The Changing of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow Essay

The Changing of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow Once upon a time is the predictable beginning of a fairy tale and happily ever after is the ending. The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving is a classical myth that defies the conventional standards of a fairy tale. Set in a valley in New England, Its a gothic tale of mystery and suspense that bears no definite ending surrounding the myth of the Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow (Heath 1355). The original text created by Irving was intended for the mature reader, a reader who could understand a sense of irony, had knowledge of history, and taste. What of and how has The Legend of Sleepy Hollow remained successful with audiences through a period of over one†¦show more content†¦A distinct wording that dates the more recent text is the delivery of an invitation by a messenger for a quilting party and not a Negro delivering an invitation to a quilting frolic as in the original text. The word usage in the earlier text was the common language of the day, just as the new er publicationà ¢s language is used in present-day conversation. Fifty-three sketches are scattered in the 121 pages of Browns edition. The depiction of Ichabod Crane does not match his illustration. He is drawn as handsome as Brom Van Brunt and is not long armed, lanky, and long-legged with a pointy nose (Brown 21). The Headless Horseman is illustrated to description having sharp and jagged edges with a frightening look. The three books share the narrative style and ending with only Ichabodà ¢s hat and a crushed pumpkin found and the old country wives retelling the tale of the Headless Horseman (Rackham 101). The media mode The Legend of Sleepy Hollow is presented to audiences has changed. The literary text has been recreated on audio and video. Separate distinct adaptations have been recreated on video and film. Frank Price has noted, Movies have become the short stories of the video age (Dizard 142). Disney created a mini classic animated video of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow for the family audience in 1949. The Disney film takes great liberties in softening theShow MoreRelatedWashington Irving s The Legend Of Sleepy Hollow Essay1604 Words   |  7 Pagesestablish the new American identity through his writings, as a result, he is esteemed as one of the â€Å"inventors† of the short story (â€Å"Washington Irving†). One of Irving’s more famous short stories, â€Å"The Legend of Sleepy Hollow†, was published in 1820 (â€Å"Washington Irving†). â€Å"The Legend of Sleepy Hollow† is not merely a significant work of early American fiction, it establi shed the framework for a new style of American folklore in a nation that lacked the historical richness of the European culture; aRead More The Novel and Film of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow Essay759 Words   |  4 PagesThe Novel and Film of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, originally a book written by Washington Irving, is exactly what the title implies, a legend. This legend includes a town that is haunted by a headless horseman and a single mans journey. Many years later, this legend was produced as a movie directed by Tim Burton. Burton stole the title of this legend and added thrill to this now classic storyline. The book and theRead MoreSleepy Hollow: The Film and The Story Essay1473 Words   |  6 PagesWashington Irving’s short story, â€Å"The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,† was adapted into a movie titled â€Å"Sleepy Hollow† directed by Tim Burton nearly two centuries after the original publication. When the story was adapted as a film, several extensive changes were made. A short story easily read in one sitting was turned into a nearly two-hour thriller, mystery, and horror movie by incorporating new details and modifying the original version of the story. The short story relates the failed courtship of KatrinaRead MoreThe Legend of Sleepy Hollow: Book vs. Movie1877 Words   |  8 PagesTHE LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW: BOOK VS. MOVIE 2011 Outline: A) Introduction: general overview. B) Comparison of book and movie: 1) plot; 2) character; 3) settings. C) Conclusion. Foreword: This research paper discusses differences and similarities between the book by W. Irving â€Å"The Legend of Sleepy Hollow† and movie â€Å"The Legend of Sleepy Hollow†, directed by Pierre Gang. Thesis: Screen version of W. Irving’sRead MoreThe Legend Of Sleepy Hollow2025 Words   |  9 Pages Throughout the United States, the story of the Headless Horseman, described in â€Å"The Legend of Sleepy Hollow† is well-known in American folklore. It is a scary story that many children tell around the campfire in an attempt to scare one another, saying that if someone is not careful, the Headless Horseman will come for them. However, many Americans do not realize that this legend originated from a story that appears in Washington Irving’s book, The Sketchbook of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent. WashingtonRead MoreWashington Irving, American Story Teller Essay2312 Words   |  10 Pagesfound in legend and folklore a view of the natural world colored by emotion, by superstition, and by the ancient belief that supernatural beings inhabit the wild places of the earth. He wrote stories that illustrated old truths about human nature and the dramatic possibilities of the American l andscape.† Although Irving wrote over twenty volumes, including essays, poems, histories, biographies, and more, in class, we have focused on his fiction. Irving dispersed many beliefs and legends of his timeRead MoreThe Romantic American Male in Cooper’s Last of the Mohicans and Irving’s Legend of Sleepy Hollow3375 Words   |  14 PagesMasculinity of the Romantic American Male in Cooper’s Last of the Mohicans and Irving’s Legend of Sleepy Hollow James Fenimore Cooper’s Last of the Mohicans and Washington Irving’s Legend of Sleepy Hollow are valuable examples of literary heavyweights of the Romantic era, but in addition, can also be used to chart sociological changes within the male gender during pre-Romantic and Romantic years. But because neither Cooper nor Irving’s works should be distanced from their culturalRead MoreAntebellum Period And American History1548 Words   |  7 Pagesliterature, this type of writings was basically just biographies, autobiographies and history books of the American Revolution heroes. But it was also normal to see authors writing fictional stories such as Moby Dick, The Last of the Mohicans, and Sleepy Hollow. The American literature started slow in the middle of the ninetieth century. Books were being written and changed as the wars and revolutions started to spread inside the country’s plains. Many of these inscriptions were either lost or burnedRead More literature in America Essay916 Words   |  4 Pagesof the New World changes over generations, and this relates to the fact that the World is always changing, especially America. In American literature, for instance, we have grown from the Puritan Age all the way to the Post-modernization age, wi th a series of drastic changes in between. Change is always happening in America, and Byrd explains this concept of change. In Irving’s Legend of Sleepy Hollow, we see the trait of American’s to strive for what they desire. The character in the story, CraneRead More- the Origins of Fiction and American Identity: a Comparison of Irving and Cooper1759 Words   |  8 Pagesâ€Å"the father of American fiction† and the creator of the short story. Irving did multiple travels to the â€Å"Old Continent†, maybe because of that it is said that his literature is Europeanized. But his most famous and well-known works are: The legend of sleepy Hollow (1820) and Rip Van Winkle (1819). As Irving is the creator of the short story, Cooper is considered as the father of the novel and therefore one of the creators of the American fiction. His most successful work is The last of the Mohicans

Essay on Porters Diamond Model - 29755 Words

ASSESSING THE POWER OF PORTERS DIAMOND MODEL IN THE AUTOMOBILE INDUSTRY IN MEXICO AFTER TEN YEARS OF NAFTA SALVADOR BARRAGAN Master in Business Administration, IPADE Business School, 1996 BSc in Industrial Engineering, Universidad Panamericana, 1994 A Research Project Submitted to the School of Graduate Studies of the University of Lethbridge in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Degree MASTER OF SCIENCE IN MANAGEMENT Faculty of Management University of Lethbridge LETHBRIDGE, ALBERTA, CANADA  © Salvador Barragà ¡n, 2005 ii Abstract It has been ten years since the signature of the NAFTA agreement among Canada, U.S., and Mexico. For Mexico, this was a decisive step away from a protectionism model toward a†¦show more content†¦10 2.2.1. The Doubled Diamond vs. a Single National Diamond ................................. 11 2.2.2. The Role of the Multinational Enterprises (MNE’s) as Empowering Developing Countries rather than Constraining their Growth.................................. 12 3. Research Setting: Why Use Mexico to Study Porter’s Diamond? ............................... 17 4. Research Questions....................................................................................................... 19 5. Methodology ................................................................................................................. 20 5.1. Positioning the International Competitiveness of the Industry.............................. 22 5.2. Addressing the Research Questions................... .................................................... 23 6. Results........................................................................................................................... 28 6.1. The Competitiveness of the Automobile Industry in Mexico................................ 28 6.2. Positioning the Industry as Internationally Competitive ....................................... 29 6.3. Using Porter’s Diamond to Assess Sources of Competitive Advantage in the Automobile Industry in Mexico: 1993-2003. ............................................................... 39 6.3.1. FactorShow MoreRelatedPorters Diamond Model vs Indian Software840 Words   |  4 Pages624 September 15, 2011 Porter’s Diamond of National Advantage and How it Decribes the Success of the Indian Software Industry In the article â€Å"The Competitive Advantage of Nations† Michael Porter describes a diamond shaped relationship of forces that define a country’s potential for being competitive in a specified industry. The four points on the diamond representing the different forces are: factor conditions; demand conditions; firmRead MoreTesco’s Operations and Policies in relation to Porter’s Diamond Model2014 Words   |  9 Pages__________________________________________________________________ Tesco’s Operations and Policies in relation to Porter’s Diamond Model wanzala.victor@gmail.com Table of Contents Table of Contents 2 Introduction 3 Porters Diamond Model 3 Factor Conditions 4 Demand Conditions 4 Related and Supporting Industries 4 Firm Strategy, Structure and Rivalry 5 Tesco’s Historical Expansion and Current Position In Relation To Porter’s Diamond Model 5 Factor Conditions Vs Tesco’s Historical Expansion and Current Position 5 Read MoreCompetitiveness Analysis of the Tourism Sector in Mexico According to Michael Porters Diamond Model3787 Words   |  16 Pages- International Business Strategy - Lecturer: Jamie Weatherston COMPETITIVENESS ANALYSIS OF THE TOURISM SECTOR IN MEXICO ACCORDING TO MICHAEL PORTER’S DIAMOND MODEL October 2009 Made by Jà ©rà ´me Schiano Contents INTRODUCTION 3 I) THE FACTOR CONDITIONS 4 1) HUMAN RESOURCES 4 2) NATURAL RESOURCES 4 3) INFRASTRUCTURES 4 II) THE FIRMS STRATEGIES, STRUCTURES AND RIVALRY 5 1) A COMMON POLICY OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT 5 2) FOUR MAIN CHALLENGES 5 A) The importance of a private-publicRead MoreIn Certain Cases Porters Diamond of Competitive Advantage May Not Be an Appropriate Framework for the Analysis of a Nations Sources of Competitive Advantage.1621 Words   |  7 PagesIntroduction Since its publication in 1990, Michael Porters book The Competitive Advantage of Nations has attracted much consideration. The main analytical tool of the book is the diamond of competitive advantage (figure 1). This model is based on four country specific determinants and two external variables. Porters four determinants and two outside forces interact in a diamond of competitive advantage, with the nature of a countrys international competitiveness depending upon the type andRead MorePorters Theory of National Competitive Advantage1717 Words   |  7 PagesIntroduction Porters theory of national competitive advantage expands on basic international trade theory, which posits that nations can leverage certain advantages that they inherit to create advantage for themselves on international markets. What Porter contends is that there are advanced factor endowments that nations can cultivate in order to give them competitive advantages in international trade. These advanced factor endo wments are firm strategy, structure and rivalry; factor conditions;Read MoreThe Diamond Model by Michael Porter1117 Words   |  5 PagesMichael Porter developed Porter’s Diamond, also known as The Diamond Model, in 1990 in his book ‘The Competitive Advantage of Nations’. The four determinants of Porter’s diamond must operate as a system rather than individually. It provides the answers to ‘Why does nation achieve international success in a particular industry?’ (Porter, 1998:71). Despite the universal application of Porter’s diamond framework, many critics argued that the model is flawed. This essay aims to discuss the differentRead MoreInternational Business Systems And Porter s Diamond Model1258 Words   |  6 PagesPorter’s Diamond Model provides companies with four reliant factors that fully depend on the state of each other to achieve success within a competitive environment. However, Curran (2001) claims that Porter†™s Diamond Model does not fully explain a country’s competitive advantage since only two factors provide evidence of their competitive position. The used factors are company rivalry, strategy, and factor endowments. With reference to the competitive positions of countries within major economiesRead MoreEssay about Michael Porter’s Theory1568 Words   |  7 PagesYou are required to submit an essay that provides a critical analysis (meaning looking at arguments both for and against and stating your reasoned position) of the following statement: Michael Porter’s theory on National Competitive Advantage, is the best theory to utilize when an internationalising firm wants to select one country over another for new entry The globalization has become a ubiquitous and potent symbol of the age since the early 1980s. The term globalization was used to describeRead MoreThe Concept Of National Competitiveness1492 Words   |  6 Pagesstandard of living in the nation( Kitson, Martin, Tyler, 2004). Porter breaks competitiveness down by looking for the characteristics of a nation that allows the companies within it to create and sustain competitive advantage. Through his Diamond Model he looks to explain what it is about a nation that provides a favorable home base for companies that compete on an international stage ( Kitson, Martin, Tyler, 2004). This paper reviews five, scholarly peer reviewed articles that address nationalRead MoreDiscuss in Detail the Application of Professor Michael Potters Diamond Model in the Kenyan Vision 2030: Advantages and Implications1124 Words   |  5 PagesBibliography Alan M. Rugman and Alain Verbeke1993, [35(4)] How to Operationalize Porter’s Diamond of International Competitiveness; Thunderbird International Business Review (ISSN 1096-4762) Wiley United States Charles W.L. Hill 2008, International Business; McGraw Hill United States ISBN 0073381349 John D. Daniels, Lee H. Radebaugh and Daniel P. Sullivan 2006, International Business: Environments and Operations; Prentice Hall United States ISBN 0131869426 Michael E. Porter1990, Competitive Advantages

