Man’s build

The Costa Daurada coastline, situated on the Mediterranean coastline in the south of Catalonia, is one of the most popular destinations in Spain for family holidays. The spectacular coastline stretches for 216km, with 786 hectares of extensive, clean, sandy beaches that sweep down to meet a clean, clear, shallow sea, safe for young children and elderly swimmers alike.

Visitors to the area can also enjoy the expanse of flat plains that sit in between the coastline and mountains inland; these play home to tranquil villages, vineyards, olive groves, and other locally grown crops such as hazelnut, almonds and carob.

However, it is Costa Daurada’s beaches which provide the main draw. Torredembarra, a beach of almost 3000m in length, blessed with fine, golden sand and a calm sea is admired for its unspoiled setting and lush vegetation with small dunes that reach right up to the beach.

Salou, a blue flag beach, is one of the best known on the Costa Daurada. Visitors are well catered for, with plenty of facilities such as showers, sun loungers, large car parks, shops, cafes, restaurants, all dotted with palm tree plantations.

The smaller and slightly more secluded beach of L’Ampolla is just 300 meters long and offers a more peaceful retreat, whilst still offering visitors all the services and facilities needed such as a life guard service, hire of pedal boats, and open air bars and cafes.

Families who wish to explore the local history and culture will find a visit to the town of Tarragona a very worthwhile trip. Here can be found, the 12th century monastery of Poblet, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as the Circo Romano (Roman Circus) which was built during the end of 1AD and was used for events such as chariot races until its demise in the 5th century.

Families will find plenty of fun in the waterpark Aquopolis - which offers a full range of aquatic attractions such as flumes, slides, river rapids, a wave pool, a hydrotherapy pool and an area for small children. There is also a family fun games area with mini-golf, bumper boats and a sea park zone with dolphins and sea lions.

For the more adventurous family outing, outdoor activities are in abundance with gorge scrambling, mountain biking, caving, hiking, canoeing excursions, bungee jumping, archery, fishing, hang gliding, paintballing, quad-biking and boating all on offer in the area.

There is plenty of family friendly accommodation in Costa Daurada ranging from campsites, to self-catering apartments, to fully catered five star hotels, so visitors will have no trouble arranging a place to stay which is within their budget.

With plenty to keep the kids happy, yet something for mum and dad too, it’s little wonder that the Costa Daurada remains such a popular family destination with holidaying Brits.

Elisha Burberry is an online, freelance journalist and keen traveller and watersports enthusiast. Originally from Scotland, she now resides in London.

Operation Timeline:

Registration: 0800

Sniper Briefing: 0830

Sniper Deployment: 0900

Scenario Briefing: 0900

Mission Start (H-Hour): 1000

Chow: 1300

Resume Operations: 1400

Final Mission: 1600

Cease Operations: 1700

Awards Ceremony: 1730

The Scenario

After three years of open combat, and twenty years of cautious peace, Serbia and Bosnia find themselves engaged in war yet again.

Two years of warfare finds both factions have grown weary of the constant battle. Each side has determined that peace is the only option for their continued survival. A peace treaty location was decided and the armies have stood down in a cease fire to allow the talks to take place.

A Bosnian dissident has determined that peace will mean the end of their way of life. This commander has set up a team to assassinate the leader of the Serb negotiation delegation, Geco Boscovich. Serb spies soon learn of this plan. The Serbian commander then decided to fight fire with fire. He sends his own sniper team(s) out to eliminate the opposing leader, Mile Sablic.

The simultaneous ambush sparks both standing armies into action. Montenegro is the ultimate goal to gain a valuable port.

U.S. Army 2nd Ranger Battalion has been sent in to help defend the Montenegrin capitol. A small squad is caught in the midst of this sudden explosion of action.

The country side is littered with unexpended ordnance and old mines. Some of this material is usable, but some of it is unstable.

It is now time to bring this conflict into resolution by the ultimate test of combat. Ready your army and prove your worth in the trial of combat…

Rules:

All players will carry casualty cards to determine their injuries when hit. See medic rules below.

