the ambition to improve.  And, needless to say, I did not take the action to get me to the next level!   I peaked in Dallas, Texas!  Not really a big deal since it was never my goal to be an incredibly fast runner and I was only running for the joy of it  and the sense of accomplishment.  

However, therein lies a learning lesson about writing down your goals:

1) Have an awareness of what you've accomplished and what it took to create that experience

2) Understand the motivation of your ambition and why you wanted to achieve this goal

3) Analyze your ability to achieve a certain goal.  Can you improve based on your capability?           

4) Take action toward a new goal!

Things could have changed with my running goals had I had an awareness of where I was in terms of maximizing this goal; my ability to run longer and faster was hindered by an analysis of an action plan and without a greater ambition to run better---as I mentioned I was peaked!  Nonetheless, these days, I still run and ran ten marathons before I started running 1/2 marathons simply because I had so many other things I wanted to accomplish!

Achieving Goals comes down to these basic principles.  The people that have achieved success have modified versions of my contentions here but there are certainly many similarities.  Frankly, however, most anyone would tell you from professional athletes to motivational speakers to anyone that has lived their dreams.  Achieving goals comes down to an awareness of what you want.  The ability to attain it.  The ambition for it and a action plan to achieve it.  Write down your goals and start achieving them!  I did and it sure helped me!!

 

Rick Rodriguez is a writer and is frequently published in opinion/editorial sections in local and national newspapers. Rick, a San Francisco Bay Area native and graduate of Saint Mary's College lives in Danville, California with his two children.  Contact Rick at rrodriguez@pacunion.com or (510) 326-4795.

Follow Rick at:

http://www.rickrodriguez.net/

www.RickRodriguez.typepad.com/The_Rocket

www.RickRodriguez.typepad.com/The_Rodriguez_Report

 

The Wall Street Journal April 17, 2008 "Illegal Immigration" Commentary by Rick Rodriguez

Commentary by Rick Rodriguez

On April 17, 2008, The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), published a commentary I wrote in the Letters to the Editor section of their paper regarding illegal immigration.  The subject has been long debated and like a can kicked down the road there never seems to be a solution to appease the various political groups, voting blocs, the right or left in this country.  In fact, since President Obama has been in office (2008), increasingly aggressive deportation laws have been enforced consistent with the actions of former President Bush.  The present administration is deporting illegal immigrants in record numbers somewhat in contrast to the political campaign rhetoric.   Of course, there are numerous opinions on Illegal Immigration and it is still a very divisive issue that will require extensive debate in the upcoming elections.

My comments to WSJ were in response to a story I read in the WSJ about an illegal immigrant (Mr. Derezinski) that had successfully engaged in a pursuit of the American dream.  He worked; paid taxes; purchased real estate; had children, and achieved all of this while being pursued by the government for over staying his initial visa issued 12 years prior.  Despite numerous attempts to capture Mr. Derezinski, he was able to delay his deportation through the courts and other subterfuge.  He contended since he was a contributing honorable citizen he should be afforded a circumvention of our immigrations laws! The government refused this reasoning.

While his achievements are to be admired; his circumvention of the law shouldn't--nor was it.  The story ends as the protagonist is finally apprehended and deported.  Certainly, the conclusion is no cause for celebration, and that is besides the point; nonetheless, the plight of Mr. Derezinski brings to light the real costs, both financial and emotional, of this ongoing struggle.

What Kind of Immigrants Do We Want? 

Notwithstanding Mr. Derezinski's honorable efforts in achieving the American dream, his results are at the expense of violating a most basic law.  While he should be applauded, I guess, for paying his taxes and keeping a job, nothing is mentioned of the cost of pursuing a fugitive of the law for more than a decade.  In the end, it appears that Mr. Derezinski gets it, as all of us should: There are consequences to our decisions despite our most honorable intentions.

Published April 17, 2008 The Wall Street Journal Letters To The Editor by Rick Rodriguez

Watch Rhetoric vs Reality on Illegal Immigration for a balanced view of the issue and its current state (12/2011)

Rick Rodriguez is a writer and is frequently published in opinion/editorial sections in local and national newspapers. Rick, a San Francisco Bay Area native and graduate of Saint Mary's College lives in Danville, California with his two children.  Contact Rick at rrodriguez@pacunion.com or (510) 326-4795.

Follow Rick at:

http://www.rickrodriguez.net/

www.RickRodriguez.typepad.com/The_Rocket

www.RickRodriguez.typepad.com/The_Rodriguez_Report

 

Under the Banner of Heaven by Jon Krakauer Commentary by Rick Rodriguez

Commentary By Rick Rodriguez

I had noticed the title Under the Banner of Heaven by Jon Krakauer for some time at the book store before deciding to purchase it, and frankly I was intrigued for a couple of reasons. The first is I've read Krakauer's other best sellers Into the Wild and Into Thin Air and enjoyed them immensely. The other is in seeking answers to the mysteries of life, for me, religion, and all its varieties, is one that requires ardent examination. In this case, the book analyzes a religion, specifically the Mormon religion, and Krakauer explores, investigates, and excavates deeply into the religion, from its roots including its founder Joseph Smith to Brigham Young, and up to nearly present day.  The book also introduces the contrast of Mormon fundamentalism as interpreted by a pair of brothers that leads to grisly murders committed by the pair!  As with many religions, there are consistencies with other religions, but the most poignant in this book is the contrast of Mormon Fundamentalism and what is the modern day Mormon religion.

