Introductions

Over the past two decades the game of basketball has evolved dramatically from a predominantly American sport to a globally popularized game that brings in audiences, and players, from around the world. Following the example of American teams, pro basketball leagues have developed in Europe, Asia and South America. As these foreign leagues have grown, American coaches and recruiters have taken notice. Now foreign talent makes up sixteen percent of the National Basketball Association roster, up from only six percent in the early 1990's. As basketball's foreign influence increases, this transition of basketball to a global sport is aided by the growth in television coverage and the support of corporate sponsors. As the games become more widely televised, people around the world are able to tune in and watch their favorite teams compete, creating a global network of fans. Corporate sponors also play a large role in the spread of basketball as they fund the teams, providing arenas to play in, uniforms and transportation expenses in exchange for broadcasted advertisements, player endorsements, and the use of their logos on team equipment. However, as foreign players, television and corporations have pushed basketball into an increasingly globalized sport, this will eventually lead to the loss of an American identity associated with the game and less localized unity in fan followings.


The move from pre-professional basketball to the National Basketball Association would be a leap for any player, but the culture shock was greater than most for foreign player Dirk Nowitzki of the Dallas Mavericks. The seven-foot player from Germany is among a growing group of foreign basketball players who are making the transition from the European leagues to the American NBA teams. A record 65 players from 34 countries outside the U.S. are playing in the NBA as of 2003, and the numbers are only expected to grow. Along with increased foreign talent and leagues, the growth of television and the funding of corporate sponsors has led to the globalization of the game and the expectation for future expansion; however, as basketball transitions from a uniquely American sport to a world sport, this will inevitably lead to the loss of American identity associated with the game, and the loss of localized fan bases.

Sources for Global Warming

Search Topic: Global Warming

Source #1
Title: A New Variable for Climate Change Study and Implications for the Built Environment
Authors: Wan, Kevin K.W. ; Cheung, K.L. ; Yang Liu ; Lam, Joseph C.
Source: Renewable Energy: An International Journal
Database: Academic Search Premier

This article/source is very credible. It is information compiled by a group of credible and legitimate authors for an academic international journal written on the broader subject of global warming. The article is a presentation of studies conducted on the effects of global warming on architecture and has thorough data to back up the findings and arguments.

Source #2
Encyclopedia Brittannica Online
Subject: Global warming

This source has some credibility but it is a general source that cannot be relied on to have comprehensive and up-to-date accuracy on the topic. It is useful for background research but should not be cited as a main source for study and research on global warming (or any other research topic).

Source #3
Title: Cold Facts on Global Warming
Site: Blog article

This source is not a credible source. As a blog site a person can say anything they want about a topic leading to biased information and a mixture of fact, myth and opinion. This should not be used as a credible source for the gathering of information and research.

He must be a good president if he likes the elderly!

In the 1996 presidential campaign ad for President Bill Clinton, running for a second term of office against Bob Dole, the advertisers use inspirational music, clips of women, children and the elderly, and facts to present a persuasive promotion for Clinton's re-election. Already experienced as President for one term, the advertisement emphasizes the good that Clinton has accomplished while in office, listing tax cuts, welfare reforms, and education and work projects to appeal to his credibility. These facts fade in over pictures of smiling women and children with upturned faces, and clips of Clinton mingling with the elderly and disabled. These pictures, paired with favorable statistics and inspirational and patriotic music appeal to the emotions of the audience, who is already aware of how Clinton performs as president. This ad tries to point out all the positive things Clinton has done in office with an emotional appeal to persuade voters who might not be sure they liked Clinton's presidency. The ad appeals to those who are maybe on the fence over which side to vote for, and tries to engage their emotions by presenting Clinton in a positive light as a man who is capable, compassionate and effective. I think this ad was effective towards its audience by combining a logical appeal with an emotionally engaging presentation.

Persuading Men to Come Closer to God

In the 178th Semi-Annual General Conference in April 2008, Elder Gerald N. Lund of the Quorum of the Seventy gave a talk titled "Opening Our Hearts" where he applied rhetorical tools to present a more persuasive and effective address. His talk relied mostly on ethos, while utilizing rhetorical questions to gain credibility and emphasize his points.

