Author: Sarah Vogel

Turkish Basketball Players to See More Action in 2024-2025 Basketball Super League

A Meritking sports news reflects on the play-in format and new rules for foreign players, introduced by the
Turkish Basketball Federation (TBF). According to TBF President Hidayet Türkoğlu, the changes that will start in the forthcoming 2024-2025 season will enable Turkish basketball players to play longer in the Turkey Insurance Basketball Super League.

Basketball Players in shadowsOn that note, the Meritking sports news reported that the TBF President expressed optimism that the Basketbol Süper Ligi season from October 2024 to June 2025 will be more exciting in light of the changes. Türkoğlu spoke at the fixture draw at the Basketball Development Center to share his thoughts about the new TBF foreign player policy that was announced in May 2024.

Instead of the previously allowed five (5) non-Turkish players that BSL basketball teams use per game, the new rule will now allow teams to use 3 foreign players per game. Actually, before the 2018-2019 season, the Turkish BSL allowed teams to register up to 8 foreign players and field 6 of such players in a single basketball game. This was later amended for the 2018-2019 season to 10 and 5 respectively.

Now the latest foreign player numbers allowed in Turkish BSL starting the 2024-2025 season are 4 and 3. Apparently, Turkish BSL teams will be able to register only 7 foreign players and use only 3 per game. Türkoğlu is optimistic that these latest foreign player rules will improve the quality and visibility of the BSL games.

Increase player participation in amesThe TBF president said they decided on the 4 + 3
rule after consulting with the basketball clubs. They preferred to give Turkish players more playing time and opportunities on the court. Türkoğlu said

”We are looking to have successful periods for both the SBL clubs and the national team. Increasing the presence of Turkish players is necessary, especially in crucial moments and at the playoffs and final series. Doing so will enhance the quality and excitement of the league’s games.”

About the BSL’s Current Play-In Format

Basketball Super League (BSL) is the top division of Turkish basketball league system for the men’s professional basketball. The 2024-2025 play-in format is for the16 basketball teams that will compete in the Regular Season, in the Play-Offs and in the Final Series.

The teams that will land the top 8 positions upon completing the Regular Season will advance to the playoffs.

The team that finishes the Quarter Finals by winning the best of 3 games will advance to the Semi-Final games.

Thereafter the teams that win the best of five in the Semi-Finals will compete in the Final series.

The team that wins the best of 5 in the Final Series will become the season’s BSL Champion.

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Why Addressing Environmental Problems in America is a Political Matter

America stands at a crossroads, where the environmental challenges of our time demand swift and decisive action. The fate of our planet is intertwined with the political decisions made within our borders, and it is imperative that we recognize the inherent connection between environmental issues and the realm of politics. In this article, we will delve into the complex interplay between environmental problems and the political landscape in America, shedding light on the crucial role that politics plays in shaping the future of our environment.

The Collision of Interests

Environmental Concerns vs. Economic Interests

One of the central challenges in addressing environmental problems in America is the constant clash between environmental concerns and economic interests. While preserving the environment often requires stringent regulations and resource conservation, these measures can be seen as impediments to economic growth. This tension has given rise to a political battleground where policymakers must navigate between the need for environmental protection and the desire for economic prosperity.

Ideological Divides

Ideological divides within American politics further complicate the environmental landscape. Environmental issues are often framed as partisan topics, with differing views on the role of government intervention and regulation. Democrats tend to advocate for stronger environmental protections, while Republicans often prioritize deregulation and economic growth. These ideological differences have profound implications for the development and implementation of environmental policies.

The Power of Special Interests

Lobbying and Campaign Contributions

The influence of special interest groups, particularly those representing industries with a significant environmental footprint, cannot be underestimated. Lobbying efforts and campaign contributions from fossil fuel, manufacturing, and agricultural sectors have swayed political decisions on environmental matters. The financial clout of these interest groups often shapes the direction of environmental policies, leading to compromises that may favor short-term economic gains over long-term environmental sustainability.

Public Opinion and Political Will

Mobilizing the Electorate

Public opinion plays a pivotal role in the political response to environmental issues. When the electorate is impassioned about environmental concerns, it can drive politicians to take action. Grassroots movements, such as the youth-led climate strikes and environmental advocacy groups, have successfully raised awareness and pressured politicians to prioritize environmental issues.