Management Accounting Methods for Segregating

Question: Describe about the Management Accounting for Methods for Segregating. Answer: Given below is the scatter plot On performing extrapolation, it is seen that the line is touched on y axis at 250.00. the calculation of slopes can be done by the points (40, 600) and (50, 702). Slope = (702- 600)/ (50-40) = 10.20. The equation of the line is given by 250 + 10.2x 50 to 120 clients is the relevant range of the clients. There are 7 clients within the relevant range. The fixed cost and the variable cost is calculated using the highest and lowest level of activity in the high low method. The points (30, 410) and (140, 1490) are used as the lowest data points and highest data points respectively. Therefore, the slope is (1490 410)/ (140 -30) = 9.82 and the intercept is = 1490 9.82*140 = 115.45. The equation of the line is given by Y = 115.45 + 9.82*X (Agarwal, 2016). The calculations done in excel are given in appendix a= Ymean b* Xmean b= (y- ymean)*(x- xmean)/ (x- xmean)^2 The equation obtained is given below: Y = 256.87 + 8.93*X R2 = (Y- Ymean)^2 / (X- Xmean)^2 R square measures the closeness of fit of the data and helps to give an idea about the accuracy of the prediction of data. Here, R square is 0.76 and the value of Y can be predicted by the line Y = 115.45 + 9.82*X with 76% of accuracy. The cost equation of High low method considering 80 clients give the price = 115.45 + 80*9.82 = 901.05 The least square regression methods of 80 clients provides the cost equation which gives the price as 256.87 + 80*8.93 = 971.50 The least squared method is preferred over the high low method as the fixed cost and variable cost in high low method is calculated using only two data points that are extreme values. The middle values of the data set do not affect these values and it increases the chances of errors though it is easy to calculate. The methods of least squares use all the data points and there is less chances of errors (Averkamp, 2003). The best fit line of the data measures the visually fitted semi variable line. Since no mathematical formula is used, there are high chances of errors and the values are calculated by human interpretations. The line is better visually fitted in case of high low methods. The calculation is easy in this method as only the extreme points are needed in this method. It is unaffected by the middle values and have high chances of errors. The methods of least square have the least chances of errors as it uses all the points to fit the data. A single error would cause deviation from the actual result. However, it is time consuming and requires huge calculations. The least squared methods should give Peter more confident over other methods (Agarwal, 2016). References Agarwal, R 2016, Methods for Segregating Semi-Variable Costs into Fixed and Variable viewed on 23 August, 2016 from https://www.yourarticlelibrary.com/accounting/costing/methods-for-segregating-semi-variable-costs-into-fixed-and-variable/52669/ Averkamp, H 2003, What is the high-low method. viewed on 23 August, 2016 from https://www.accountingcoach.com/blog/what-is-the-high-low-method

Religious Syncretism in Singapore Phra Phrom Worship Among Chinese Singaporeans. Essay Example

