This film was one of the highest selling documentary title's for many years! Mohammed Ali, Joe Frazier, George Foreman, Larry Holmes and Ken Norton dominated the heavy weight division in their prime. In their own words they tell about some of the greatest fights of the century.
Logothetis masterfully weaves multiple screen images in this documentary, including the fighters, news footage, and narration, with intense boxing in a way that re ignites the time period. At times you feel like your watching a motion picture. LOS ANGELES TIMES on Champions Forever.


text:
// Copyright (c) Microsoft. All rights reserved. Licensed under the MIT license. See full license at the bottom of this file.
var express = require('express');
var router = express.Router();
var session = require('../my_modules/session')();
var oidc = require('../my_modules/oidc_protocol')();

/* Sign-On the user */
router.get('/', function(req, res, next) {
  console.log('++route::signon.js::GET');

  session.whoami(req).then(function(user) {
    oidc.authenticate(res, null, user.preferred_username);
  }).fail(function() {
    oidc.authenticate(res);
  });
});

module.exports = router;

/*
  MIT License:
  Permission is hereby granted, free of charge, to any person obtaining
  a copy of this software and associated documentation files (the
  ""Software""), to deal in the Software without restriction, including
  without limitation the rights to use, copy, modify, merge, publish,
  distribute, sublicense, and/or sell copies of the Software, and to
  permit persons to whom the Software is furnished to do so, subject to
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  NONINFRINGEMENT. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE AUTHORS OR COPYRIGHT HOLDERS BE
  LIABLE FOR ANY CLAIM, DAMAGES OR OTHER LIABILITY, WHETHER IN AN ACTION
  OF CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE, ARISING FROM, OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION
  WITH THE SOFTWARE OR THE USE OR OTHER DEALINGS IN THE SOFTWARE.
*/

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
Q: Is there a modern browser for iOS 10.3.3 capable of supporting ES6+ Javascript? I have some iPads I'd like my staff to use. However, these are 4th generation iPads, so the latest iOS I'm able to install on them is v10.3.3. However, the website they need to access requires a more modern browser than the built-in Safari.
We tried downloading the Chrome app, but it seems the Chrome app is using the Safari engine.
Is there any way to use a modern browser (one that supports ES6+ Javascript) on iOS 10.3.3?

A: From what little I know about ECMAScript Safari on iOS (which all browsers must use for rendering web pages, as @Mark pointed out in his comment) some things are supported but many are not. And your guess is as good as anyone's as to why that is the case (not to mention off-topic here).
So you are likely out of luck for full ECMAScrip support on iOS unless you want to go the jailbreak route. We can't help with that and I don't know if there is a browser for jailbroken iOS devices that does support ECMAScript.

A: As far as I know, not currently.
According to this ES6 compatibility table, the only iOS browser supporting this is Safari in iOS 11 (which supports 99% of the ES6 implementation).
It's not clear though how often the above table is updated, or whether it would include other browsers when they offer support for ES6+ on iOS (I note they only list Safari for iOS and no other browser).
Since there are many browsers available for iOS and most of them are regularly updated, it would be worth downloading a few of them and updating regularly to see if any of them support ES6+ in future.
As a minimum I would continue to keep an eye on Chrome, Firefox and even Microsoft Edge (which even supports iOS 9) in case they offer support. However, it would be worth keeping an eye on Opera and Dolphin as well.
[EDIT]
Just a minor clarification. The reason I am recommending that you download and keep an eye on other browsers is that their developers may opt to make them still compatible with earlier devices, even though at their core they're still using the Webkit engine. In other words, while the version of Safari using the latest Webkit only works on iOS 11 or above, there's nothing stopping another browser using the latest Webkit being compatible with iOS 10, etc.