Election Cycles and Short-Term Focus

However, the political landscape is also marked by the short-term focus inherent in election cycles. Politicians may prioritize issues that resonate with voters in the immediate term, often neglecting long-term environmental challenges that require sustained effort. As a result, addressing environmental problems can become secondary to winning the next election.

International Implications

America’s Global Responsibility

Environmental problems extend beyond national borders, and America’s approach to these issues carries significant international implications. As one of the world’s largest carbon emitters and a global economic powerhouse, the United States has a moral responsibility to lead by example and contribute to global efforts to combat climate change. Political decisions made within America have far-reaching consequences on the health of the planet and the stability of international relations.

Conclusion

In the complex tapestry of American politics, environmental problems are not isolated challenges but integral components of the political landscape. The collision of interests, the power of special interests, public opinion, and international implications all converge to make environmental issues a political matter of utmost importance. To address these challenges effectively, it is essential that we recognize the interconnectedness of politics and the environment and advocate for informed, responsible, and sustainable political decisions that safeguard our planet for future generations. The future of our environment is not just an environmental issue; it is a political imperative.

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Should Young People be Encouraged to Join Online Political Communities?

Young people becoming members of an online political party community is rare, because they prefer to read and share political news only for information. Apparently, there’s already much discussions about politics at home, in news media outlets and in townhalls where adults meet for community projects.
Not a few social behavior experts believe that it’s alright for the youth to just stick to online communities dedicated to their favorite games.

Although they tend to be exposed to inflammatory language and personal insults, many have learned to take such behaviors with a grain of salt, since they are all part of the gaming culture.

Online Political Communities Can Be Used for Different Motives

Political online communities however can have different motives in bringing like-minded people together. While an online community for a specific political party gives affiliated voters a dedicated space to use in weighing in the qualities of their party’s nominees, not all politically oriented communities function as tools for democratic processes.

Online political communities may be formed by far right or far left groups. Meetings and discussion focus on rallying members to participate in movements that promote their ideologies amidst a democratic form of society. The detriments of these types of political online communities is that some members acted on their own to launch violent actions. Others use their political online space in sending out secret messages as a means to gather large groups of people, as was the case in the January 06, 2021 Capitol Hill riot.

In some cases, online political communities are also used in spreading misinformation and conspiracy theories merely to influence or destroy the integrity of well-meaning government projects. As a result, they hinder the carrying out of public initiatives designed to work for the good all.

Online Political Communities Used by Some Governments to Stop Oppositionists

While young people throughout the globe have access to a broad range of political topics affecting their respective country, they can become targets of the so-called red tag movements. In some European and Asian countries, young people comprising college students, university or college professors, art activists and other members of civic organizations can be red tagged for their political opinions, especially if contradicting or criticizing government actions.

During the November 2020 presidential elections, the youths became active participants in campaigning for Joe Biden even without participation in online communities. The political development of the American youths depend mainly on the social media site they use, the beliefs and ideologies supported by celebrities they look up to as icons in their field and their grass roots environment among other things. Once in a while, video game players welcome political discussions in their online gaming community but only as part of an ongoing banter.

In the F95zone online gaming community, which is dedicated to players of adult games, political issues can also crop up as part of a topic for discussion. After all, adult games are different because they contain content that more or less are true-to-life. Adult game players believe it’s one way of keep their feet firmly planted on the ground when going about their daily routines

While politics may crop up as a topic, F95 Zone members who have contradicting views are free to state their opinion without fear of being ridiculed or shamed for the political party they support. As participating members of the F95 Zone Community, they observe the importance of communicating with respect and of giving value to general consensus.

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Why San Jose is Strongly Against a 2019 Bill that Aims to Ban Towing of Abandoned Cars

In mid-2019, a bill proposing to put a halt to towing of vehicles with more than 5 unpaid parking tickets, was introduced by California Assemblyman David Chiu. However, officials of the City of San Jose immediately made it known that they are opposed to the state lawmaker’s proposed legislation. As it is, the increasing number of abandoned vehicles parked in streets and in residential areas have already caused parking problems and frustration among San Jose residents.

Under California state laws, inability to pay the parking fees does not exempt car owners from having their cars removed by law enforcers with the help of a towing company. Although the bill proposed by Assemblyman Chiu has already reached the upper house of Califorrnia’s Congress, no legislative action has yet been taken on the matter.