Religious Syncretism in Singapore: Phra Phrom Worship Among Chinese Singaporeans. Paper SE4660 INDEPENDENT STUDY Religious Syncretism in Singapore: Phra Phrom worship among Chinese Singaporeans. Abstract: Since the 1980s, there has been a growing popularity amongst Chinese Singaporeans who worship the Thai deity Phra Phrom (commonly known to them as the â€Å"Four Faced Buddha†) and making regular pilgrimages to temples in Thailand. (Hoon 2001) My research will seek to understand the historical, cultural and economic dynamics behind these practices. Such an exploration would enable a further understanding of Religious Syncretism as defined by Shaw and Stewart (1994). By Foo Chek Wee Matric number: U010010U Introduction The Encyclopedia of Social and Cultural Anthropology defines syncretism as the hybridization or amalgamation of two or more cultural traditions. According to Shaw and Stewart (1994), such a definition implies the â€Å"infiltration of a supposedly ‘pure’ tradition by symbols and meanings seen as belonging to other, incompatible traditions†. Shaw and Stewart (1994) exemplify this negative implication with the historical application of the word ‘syncretism’. They mentioned that the word ‘syncretism’ was used as an imperialist strategy in which â€Å"the Roman emperors, by appropriating the foreign cults of those they conquered, ‘would have all the varieties of mankind called in and restamped at the Caesarian mint’†¦Syncretism now becomes an assimilative weapon of that enemy. † Similarly, this pejorative understanding of the word ‘syncretism’ is used by scholars of comparative religion to condemn the adulteration of ‘pure’ religious traditions (e. g. Christianity). (Barnard Spencer 1996:540) We will write a custom essay sample on Religious Syncretism in Singapore: Phra Phrom Worship Among Chinese Singaporeans. specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Religious Syncretism in Singapore: Phra Phrom Worship Among Chinese Singaporeans. specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Religious Syncretism in Singapore: Phra Phrom Worship Among Chinese Singaporeans. specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Shaw and Stewart (1994) argued that despite the negative application of the word ‘syncretism’, ‘syncretism’ has been ascribed a neutral, and often positive, significance within anthropology. They asserted Herskovits’ (1941) earlier argument that the ‘culture-contact’ between two or more culturally distinct groups produces ‘cultural change’. Such a process of cultural change is of an â€Å"‘acculturative continuum’ that entails a concept of change as an automatic mechanism analogous to the blending of elements in a chemical process. (Shaw Stewart 1994:6) Accordingly, this ‘automatic mechanism’ assumes progressive adaptation whereby a person placed in a new cultural setting will â€Å"acculturate progressively along a continuum towards some ultimate completion. † The word â€Å"‘syncretism’, then, is not a determinate term with a fixed meaning, but one which has been historically constituted and reconstituted† (ibid: 6). This importance placed on the social and historical contexts in which syncretism is carried out is also put forward by Lang (2004) in his explanation of how Caodaism originated in Vietnam. However, Shaw and Stewart (1994) counter-argue that such an adaptative process, which involves power relation between actors having consequential effects on this adaptive process and human agency (i. e. actions by people who are involved in the interpretation of this adaptive process), does not happen in any necessarily logical, progressive way in reality. The form in which ‘cultural change’ takes place depends on how people involved interpret what they are doing rather than upon the mechanical assignation of cultural traits. In fact, Mulder (1996), in his study of Southeast Asian religions, asserts that the locals within a particular Southeast Asian community actively select and utilize aspects of foreign religious tradition (localization). Furthermore, Mulder (ibid: 242) argued that the criteria in selecting which aspects of foreign religious tradition to utilize are highly dependent on the power relations of the people involved. According to Shaw and Stewart (ibid: 7), ‘anti-syncretism’ is defined as â€Å"the antagonism to religious synthesis shown by agents concerned with the defense of religious boundaries†. As such, Shaw and Stewart (1994) take the stand that religious syncretism is a constantly negotiated process whereby the power relation and human agency of both syncretism and ‘anti-syncretism’ would have a consequential effect on the resultant outcome of a particular religious tradition. Hence, it would be fruitful to examine the constantly negotiated process between syncretism or ‘anti-syncretism’ which involves power relation and human agency contributing to the present form of a particular tradition; rather than the form or the end product of this negotiated process. This essay examines the ritual phenomenon of Chinese Singaporeans worshipping the Thai god Phra Phrom (commonly known as the â€Å"Four-Faced Buddha† by many Chinese speaking Singaporeans) and making regular pilgrimages to temples in Thailand. Accordingly, I will use my research findings as a case study to understand syncretism which is viewed by anthropologists (Rosaldo 1989, Shaw Stewart 1994, Mulder 1996, Appadurai 1991 and Lang 2004) as a constantly negotiated process. Methodology The phenomenon of Chinese Singaporeans worshipping Phra Phrom would require an understanding of their beliefs and rituals at the grassroots level rather than assessing the phenomenon from current literature pertaining to Phra Phrom worship. According to Leach (1954), both rituals and beliefs pertaining to a particular phenomenon have to be taken into account in order to provide an accurate account of that particular phenomenon. Moreover, the current English literature on Phra Phrom worship is limited. Therefore, I had to embark on ethnographic field work in gathering data from conversations with commercial merchants, individuals, and representatives from religious institutions pertaining to Phra Phrom worship in Singapore. The ethnographic approach in having my informants talk freely about what they believe in and why they practice Phra Phrom worship would provide me with an understanding of the cultural psyche behind these Chinese Singaporean believers. The addressing of the Thai deity Phra Phrom as Phra Phrom is used throughout this paper as a convenient term of address. There are several other forms of addressing this Thai deity by Chinese Singaporeans other than the Thai term Phra Phrom. They include the translated Chinese words such as Four-faced Buddha, Four-faced Dewa, Four-faced deity or simply the â€Å"Thai god†. These variations are used depending not only on individual interviewee’s preference but also on their level of understanding of the Thai deity Phra Phrom. The last parameter in my research strategy involves oral history, in terms of time and the particularity of remembered incidents (the circulation of miracle stories). Although validation, if possible, with other interviewees to assess narrative accuracies would and could be carried out in my field work, the existence of remembered incidents are more important than the accuracy of these remembered incidents. These remembered incidents, regardless of their accuracy, govern them in their beliefs and practices of Phra Phrom worship. Hence, my research in finding out what are these particularities of remembered incidents that govern my interviewees’ beliefs and behavior would be more useful than asserting the accuracy of their responses to my appropriate questions. History of Phra Phom worship There are several features distinguishing Phra Phrom from the other Thai Buddhist deities . Firstly, Phra Phrom is depicted as a deity with four faces facing four directions. The facial expressions on these faces of the Phra Phrom portray gentleness and amiability. Secondly, there is a crown which is supported on the head by a band on the forehead above the four heads of Phra Phrom. Thirdly, Phra Phrom has four pairs of hands holding objects of great symbolic significance. These objects include a staff, wheel, vase, mirror, conch shell and rosary. Lastly, Phra Phrom is depicted in a sitting pose with one leg bent at the knee and the other leg hanging down. According to Majupuria (1993:82), Phra Phrom worship originated from the erection of a Hindu Brahma shrine (now commonly known as the Erawan shrine) in front of the Erawan Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand in 1956. That Hindu Brahma shrine was erected in accordance to the suggestion made by a Hindu astrologer to the owners of Erawan hotel. Before the erection of the Hindu Brahma shrine, several accidents happened while the Erawan Hotel was under construction. The owners of the Erawan Hotel believe that the erection of this Hindu Brahma shrine would be able to prevent further misfortunes and to bring good luck to the Erawan Hotel. Over time, the presence of this Hindu Brahma shrine started attracting members of the Thai public to offer prayers to it and making requests from this Hindu Brahma shrine. Although this Brahma deity was originated from Hinduism, the Thais in general soon accepted this Hindu Brahma deity as belonging to one of the Thai deities under Thai Buddhism and started addressing this Hindu Brahma as Phra Phrom. Majupuria (1993) argue that the most important reason to why the Thais in general accepted this Hindu Brahma as belonging to Thai Buddhism is because there is no fundamental doctrinal difference between Hinduism and Buddhism; â€Å"†¦so much so that the same persons (Thais) could be indistinguishably the followers of both these pantheons (Thai Buddhism and Hinduism). † (Majupuria 1993:29) In relation to a global environment where national borders have become increasingly porous via trans-national linkages, (Appadurai 1991) Thai Buddhism religious culture has been increasingly crossing national boundaries. Yee (1992) provides several possibilities which result in the popularity of Phra Phrom worship among Chinese Singaporeans. These possibilities include the establishment of Thai Buddhist residences and the transnational movements of Thai monks coming to Singapore to spread Thai Buddhism and Chinese Singaporean laypersons going to Thailand to learn Thai Buddhism. In fact, Mr. Ramus Lee, who is the administrator of Palelai Buddhist Temple, explained that Thai Buddhism religious culture has been increasingly influencing Chinese Singaporeans to make regular pilgrimages to temples and shrines in Thailand. Mr. Ramus Lee added that the Phra Phrom Shrine (in Erawan) is one of the most frequently visited shrines by Chinese Singaporeans. Consequentially, Chinese Singaporeans have brought back to Singapore Buddhist image for worship and Phra Phrom is one of those favourite being worshipped. Mr. Ramus Lee’s explanation of how Thai religious practice of Phra Phrom worship became known to Chinese Singaporeans also correspond to what my other interviewees, Mr. Lee Kai Fat and Madam Tan Siew Yah, told me. Worshipping Phra Phrom in Singapore The existing limited English literature on Phra Phrom has no indication of when exactly Phra Phrom worship began in Singapore. Hence, I have to rely on what my informants told me. According to Mr. Lee Kai Fat who has made regular pilgrimages to Bangkok to pray at the Phra Phrom Shrine (in Erawan) since the 1980s, the popularity of Phra Phrom worship only started ten or eleven years ago (1996/1997). Interestingly, Mr. Lee’s observation corresponds to what my other informant, known as Ah Tiong, told me. A plot of land stretching some 200 meters alongside Ulu Pandan Sungei, Singapore, had been leased out to the Malaysian government since Singapore’s independence. Residents from the neighboring area have been cultivating small-scale crops on the area. Over time, small shrines honoring deities were installed by residents on that plot of land. According to Ah Tiong, in 1996 a Phra Phrom shrine was installed on the site. Ever since then, numerous people, from all walks of life, had came to that particular plot of land to pray specifically to Phra Phrom for fortune. Ah Tiong even validated his statement with claims that worshippers offered food, such as roast pork and duck, as a token of gratitude to that god when their requests were granted. Another of my informants, Mr Tan Shao Han whose family also made regular pilgrimages to Bangkok to pray at the Erawan Shrine, told me a similar time frame in which Phra Phrom worship gained popularity among Chinese Singaporeans. There were three Phra Phrom shrines set up during the year 1998-2000 near Mr Tan Shao Han’s former place of residence in Simpang Bedok, Singapore: A large shrine measuring roughly two meters in height was situated within the compound of the Pelelai Thai Buddhist temple and another two smaller-sized shrines measuring roughly one meter in height were placed near the Bedok market. There are several possible sources that have resulted in this recent phenomenon of Phra Phrom worship in Singapore. I broadly categorize and explain these possible sources under two categories; namely the press and commercialization of Phra Phrom worship in the next section. The Power of Printed Mass Media Madam Tan Siew Yah who is in her fifties, explained to me that the popular worship of Phra Phrom among Chinese Singaporeans began some ten years ago. That was when the Chinese tabloid evening newspapers actively reported an incident of a famous Hong Kong television couple, Di Bo La and her husband Xie Tian, who went to the Erawan Shrine in Bangkok to pray for fortune and had their wishes granted. Although I was not able to get hold of such Chinese tabloid evening newspaper articles in order to validate Madam Tan Siew Yah’s claim, my other informant, Mr. Jacky Ho who was in his early forties, told me a similar story to Madam Tan Siew Yah’s. On a similar vein, Mr. Jacky Ho and another interviewee, ‘Uncle’ William who is a security guard at Golden Mile Complex and in his fifties, mentioned that there were other related tabloid news reports during the same period. They mentioned a tabloid news article reporting an unnamed Thai lounge hostess who made a request for good fortune from Phra Phrom at the Erawan Shrine. In return for her request, she vowed that she would dance naked in front of the statue. As the story goes, that Thai lady won the local lottery but she did not fulfill her promise to Phra Phrom. Her fortune worsened until she performed the dance. The miracle story ends with that Thai lady’s fortune picking up again with yet another local lottery winning. These abovementioned Chinese tabloid news articles share the commonality of reporting the efficacy of Phra Phrom’s ‘magical’ influences. It is these reported stories that have the possibility of reinforcing the popularity of Phra Phrom worship among Chinese Singaporeans. Religious Periodicals are another form of mass media that may have consequential effects upon the popularity of Phra Phrom worship among Chinese Singaporeans. It is a common sight to find periodicals, in both English and Mandarin, related to ‘Chinese’ religion, astrology, horoscopes and fortune telling being sold at bookstores in Singapore. A bookstore franchise known as Popular is one of the biggest bookstores in Singapore; with forty-four branches. I went to five Popular bookstore branches to do a survey on the number of periodicals dealing with ‘Chinese’ religion. In all five stores, there was at least one bookshelf that is filled with such periodicals. In another instance, I went to a smaller-scale bookstore , as compared to a Popular bookstore branch, and counted the number of periodicals dealing with the abovementioned subject against the number of periodicals pertaining to other subject matters; such as lifestyle. There were a total of thirty-two periodicals that dealt with the Chinese religion. The Owner of the smaller scale bookstore, Hi-point Stationary, informed me that mainly Chinese who are in their late forties patronize periodicals dealing with the Chinese religion. Occasionally, the younger age groups (eighteen to late