Man’s build

Are you a fan of Tiger Woods or Phil Mickelson? If you are, you are probably a fan of golf in general, or at least American Golf. There are now some great golfing holidays in America and golfing holidays is one of the fastest growing sector of the travel industry.

Tiger Woods is pretty well a star nationwide, but is considered one of the best athletes in all of American sports history. The reason is because he has dominated like no other person has in any other sport. Michael Jordan is popular for basketball, but it is debatable that Tiger Woods may have made more impact on his sport than Michael Jordan did in basketball.

With that said, Tiger Woods is known for being a powerhouse in the PGA Tour, the premier professional league that is responsible for operations of the professional golf tour.

The PGA championship is a golf tournament held each year. It is one of four major championships and is the last one held in the year. This championship alone carries a purse of $7,000,000. It must be nice to be Tiger Woods, eh? Although dates vary, this championship is typically held in August. The location varies between different courses throughout the United States.

The Masters is also one of the major championships. It is held each year on the same course in Augusta, Georgia. It is also scheduled the same each year for the first weekend of a full week in April. The Masters has a little bit bigger purse with $7,500,000 up for grabs by the professionals.

After the Masters the professional golfers get a month off to rest and then are back at it again in June for the U.S. Open. Much like the PGA championship, the course can vary but courses are supposed to be in a condition that is very difficult to put up good numbers. Tiger Woods broke the Par Record for any U.S. Open in 2000 with -12. The prize money matches that of the PGA championship with $7,000,000.

Last but not least, no one can forget ‘The Open Championship’. This championship is older than any other of the four major championships for men’s golf. Of the four, this is the only one held outside of the United States. The R&A is the organizer of this tournament which is the governing group for golf outside of the United States and Mexico.

The Open Championship is always held one of nine popular and historic courses in the UK. It is also the tournament that has the biggest cash prize of $8,637,720. This purse is given up each year in the month of July.

Again, Tiger Woods is recognized as setting a record of -19 on the course in 2000. This is also the record for all major tournaments in professional men’s golf. Tiger Woods has won this tournament three times. In 2000, 2005, and 2006.

The growth of these golf competitions has encouraged people to come on vacation to America and watch their favourite golf stars compete. In addition many people now take a golf vacation in America and play the sport that they love on their vacation.

Andrew Gibson is MD of Direct Holiday Bookings. It is one of the fastest growing online travel websites for booking holiday homes. To see an example of why Direct Holiday Bookings is growing so rapidly have a look at Holiday Villas.

Direct Holiday Bookings also has a great selection of Holiday Cottages and self catering holiday apartments that can be rented as holiday homes all over the world.

Unfortunately for the purple and gold of the Lakers Jerseys, they fell short to the Boston Celtics of the NBA’s Eastern Conference.

The playoffs started with the #1 seed in the Western Conference as the Lakers finished with a 57-25 record. Their first match in the playoffs was in the form of Allen Iverson, Carmello Anthony and the Denver Nuggets. The Lakers had their way with the Nuggets, winning four straight games- the first two in Los Angeles, the next two in Denver. Game one went 128-114 to the Lakers, as Pau Gasol scored 36 points for the Lakers, and Kobe Bryant added 32. Games two and three were even more of a blowout as the Lakers won game two in Los Angeles- 122-107 and game three in Denver 102-84. The Nuggets game four a good run, but fell short 107-101 in a game in which Kobe poured in 31 more, and Gasol 21. The Lakers were ready to move on to round two.

Round two started well as the Lakers took on the Utah Jazz. In the first two games in Los Angeles the Lakers were easy winners 109-98 and 120-110. Kobe poured in 38 and 34, helped by Gasol’s 18 and 20. The Jazz were led in scoring by up and coming star DeRon Williams, who did all he could scoring 25 and 14, but also added 10 and 9 assists in the first two games. The series would shift to Utah. In Utah, the series quickly became very competitive. In game three, the Lakers lost their first playoff game of the year, ending a 6 game playoff-winning streak. Game 3 went to Utah 104-99, as Carlos Boozer scored 27 points and grabbed 20 rebounds. Boozer, Okur and Williams were not to be denied on this night. Game four ended in another Jazz win, this time in overtime, coming away with a 123-115 win. Bryant scored 33 points on 33 shots. Lamar Odom helped the Lakers out with 26 points and 13 rebounds, but those were not enough, as the Jazz had six players in double figures, to lead them to a win, and a 2-2 series tie. The series then went back to the Staples Center, where the Lakers held on, courtesy of a 30-24 fourth quarter to take the game 111-104 and take a 3-2 series lead. This time it was the Lakers with five guys in double figures, led by Kobe’s 26, and Odom’s 22, the Lakers were now one win from moving on. In game six, the Lakers would have to head back to Salt Lake City where the Jazz were 4-1 in the postseason coming in. This night belonged to the Lakers. After a 33-20 first quarter, and a 62-43 halftime lead, the Lakers held on, despite a 35-22 fourth quarter run from the Jazz to win 108-105 and move on to the Western Conference Finals.