San Jose city officials understand that the lawmaker’s intention is to protect the interest of low-income citizens who have lost their homes and are instead using their cars as shelter However, Johnny Khamis, a San Jose Councilmember contends that lawmakers have instituted parking programs in numerous locations across the city. The program gives religious institutions permission to accommodate in their parking facilities, vehicles being used as temporary shelter by the low income members of their congregation.

Councilman Kamis asserted that allowing people to park their car just anywhere, particularly in front of residences, does not provide solution to the main problem, which is homelesness.

Doing so will only worsen other problems that the city has to tackle, which will make it more difficult for law enforcers to trackdown stolen vehicles. Increasing the blight in San Jose’s city streets will further frustrate residents who are the firsts to be confronted by the negative effects of illegal parking problems.

An owner of a car towing company also added his piece by saying that allowing abandoned vehicles to stay parked for long in a location will eventually affect the quality of life in the neighborhood. Trash will likely accumulate under the vehicles, windows will be broken and in most cases, become vulnerable to rat and other wildlife infestations that will sooner or later find their way inside the home of residents.

What Vehicles are Considered as Safety Concerns Under California Laws

Under existing California state laws, a peace officer, or any one officially employed to enforce the parking laws in a particular location, is given authorization to remove vehicles considered as safety concerns. The authorization of peace officers or a designated employees though, is limited to the areas assign to them as their territorial jurisdictions.

Aside from cars that have been abandoned by their owners due to non-payment of parking fines, and/or renewal of vehicle registration, there are other reasons when a car is considered a safety concern in California. Such reasons include:

  • Vehicles resting on jacks or blocks;
  • Cars with missing or broken windows;
  • Non-commercial vehicles painted with graffiti, or vehicles that have been vandalized;
  • Cars that have significantly flat tires;
  • Vehicles lacking both front and back license plates;
  • Vehicles that are being used or likely to be used for illegal dumping activities

Towing Services gives advice to car owners who encounter road or vehicle problems when travelling, to not leave their vehicles unattended; especially in a highway or public land.

Doing so exposes their vehicle to risks of being regarded as a safety hazard that requires removal by towing and of being impounded. As getting one’s car back will result to higher costs, it would be best to call on a towing company that provides not only towing services but also roadside assistance like jump staring or gas refueling services.

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Why Should Rat Control be a Community Wide Action?

Where rat control is concerned, federal agencies like the EPA and the CDC mainly provide information and tools that local and state institutions can use. Each state and locality has a unique system for rat control to prevent rat infestations, with which the state Department of Health coordinates. Yet rats are a community problem and the entire neighborhood must work together to ensure that their government’s rat control program works effectively.

While pest management is initiated by an individual, usually by a homeowner, the rat control actions should still be community-based. Residents must have awareness that controlling nuisance animals, especially rats, requires community effort. Residents receive advice about the steps to take, even if the rat is not yet in their home; or even if found or discovered in the neighborhood.

Keep in mind that any measure in controlling rats that one household undertakes will only drive the rodents to another establishment in the neighborhood. These nuisance animals are known to move freely even with barriers in place. The best approach to mitigate rat infestation is through the collective effort of the community — where every household takes action by removing potential food sources and by sealing all possible points of entry.

The next step to take is to keep the rats from coming back to the neighborhood. Homeowners must make sure all trash is kept in containers that rats can’t rummage through while waiting for the garbage collector to pick them up. Another important step is for everyone to remove from their property, any object that can serve as hiding places or shelters for the rodents; e.g. old appliances, junks, and wood scraps.

Every homeowner must make periodic checks if there are new gaps in their house and seal them as soon as possible. It’s also important to take note of the rat control system in one’s state as state governments have strict restrictions in the use of rat poison for extermination purposes.

Texas Rat Control System : Use of Poison in Exterminating Rats

Under Texas Health and Safety Codes for the health ànd safety of animals, including those classified as predatory and nuisance animals, purchase and use of rat poison is placed under the control of the county’s Commissioner Court.

When required by citizens to exterminate nuisance wildlife like rats, wolves, prairie dogs, ground squirrels, coyotes, sparrows, gophers and ravens, the Commissioner may provide the poison to the requesting individual, either free or at cost. However, the requesting citizen must indicate in his or her request when the poison will be used to put out the nuisance creature

The commissioner’s court shall purchase rat poison using the general fund of the county and any proceeds from sale, shall be deposited back to the said fund.