Snipers will deploy at H minus 1 and will move into position and setup a sniper hide to eliminate a predetermined high value target (HVT). Snipers will be given an intel packet and special colored paint. They will have a photo, the location and a time estimate of the HVT’s arrival. Special points will be awarded for the assassination of the HVT. See Sniper Rules Below.

At H-Hour, teams will begin their movement from their specified starting locations and will patrol to their assigned staging area.

Generals will control a floating Casualty Collection Point (CCP) for hit personnel to go to and receive first aid.

Upon arrival at the staging area, general’s will deploy assault teams to capture the negotiation meeting place, the Communications array, the main objective (Montenegro) and the other teams Staging Area if they wish.

When capturing the Communications array, a team must hold and fly their team flag for 5 minutes to gain/regain air superiority. Generals who have air superiority will then be able to perform close air support with the use of an AC-130 Spectre Gunship and MH-6 Littlebirds.

Teams must fight for control of these 4 objectives: Staging Areas, Negotiation Meeting Place, Communications Array and Montenegro.

Throughout the day there will be referees who will award team members with Teamwork commendations for outstanding actions and sportsmanship.

Paint, air and food should be carried on the players in rucksacks. It will be difficult to return back to your vehicles. Chow will be at 13:00 and players will eat at their current positions.

Medic Rules: Each player will be given a SEALED casualty card. ONLY THE MEDIC IS ALLOWED TO OPEN THE CASUALTY CARD. The medic will be the Referee assigned to your CCP. Any player who is found opening their casualty card will receive 5 Penalty points. Once a player is hit, they must move immediately to their CCP for first aid. The medic will then assess the casualty by opening their casualty card. Wounded players will be able to immediately deploy back into the scenario. Killed in Action (KIA) players will remain at the CCP until the next reinsertion is announced.

Sniper Rules: If you are or plan on being a sniper, this will determine if you ever want to be a real sniper. This will also dispel any myth that there are no snipers in paintball. Snipers, you have one target and one target only. Once you receive your intel packet, you will deploy one hour early to establish your sniper position to engage your high value target at the specified location and time. Your sole mission is to NOT compromise your position and eliminate the HVT. You could have the full battle all around you and you must maintain your discipline and wait for your one shot. You may feed your team intel. Your mission success could drastically win the scenario for your team. You will receive special colored paint from the Bad Karma staff. At the time of the arrival of the HVT, you will then determine how you wish to engage. Remember, he won’t be there long!

Helicopter Rules: THERE IS NO FIRING MARKERS AT HELICOPTERS OR OCCUPANTS. The only way to shoot down a helicopter is with a LAW or RPG (Nerf Rockets). A helicopter is designated by the pilot with the ORANGE helicopter symbol above his head. ONLY 6 Troops and 1 Pilot allowed per helicopter. Once your team is given a HELO Operation, a pilot and up to 6 passengers should be assigned. A helicopter is in flight when the pilot is standing and/or walking. A helicopter is landed when the pilot takes a knee. There is NO embarking, disembarking or shooting while the helicopter is in flight. All passengers must have one hand on the shoulder of the person in front of them. Any rocket hit to the pilot or passengers will shoot down the helicopter and all occupants are eliminated.

The Final mission will begin at 1600 hours and will be an all out assault for control of Montenegro.

At 1700, the scenario will cease and teamwork points will be tallied. The team with the most points will win.

Teamwork Points:

Teams start out with 5 teamwork points. Throughout the scenario they will receive teamwork points based on on-the-spot commendations.

