An appropriation of ashes: transient aesthetic markers and spiritual place‐making as performances of alternative ethnic identities

In this paper I consider the material ways in which individuals overlay an imaginary, ethnicized secondspace in the form of a spiritual realm onto their state‐defined, lived firstspaces. Through the use of temporary roadside altars and shrines, I argue that this imaginary space is reified into transient aesthetic markers that subvert state‐mandated, purpose‐built structures and ethnic narratives, allowing for alternative versions of diasporic ethnic identities to be performed and consumed. Through the use of a case study of a suburban town centre in Singapore, I employ a mix of visual and sensorial observation methods and take the role of a hungry ghost during the seventh lunar month, exploring the material manifestations of ethnic imaginations.     

Building a Humane Society for Older People: Compassionate Policy Making for Integration,Participation, and Positive Ageing Within a Framework of Intergenerational Solidarity

This article explores the global challenge of population aging with a specific focus on the concepts of integration and participation of older people in society within the context of “realizing a society for all ages” as promoted by the United Nations. It is proposed that governments worldwide need to embrace new ways of thinking about population aging that include strategic initiatives for strengthening the social contract that fosters generational interdependence. The meaning of “positive aging” is explored at both the individual and social levels, with implications for quality-of-life issues involving intergenerational relationships. The point is made that while the promotion of positive aging is commendable on both philosophical and health grounds it can be problematic for those older people who for a range of legitimate reasons are unable to fulfill the notion of positive or active aging. The longevity revolution will require the emergence of a more humane society that undertakes to reconceptualize what older age means, together with exploring new ways of enhancing the citizenship status of older people through the development and promotion of innovative intergenerational relationships. A call is made for a wider engagement of the citizenry in the processes involved in the formulation and implementation of policy making.     

Book review

Review of Ttme Senes Techniques for Economists by Terence C. Mills by Thomas B. Fomby Southern Methodst Univ.. Dept. of Economics, Dallas, TX 75275     

康德的道德哲学与先发制人战争问题

本文从康德的道德哲学出发 ,回应了当代处境中的现实问题。本文认为 ,尽管时代处境较之于康德所处时代已经有所变化 ,但康德的一些基本立场不会改变 ,比如 ,他仍然会反对先发制人战争 ,如伊拉克战争 ,而不会如斯克拉顿所认为的那样转而支持这样的战争 ,况且当代的一些问题在康德的时代并不是没有出现 ,而只是在当代具有了更加全球化的特征。文章还指出罗尔斯并不是一个完全彻底的康德主义者 ,因为他并没有坚持康德的普遍性原则。     

Exploring the relationship between gold and the dollar

It has often been argued that one of the reasons for holding gold is as a hedge against currency movements. An exploratory data analysis to examine the validity of this theory can be carried out quickly and simply, using some of the wide and varied range of nonparametric techniques now incorporated into statistical software—but, as Terence Mills shows, such a superficial investigation can lead to interpretations that deeper data analysis shows to be flawed.     

A Framework of Asset-Accumulation Stages and Strategies

Based on a study with 298 low-income participants, we propose that asset accumulation occurs in 3 stages. In the first stage (reallocation), current resource inflows exceed current outflows. To do this, people reallocate resources from consumption or leisure. In the second stage (conversion), people may convert resources from liquid to illiquid forms. In the third stage (maintenance), people resist temptations to dissave. We theorize that people adopt psychological and behavioral strategies to achieve these objectives. Putting psychological and behavioral strategies together with the stages of reallocation, conversion, and maintenance results in 6 strategy groups. We provide real-world examples of each strategy group and discuss implications for encouraging account ownership among the unbanked, improving asset-accumulation programs, and improving financial education.     

Reflections on “the looking glass war” photography,espionage and the cold war

The article focuses on a syndicated newspaper photograph which was used in 1996 to illustrate an espionage story involving British and Russian diplomats. The photograph appeared on the front pages of two British newspapers. Following an exploration of the formal aspects of the photograph, the paper explores the different editorial agendas of the two newspapers. This leads to a questioning of the documentary value of the image as well as its broader historical, political and literary setting. It not only shows how the photograph alludes to the spy thriller, but the structure of article itself draws upon and aims to mimic this literary genre.     

Turning Sexual Science Into News: Sex Research and the Media

In this article we report on the findings of a two-part project investigating contemporary issues in sexuality researchers' interaction with journalists. The goal of the project was to explore best practices and suggest curricular and training initiatives for sexuality researchers and journalists that would enhance the accurate dissemination of sexuality research results in the media. We present the results of a survey of a convenience sample of 94 sexuality researchers about their experiences and concerns regarding media coverage and a summary of the main themes that emerged from an invitational conference of sexuality researchers and journalists. In addition, we present some preliminary recommendations for training and best practices. Topics assessed include reporting accuracy; sex researchers' comfort with various topics, media, and journalists; researchers' perceptions of the purpose and content of articles; concern about the impact of media coverage; and training for sexuality researchers.