Control in the procurement of rat poison became important because this method was proven as a mere short-term solution for solving rat problems. In a study by scientists from Johns Hopkins School of Hygiene and Public Health, the researchers discovered that rat population limit can be more effectively achieved by eliminating supply of food. Furthermore, as there have been cases of poisoning related to rat pesticides, doctors are unable to administer an effective antidote because the poison manufacturers refused to provide information about their formula.

Texas Wildlife Control Experts and Use of Rat Poison

Not all rat control experts in Texas though use rat poison. The AAAC Wildlife Removal of San Antonio for one, indicates in their website that use of rat poison is never a good method in controlling the rat population.

Primarily because the poisonous substances endanger the health of family pets and children. It can also contaminate a household’s water lines as the effect of the poison causes dehydration in rats. As the poisoned creatures desperately look for water, they could end up dying inside the house’s water source.

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Younger Generation of Voters Worries Republican Party Committee Leaders in Swing States

The younger generation of Americans who used to be passive voters in the past elections have finally realized they hold the key to America’s future.

Apparently, lessons from the results of the 2016 presidential elections have been learned, particularly in the swing states where Donald Trump had won by thin margins. The change became evident during the 2018 midterm elections, as the turnout of young voters who had cast their votes was higher, when compared to those who voted in 2014.

Florida No Longer a Solid Red State

Florida, which Donald Trump now calls his new home state, is traditionally a Republican stronghold. However, Republican Senator Rick Scott had narrowly escaped defeat in the 2018 midterm elections. Scott won by a razor-thin margin of 10, 033 votes over Democratic opponent Bill Nelson, and only after a recount of the 8.19 million votes cast was made.

Currently in Lee County Florida there is now uncertainty that the outcome of the forthcoming 2020 presidential elections will be in favor of the Republicans. Mainly because the growing number of voting blocks comprised by young voters have weakened Florida’s image of being a solid red state.

Young Voters Pose as Worry to Local Lee County Republican Party Leader

Even Doris Cortese, who vice chairs the Republican Executive Committee in Lee County has noted the changes; of how the younger voting blocks, are identifying themselves as Democrats or Independents. Cortese, who is known in Florida as the “Godmother of Lee County Politics,” admits that she is worried that her worst fear of Lee County becoming blue might become a reality.

She does have a reason to worry, since recent Republican political candidates, including current Gov. Ron DeSantis, had won over opponents, also by only the slightest margins ever seen in the history of Florida politics.

Cortese revealed that she hopes and prays that Florida will not turn blue; adding she has been working round the clock to keep Lee County as red as possible. In fact, she has been rallying Lee County’s Republican troops since she knows for sure that every vote counts.

Lee County by the way is home to the charming, idyllic Old Florida island community known as Boca Grande. Although relatively a small town, many of America’s wealthiest families maintain their second homes here. Once the winter season starts to set in, carpet cleaning boca grande way becomes highly in demand, as preparation will be underway for the coming of the seasonal residents who make Boca Grande their exclusive winter retreat and playground.

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Political Surveys : Answers to Some Questions You’ve Always Wanted to Ask

Results of political surveys are coming out fast and furious as many Americans appear to be more politically involved. Perhaps, voters have learned their lesson; on how political inaction will only put Trump or the likes of him in power.

Nowadays, pollsters do not have to deploy people out in the streets just to get opinions and views. The power of the Internet has made everything easier, including sending out poll questionnaires to a sample of voters that represent a specific population.

What is Population and Sample in Data Collection?

Population in data collection refers to a target set of people that can provide opinion, insight and views about a specific topic. A simple explanation in relation to politics is the Democratic or the Republican population. Researchers then require a certain number of survey responders as representative of a population. The data they provide through completed surveys will be a sample of the target population.

Answers provided by survey responders will have corresponding values or scores. In turn, researchers will analyze and use the scores in formulating a conclusion on what the survey revealed. American voters are currently quite active in responding to polls launched by different groups to analyze support for a political agenda or for a political candidate; or to use as metrics for determining approval or disapproval of political actions or developments.

Are Political Surveys More Difficult to Complete Compared to Consumer Surveys?