Teamwork Penalty: -5pt

Teamwork commendation: 5pt

Objective Points:

YOUR Staging Area: 1pt for every 5 minutes

ENEMY Staging Area: 10pts for every 5 Minutes

Montenegro: 5pts for every 5 minutes

Personnel Points:

Enemy Casualty: 1pt

Sniper Points:

HVT Body Shot: 100 points

HVT Head Shot: 150 Points

Suggested Packing List:

* Your regular paintball setup

* WATER (You must have a way to carry your water on you for the duration of the day)

* Come with a FULL Air Tank (Air will be provided, however, time will be saved if everyone comes with a full tank)

* All the paint you can carry (Resupply options will be limited. Don’t expect to be able to refill pods every 15 minutes)

* Lunch (Be sure to pack a lunch that you will carry with you. At 1300 hrs game play will cease and you will eat at your location)

* Radio (Your team will benefit from as many radios as possible to coordinate movement and assaults)

* LAW or RPG (Nerf Rocket Launcher)

*The information above is subject to change prior to and during the event as safety and game play warrants; solely at the discretion of event organizers. The goal of this event is to provide a fun and safe paintball experience for all players.

http://www.teambadkarma.com

Levi Lauck - Midvale, UT. For grandfather clocks and/or cuckoo clocks please visit grandticktock.com.

After eight long years without a gold medal the redeemed USA basketball team has finally achieved the precious medal. The hard work of both Coach Mike Krzyzewki and director Jerry Colangelo turned out very well as now the team has an exceptional defense, a solid team spirit and a common goal like never before. All players are one hundred percent committed and they all want to exceed the expectations and be once again at the top of the world in the sport of basketball.

Despite the advantage the US team had in the first seven games scheduled totaling 30 points, the championship game against the European giant Spain was a major challenge. The defending champion never yield or set back an inch during the entire game. Spain played the US team as an ordinary team not one with NBA stars who have worldwide recognition. The Spaniards had many opportunities to win but their Americans rivals knew what they were doing and offered an incredible game. The American defense was a nightmare for the Spaniard players who had no chance to reassess and this is how they played until the very end.

The game offered so much to the public that so far it is considered the best basketball game in the Olympics history by many fans, the media, coaches and especially the players who enjoyed it most. The best U.S players were Dwyane Wade who scored 27 points and Kobe Bryant with 20 points. While Spain’s point guard the young Ricky Rubi was absolutely amazing with only 17 years of age he proved he can played at that high level.

On the other hand, Spain’s Rudy Fernandez had an amazing game with 22 points while and Pau Gazol who currently plays for the LA Lakers added 21 points. No doubt all players gave their best to become the top Olympic basketball winners.

Coach K stated they worked very hard for 36 days, from the training sessions to the final game at the Olympics. Coach K knew they had to do dramatic changes and one of them was to put together not an All-Star team but instead players who would commit with their time and energy in order to get the U.S team back on track. Coach Krzyzewski’s work was just more mental than physical and he achieved his main goal to set the team on a winning mode as all players showed talent, capability and mental strength. It has been mentioned Coach K will remain with the team for another four years.

“We showed great characters in the tournament, maybe the greatest in the international basketball history. No other team had the same characters as us because if we don’t have them, we won’t be here at the top of the world” said Coach K.

Close to end there were some technical fouls and mistakes made by the Spaniards that the Americans took advantage of to win with a final score of 118-107 and the gold medals around their necks.

About the Author

Ally White has been a prominent writer on Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, sport news and the online betting industry for many exceptional sport web sites. You may reprint this article in its full content, please note no modifications to it are accepted.

It really is a funny thing about competition. We adults are on our Kids’ back about, “Go out there and COMPETE.” “It’s a Dog eat Dog world out there in the “Real World” and you have to be the Winner.” However, when we adults choose to Compete (and more often we choose not to Compete) we are very clear about when and how we are going to do that. We want to win at least some of the time. It’s easy to say, “Always play someone better than you so that you will improve” but getting beat in 25 straight tennis matches to Jane is not a lot of fun - we have to win sometimes. In order to do that we set up some very distinct rules that must be followed so that we can compete fairly and safely. We do this while we often expect our Kids to get out there and take some real risks.

Let’s look at the ultimate sports model, The Big League Model, and then examine the options that we have created for us adults in our later years.