In the Conference Finals, the Lakers once again had the home court advantage, this time to the defending NBA champion- San Antonio Spurs. This series was not really all that close as the Lakers made short work of the Spurs winning in five games. Game one started well for the Spurs, as at halftime they held an 8 point lead, but were not able to hold on, as the Lakers outscored them 24-13 in the fourth quarter to come away with a 89-85 win. Kobe Bryant matched the Spurs Tim Duncan point for point and the Lakers defense did a great job of limited sharp shooter Mano Ginobli to only ten points. Game two, the Spurs had no chance. Winning all four quarters, the Lakers blew out the Spurs 101-71. With five guys in double figures the Lakers once again used their depth to take a 2-0 lead in the series and remain unbeaten at home throughout the postseason. In a must win game three in San Antonio, the Spurs were able to knock off the Lakers, this time winning 103-84. Kobe’s 30 was not enough as Ginobli scored 30 as well, and Tim Duncan added 22 and Tony Parker poured in 20. The Spurs looked to still be in the series. In game four the Lakers were a two-point winner, and game five the Lakers used a 36-29 fourth quarter edge to win the game and the series. Kobe Bryant was once again the star in game five as he scored 39 points, while Pau Gasol added 19 rebounds. The Lakers were once again back in the NBA Finals!

Jonathan Tucker, a fan of the Lakers basketball team, started Lakers Jerseys to enable fans of the Los Angeles Lakers to get the jerseys of their favorite player to show their support for the team.

Basketball is becoming one of the favorite sports of people all throughout the globe. Unlike other sports, basketball is relatively easy to understand. The popularity of the sport led to the formation of the Basketball Hall of Fame. The honor is given to those who have made exceptional contribution to the sport.

One significant character who has been given such honor is Robert Allen McAdoo. His induction in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame happened in 2000.

Before he joined the NBA, McAdoo attended Vincennes Junior College and the University of North Carolina. He already played for the two schools back then. McAdoo led the Tar Heels in the National semifinals. However, they lost to the Florida State.

He qualified for the 1972 NBA draft. He started his career in the National Basketball Association in 1972 when the Buffalo Braves drafted him. He stayed with the team, now the Los Angeles Clippers, for five years until 1977. When he joined the league, he made his presence known by winning the Rookie of the Year award in 1973. He also won the Most Valuable Player award in 1975. He made the NBA All-Star five consecutive times from 1974 to 1978.

During his first few years, he became one of the best big men shooters in the league. In his second season in the NBA, he bagged three shooting titles. In the mid seventies, many basketball enthusiasts would name him as the fastest big man who ever played in the NBA.

However, there were also some down moments in his career. He was injured several times and fans and experts felt that he had only given a mediocre performance.

Many thought that his time has ended in the mid seventies. Many blame this to the other teams he joined. Most of the teams that welcomed him were not among the dominant teams at that time. He played for the New York Knicks after leaving the Braves in 1977. He played for the Boston Celtics in 1979. After that, he played for the Detroit Pistons and New Jersey Nets in 1980 and 1981 respectively.

However, it was not until he joined the LA Lakers that he tasted what it felt like to win NBA titles. He played for the Lakers from 1981 to 1985. Together with other great players, the team earned two NBA titles, one in 1982 and the other in 1985.

After great seasons with the Lakers, he joined the Philadelphia 76ers and played there for a year. From his first team, the Los Angeles Clippers, McAdoo played his last NBA season with the 76ers. However, he did not stop playing basketball.

He played for some European teams after the NBA. In 1990, he played for Olimpia Milano. He led the team in two European Championships. He retired after playing for Teamsystem Fabriano in 1993.