.Political surveys are usually statement of opinions or propositions to which responders need only to tick boxes to indicate whether they agree or disagree; satisfied or dissatisfied; approve or disapprove and similar answers in addition to Yes or No. The point being emphasized here is that ordinary survey questionnaires are easy to understand or accomplish, so they can be completed quickly and the scores computed and analyzed as speedily as possible.

A survey is difficult to complete only if you are not familiar or knowledgeable about the issues or agendas being asked? Some examples are those that delve on climate change, Trump’s impeachment or the Democratic candidate who will run against Trump. Still, it does not mean you cannot take part… you just have to make some research so you can form an honest opinion or decision.

Are Survey Questionnaires Boring?

As a rule of thumb, a set of survey questions must be doable in 20 minutes. That way, respondents will not lose interest in completing the questionnaire.

Actually, political survey takers are not only welcoming emails, interviews or online invites to surveys in which to take part. Many are actually seeking them out from platforms that recruit people who will participate in a data collection project for a particular market research company. These are the politically involved people who are also taking advantage of opportunities to make extra money taking surveys.

Can I Earn Big from Answering Survey Questionnaires?

Taking part in political polls by answering paid surveys does not equate to large cash rewards. As a matter of fact, some survey sites pay, only if a member has reached the number of points required or needed to make a claim for payment.. Some others offer only freebies, discount coupons or samples coming from sponsors of the political candidate.

Now if cash has been stated as mode of payment, expect only a minimal amount, somewhere between $0.50 and $5.00. According to paid survey takers, qualifying for $5 dollar surveys is not easy either, because these are the lengthier types that deal with more complex issues.

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Know Why MICE Organizers Find The Netherlands an Excellent Venue

The Netherlands is one of the leading European countries that actively and with utmost excellence, take part in the so-called “Meeting Industry. The acronym MICE by the way, stands for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Events, a tourism concept in Europe that has worked well for the economic growth of Holland.

Organizers and planners of meetings, incentive ceremonies, conventions and trade fairs find The Netherlands an ideal place because the Netherlands Board of Tourism & Conventions (NBTC) furnishes superb support. Support includes offering expertise in the fields of communication, research and marketing to help promote a MICE event. After all, it is part of the Dutch tourism agency’s strategy for attracting more local and international visitors.

Actually, when launching social media campaigns for a forthcoming Netherland-event, be in the know that next to Facebook and YouTube, Instagram is the third most widely used social media platform among the Dutch people.

Social Media Advertising in The Netherlands

The people of The Netherlands are social media active, and it is quite important to know which social media platforms the Dutch people favor the most. Organizers who are looking to attract Dutch attendees to a forthcoming convention, festival, trade fair or exhibit therefore, should properly geotag their social media promotions. That way, they can easily reach their target audience through Facebook, YouTube and Instagram posts.

A survey by the country’s National Social Media agency shows that even if Facebook remains the leading platform for socializing online, Instagram is slowly making ground as the more important site.

According to the survey, the number of Dutch people using FB, particularly those under age 40 is currently on a decline. The waning numbers continue with Twitter and Snapchat use, paving the way to the growth of Instagram users in Holland.

As of January 2019, 59% of Hollanders are using Facebook, while 29% are socializing virtually via Instagram. When Facebook showed as many as 10 million Dutch people participating in FB, Instagram had 5 million users and viewers to show. The adage about pictures conveying more than a thousand words is exemplified by the photos and videos taken using the Instagram photo-sharing app.

Still, whether organizers are reaching out to local or foreign attendees they should take note of important strategies observed by Dutch social media marketers.

Advertising via Instagram is effective only if it reaches the right viewer. That being the case, the advertisement must meet the characteristics and interests, as well as the geolocation of the target group.

The advertising context of Instagram posts should convey the tone-of-voice of the organization promoting an event, in order to convey authenticity and sincerity of the purpose for which the event is being held; e.g. to increase awareness about the effects of climate change or to address problems related to world hunger, and the likes.

Remember, the way to Instagram visibility includes the size or number of followers liking, sharing and engaging with the uploaders of the posts.

Social media marketing experts in Holland have the resources and expertise to help Instagram users grow meer volgers op Instagram (more followers on Instagram.) Not just any followers but fellow Instagram users genuinely interested to engage as authentic subscribers to the users they follow.

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