The belief that Joseph Smith, is the Prophet is introduced.  “We do not worship [Joseph Smith] the Prophet. We worship God our Eternal Father and the risen Lord Jesus Christ. But we acknowledge the Prophet; we proclaim him; we respect him; we reverence him as an instrument in the hands of the Almighty in restoring to the earth the ancient truths of the divine gospel, together with the priesthood through which the authority of God is exercised in the affairs of His Church and for the blessing of His people” (Gordon B. Hinckley, “Joseph Smith Jr.—Prophet of God, Mighty Servant,” Ensign, Dec 2005, 2–6).  A very strong and interesting proclamation.  However, there are more and some may draw for intriguing debate.  

I suggest the book is worth reading, but it is tough on the Mormon religion. There are some specific themes to the book that are paramount to the work, and frankly some are very violent and unacceptable to mainstream America.  

I appreciate the manner in which Krakauer annotates and cites his commentaries and writing. This gives the reader assurance that his work was not just conjecture or opinion, but heavily researched work. Undoubtedly, in examining his work, a learned reader might conclude the same.  Moreover, I took the time to read the rebuttals, and commentary from representatives of the religion, and here again I believe Krakauer lends credibility to his arguments and research. I suggest you do the same because it gives the opposing perspective, and a chance to engage in a little debate.  Read the New York Times book review to gain an even broader perspective on the book.

Under the banner of heaven is 372 pages.  I read this book on September 2007. 

Rick Rodriguez is a writer and is frequently published in opinion/editorial sections in local and national newspapers. Rick, a San Francisco Bay Area native and graduate of Saint Mary's College lives in Danville, California with his two children.  Contact Rick at rrodriguez@pacunion.com or (510) 326-4795.

Follow Rick at:

http://www.rickrodriguez.net/

www.RickRodriguez.typepad.com/The_Rocket

www.RickRodriguez.typepad.com/The_Rodriguez_Report

110th U.S. Open Pebble Beach, California May 16 & 17 2010 commentary by Rick Rodriguez

Commentary By Rick Rodriguez

Next month the world's best golfers come to Pebble Beach Golf Club for the playing of 110th United States Open. Yesterday, I spent some time at the Pebble Beach Lodge receiving training for my position as a Marshal for the event! I landed a position on the 8th hole and while it will be hard work; my love of golf and a spot inside the ropes, at Pebble Beach no less, will ease the work load!

Here's a view of the hole from the green back to tee box (upper left at cliff edge). This is typically an iron shot for amateurs. Professionals will drive it in the fairway in upper right and down to hole. The 1st time I played this hole I hit in the Pacific, took a drop at the edge of the cliff (center of photo), used a six-iron, hit on the green and 1 putted for a Par! Easy game. Actually, that was really lucky as anyone that plays the game can attest.

It was a short quick trip down to Monterey. The kids enjoyed stopping in at the Monterey Bay Aquarium an almost ritual for us every time we are in town. And, running about on the beach is a constant request, too! This was made easier for me since our room was at the very reasonably priced Best Western situated adjacent to Seaside Beach. I've stayed here numerous times and the rooms, service, and proximity to everything is excellent!

That evening, we had dinner at Little Napoli, a great place for Italian/Seafood cuisine, and I highly recommend stopping in for a great meal. You might even catch Clint Eastwood roaming about the place as I did on my previous visit! Try the II Pescadore (cioppino rosso), a combination of seafood and pasta and go with Pepe's wine selection. I can't wait for another visit to this fine establishment! Oh yes, plan ahead, the venue is small and the wait is sometimes long!!

In the morning, I drove down Highway 1 to Andrew Molera State Park, about 30 minutes from Carmel-by-the-Sea, to explore some new trails. I had previously run a Half-Marathon in the park many years ago. So, in a way it was trip down memory lane! Pushed for time, I took a quick jaunt out to Molera point and along a cliff side trail before heading back. The trail was flat but canopied in some sections and sparsely attended. I was somewhat taken aback by the run off from the Big Sur/Los Padres National Forest down to the Ocean. The flow was brisk, heavy, and relentless. My excursion rewarded me with views of the Pacific, Big Sur, and Andrew Molera State Park. The drive along Highway 1 offers some of the best coastline views in all of California!

According to a friend "it's not how many breaths you take but those moments that take your breath away," and for me this is one of those moments! I can't wait to get back to Pebble Beach!!

RICK RODRIGUEZ is a Real Estate Broker & Property Manager with 27+ years of experience in the real estate busness. Rick, a Bay Area native and graduate of Saint Mary's College, services the San Francisco East Bay Area including the communities in the 680/580 freeway corridors, and Southern Alameda & Southern Contra Costa County. Contact Rick at rrodriguez@pacunion.com or (510) 326-4795.

Follow Rick at:

http://www.rickrodriguez.net/

www.RickRodriguez.typepad.com/The_Rocket

www.RickRodriguez.typepad.com/The_Rodriguez_Report