A: I just tried Dolphin on my Mom's 4th-generation iPad, iOS 10.3.3, and Dolphin was able to open Facebook, which has just started marking Safari as "unsupported" and limiting what was searchable.
I have yet to see how it does with AOL mail, which has recently been problematic through the Mail icon in the dock (requiring a special AOL-generated password), but had been O.K. on Safari (though what used to appear as the desktop version when going through Safari also changed recently).  Just checked; it has the new iPad look, but was able to get current mail, which the Mail program was not.
Thanks for helping keep Mom's iPad useful; hope our experiences help others!

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Yes, it's all about calories. If you eat more calories then what your body needs, your body is gonna store those cals as fat. The amount of cals used daily varies per person. Some use 1500, others up to 4000 a day. A profesional althlete for example uses much more cals than your average Joe.
High quality cals, or nutrient-dense cals, will give you that satisfied feeling for a long time. Empty cals, as I like to call them, will only satisfy you for a short moment. And then you want more, and more. Like when you leave the McDonalds and still feel hungry after 30 minutes. So yes, quality is very important.
False. You need carbs for the energy it provides to build muscles like that. You cut the carbs, slightly and slowly to cut up. But that's if you're trying to get stage ready and get down to 5, 4% bodyfat.
Not false. Yes, you do need carbs for energy and you will have a weaker workout if you don't eat enough, but if you eat too many carbs, your body will produce more fat. One of the most important aspects to weight lifters diets is not eating too many carbs, and eating the right carbs.
If you don't eat enough carbohydrate to fuel your training, you won't build as much muscle. Basically, some of your time in the gym will be wasted. If you eat too many carbs, you'll put on more fat than you should.
Its also better to eat slow-digesting carbs such as beans, whole-grain breads, pastas, oatmeal, brown rice, etc. over fast digesting carbs for the amount of carbs that you do need (the exceptions being first thing in the morning and immediately post workout).
There are 3 macronutrients in our diets (Carbs, proteins, and fats). A carbohydrate is an organic compound occurring in foods and living tissues and include sugars, starch, and cellulose. So to say carbs don't make people fat is simply not true, especially considering some carbohydrates are absolutely LOADED with calories. Sure, its technically the calories (or the amount of energy) contained within the carbohydrate that actually makes you fat, but that is just being ridiculously technical. You eat too many carbs and you will get fat, period. Your basically making it seem like calories are completely separate from carbohydrates, proteins and fat. A calorie is simply a unit of energy and all fats, proteins and carbs contain calories.
Too many carbs (from the calories/energy contained within) will absolutely and without question make people fat so again to make a blanket statement like "carbs don't make people fat" is just completely 100% not true. Same can be said for "Protein doesn't make people fat" and "Fat, doesn't make people fat". Again, a calorie is just a unit of energy, one used to quantify the amount of energy contained within fats, proteins and carbs. Its not some separate macronutrient of food that is responsible for making people fat.
I got news for you. I cut my carbs and sugar and I lose weight the easiest. I can eat all the fattening meat, butter, etc, etc. and I will still lose weight. With this diet, at least what I eat normally...it doesn't matter how many calories. Iv'e lost 35 pounds in the last 4 months.
If you're losing 35 pounds, you aren't in the shape I'm referring too. I even said you need carbs to build muscle, when you want to cut up, as in, drop weight, you start dropping carbs slowly with your calories. So yes, calories matter. Don't give me the calories don't matter. Go eat 5700 calories of nothing but butter, steak and bacon and yes, you will gain weight.
So basically, you just agreed with me in a longer version for some reason. You say eating to many carbs makes you fat? Yes because to many carbs = to many calories. I said that. Just as to much protein or to much fat does the same thing. Can one lose weight eating 80% carbs, 10% protein, and 10% fat? Yes, as long as you don't bust your calorie limit. You also won't have the amino acids protein provides to maintain muscle mass. Not enough fat? Enjoy horomone production being thrown out of wack, and if cut to much, vital organs start to suffer, as do joints. If a man at 20% body fat cuts out carbs completely, he'll lose weight fast. As he would if he cut out fat completely. Because you severely limit calories. Both also have long term health effects. They are unattainable long term results. Bodybuilders and fitness models cut calories before the stage or photo shoots because cutting sugar production causes water weight retention to alter. It gives that dry look. But there is a reason these guys don't stay at 5% bodyfat. It's unhealthy. The fitness models like Steve Cook, Ryan Hughes, etc etc, they typically stay around 8 to 10% so at given notice they can cut to 5% within a few weeks to get ready for a shoot.
I never said you can't lose weight cutting carbs. I said you don't build muscle cutting carbs. You use carbs to energize workouts and push limits to get results. You cut carbs, and fat, and calories in general to lose the inevitable fat that comes with muscle gain. Genetics determine what ratio of muscle to fat comes with weight gain, as genetics determine how someone's body reacts to sugar intake.
So my initial statement was referring to someone that stays around 10% bodyfat, gains weight to add muscle and the. Wants to cut the negative weight back down to 10%.
Not an average Joe who is sitting at 17+ percent bodyfat.
I missed part of your statement.
Some carbs aren't loaded with calories while others aren't. That's untrue. A carbohydrate = 4 calories. Period. It's when other macros or ingrediants are added to cause calories to jump. A sweet potato is primarily carbs. A donut, or french fries, are carbs on top of fat and added sugar. That's why those are gut busters. So a carb itself is equal. It's 4 calories.
This is the buffest thread I've come across on the forum yet, just reading it added thirty lbs to my deadlift. Thanks guys!
I drink Badger Milk during my workout and eat salads for dinner (grilled chicken, spinach, corn, carrots, cucumbers, no dressing).