Although there were some point in his career where he felt defeated, McAdoo was able to prove his greatness over and over again. This and more, made him worthy to be part of the Basketball Hall of Fame.

Rick Grantham is an expert on sports equipment, specially on Los Angeles Clippers Merchandise for more information on NBA Merchandise, visit BooYah Village.

I guess we all remember the original Dream Team which dominated all other teams in the 1992 Olympic Games. That team was probably the best basketball team ever and included legendary players such as Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird and many more. They showed everyone where the best basketball in the world was (I guess that still is) played. 1994 and 1996 teams were also great and they captured the gold medals easily. In 2000 Olympics USA team was starting to lose its power. Although they still won the first place, their triumph was not so convincing. As the years went by more and more all-star players refused to play for the national team and USA have not won any major tournament since 2000.

USA basketball team was tested in the 2007 FIBA Americas tournament and it passed the test by beating everyone including Argentina (118-81) on its way to the first place. The lineup featured NBA all stars and they lived up to the expectations. They came up with great individual performances, unselfish teamwork and red hot shooting. That roster has changed but I guess that it has changed for good.

USA will never be able to combine a basketball team which could be compared to 1992 team but this 2008 team looks very impressive. It has everything starting from great defensive players (Tayshaun Prince, Jason Kidd), brilliant passers (Chris Paul, Deron Williams), all star scorers (Kobe Bryant, LeBron James) to super-athletic big men (Dwight Howard, Carlos Boozer). American players always have stronger bodies and greater upsides than their opponents and if Howard will cure his micro-injury then the Howard-Boozer-Bosh frontline is going to look scary. USA must play its best game to recapture the Olympic title and I think that the chances for them are good.

USA plays in group B together with Angola, China, reigning world champion Spain and two qualifiers. 12 teams are still fighting for an Olympic berth and only 3 of them will succeed. The favorites are Greece, Croatia, Germany, Slovenia, Puerto Rico and Brazil, and it is most likely that the two qualifier national teams which will play against USA in group B are going to be among them but we can never know for sure. I doubt that NBA players will meet any difficulties to beat Angola and China is not a very powerful opponent also. China national team has never been able to occupy a position higher than 8th in World Championships or Olympic games. Of course Yao is a serious power in the paint but I would suggest being more afraid of Pau Gasol. Spain is the main rival of the Americans during the group stage and maybe the whole tournament. With its organized playing style Spain is supposed to be a great thread to this NBA all star team and lets not forget about the two qualifiers, maybe USA will have to face Greece - the team which eliminated Americans from the FIBA World Championships just 2 years ago.

And in the end my prediction is that USA will capture the gold medals by beating Argentina with a rather big point margin in the final game. I predict that USA will win every game and the only tight game will be against Spain in group stage. I think that the leading scorer will be Carmelo Anthony; leading rebounder - Dwight Howard; leading passer - Chris Paul. Yes, maybe I am a bit too optimistic but I believe that this year USA will show everyone who rules the basketball world. Good luck!

More information and interesting things about basketball -

http://basketballplace.blogspot.com/

Best wishes, Banderas!

In the Natural Path to Learning Program, you and I are Champions — that’s our job and our responsibility. We are there with our kids as they go grow up. We share their joys and sorrows with them. Exactly what is expected of us in our role as Champion? Let’s take a look.

Years ago, in those days of yore, the weak person (O.K., the Lady in Distress) was allowed to choose a Champion to defend her. This Champion was someone who was able to deal with the situation in a way that the Lady couldn’t because of her status, size, strength, or whatever.

Now, let’s take this up to date. Reese is two years old and he is learning to Read, Write, Spell, and Learn (Arithmetic, History, Science, etc.) simply as a part of his growing up. He has to learn Language Skills in order to operate in the world and he doesn’t have the power or the expertise to learn these skills by himself. He needs help from a caring, knowledgeable, involved adult; a Champion; an Advocate, a Supporter, a Defender, a Guide.

Let’s make this personal; your son or daughter (fill in the blanks) _____________ is ____ years old and there are times when ____________ needs support and/or needs help in learning the necessary skills. ____________ needs a Champion - Guess who that is. That’s right; it’s you.