The Big League Model — This is the model, the model most people have in mind when they talk about Competition. This is the model that is used effectively to produce professional athletes. We start children off in baseball in Little League or Bambino League, Babe Ruth League, American Legion Baseball. They play in high school, in college, in the minors and finally the best make it into the Majors. Throughout this process, those who don’t measure up are dropped out or eliminate themselves. If you’re not good enough, you’re cut from the squad.

In using this model with our teams, we have to separate the players, those who belong, from the non-players, those who don’t belong. Don’t let the poor players get in the way of the progress of the good players. If they can’t cut it, they’re history.

Is winning important for these players? You bet, and it’s OK for the developing of the elite few.

And, in the real world, very few of us compete that way — most of us are in the stands cheering for those who are representing us. As for us, we have our own ideas about “Competing in The Games.” Here are some of those models:

Option #1 –The Flight Model Each year many golf and tennis clubs have championship matches. Some of them set up ‘flights.’ The best 16 players are in the Championship Flight, the next 16 in the First Flight, the next 16 in the Second Flight, and so on until all members of the club are included and everyone is competing at a level at which he can win. Everyone can be a winner — in his flight. Is winning important to these participants? It sure is for some of them, even in the last Flight.

Option #2 — The Handicapping Model The team I bowl on now is in a league that uses handicaps. If my team averages 750 and yours averages 765, you have to give me a ’spot’ or ‘handicap.’ Usually this is 2/3 of the difference, so your team gives my team a 10 pin spot per game. This makes the competition ‘fairer’ than would a head-to-head contest — my team, the poorer, has a better chance to win.

In golf, too. I’ve played golf with some ‘Competitors’ like Joe and here’s what happens on the first tee. I suggest we have a small bet, “Let’s play for a quarter a hole.” (I’m a real gambler). Joe says, “O.K. My handicap is 18, what’s yours?” I reply, “I’m a 14, so I’ll give you a stroke on the 3rd, 6th, 11th, and 15th holes.” (The course even rates the difficulty of the holes so that I can give him a stroke on the four toughest holes) That settles that — everyone is pleased about the arrangement and we can tee off — Joe, the poorer player has a better chance to be the winner — to beat me.

Is Winning important to these participants? Yes, and we can keep on living if we lose.

Option #3 — The Different Leagues Model We have softball games going on all over town here in Oklahoma City (as in the rest of the country). There are some really high level games being played by some serious adults in town leagues. Then we have Church Leagues and a lot of people who can’t compete in the town leagues have a lot of fun playing. And a lot of these are co-ed making them even more fun. And we even have some Senior Citizen Leagues and they are fantastic. We compete in the league that matches our abilities.

Is winning important for all these players? Yes, but who cares; we’re having too much fun.

Option #4 — The Road Race Model. There are many road races open to the public in large cities; the Boston and New York Marathons; and in small cities like the 10K race in Oglesby, Illinois. Anyone who wants can enter.

There are the stars going for #1. There are those trying to improve on their PR (Personal Record) There is your third cousin, Sandy, going for the fun of it.There are the friends going along to support their friends. There are disabled and aged people competing. No one is eliminated; the lights are left on for the late finishers. Participants are successful or unsuccessful according to their own goals, their expectations, or their PR. Is winning important to these participants.? To some, it’s crucial. To most of them, winning is not even a consideration.Option #5 — The Best of Them All We choose to play tennis, chess, golf, and many other games and sports with people whose abilities are fairly close to ours. You and your spouse can win some bridge games against the Molinos so you play with them and similarly gifted couples. In the same way, you don’t want to play the Graysons every Thursday night. Repeating myself, losing all the time is no fun.

Is winning important to these participants? Sure, and it must be kept in perspective.

An Ultimate Model for Kids — The Special Olympic philosophy respects each person regardless of his/her disability. When you watch a Special Olympics, you see each person doing his best in whatever event he has chosen. Each contestant is acknowledged for his efforts. Everyone is a winner — winning is the reward for risking and participating. We Adults like this and we should.”

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.