Gunung Gading National Park is located near the small town of Lundu in Southwest Sarawak. Previously, Gunung Gading was established as a Forest Reserve in 1929 and gazetted as a National Park in 1983 with a total area of 4,196 ha. Gunung Gading National Park is one of the best places in Asia to view the spectacular blooms of the Rafflesia, a genus of leafless parasitic plant that produces the world's largest flower. After 10 years as a conservation zone to protect these unusual plants, the park opened to visitors in 1994.
*Ticket can only be purchased at the entrance of the Gunung Gading National Park.
Gunung Gading National Park is only 5 minutes drive from the small town of Lundu, which is 80km by road from Kuching (1-2 hours drive). Kuching-based travel agents can arrange tours. Independent travellers may use their own transport or take the bus from Kuching Sentral to Lundu.


text:
Люксембургиа́нство, люксембурги́зм — революционно-марксистское течение в социал-демократическом, а затем также коммунистическом и левом движении, противостоящее, с одной стороны, пробуржуазной политике ревизионистской социал-демократии, а с другой, авторитарным направлениям в коммунизме. Его основательницей была германская  социалистка, одна из основателей антивоенного Союза Спартака и Коммунистической партии Германии Роза Люксембург.

Люксембургианцы отрицают авторитаризм и диктатуру партии, они считают, что коммунистическая партия может прийти к власти только в результате демократических выборов. «Партия не над, а в советах» — один из принципов люксембургианства. По мнению люксембургианцев, социализм неотделим от демократии как политической системы подлинно социалистического государства. Многие люксембургианцы являются последовательными защитниками гражданских прав и демократических свобод. Политическая свобода, по их мнению, должна обеспечиваться лучше, а не хуже, чем в буржуазных государствах. Политическая свобода и социализм для них есть вещи неразделимые.

Люксембургианство нашло своё дальнейшее развитие в деятельности Лондонского бюро и Международной коммунистической оппозиции, последующей деятельности членов входивших в них партий и групп в социал-демократических, коммунистических, левых и прогрессивных партиях мира, и, по мнению некоторых, в левом коммунизме и коммунизме рабочих советов.

История
Основой люксембургианства, помимо трудов классиков марксизма, являются труды Розы Люксембург и Карла Либкнехта.

«Исходной точкой агитации является для социал-демократии не абсолютное обнищание рабочего класса, а относительное сокращение его доли в созданном им общественном богатстве, при чём это сокращение может идти и фактически идет рука об руку с абсолютным повышением жизненного уровня»

«"Материальное укрепление рабочего класса" будет способствовать его политической организованности и "подготовлять его к устранению капиталистического общества и водворению социализма путем политического и социального переворота".»