thirties) do patronize these abovementioned periodicals. It is the existence of these periodicals which may create another avenue for educating Chinese Singaporeans about other religious beliefs and practices. However, the existence of such educational materials alone does not explain why particular deity worship is popular among Chinese Singaporeans. It is the stories which reinforce the efficacy of a particular deity from these educational materials that would have the potential of popularizing particular deity worship. In fact, there is one horoscope cum educational periodical, entitled Fo Guang 2005, which deals particularly with Thai religious matter. A coloured picture of Phra Phrom was featured on the front cover of the Fo Guang 2005 periodical. In the magazine are Chinese horoscope readings and ‘lucky’ numbers for the year for every individual born in any year, along with a suitable Thai religious pendent for each individual horoscope. This periodical also contains ‘educational’ articles which report and explain the efficacy of certain Thai religious matters such as Thai Buddhist symbolic tattoos. In addition, this periodical contains miscellaneous advertisements, which charge ‘auspicious’ prices for services such as geomancy advice, fortune telling and ‘purification’ ceremony. In sum, the Fo Guang 2005 periodical serves as a good example of printed mass media educating readers about Thai religious beliefs and practices. Hence, the mass media does possess a means to popularizing Phra Phrom worship. Commercialization of Phra Phrom worship There are an overwhelming number of commercial stores that specialize in selling Thai religious artifacts and related services in Singapore. For example, I counted six commercial shops situated within the Fu Lu Shou Shopping Complex that specialize in Thai religious artifacts. In this section, I will explain how the commercialization of Thai religious artifacts and services has contributed to the growing popularity of Phra Phrom worship among Chinese Singaporeans. One of the shops in Fu Lu Shou Shopping Complex that occupies the largest floor space is Fordlane Art and Religious Artifacts. This store is established in 1993 and it prides itself being the largest shop in Singapore selling all types of Thai religious products and services. The sale of Phra Phrom figurines and related accessories are prominent in this store. I was fortunate to be able to conduct an interview with one of the shop’s sale attendants, who wanted to be known as Ah Lin, to provide information on the selling of Phra Phrom statues and related merchandise. According to Ah Lin, Fordlane Art and Religious Artifacts is not only a shop that is interested in selling its products and services. The shop’s ability to satisfy the needs of its customers, who are usually Chinese, and ‘contribute to society’ are equally valued. Ah Lin supported her statement by quoting Fordlane Art and Religious Artifacts’ ‘contribution to society’ via collaboration with Ren Ci Hospital Medical Care Centre in creating annual charity donation drive on a regular basis. Ah Lin even showed me two Chinese newspaper articles, published in 2004, reporting Fordlane Art and Religious Artifacts being able to collect one million Singapore dollars from devotees of Phra Phrom (Lian He Wan Bao, 19/12/2004 and Xin Ming Re Bao, 13/08/2004). Although I was not able to find out more about these devotees who donated to the charity donation drive, these news articles appearing in the local Chinese newspapers may imply that these devotees are mostly Chinese Singaporeans. There is a Phra Phrom shrine, measuring roughly two meters in height, placed within the shop and another similar sized Phra Phrom shrine situated at the ground level of Fu Lu Shou Complex. Ah Lin added that these shrines are another means for the shop to ‘contribute to society’ as members of the public are welcomed to offer prayers to these Phra Phrom shrines. Interestingly, Ah Lin presented to me a booklet, published by the store in both English and Mandarin, providing detailed information about Phra Phrom worship; alongside with the store’s advertisements introducing its range of products and services available. Ah Lin commented that this booklet helps to educate Singaporeans on the ‘proper’ understanding of Phra Phrom and the ‘right’ manner to worship him. In addition, Ah Lin added that customers to the store could also visit the store during the weekends to have the opportunity to consult with the store’s resident Thai monk, known as Kruba Kritsana, on matters relating to Phra Phrom worship. I have also witnessed merchants providing Thai religious artifacts as part of their array of products available for sale; other than those abovementioned shops specialized in selling Thai religious artifacts in Fu Lu Shou Shopping Complex. For example, there are four second-hand product sellers (commonly known as Kurang Guni) located at Sungei Road area selling Thai religious artifacts amongst other religious artifacts; such as Chinese deities. In another example, Rochor Center is known particularly among Chinese Singaporeans to be a place filled with shops specializing in selling Chinese deity statues and related merchandises. I went to three of these shops to enquire about the availability of Phra Phrom statues. All three shops that I enquired do have at least one Phra Phrom statue available for sale. I asked one anonymous middle-aged man, who has a Phra Phrom statue installed on the dashboard of his car, where he bought his Phra Phrom statue from and how he got it installed. He told me that he bought the Phra Phrom statue from one of the shops in Rochor Center as his friends related to him about the ‘power’ (efficacy) of Phra Phrom. Interestingly, that man commented that he is not a religious man who would engage a Thai ‘master’ (i. e. Thai religious specialist) to install the Phra Phrom: â€Å"†¦I am just following what my friends are doing†¦Ã¢â‚¬  There is a Chinese fortune-teller, located along Clubstreet, who placed a Phra Phrom statue on a makeshift altar in order to use the Phra Phrom statue to conduct fortune-telling session with customers. In another instance, there was a Phra Phrom shrine situated at Jurong Crocodile Farm between the year 2001 and 2002. During this period of time, the owner of that Phra Phrom hrine at the Jurong Crocodile Farm regularly placed a half-page newspaper advertisement in the Chinese tabloid newspaper (Lian He Wan Bao), highlighting stories of lottery winning incidents and free vegetarian meals for patrons to entice readers to come to the shrine to pray for good fortune. Mr. Lee Kai Fat was one of these regular patrons to this Phra Phrom shrine at the Jurong Crocodile Farm. Mr. Lee observed that there was always a long queue of devotees wishing to pray to that Phra Phrom shrine for good fortune whenever he visited it. He added that patrons need to pay a service fee of SGD$20 to SGD$50 in order to be ‘purified’ by an old Thai monk present at the shrine; other than a large yellow donation box being placed beside the Phra Phrom shrine for the collection of donations to support the sustainability of the shrine . In sum, the mere physical presence of the abovementioned merchants selling products and services related to Phra Phrom worship and the accessibility for customers to attain such products and services do contribute to the recent popularity of Phra Phrom worshipping among Chinese Singaporeans. Although the above sections (press and commercialization of Phra Phrom worship) illustrate the possible sources which would reinforce the belief in Phra Phrom worship among Chinese Singaporeans, the presence of such sources is unable to explain why Phra Phrom worship is able to be incorporated into the local Chinese popular belief system. This compatibility between Phra Phrom worship and the local Chinese popular belief system may be explained by what Mulder (1996) mentioned about Southeast Asian religion. Mulder (1996:242) explained that the focus of Southeast Asian religion is neither on morality nor on salvation nor liberation. Instead Southeast Asian religion is characterized by the fascination with power and prestige in social life. As such, Southeast Asian religious practice is concerned with individual potency, with protective blessing and with safety from danger and misfortune. In short, it is a relationship with ‘sacred’ power manifested in deities such as the Phra Phrom. Mulder’s characterization of Southeast Asian religion corresponds with what my informant, Mr. Jacky Ho who is a regular devotee of Phra Phrom, told me. When I visit Mr. Jacky Ho’s house for an interview I noticed that he places a Phra Phrom statue alongside a Chinese deity statue (Guan Ying Niang Niang) on the altar in his home. I asked Mr. Jacky Ho why he has a Phra Phrom statue placed on the altar and whether there is any conflict with the Chinese deity in such a placement. Mr. Jacky Ho replied: â€Å"†¦A friend of mine told me that the Four-Faced Buddha (Phra Phrom) is very good for those wishing for wealth. †¦Both of them (Phra Phrom and Chinese deity) belong to Buddhism†¦As such there is no conflict between these two gods†¦Ã¢â‚¬  A case of religious syncretism: Phra Phrom statue installation ceremony Phra Phrom shrines are a common sight in Singapore. These shrines, in their many sizes, can be found on the gardens of private housing or outside commercial shops or even on the dashboards of cars. According to three of my informants, Mr. Lee Kai Fat, Madam Hong and Mrs. Tan Siew Yah who are in their late fifties and regularly pray to Phra Phrom, the successful housing of a Phra Phrom shrine would require ‘expert’ knowledge and accurate ‘procedure’. Such requirement would mean the engagement of a religious specialist who is usually a Thai monk. My informants’ interpretation of a successful installation of Phra Phrom statue is one which is able to demonstrate the efficacy of Phra Phrom. For example, Madam Hong told me of her friend spending over SGD$10,000 to engage an ‘authentic’ Thai religious expert to ‘properly’ install a Phra Phrom statue outside her friend’s shop. Eventually Madam Hong’s friend’s fortune started picking up via increased business opportunities. Madam Hong emphasized that this sign of good fortune was due to the ‘proper’ installation of Phra Phrom statue by an ‘authentic’ Thai religious expert. This importance placed on the ‘proper’ installation of Phra Phrom and on the need to engage an ‘authentic’ Thai religious expert would result in a certain level of standardization in the installation of Phra Phrom. Therefore, the examination of this standard practice of installing Phra Phrom would serve as a good means to understand the nature of religious syncretism between Thai religion and Chinese religion in Singapore. I was able to witness a Phra Phrom statue ‘installation’ ceremony for a coffee shop located between Jalan Legundi and Sembawang walk in Sembawang. In this section, I describe what happened during this ceremony and the interpretations of these events, by my interviewees, in order to highlight examples of religious syncretism between Thai and Chinese religions. It was 6th February 2005, around 5am in the morning, when attendants to the Phra Phrom ‘installation’ ceremony were preparing offerings for the Phra Phrom statue. Three makeshift tables were placed in front of a newly constructed metal shrine, painted in gold. The coffee shop owner, Mr. Lim, and his stall owners placed elaborated arrays of offerings on the tables. These offerings include packets of ‘hell’ money, decorative ornaments such as small-sized wooden elephant carving and Thai dancing ladies figurines , fruits such as oranges and coconuts, ‘prayer’ oil (i. e. fuel for illumination), uncooked rice, cakes (known as Fa Kao), flowers, yellow candles and incense, such as joss sticks and sandalwood incense cubes. According to my interviewee, Mr. Lee Kai Fat, the offering of ‘hell’ money is a practice commonly seen in Taoist worship practices and the offering of yellow candles, joss sticks and flowers is a practice usually witnessed in Buddhist practices. My other interviewee, Mr. Tan Shao Han, commented that only the offering of coconut and decorative ornaments such as small-sized wooden elephant sculpture and Thai dancing ladies figurines are practices borrowed from Thai religious practices. Hence, an example of syncretism between Thai and Chinese religions can be seen from these offerings to Phra Phrom. The religious specialist together with his group of fifteen disciples who were mostly in their late forties, arrived at 6am. I was informed by one of the disciples of the religious specialist that the religious specialist is actually a Chinese Singaporean in his late forties. The ‘master’ (religious specialist) started practicing his craft when he was in Thailand learning Thai religious practices twenty years ago. The ‘master’ became famous in Singapore when he dared one of the Thai deities, Le Si deity, to possess his body and to perform several ‘miracles’ through his body. The ‘master’ started helping people in terms of providing religious consultation and ‘purification’ services ever since the Le Si deity possessed the ‘master’s’ body. His disciple praised of his ‘master’ being an expert in performing black magic and helping people to heal from black magic curses. His disciple even told me that this Thai ‘master’ was once honoured by the current Thai king, H. M. King Bhumiphol Adulyadej, with a Buddha pendant. At the coffee shop in Sembawang, the ‘master’ started inspecting the site and ensuring all the offerings needed for the ceremony were present. Following on, the ‘master’ chanted in Pali in front of the Phra Phrom statue while using a brush to paint the eyes of the Phra Phrom statue with red paint. After which, the ‘master’ went over to the empty shrine to perform another chanting session in Pali and sprinkled ‘holy’ water around the area. The owner of the coffee shop was later invited by the ‘master’ to join in the prayer session. The coffee shop owner started repeating what the ‘master’ said, in Hokkien, with a bunch of burning joss sticks in his hand in front of the empty shrine. Request for continuing good business for the coffee shop was heard throughout these prayer sessions. I asked one of the ‘master’s’ disciples for an explanation of what the ‘master’ was doing. I was told that such practice helps to ‘purify’ the area before having the sacred Phra Phrom statue installed. After this ‘purification’ session, the ‘master’ instructed the coffee shop owner, along with the help of other devotees, to move the Phra Phrom statue into the empty shrine. There was a sudden loud outcry by a woman in her late forties who seemed to be in a trance-like state when the Phra Phrom statue was moved. Everyone present at the scene seemed to be oblivious to the woman’s commotion; as if this kind of incident was a common happening during Phra Phrom statue installation ceremonies. I was told by one of the male disciples of the Thai ‘master’ that the woman, who was crying bitterly, was also a disciple of the Thai ‘master’: â€Å"Her cry is a cry of joy†¦the spirits around the vicinity possessed her body in order to celebrate the installation of the Phra Phrom statue†¦Ã¢â‚¬  There were two other similar incidents of people getting into a trance-like state of mind during this Phra Phrom statue installation ceremony. After the Phra Phrom statue was housed within its shrine, the ‘master’ invited the devotees present to offer their prayers to the newly installed Phra Phrom statue. Suddenly a middle-aged male disciple of the ‘master’ fell into a trance-like state. He stood still, in front of the main side of the Phra Phrom statue, with his eyes closed and holding a bunch of burning joss-sticks high up in the air. Following on, his legs started trembling and another disciple of the ‘master’ assisted him to a chair to rest. As that middle-aged disciple in trance sat down at the chair, he started smiling amiably to himself and ‘combing’ his hair as if he was making his hair into a bun; with his eyes closed throughout this incident. Interestingly, another trance-like incident happened to one of the male food stall owners of the coffee shop while that middle-aged male