In the opening of his address, Elder Lund quotes Nephi and the Apostle Paul concerning the nature of the Holy Ghost and its importance in our lives. Because the audience are the members of the Church, this direct quotation and reference to the scriptures establishes his credibility as a speaker on this topic and gives added strength to his points. Elder Lund then continues directly after his scriptural references to ask two rhetorical questions in succession. This focuses the direction of the talk and adds emphasis to the point he is about to make. He then quotes President Boyd K. Packer, the leader of the Twelve Apostles of the Church, further strengthening his credibility and therefore his "argument."

The rest of Elder Lund's talk is filled with scriptural references and quotations, as he makes direct mention of such ancient and latter-day prophets and leaders as Alma, Mormon, Elder David A. Bednar, Joseph Smith Jr., the Psalmist, and even Jesus Christ. Clearly his talk is most significantly based on ethos, as Elder Lund quotes many of the greatest leaders of the Church, including Christ, the most credible reference one can make. Add to these frequent rhetorical questions to emphasize areas of his talk and drive his points home, and his talk becomes focused and credible. Addressed to such an audience as the members of the Church attending General Conference, his use of rhetorical tools, namely ethos, was effective to relaying his message and convincing his audience to draw closer to the Lord and His Spirit, the ultimate object of his talk.

The Waste-Not Trash Disposal! From trash can to treasure!

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Hometown Nostalgia

Newfields, New Hampshire. To most, this name probably doesn't ring any bells. No surprise there. The small town of Newfields, New Hampshire boasts a population of about 1,550, and an area of about seven square miles. However, I believe that its small size is one of the best qualities about my hometown, along with its scenic, and strategic location and old patriotic history--finding its roots back to the Revolutionary War.

Although Newfields is not what one might call a "thriving metropolis," its size is one of my favorite parts about it. Let me explain. No, there is no shopping mall, or even sidewalks (except on main street...which is about two blocks) but there is a sense of community and familiarity that is often not found in larger towns and cities. I think the best descripition of Newfields would have to be "quaint." There is one gas station, practically outside of the town boundaries, a small town hall--where many functions are held, including the pre-school's holiday productions--a country store, and an elementary school of K-5 with about 150 kids. Now, this may sound rather appalling to you city dwellers, but I've found that I prefer the small-town atmosphere to the anonymity of a larger community. In Newfields I feel like I am needed, and that when I participate in town functions, such as our small Memorial Day parade, and the town Christmas party--complete with hot chocolate and hay rides behind a horse-drawn wagon--I am a part of a larger family. My mom seems to know half the town just from volunteering (and now working) as an assistant teacher at the elementary school. Parents will come up to me when I go to my little sister's soccer games and talk to me about school, sports and my life, because of something my mom told them. They'll say something like, "Oh, so you're Charisse Thompson's daughter right? Congratulations on your basketball team's win the other night!" In high school I was not popular--I had friends, don't misunderstand me, but I wasn't class president or anything, so I had a certain degree of anonymity. However, in my town, any minor achievement in my life would be acknowledged--I felt that what I did mattered, and that it was reflected on my community. These kinds of relationships and this feeling of unity is not found everywhere, and it is one of the main reasons I love my hometown.

In addition to its small size, Newfields has, what I believe is, the perfect location. Five minutes from historic Exeter, New Hampshire, fifteen minutes from the beach, and an hour away from the mountains to the north, and Boston to the south, Newfields is in reach of everything. In essence, Newfields is a small-town community with big-town resources. If I feel the need to get out of my little town to do some shopping I can go to several malls within an hour from my house, I can go to Boston for the day--just a quick jaunt down the interstate--or do a little shopping in downtown Exeter, just five minutes away. Or, if I want some real excitement, there is a water park twenty mintues away, and Six Flaggs New England is a couple hours away in Massachusettes. However, the real draw would have to be the beach. Hampton Beach is just fifteen minutes away, with great sand and great weather, and the Maine beaches are only about an hour or two away across the bay. In Newfields I get to enjoy all that Seacoast New Hampshire has to offer, and am still able to drive to a ski resort in the mountains to the north. Who could ask for anything more? Beach in the summer. Skiing in the winter. Beautiful New England weather and all four seasons. If you've ever seen New Hampshire in the Fall then you will understand why I love it so much. The whole world seems to erupt in vibrant reds, oranges and yellows, sometimes so bright that the tress look as if they are on fire. Even the smell of Fall permeates the air, crisp and poignant, like the surrounding trees. And when winter comes, everything turns into a white wonderland, the trees frozen works of art in their own right. Then, when Spring emerges from its white blanket, everything turns green. And not the dull greens you find in the West, but bright greens, that seep into every blade of grass and every leaf. On bright sunny days, the colors are so vibrant you find yourself shocked into speechlessness. It is no wonder why there are so many people who come to admire my home.