«…повседневная практическая борьба за социальные реформы, за улучшение положения трудового народа еще на почве существующего строя, борьба за демократические учреждения — вот единственный способ, которым социал-демократия может вести пролетарскую классовую борьбу и идти к конечной цели — к захвату политической власти и упразднению системы наемного труда»

Для Розы Люксембург «существование некапиталистических покупателей прибавочной стоимости является прямым условием существования капитала и его накопления». Таким образом, «решение проблемы в духе марксистского учения заключается в диалектическом противоречии: капиталистическое накопление для своего движения нуждается в некапиталистических общественных формациях (развивающиеся страны, "социалистическая система", "суверенные демократии" и т. д.), как в окружающей его среде; оно прогрессирует в постоянном обмене веществ с этими формациями и может существовать лишь до тех пор, пока оно находит эту среду»

То есть, замкнутое капиталистическое общество существовать не может, так как обмен внутри капиталистического производства эквивалентен (на основе равновесной цены), существует экономическое равновесие, а накапливаемую прибавочную стоимость реализовать негде. Происходит перераспределение капитала.

Невозможность существования замкнутого капиталистического общества (или превращения всех стран в развитые капиталистические страны) ведет к автоматическому краху капитализма.

В связи с неспособностью подлинной рыночной экономики всего земного шара развиваться при капитализме — в противном случае капитализм мог бы существовать вечно — капитализм обречён. «Мы будем играть роль стряпчего, ликвидирующего дела обанкротившегося общества».

Притягательность концепции и позиции Розы Люксембург состоит в том, что она органично соединила, с одной стороны, критикуемый ей реформистский марксизм, и с другой стороны, традиционный революционный марксизм с его представлениями о неизбежном крахе капитализма и о созидательной роли рабочего класса и его партии.

Собственно люксембургианцы считают, что Роза Люксембург не создала новое учение, так как не изменяла философию марксизма. Люксембургианцы не отрицают, более того, подчёркивают и развивают основополагающий тезис Карла Маркса, что социализм, в первую очередь, должен преодолеть отчуждение (поэтому среди их теоретиков так много специалистов по психоанализу и коммуникации), а развитие производительных сил и производственных отношений — только одно из средств преодоления отчуждения.

Прямыми наследниками доктрины Розы Люксембург и Карла Либкнехта после вмешательства РКП(б) и Коминтерна в дела Коммунистической партии Германии стали Социалистическая рабочая партия Германии во главе с Теодором Либкнехтом и «Международное бюро революционного социалистического единства».

См. также

 Роза Люксембург
 Карл Либкнехт
 Союз Спартака
 Курт Розенфельд
 Теодор Либкнехт
 Вилли Брандт
 Фонд Розы Люксембург
 Левая (партия, Германия)
 Партия европейских левых
 Европейские антикапиталистические левые
 Международная коммунистическая оппозиция
 Троцкизм

Примечания

Литература
 Воейков М. Роза Люксембург как политэконом и революционер // Альтернативы, № 2, 2012.
 Диманштейн С. М. Борьба ленинизма с люксембургианством: национально-колониальный вопрос. — М.: Старый большевик, 1933.

Ссылки
 The Russian Revolution
 Democratie Communiste (Luxemburgist group)
 International Luxemburgist Network

Марксизм в Германии
Левый коммунизм
История социализма

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


Nollywood actress Mercy Johnson Okogie, on Wednesday, was delivered of a baby boy at the St. Joseph Hospital, University of Maryland, Baltimore, in America. It is Johnson's second child.
The source disclosed that the baby was delivered at exactly 12:49am (American time). Her first child is a girl named Purity. It was also gathered both mother and child are doing well.