disciple was behaving in a trance-like manner. The food stall owner of the coffee shop was praying in front of Phra Phrom when he suddenly started yelling wildly in an aggressive manner. According to Boddy (1989), trance possession is understood as a system of communication between the host (person in trance) and a third party (e. g. spector). These incidents of trance possession by the abovementioned three persons at the Phra Phrom installation ceremony serve as a good example of syncretism between Thai and Chinese religions. According to my interviewee, Mr. Lee Kai Fat, trance dancing incidents during Phra Phrom statue installation ceremonies is a common sight in Singapore. However, he added that such incidents do not happen during Phra Phrom statue installation ceremonies in Thailand. This comparison between the usual practices in Thailand and Singapore was further validated by my other interviewee, Madam Hong. Both interviewees agree that such trance dancing incident originated from Taoist practices rather than from Thai religious practices. The final example of syncretism between Thai and Chinese religions can be found during the closing ceremony of the Phra Phrom statue installation. The ‘master’, accompanied by the coffee shop owner and other devotees of Phra Phrom present at the ceremony, went over to the other side of the coffee shop to offer prayers and offerings to the Chinese earth deity (commonly known as Tu Ti Gong). It was after this closing ceremony when I asked the coffee shop owner for an explanation for the offering of prayers to the Chinese earth deity. The coffee shop owner explained his rationale with a question posed back to me: â€Å"Who has the biggest authority when you go to a shopping center? Accordingly, that coffee shop owner replied with a metaphor: â€Å"It is the security guards†¦You cannot enter the shopping center if they (i. e. security guards) dont allow you to enter It is the same logic with earth god Therefore it is appropriate to ask for permission from the earth god to installing Phra Phrom statue † This concept of asking for permission from the earth deity protecting the vicinity is similar to the reli gious Thai concept of offering prayer to â€Å"spirit houses† as described by Guelden (1995) in her explanation of religious and cultural practices of the Thai people. The only difference lies with the different object which devotees pray to in order to seek permission and protection from. ‘Anti-Syncretism’: Agency that discourages religious syncretism In this section, I highlight examples, from my interviewees’ perspectives, to show the kinds of agency that discourages the syncretism of Thai and Chinese religions. The point in doing so is to show that the syncretism of Thai and Chinese religious practices happens in a manner whereby contestations to such syncretism, as explained by Shaw and Stewart (1994), do exist. According to Shaw and Stewart (1994), ‘anti-syncretism’ is defined as â€Å"the antagonism to religious synthesis shown by agents concerned with the defense of religious boundaries†. In the context of Phra Phrom worshipping in Singapore, my field research found out that the agents defined by Shaw and Steward (1994) are the representatives from Thai Buddhist temples in Singapore, such as Palelai Buddhist Temple, who seek to promote the essence of Buddhism and those devoted Buddhists whom I interviewed with having similar religious aspiration as those abovementioned representatives from Thai Buddhist temples in Singapore. I managed to conduct an in-depth interview with Mr. Ramus Lee, who is the administrator of Palelai Buddhist temple located at Simpang Bedok , to provide me with key perspectives that have relevance in this section. Firstly, when I refer to Phra Phrom as the Four-Faced Buddha, Mr. Ramus Lee told me that the ‘actual’ way to addressing Phra Phrom ought to be Phra Phrom Dewa. In Mr. Ramus Lee’s viewpoint, Phra Phrom belongs to one of the deities under the Lord Buddha; who is the supreme spiritual god. Furthermore, Mr. Ramus Lee showed me a detailed chart listing out all the ‘ranks’ of deities under Buddha to validate his statement. Secondly, Mr. Ramus Lee told me that Palelai Buddhist Temple neither encourages nor discourages popular practices of Phra Phrom worship. These popular practices include the performing of traditional Thai dances by ladies in front of Phra Phrom and the offering of ornaments, such as wooden elephant cravings or ladies in traditional Thai costume figurines, to Phra Phrom. Mr. Ramus Lee rationalized Palelai Buddhist Temple’s neutral stand by classifying these popular practices under Hindu practices and stating that these popular practices do not help in furthering understanding of the Buddhas spiritual teaching. In spite of the lack of encouragement from Palelai Buddhist Temple, Mr. Ramus Lee commented that there were occurrences of these popular practices being performed unofficially at the temple. For example, it is popularly known that the Phra Phrom ‘enjoys’ watching dancing ladies performance. In line with that popular belief, Mr. Ramus Lee told me there was once a Chinese Singaporean lady being caught dancing in front of Phra Phrom Statue in the middle of the night at the Palelai Buddhist Temple ground; in the hope of having her wishes granted. In another example, Mr. Lee told me that there are many devotees who came to the temple offering wooden elephant carvings to the Phra Phrom statue within the temple ground. Palelai Buddhist Temple cleaners would regularly clear these ornaments away so as to discourage such popular practices. On a similar vein, Mr. Ramus Lee commented that Palelai Buddhist Temple conduct regular spiritual classes (known as ‘Dharma’ lessons) to aid devotees in realizing the essence of Buddhism. Mr. Ramus Lee believes that these Dharma classes would help dispel popular superstitions such as the abovementioned popular practices of Phra Phrom worship . Relevant perspectives are also gained from an interview with Mr. Tan Hwa Sai, who is a regular devotee of Kancanarama Buddhist Temple . Firstly, Mr. Tan Hwa Sai’s interpretation of the symbolic meanings on each side of the Phra Phrom statue differs from popular interpretations. There are symbolic objects, such as rosary and spear stick, represented on each side of the Phra Phrom statue. One of the popular interpretations of these symbolic objects is explained by a second-hand seller (commonly known as karang guni) of Thai religious artifacts in Sungei Road. For example, the karang guni man told me that the front side of Phra Phrom ‘specializes’ in answering the prayers of businessmen. The karang guni interpret the symbolic rosary, located at the front side of Phra Phrom, as representative of ‘counting tools’ for olden day’s businessmen. In another example, the karang guni believes that the rear side of the Phra Phrom statue is for devotees who wish for sexual gratification as he rationalizes the symbolic ‘mirror’ object located at the rear side of Phra Phrom to be representing beauty. This example of the popular interpretation of the sides of Phra Phrom contrast with what Mr. Tan Hwa Sai believed to be the true significance of the different sides of the Phra Phrom statue. According to Mr. Tan Hwa Sai, the four sides of Phra Phrom deity represent the four qualities of Lord Buddha; namely Metta (Loving kindness), Karuna (Compassion), Mudita (Sympathy) and Upekkha (Equality). These essences of the Lord Buddha’s qualities represented by the different sides of Phra Phrom are validated by an anonymous Thai monk who resides in Kancanarama Buddhist Temple. Secondly, Mr. Tan Hwa Sai told me that there are preventive measures that are being installed, within the Kancanarama Buddhist Temple ground, against popular practices of Phra Phrom worship. For example, Mr. Tan cited the placement of a security camera within Kancanarama Buddhist Temple ground to ensure the security of the Phra Phrom statue . In another example, thick glass panels encasing the Phra Phrom statue, within the Kancanarama Buddhist Temple, are used to prevent devotees from touching the Phra Phrom statue . According to Mr. Tan Hwa Sai, the belief of wishes being granted to those who are able to physically lift up a Phra Phrom statue is a popular belief among Chinese Singaporean devotees to Phra Phrom. Interestingly, Guelden (1995) also describe the lifting of religious idol as a means to wish for good fortune being evident in popular Thai religious practices. There is a possibility that the practices of Chinese Singaporeans wishing to lift up Phra Phrom statue in order to have their wishes granted is a practice borrowed from popular Thai religious practices. Stories of ‘Four Faced Buddha’ as stabilizer in this process of negotiation While my abovementioned field research findings testify to the constantly negotiated process between syncretism and ‘anti-syncretism’ as propounded by Shaw and Stewart (1994), popular reinforcing stories in reality do act as a stabilizing effect to this constantly negotiated process between syncretism and ‘anti-syncretism’. In the context of Phra Phrom worship, popular reinforcing stories would refer to incidents which demonstrate the efficacy of Phra Phrom as remembered by devotees. These remembered incidents reinforce and govern devotees’ beliefs and as such it would result in the constantly negotiated process between syncretism and ‘anti-syncretism’ becoming less often. This section provides various examples of such reinforcing stories related to Phra Phrom as remembered by my interviewees. The coffee shop owner located in Sembawang, Mr. Lim, told me that a Phra Phrom shrine was installed outside the coffee shop by the pervious coffee shop owner prior to the abovementioned installation ceremony of Phra Phrom statue by Mr. Lim. Mr. Lim mentioned of a ‘bad fortune’ that had bestowed upon the pervious coffee shop owner which prompted Mr. Lim in wanting to install a new Phra Phrom statue at his coffee shop. During the takeover process of the coffee shop, the pervious coffee shop owner settled all the necessary administrative procedures necessary for the takeover. However, the religious ceremony to ‘inform’ the former Phra Phrom shine of the pervious owner’s intention was not carried out. Mr. Lim believes that this negligence had caused the pervious coffee shop owner to fall ill and die on the 6th February 2005. Interestingly, there were other incidents that happened during the abovementioned Phra Phrom statue installation ceremony which have also reinforced the popular belief in Phra Phrom among the devotees present at the ceremony. For example, the presence of the three entranced persons mentioned in the above section was one of these reinforcing incidents. One anonymous devotee whom I interviewed at the ceremony commented about these trance dances; â€Å"Four-Faced Buddha (i. e. Phra Phrom) is very powerful†¦Ã¢â‚¬  The coffee shop owner, Mr. Lim, told me another interesting story. It involves one of the devotees who was present at the Phra Phrom installation ceremony and winning the second prize in the local lottery (i. e. 4D) on the same day that Phra Phrom statue was installed. During the ceremony, the coffee shop owner’s assistant gave out a two dollar note put inside a red packet to each of the devotees who attended the ceremony. One of the devotees bought a lottery ticket (i. e. 4D), based on the last four serial numbers that was on that two dollar note which given as a token of appreciation, on the same day of the ceremony. That devotee won second prize with that lottery ticket and this news of lottery winning incident was circulated widely among all the coffee shop stall owners whom I interviewed with. Although the winning may be a coincidence, such stories do aid in reinforcing the efficacy of Phra Phrom among believers. Madam Hong, related to me how she was formerly a Thai national and married a Chinese Singaporean. During the early stages of Madam Hong’s marriage, she wished in front of Phra Phrom Shrine (in Erawan) that she would be able to receive her permanent resident (PR) status from the Singapore Government as soon as possible. Eventually, Madam Hong received her PR status sooner than she expected. However Madam Hong did not return her gratitude to Phra Phrom and that feeling of guilt made her uneasy for almost four years. It was until Madam Hong met a Thai nun in Singapore when she realized that her sense of uneasiness and recent ‘bad luck’ was due to her past failure to return gratitude to Phra Phrom. It was this realization that prompted her to return her gratitude to the Phra Phrom Shrine (in Erawan) via offerings such as flowers and self-constrained actions such as not eating beef for one week. Conclusion My abovementioned field research into the historical, cultural and economic dynamics of Chinese Singaporeans praying to Phra Phrom in Singapore explain the various forms of agencies which both encourage and discourage popular beliefs and practices of Phra Phrom worshipping in Singapore. Consequentially, both religious syncretism and ‘anti-syncretism’ of Thai and Chinese religions do happen within the same time frame. Therefore, these two contrasting agencies of syncretism or ‘anti-syncretism’ would result in the worship of Phra Phrom in Singapore to be a constantly negotiated process as propounded by both Shaw and Stewart and Mulder. On the other hand, such constantly negotiated process between syncretism and ‘anti-syncretism’ are not fluid to the extent that the phenomenon resulted from such process would metamorphose within a short time frame (e. g. two years). Reinforcing stories as remembered by devotees of Phra Phrom, regardless of accuracy in the particularity of remembered incident, would act as a form of a stabilizer effect to this constantly negotiated process. References: ‘Ah Lin’. (18th February, 2005). Personal communication. Appadurai, A. (1991) ‘Global Ethnoscapes: Notes and Queries for a Transnational Anthropology’ in R. Fox (ed. ) Recapturing Anthropology: Working in the Present. Santa Fe: School of American Research Press. London: New York : Routledge. Barnard, A. and Spencer, J. (eds) (1996) Encyclopedia of social and cultural anthropology. Boddy, J. (1989) Wombs and Alien Spirits: Women, Men and the Zar Cult in Northern Sudan. Madison: University of Wisconsin Press. Fo Guang Geomancy Centre. (2005) 2005 Fo Guang – Enlightened Year of Roaster. Malaysia: South Asia Publication Sdn. Bhd. Herskovits, M. J. (1941) The Myth of the Negro Past. Boston, MA: Beacon Press. Hoon, Yi Chiun. 2001) Home away from home: Thai experience of transnationalism. Singapore: Southeast Asian Studies Programme, Faculty of Arts Social Sciences, National University of Singapore. Lang,Graeme. (2004) Cultural Intrusions and Reglious Syncretism: The Case of Caodaism in Vietnam. City University of Hong Kong Working papers series [Internet] July 2004, No. 65 Available from : http://www. cityu. edu. hk/searc/WP65_04_Lang. pdf[Accessed January 25, 2005] Leach, E,. (1954) Introduction in Political Systems of Highland Burma: A Study on Kachin Social Structure. London: London School of Economics and Political Science. Madam Hong. (11th February, 2005). Personal communication. Madam Tan Siew Yah. (2nd February, 2005). Personal communication. Majupuria, Trilok Chandra. (1993) Erawan Shrine and Brahma Worship in Thailand. Bangkok: Craftsman Press. Marlane Guelden. (1995) Thailand: Into the Spirit World. Thailand: Asia Books Co. Ltd. Mr. Jacky Ho. (15th February, 2005). Personal communication. Mr. Lee Kai Fat. (26th February, 2005). Personal communication. Mr. Lim. (15th February, 2005). Personal communication. Mr. Ramus Lee. (12th February, 2005). Personal communication. Mr. Tan Shao Han. (23rd February, 2005). Personal communication. Mulder, Niels. (1996) Inside Southeast Asia: religion, everyday life, cultural change. Singapore: The Pepin Press. Rosaldo, R. (1989) Culture and Truth: The Remaking of Social Analysis. Boston: Beacon Press. Stewart, Charles. Shaw, Rosalind. (1994) Introduction: Problematizing Syncretism. IN: Stewart, Charles. Shaw, Rosalind. Syncretism/Anti-Syncretism: The politics of Religious Synthesis. London, New York: Routledge. ‘Uncle’ William. (16th February, 2005). Personal communication.

