英语博客：Pirates' basketball.（在线收听）

　　Here in the United States, basketball is really popular. Children start at a young age going to practice and joining teams. Both college and professional basketball games are televised, and most adults have a favorite(urite) team. I was lucky enough to see a college basketball game this weekend, in the city of Spokane which is about a three hour drive. We all piled into the car; we took blankets, pillows, snacks, drinks, video games, and colors(ours) and paper to keep the kids busy. The drive is fairly uneventful as it goes mainly through flat, wheat growing areas where you only see an occasional house. We eventually arrived at Whitworth college where the game was being held. Now, I have to tell you that I am used to watching ten and eleven year olds run around on the court, so this was an entirely different experience. The gym was packed with spectators and college students; many people had to stand up because the place was so full. There was a huge banner across one wall that said 'Pirates' which is the name of the Whitworth team. The game started, and in typical U.S. style the show began: loud, popular music, cheerleaders, chants that are specific to basketball, and a very tall man dressed up as a pirate with a huge, mask. It was all great fun. At half time there was even a karate display! Anyway, the game was amazing. These huge college players charged around the court with great skill. The way they moved and passed the ball was, at times, more like a well practiced dance; everything was smooth and well orchestrated. Whitworth won the game. The California team they played against had played almost as well, except they hadn't been as accurate when shooting. The home team, however, has the advantage; a large crowd rooting for you can make all the difference to the final outcome.
　　Grammar notes.
　　Basketball vocabulary: the home team, spectators, to shoot/ to make a basket, the court.
　　1. The game was played in our town, so our team was the home team with the advantage of the local people cheering for them.
　　2. The spectators were standing up throughout the game; I could barely see any of it because they were in the way.
　　3. The new player shot many times, but only made two baskets.
　　4. The home team's logo is painted on the court in shiny red letters.