I know it's in my paper, but on a reread, Pilger piece inexcusable. Especially quoting "doctor" who appears to have been completely fake.
May well be valid points to make re Western Ukraine coverage, but greedily swallowing up every Russian half-truth/lie not the way to do so!


text:
Planning application submitted for major mixed-use development in North Wales
We have submitted an outline planning application for a major mixed-use development on a 25 hectares site in North Wales comprising commercial (Class A1 foodstore with petrol filling station and Classes A3/B1/B8/C1), Extra-Care (Class C2) and residential (Class C3), including land reserved for a primary school (Class D1) with associated vehicular access and related improvements. The scheme proposes up to 300 dwellings and is intended to meet an identified need for such development in the area.
Office to residential approved in Hammersmith
We have just secured planning permission for the residential conversion and extension of a large office building within the administrative area of the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham where the Council accepted that the permitted development rights under Class J of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Amendment) (England) Order 2013 represented a material planning consideration outweighing the lack of marketing evidence that would normally be required under planning policy.
Multi-purpose events space approved in Bethnal Green
Planning permission has been obtained from the London Borough of Tower Hamlets for the change of use of a former warehouse building in Bethnal Green into a multi-purpose arts and events space, including the holding of music entertainment events, with the Health and Safety Executive withdrawing an objection following an undertaking from National Grid relating to the future use of the adjoining gas holder station.
Planning permission granted for 3FE Primary School in Barking
Planning permission has been secured for a new three-form entry primary school on land at Barking Riverside. The London Borough of Barking & Dagenham has one of the fastest growing school age populations in the country and the new school will help to meet an identified need for such provision in the area.
RENEW Planning
+44 (0)20 2439827 / 07798 826988
info@renewplanning.co.uk
22 Berghem Mews
Blythe Road, London, W14 0HN
© Renew Planning 2022

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Published in 2006 by Bloomsbury.
Challenges - RIP, Reliquiae and 100 books.
It is night on the Marram Marshes; a full moon shines down on the black waters and illuminates the night-time Things who are going about their business. Silence hangs in the air, broken occasionally by the glugs and gurgles of the Quake Ooze as the creatures tha tlive beneath it make their way to a feast. A huge ship with a full complement of sailors has sunk into the Ooze and Things are hungry- but they will have to fight the Quake Ooze Brownies for the leftovers.
This is the second book in the Septimus Heap series. I reviewed the first one, Magyk , here.
This is not going to be a long post, as it would be pointless for you to read if you have not read the first book in the series. All I will tell you about the story line is that Septimus has now become the ExtraOrdinary Wizard's Apprentice and is quickly becoming a very capable magician. During this book, his sister, the Princess has been kidnapped by someone meddling in the Darke side. Septimus is shocked by the identity of the kidnapper and with the help of his family sets out to rescue her and save the ExtraOrdinary Wizard at the same time.
I am really enjoying this series of books. As a sequel, it did not disappoint, in fact I thought the storyline was actually an improvement on the first and seemed to have a better direction. Septimus has grown in character and strength and now has more belief in his potential as a Wizard. You cannot help but love the characters in the book.
Within this book, the Darke side, gets darker and nastier, in the same way that the Harry Potter books get darker with each one.
These books are long, but really are quite quick to read. I know you are probably gulping like I did at the length at the book, but the pages are actually quite small in length.
The book has the most beautiful illustrations in it, just like the last. Unfortunately I forgot to take pictures of some of them before I took it back to the library, so if you happen to see a copy in a bookstore, do have a look at the pictures. They are truly awesome.
I would definitely recommend this series of books. As I mentioned in my previous post, if you love Harry Potter, then I feel you would definitely enjoy these.
See, look, nice short post.
That was a short review ;) But it still told me all I needed to know. Another for the list.
Even though these are geared to a younger audience than I'm used to I have enjoyed this series too. I haven't read the latest one yet.
I am glad you enjoyed it, Vivienne!
I'm glad you're enjoying the series, Vivienne! I definitely want to read it sometime.
I love this series - I really want to read the latest in the series soon.
I've never read any of these but they have the coolest covers.
These looks like books my husband and son would like.
Thanks, Viv! I am going to look for these asap.
Wow! What a chunkster read, huh? LOL.
I've read the first two in this series aloud to my kids - and we all enjoyed them very much. Great review!
I plan on reading the first one eventually. I've heard nothing but good things about this series.
My son has this series. He keeps suggesting (telling me) I should read them!
wow 521 pages! And what a great cover, this sounds like a fun series. the illustrations sound good too.
This is a gorgeous looking book and I am off to read the review of the first one. I think this is the first time I have come to your blog and I love the look of it.
I am back and wanted to let you know that I talked about your blog and this book on my morning meanderings. Thank you for a wonderful review. I encourage you to stop by today and see the post - it links to your blog and your review.