How Do Employers Moniter Internet Usage at Work Essay Example

How Do Employers Moniter Internet Usage at Work Essay Example How Do Employers Moniter Internet Usage at Work Paper How Do Employers Moniter Internet Usage at Work Paper APBT 3312. 80 INTERNET WEB SEARCH ARTICLE #1 HOW DO EMPLOYERS MONITOR INTERNET USAGE AT WORK? This article informs us the readers on how and what forms an employer can monitor our internet usage while at work. The main reason that we see this at work is due to our advance technology at the work place. Almost all companies have access to the internet at work which entices the workers to go to websites that are not work related. This article does not debate whether it is legal or illegal. It provides information on the two basic types that employers use to monitor, internet and desktop surveillance. This article explains that they use spyware like hackers do to monitor an employee’s internet usage, website visits, emails sent, information on emails, and streaming videos. This information provides specific work or unrelated work this employee is conducting to include the time spent. While conducting desktop surveillance it does all of the aforementioned to include offline activity. All systems are connected to the administrator’s computer and he can actually connect via remote and monitor while you are in front without knowing. I believe this article was mediocre in all. It did provide information that I was not aware like the two basic ways employers monitor. I feel they could have gone more in depth in this area. I know this article was not mean to debate whether it was legal or illegal but does cover the basic legal rights the employer and employee have. REFERENCE J. Bean (2010). WiseGEEK; How do Employers monitor internet usage at work? Retrieved June 13, 2010, from wisegeek. com/how-do-employers-monitor-internet-usage-at-work. htm

Discrepancy vs. Disparity

Discrepancy vs. Disparity Discrepancy vs. Disparity Discrepancy vs. Disparity By Mark Nichol What’s the difference between discrepancy and disparity and other similar words beginning with the prefix dis-? The meanings are often the same or closely related, but some distinctions apply: Discrepancy, the noun form of the rarely used adjective discrepant, stems from the Latin term discrepare, which means â€Å"to sound discordantly.† A discrepancy is a variance from or disagreement with something, as in the discrepancy between inventory figures and actual stock, or between a statement on a certain issue and a record of a previous comment about the same topic. Disparity is a noun form of the adjective disparate. (Disparateness is its more unwieldy synonym.) The root of these words is the Latin term parare, which means â€Å"to prepare.† Although disparate means â€Å"different† or â€Å"distinct,† disparity has a more precise connotation, one of inequality. Meanwhile, a dissimilarity or dissimilitude (the root of these terms is the Latin word similis, the basis of same, similar, simulate, and resemblance) is a lack, respectively, of commonality and resemblance. Distinctness and distinctiveness (both, like distinguish, from the Latin word distinguere, meaning â€Å"to separate, to prick apart†) have similar rather than distinct meanings: Distinctness refers to notability, an unmistakable quality or phenomenon, or a separateness; distinctiveness, meanwhile, also refers to a markedly singular trait but may alternatively apply to a stylishness or other state that sets something apart. In an bygone era of unregulated spelling, discreet and discrete were originally alternate spellings for the word meaning â€Å"separate, distinct,† but the former form eventually took on a specialized sense, one of â€Å"careful, prudent.† The latter form is often erroneously used in place of the well-established variant spelling for that meaning. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Misused Words category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:Congratulations on or for?Does "Mr" Take a Period?One "L" or Two?