Along with its perfect size and awesome location, Newfields also boasts roots dating back to the Revolution. Settled in 1638, it used to be part of Exeter, which is also famous for its history, including having one of the original copies of the Declaration of Indepence which was given to the first 13 states. Newfields is also near Portsmouth, New Hampshire, another historic town, which is the oldest port in the nation, and where The Treaty of Portsmouth was signed, ending the Russo-Japanese War. Not only is it at the heart of the Revolution and other historic events, Newfields has its own unique history, with the oldest privately-owned bottling company in the nation. Now, this may sound trivial to you, but the Conner Bottling Company has been bottling its own homemade Squamscott soda since 1863, and is still using equipment from the 1930's. A local business run inside a converted barn behind the Conner home, it is one of the last privately-owned bottling companies anywhere in the country. With its Revolutionary foundings, and longstanding local businesses, Newfields has a unique and proud history.

In essence, Newfields is the epitome of hometowns. It has everything to offer, from a close community, with a deep and patriotic history, to its perfect location near the city, the beach, and the mountains, along with its awe-inspiring seasons. Provo is a nice place, but relative to Newfields, New Hampshire, it doesn't hold a candle to it. Case and point: Newfields is amazing, and if you've never been there, or at least to the lovely Seacoast New Hampshire, then it is high time you get off your butt and visit.

And the rules shall set you free....

Some students are upset by Brigham Young University's housing policies concerning dorm parties and activities. The university requires students living in Heritage Halls to get permission from the Hall Advisor to host any dorm parties or events prior to their planning. While some students are indignant about these rules, claiming them to be restrictive and unreasonable, in truth they are for the benefit of the students and the protection of university property. By requiring the permission of the Residence Hall Advisor, the university ensures that the event will be appropriate and in accordance to university policy--namely the Honor Code. When my roomates and I attempted to promote a dance party in our kitchen, we were told by our R.A. that we had to get permission from the Hall Advisor. At first, we were frustrated and upset by this news; however, after having a Hall Meeting, our Hall Advisor laid out the reasons for such a rule which were not as ridiculous as we had assumed. She explained that all we had to do to host a dance party was to bring a list of the songs we wanted to play so that she could approve them as appropriate music in accordance with the BYU Honor Code, and that as long as we respected university property, we could be confident that she would approve such an event. By so doing we could be assured that we were not breaking other rules under the Honor Code, and that those present would not be compromising their standards either. Although the process may seem more tedious than one might like, the rules concerning dorm parties are in actuality there to be as insurance for the university and for the students in maintaining a community of integrity and a place where students can enjoy wholesome company without worrying about compromising their standards.

My Least Favorite Thing About BYU

My least favorite aspect of Brigham Young University are the strict rules concerning dorm "parties" or activities such as watching a movie or having a "dance party." Through my own personal experience and those of my friends and roomates, I have learned that due to certain Brigham Young University Housing policies, residents, at least in Heritage Halls, are not allowed to plan gatherings or parties without prior notification to the Hall Advisor. Not only must parties--even as innocent as a small "dance party" in my own kitchen--be planned officially through a housing administrator, but there can be no visual or public advertising to promote the event. All information concerning parties or events must be spread through word of mouth.

Along with these strict restrictions on simple friendly gatherings, students of Heritage Halls are also forbidden to watch movies on the televisions provided in their apartment lobbies due to so-called copyright laws, despite the fact that they would be viewing the films in a private building, on a private campus, and without admission fees. One of my own good friends, Kathryn Hansen, also a resident of Heritage Halls, said that she and her roomates were planning to watch a movie with the other girls in the apartment as an occasion to meet new housemates and enjoy a wholesome film on their television. However, due to reasons aforementioned, their Hall Advisor banned the event and the movie night was canceled.

Among other things, Brigham Young University is known for its friendly atmosphere and the wholesome attributes of its students. However, if its own students are forbidden to socialize at such events as a dorm movie night, or even a casual dance party in a kitchen, how is that conducive to a friendly and social atmosphere when students cannot even use these occasions to meet one another and form lasting ties and friendships? If students at Brigham Young University were trusted with more freedom and rights within their own residence halls, I think the overall feeling of community and friendship would increase as dorms and roomates socialized and made connections with one another. Brigham Young University should enact a more lenient policy toward social gatherings in dorms and appartments.