It’s your job whether you like it or not — whether you know it or not. Since you have the job; wouldn’t you like to be the best possible Champion? That’s what this series of articles is about — how you as a caring, knowledgeable, involved parent can be the best possible Advocate, Supporter, Defender, Guide for your child in his venture into the world. Adults; Parents and Teachers are in this together with the primary goal of helping each and every one of the Kids have a great life experience.

Here are the Champion’s Roles and Responsibilities in Your Child’s Venture:

The Advocate — A person who stands up and speaks for your child so that he is treated fairly and humanly.

The Defender – A person who prevents anyone from physically or psychologically abusing your child.

The Supporter — A person who is there — who cheers your child on in a positive, proactive, and caring way.

The Guide — A person who knows the ways of the game, who helps your child make the correct choices, and who then travels with him as he goes for his goals.

The Expert Champion – A person who is that Advocate, Supporter, Defender, Guide for your child — who can carry out the correct role of Parent in this arena — who learns as much as he can about how children learn — who becomes a partner with him in his growth. We are going to look at the qualifications and the skills needed by the Expert Champion as we go through the NPL Program. Let’s take a look at one of these right now:

Your Child’s Readiness to Learn The skills your child will learn must be in absolute harmony with a) his Physical readiness, e.g., visual discrimination, b) his Psychological readiness, e.g., attention, and c) his Emotional readiness. e.g., ability to take criticism. Many parents try to teach skills to their children that they are not ready or able to learn. Learn what children at the age of your children can do generally and then be alert to the individual readiness of your child. In Psychology 401, we learned that E. L. Thorndike had developed three Laws of Readiness for Learning and how we teachers should work with our kids in the classroom and how we parents should work with our kids on the kitchen table:

# 1. Janet is ready to learn cursive writing and she is allowed to learn it; she will have a happy experience.

# 2. Janet is ready to learn cursive writing and she is not allowed to learn it; she will be frustrated.

# 3. Janet is not ready to learn cursive writing and she is forced to learn it; she will have a negative, perhaps even a traumatic experience.

Number 1 is the ideal situation. Janet is ready to learn; you are ready to have her learn; and everyone is happy.

Number 2 happens quite often. Janet is ready and able to learn — she wants to learn, but someone or something is standing in her way (”We don’t do cursive writing in First Grade.”) and she is feeling unhappy about the whole business.

Number 3 is the really scary one and yet you and I have seen it many times. This is the one that brings out the verbal abuse and insults. Janet is just not able to learn the skills of reading that her parents expect of her and they are not willing for that to be O. K. They keep pushing her, abusing her. “You’re not trying.” “What’s wrong with you?” They’re not willing to wait a little while longer until Janet has developed physically and mentally to the place that she can do the task. Janet has known those traumatic episodes in which Mom and/or Dad pushed and shoved her to do things and being abusive to her, making her feel guilty or an embarrassment to her family when she wasn’t able to do them.

Pierro’s Fourth Law of Readiness We have often wondered why Thorndike stopped after giving those three laws because in the education business this is a 2 x 2 matrix and there has to be a:

# 4. Janet is not ready to learn cursive writing; she is not forced to learn it at this time and that’s O.K. and she’s O.K.

Here we have reasonable, caring parents who accept Janet right where she is and deal with her in terms of what she can do and what she can’t do. They also waited patiently for her to take her first steps, to be able to use the bathroom by herself, to speak her first words, etc.

Well, there are a lot of other jobs to be done and skills to be learned by us Expert Champions and I’m sure you’re Ready (and hopefully, Eager) to get to them. That is the topic for our next article. In the meantime, enjoy your Pat or Dale or whomever just as we are enjoying our Reese.

Peter S. Pierro, EdD parentscoachesasteam.com

Dr. Peter Pierro is a coach and parent who is concerned about how our young athletes are treated by their coaches and parents. He has degrees in Psychology, History, and Education from Northern Illinois University. He played professional softball, semi-pro baseball, college basketball, and with an all-star U.S. Navy basketball team. He coached jr./sr. high school basketball, a women’s softball team, a 12 and under boys baseball team, and was commissioner of a boys baseball league. He has been a consultant/contributor to the Amateur Softball Association and the Oklahoma Soccer Association.Dr. Pierro has taught in elementary, junior and senior high schools and has been Professor of Education at Elmhurst College and Oklahoma University.

You may reach him at his website http://www.parentscoachesasteam.com or e-mail him at ppierro@cox.net