HR. managment assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

HR. managment - Assignment Example It was a positive experience and I liked the way they work. The responsibility of HR management must be given to the line managers as they are aware of the condition at grass root levels. They are also responsible for executing the main objectives of an organization. I elected this course as I have always been interested in human behavior. Meeting new people and trying to understand them has always excited me. Now I am keener to make it my profession and I want to formally study and understand human resource management. I expect to learn from this course, how the human resource of an organization can be managed effectively to gain a competitive edge. Also, I would want to learn how to interact with the employees in an organization and more importantly how to motivate them to work at their full potential. The most important thing that I have learnt about human resource management in the past is that, it is not just important to recognize and reward good work (bad work) but also it is equally important to communicate why it is good (or

Strategic Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 4

Strategic Management - Essay Example The Bowman’s Strategy Clock is used in defining the eight possible types of strategies, which are based on the coordinates of price and the value being added (Perceived).The shape of the strategy model is like a star and gives an overall appearance of a clock. The company has been playing the game of differentiation. It has set up a number of steps to make itself superior to its competitors. It can be seen from the huge spending being done by the company as a part of its plan for expansion. It has been spending over a hundred million sterling pounds on a yearly basis, over different projects. Lego has been diversifying with the building of theme parks in Denmark, it also the Lego bricks. In addition to this, theme parks have come up in other parts of the world like UK (United Kingdom) and USA. These have added to the brand value of the company as well as the visibility, attracting over 1.5 million people annually. The company has been trying to differentiate itself from the other players. The building of theme parks is an exercise of branding, which would set itself separate from other competitors (Johnson,s Scholes and Whitington, 2008). So, it is being done so that the company becomes a symbol of quality. The customers would associate th e brand (Lego), with a better sense of quality. This is the analysis of the company in terms of Bowman’s Strategy Clock. ... The value addition is low. It is specific to the segment. The price is high and the value is low. The market may be lost, if not in a position of monopoly. Based on the analysis from the Bowman’s Strategy Clock, the position of the company is analysed. This has been found out be as follows- Position 4(Differentiation) The company has been playing the game of differentiation. It has set up a number of steps to make itself superior to its competitors. It can be seen from the huge spending being done by the company as a part of its plan for expansion. It has been spending over a hundred million sterling pounds on a yearly basis, over different projects. Lego has been diversifying with the building of theme parks in Denmark, it also the Lego bricks. In addition to this, theme parks have come up in other parts of the world like UK (United Kingdom) and USA. These have added to the brand value of the company as well as the visibility, attracting over 1.5 million people annually. The company has been trying to differentiate itself from the other players. The building of theme parks is an exercise of branding, which would set itself separate from other competitors (Johnson,s Scholes and Whitington, 2008). So, it is being done so that the company becomes a symbol of quality. The customers would associate the brand (Lego), with a better sense of quality. This is the analysis of the company in terms of Bowman’s Strategy Clock. DIRECTION OF STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT The decisions regarding corporate growth are centred on the methodologies through which the organization can play a part in the promotion and sustenance of existent competitive advantage. There is a need for the expansion and growth of the companies, which leads to the adoption of different

Drink - Coffee Essay Example for Free

Drink Coffee Essay Zagu Pearl Shake is a food stall business that offers cool flavored drink mixed with dark, spherical, chewy balls made from yam and tapioca called Pearls. Zagu was the first to introduce the â€Å"Pearl Drink† to the Philippine market. The First Zagu store was launched in April 1999. Zagu was pioneered by a young enterprising lady with a degree in Food Science from University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada. Now, ZAGU has grown from a tiny kiosk to a current network of over 290 outlets nationwide. Zagu has also gained recognition locally through awards such as the National Choice Awards, and International recognition through our partner in Sydney, Australia. Zagu foods can be found in malls, supermarkets and roadside locations. Behind the success of every Zagu store is their professional management team and dedicated employees committed to putting the customers first and achieving excellence in everything. MISSION To provide the best quality, most innovative and reasonably priced products in the beverage industry. To be the leader in our industry attained by a well-planned expansion through retail outlets and wide product distribution. To continuously generate awareness, interest and desire for our products resulting in frequent / repeat purchases. To establish Zagu as a highly regarded international brand name.. VISION Our Company bears the vision of providing fun, deliciously appetizing, uniquely enchanting Food and beverage products while maintaining our commitment to uncompromised quality At economical rates with the heartening purpose to cater to society’s needs, tastes And preferences; rather than simply convincing our customers to try and like whatever products we Develop. What your will have as an authorized dealer? Instant market Additional source of income Proprietary recipes, ingredients and procedures Discount on purchases Ongoing training and operational support Marketing and advertising support Exclusive product distribution Contemporary design and decor package Assistance with site selection Customized operational system. What are the features of authorized dealership? P270, 000 to 350,000 approximate investment package, and business will be fully operational No franchise fee and no royalty fee Will carry the well-established ZAGU trademark and logo Special discounted price for purchases exclusive for authorized dealers only Continuous marketing support through event participation, sponsorship and other marketing approach High profile national presence No defined territory. Participation in events Zagu standard uniform Service crew training What exactly does ZAGU looks for in a business partner? Dedicated Hard working Competent Customer oriented What is the process involved in the application? It starts with completion of the initial questionnaire then followed by interviews, meeting, payment of deposit, filing-up of application form, submission of requirements, payment of package, signing of agreement, and lastly training. The â€Å"time frame† depends upon the mutual commitment and projected schedule of both parties. Approximately 45-60 days from the date of completion of requirements. To learn the steps in applying for ZAGU authorized dealership and their international business offers, please visit their official website at www. zagushakes. com. To contact ZAGU Foods Corporation – Sales Department, their telephone numbers are (632) 687-0140 / 687-4403 local 113-114.

Achilles Anophtheis (achilles Revisited) :: essays research papers

The director walked onto the stage, gingerly adjusting his radiation mask in order to fit the microphone beneath it. His nervous cough boomed through the hall. After shuffling the papers on the podium before him, he began."Welcome ladies and gentlemen of the Pre-Apocalypse Archaeological Society. We have called this session to impart to you a matter of the utmost importance, a discovery of the highest order. As you are aware, our teams have only recently been able to sift through the debris of the razed cities of our belligerent predecessors, thanks to the efforts of our colleagues at the Physical Research Society who, with the aid of Allah, have made our task infinitely easier with the invention of a radiation suit which allows our field workers to work even in areas of the highest radiation concentration: the cities of what was formerly the United States of America. The discoveries are literally pouring in, and we have our hands full simply cataloguing the numerous finds. Our first find was a small rectangular object, containing a spool of thin ribbon, which one of our historians identified as what was known as a cassette. Simply put, it was a device on which sounds could be recorded. From its small size, our historian conjectured that it was of a type designed for recording the human voice rather than music. Armed with this belief, we managed to convince the Censor Society to allow us to reconstruct the primitive machine to play back the message we hoped it would contain. They agreed; on the condition that we did not do so until they had a chance to screen it for the negative influences that caused the downfall of the last corrupt civilization. They duly approved it and we are now ready for its first public presentation."Before we begin, I would like to explain some of the terms used in the recording, for those of you who lack the benefit of an historical training. The tape is evidently the recording of a psychologist. You are all aware that the sacrilege which led to the destruction of the Nuclear Age was primarily caused by the decline in religious belief and values. A psychologist was the person who supplanted the role of the confessor in this blasphemous time. He labored under the delusion that the immortal soul was accessible on a scientific, human level; and, like most of the scientists of the day, impiously discounted Allah as an unnecessary complication.

Global Limited System Essay

Global Limited is a global provider of infrastructure information systems, whose services cater to a wide range of industry sectors. One of Global Limited’s business objectives is information security for their clients. In order to provide their clients with information security, Global Limited has utilized a risk management approach to protect their client’s information. From a security standpoint the step taken by Global Limited are sound and will maximize the security of their client’s information. The main weakness as such will remain at the user level. If the end users both internal and external are not security conscious and vigilant in their security awareness then there is a risk of a vulnerability being exploited. The access controls Global Limited implemented using access tokens and PIN numbers for authentication provides a level of security to protect unauthorized access to data and systems. The additional use of the Data Loss Prevention (DLP) product to manage data across the network is integral to compliance of the CIA triad. Global Limited’s approach of layered security from end- point to end user utilized several different methods of controls thus providing their clients with a single comprehensive strategy. Although there is no real way to have complete security against all threats, Global Limited has provided their clients with a secure solution without being so intrusive that the end users cannot do their jobs. If a company or organization’s data and systems are not secure, be it from lack of proper controls or improper physical security, then they would be out of compliance with industry standards. According to the SOX act a company is supposed to have internal controls in place to prevent and detect unauthorized access of financial data. Global’s risk management approach was a key factor in the success of their efforts to protecting their cl ient’s information assets. By utilizing risk management strategies Global was able to detect vulnerabilities where there were the  most likelihood of threat and implement controls to detect and/or prevent breaches of the security controls. The risk management process ensured Global addressed security measures at all levels of the IT/domain. Having remote external access to Global’s network poses many threats. Lack of physical controls over devices could result in breaches. If a person lost a laptop that ad sensitive data or kept their login credentials stored on their phones, an unauthorized person could gain access. If data is not properly classified and protected it could be compromised through VPN. Some other tools that are comparable to those used by Global are Biometrics and cryptographic keys used for authentication. Titan CMS is similar to Global’s DLP suite in that it classifies, monitors and secures data across a network. Clone Guard provides vulnerability scanning, intrusion detection, and penetration testing to test an organizations defensive countermeasures and identify threats. References Managed Network Security, IDS IPS Solutions Provider – Clone Systems, Inc. (n.d.). Retrieved March 30, 2014, from http://www.clone-systems.com/?gclid=CPCGzpWn1r0CFaVxOgodtEcAeQ Titan CMS content management systems. (n.d.). Retrieved March 30, 2014, from http://titancms.com/home.htm

India is a country of festivals Essay

India: A Land Of Festivals INDIA, the world’s second largest country, has over 1 billion inhabitants, who speak 18 major languages and more than 1,000 minor languages and dialects. It features an infinite variety of landscapes and unsurpassed cultural richness. With so much diversity embedded within one culture, it is easy to understand why India is called â€Å"a land of festival and fairs.† Every day of the year there is a festival celebrated in some part of the country. As in any old civilization, most of these festivals have religious ties. Because India is still a predominantly rural nation, many of its festivals also welcome the coming of natural phenomena like the seasons of the year, the harvest, the rains, or the full moon. Thus, festivals often commemorate the sacred bond felt by the Indian villagers to their land. Nevertheless, there are those festivals, such as karwa chauth, practiced with great austerity by women of the Hindu faith in devotion to their husbands, which are not festivals as such, though there may be something of a festive air attached to these occasions. English: Diwali Chakra in Displaly English: Radha celebrating Holi, c1788. (digitally†¦ Holi Some festivals are observed throughout the country, or in a greater part of it; others, such as the famed snake race of Kerala, have peculiarly regional associations. Yet others, most notably Diwali and Holi, have been instrumental in bringing the diaspora of Indian communities back together. In remote places like Fiji, Mauritius, Trinidad, Jamaica, and Guyana, these festivals are celebrated with a pomp and vigor not always witnessed in India itself, indicating the intensity of India culture even after it travels away from the subcontinent. Among the most popular of all festivals, Dussehra symbolizes the triumph of good over evil. It takes place sometime between late September and early October. Every region observes this ten-day festival in a special way.

