The Stars of David is based on the true story of a woman whose love of baseball stood above all. Set in the midst of the Great Depression, Jackie Austin, disgusted by the chauvinistic expectations of her impoverished father, sets off on her own to play for whatever team that will have her. That team proves to be the barnstorming House of David Baseball Club, an ascetic religious commune struggling to regain past glory after a decade of tragedy and shame. Outsiders and freaks to the rest of the world, these new "Stars" of David must learn to work together on the field in order to prosper in life. Can they succeed in the staunchly traditional, largely racist world of Depression-era Major League Baseball? Or will they, too, be whitewashed by time?

This thesis examines the political style and public image of Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez. It argues that Chávez fulfills the criteria of a classical populist, in accordance with renowned cases of populism in Latin American history. His style is further analyzed through Chávezs relationship with his Venezuelan supporters and his diplomacy in the Latin American community. Three characteristics are emphasized: the radicalism of his image and policy, a casual and accessible approach, and the use of historical references. This thesis relies on primary sources such as speeches, interviews, and government publications, as well as media coverage of the Chávez regime. This study expounds the polarization of Venezuelan politics under Chávez, and connects his leadership to a larger trend in Latin American history.

This thesis examines the political style and public image of Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez. It argues that Chávez fulfills the criteria of a classical populist, in accordance with renowned cases of populism in Latin American history. His style is further analyzed through Chávezs relationship with his Venezuelan supporters and his diplomacy in the Latin American community. Three characteristics are emphasized: the radicalism of his image and policy, a casual and accessible approach, and the use of historical references. This thesis relies on primary sources such as speeches, interviews, and government publications, as well as media coverage of the Chávez regime. This study expounds the polarization of Venezuelan politics under Chávez, and connects his leadership to a larger trend in Latin American history.