Biology Essay Essays

Biology Essay Essays Biology Essay Paper Biology Essay Paper In the biological perspective, scientist often view the nervous system to be the most complex and significant body system in the human anatomy basically because of its function for the body and its processes. Indeed, sustaining damages to the nervous system has dangerous consequences for the body including seizures, paralysis, and comatose and even death. In this aspect, this paper aim to discuss and critical elaborate the scientific facts about the human nervous system and its anatomy. The human brain is basically part of the nervous system of the human anatomy as its controls, regulates and maintains the nervous functions and processes of the human body. Biologically, the brain is a complex concentration of nerve cells and fibers that is able to process and formulate significant number of nerve activities characterized by electrical impulses. The brain’s anatomy is basically divided into three regions classified to its characteristics and functions namely the cerebrum, cerebellum, and the brain stem. The cerebrum handles all of the distinctly human activities such as speaking, reading, writing and others while the cerebellum handles the aspects of balance and body and muscle coordination. On the other hand, the brain stem serves as the communication port for the brain and the spinal cord as it contains billions of control points for nerve impulses. The nervous system is also composed of numerous nerve cells which are characterized and classified according to their functions namely the sensory or afferent and the motor or efferent. The sensory nerve cells are the medium for inward-traveling impulses wherein they transmit information from the senses to the brain. On the other hand, the motor nerve cells relay informations from the brain to the affected muscle regions for the appropriate body reaction to the impulse. Between the brain and the nerve cells, the spinal cord acts as the expressway for the transmissions and relays of impulses and their respective nervous reactions. Anatomically, the brain connects the brain to the collective nerve cells of the human body as it stretches to the back of the body. This serves as the master nerve tract and consists of millions of nerve fibers bundled together, somewhat like many small threads making up a large rope partially interwoven in the backbone for support.

Why Sex With Boss Is a Bad Idea for Your Career

Why Sex With Boss Is a Bad Idea for Your Career He may be attractive and give you all the right signals, but having sex with the boss is a bad idea and a potential career killer. Youre not living in isolation with him on a desert island, but sharing a workplace where your illicit relationship affects everyone. Many companies have clear policies on office dating and while relationships between co-workers have become commonplace, an employees affair with the boss still continues to be frowned upon. Even if it turns into something serious and long-lasting, chances are one of you will have to go. Power Playmate Look beyond the physical act of sex with your boss and youll see that power is at the heart of the relationship. Writing for the Times Online, Susie Godson sums it up as a power trip and a huge ego boost and adds, Peel away the perks and what exactly are you left with? The inequity of power, desire to associate with power or attain more power all factor into the situation. Theres also the power that comes from flying in the face of convention and sampling forbidden fruit. Stop and ask yourself: If he wasnt your boss, would you still be attracted to him? Are the excitement and passion based on the fact that although he has control over your life and career, you feel like you have control over him? Do you think that if you sleep with him, hell fast-track you to the top or at least promote you or give you a raise? Or do you just like the buzz that follows you around the workplace because co-workers sense that theres something more to your relationship than supervisor and subordinate? Sex as a Skill Set Sex clouds everyones judgment. You may have been hired because of your skills, your experience, your talent, drive, and enthusiasm. But when youre involved with the boss, you may find your competence in question. Opportunities that come your way, successes you achieve, goals you meet and exceed all may be perceived as arising out of your special relationship with the boss and not your own hard work. You may not get credit where credit is due. And if you end up working for someone else in the same company, that person may be reluctant to believe that youve gotten to where you are based on merit alone. Youll have that relationship with your ex-boss hanging over your head, and it may stunt your career advancement under future supervisors. Some Girl or Another The odds are against an enduring relationship. And when it falls apart, it probably wont wrap itself up with all loose ends tucked in neatly and both parties acting like adults. If the two of you remain in the same workplace and hes still your boss, therell be jealousy on one end or the other, and its going to affect your professional relationship and judgment. He may stall your career out of spite, revenge, or simply because he can, or behave in ways that make it difficult to continue to work for him. Or you may have to sit back, bite your tongue, and watch him launch another steamy affair with someone new under him (in more ways than one.) Because heres the painful truth: many bosses who sleep with their employees dont do it just once. Theyre serial subordinate seducers. As much as youd like to think that youre special the irresistible one he broke all the rules for- its probably not that way. As journalist Dominique Jackson observed in her article An Affair to Forget in Marie Claire, she found out she wasnt the only one to fall for her sexy, dazzling boss when she had dinner with a colleague of his: Great guy. Excellent writer. Underrated, too, said my companion. Trouble is, he always has some girl or other in tow. Usually one of the junior journalists or a secretary. I really dont know how his wife puts up with it. No Employees With Benefits From a purely business standpoint, the relationship is a no-win situation for the company you work for, even if you end up together. Human resources professional Laurie Ruettimann, the founder of Punk Rock HR, says that companies frame the issue of dating under Code of Conduct policies: As an employee, you are not allowed to personally benefit from your role at the office at the expense of the organization. Therefore, you are not allowed to sleep with a subordinate and continue supervising his/her work. Additionally, most companies will not allow you to supervise your family members. The way a friend with benefits is a tricky relationship to manage, an employee with benefits is a liability to the boss who has exceeded the bounds of appropriate behavior and has opened himself up to charges of sexual harassment, even if the sex was consensual. So sex with the boss jeopardizes his position as well as yours. But just suppose its the real thing? After all, according to the Times Online, four out of every ten people meet their spouses at the office. Lets say hes the one. Even if your wildest fantasies come true and you two get married, he cannot continue to supervise you. Someones going to have to leave, and its probably not going to be the boss. Think Before You Act Keep in mind that sex with the boss may poison any other potential future relationships with your co-workers. And since work continues to be the main way in which we meet, socialize with, and get to know people, that would shut the door to many opportunities, both platonic and romantic. As Ruettiman points out, I met my husband at work and weve been together for over a decade. My career wasnt impacted because I am not a drama queen. I used common sense and kept my private dalliances out of my professional role. And finally, for those who say that its sexist to assume the boss is male (since over 36 percent of managers and supervisors are female) and want to view this issue from the perspective of a boss whos female, the truth is theres little difference. The same rules apply. The best advice for any boss, female or male, comes from Marty Nemko in his tips for workplace dating in U.S. News World Report: Think twice about a relationship with your supervisor...Think 10 times before getting involved with a subordinate.

An Analysis of the History and Development of Hip Hop Dancing (from Research Paper

An Analysis of the History and Development of Hip Hop Dancing (from late 1960's-1970s) - Research Paper Example The dances majorly consisted of the break dance, rapping and funk styles including locking and popping. It was initiated by African Americans. In fact, the word â€Å"hip† was used by the African Americans way before the evolution of the music and dance. It was performed along the streets, and there were well known promoters of the dance. In giving the whole picture a better view, it involved a lot of creativity that was accompanied by listening to the hip hop music. The manner in which it was carried out in most cases involved getting serious about the dancing which was rather hard to do. At the end of sufficient training, one got ready to enter the circle of performance and do lots of footwork including creating witty things and returning to the outside of the circle. This research also brings it clearly that the development of this dance was in an underground form that had lots of social significance. It, however, was not much appreciated by the outsiders until the media br ought it to the surface. In facilitating this, there was a need for other elements such as mcing, djing driven by the urban culture. Brake dancing was the most known aspect of the dance and was known as b-boying. Introduction Hip hop dance appeared in the United States. It was majorly done by the black Americans and some Latin Americans. It is a fact that the dance was not highly recognized by most people until the media machinery started highlighting it. Among these dances, there was the locking which was begun back in the 1970s. This was associated by Don Campbellock from Los Angels. He attempted to perform and learn how to dance in parties and more specifically, he did the â€Å"funky chicken† at this point in time. B-boying dance was another dancing style of hip hop that featured in these times. More precisely, it took place in 1972 in block parties. There was also the up rocking in the New York streets in the 1960s. This was followed by top rocking. Another style that re quired lots of techniques was the ground rocking. There was no basic training on the dance during these times, but individuals who had instincts for natural movement brought it to the streets. Break dancing was also well known among the dancers who performed it. A majority of the promoters of the dance was known, and most of them were good at the performance. In the early times, that is, 1960s to 1970s, the dance there were competitions held mostly along the streets. Many dances established their names as some of the most well known hip hop dancers across east cost and west cost. Movies that highlighted these dancing styles also promoted the dance and new moves. Theoretical perspective It is assumed that hip-hop is an African dance that developed in the States. This, however, is a misconception baring the fact that its origin also encompasses of Latina Americans. It may also be thought that the dancing style is only associated with the young generation and that it must have begun in the recent past. This research finding nullifies this thinking and gives a clear understanding of the places and year of origin of it. The publication sectors play a big role in ensuring the appreciation of any innovations in the music industry at large. Dance is the most benefited art in this field, especially in the audiovisual means of publication. Hop has always been associated with the ghettos in the United States; this is not a misdirected understanding as its origin, on a wide view, lies there. There are common figures that were associated with t