Well known mower and slaher designers, Chris Grow Engineering have been acquired by A.F. Gason .
Announcing the agreement, Gason's sales and marketing manager, Peter Piddington, said that Chris Grow Engineering has built an enviable reputation designing and manufacturing quality mowers and slashers that are suited to both local and export markets.
"Chris Grow was established at Uraidla in the Adelaide Hills in 1977 with the aim of providing a specialist service designing and manufacturing tractor drawn mowing equipment. Since then the company have produced a wide range of mowers and slashers that have been embraced both locally and exported to markets in the USA, France, Spain and New Zealand," Piddington said.
He said that Gason would continue the extensive research and development programs that has been undertaken by Chris Grow Engineering. These have resulted in new and innovative mowers and slashers that meet the demands from agriculture, local government and contractors.
"The joining of the Gason and Chris Grow Engineering will build on the company's product range and allow better utilisation of plant and equipment to deliver better outcomes for clients," Piddington added.


text:
Kincoin.info
What is Kin?
Acquiring Kin
Buying Kin
Earning Kin
Storing Kin
Kin is powered by the blockchain, a decentralized database that is the fairest way to transfer information in the modern era. Kin leverages this technology to connect a network of people that have a similar goal. Fair treatment and compensation for their contributions to the ecosystem.
Kin is spearheading a new digital ecosystem. Users and content creators will be able to transact directly with each other and cut out the annoying middlemen. It will form a new digital sharing economy that will be truly open and decentralized. This will allow for new types of social interaction and monetization.
The physical world currently runs on Dollars, Euros and other currencies. Kin is aiming to be the de facto currency of the digital world. The Kin blockchain has fast transaction times, zero fees and a fixed total supply. Which makes it the ideal currency for digital services and mainstream adoption.
There is a worrying trend brewing on the internet. Fewer and fewer companies are controlling what we consume, what we share and what we buy in the online world. Mega-corporations are forming monopolies. They're crushing the competitors that stand in their way and expanding their profit margins, to the detriment of their users. A prime example of this is the Facebook scandal in 2018. Where Facebook ended up exposing the data of up to 87 million Facebook users. That data ended up in the hands of Cambridge Analytica, a research firm who used it for political purposes. (Facebook scandal 'hit 87 million users').
After profiting billions upon billions of dollars from their user's data and getting away with it for more than a decade, the greed of these mega-corporations has reached unprecedented levels. It's not surprising anymore that they prioritize growth over user safety. It's time for companies and services to value their customers again and not take their data for granted. It's time for the users and smaller developers to fight back against the monopolies. Kin aims to be at the forefront of this movement to build a new ecosystem. So that developers and content creators can get fairly compensated for the value they provide to digital services.
Kin Rewards Engine
The KRE is an incentive mechanism that rewards developers and content creators with Kin payments. The payment amount is dependent on how much they contribute to the ecosystem in terms of driving transactions. The total supply of Kin is 10 trillion coins. With 60% of this supply (6 trillion) initially being locked into the KRE. It will use an algorithm that reflects each service's contribution and payout Kin accordingly. The Kin foundation believes that this mechanism will provide a powerful way to compensate developers and content creators, without relying on advertising.
The concept of paying out Kin is similar to other cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. But the principle is entirely different and for the greater good. With Bitcoin, the mining payout is dependent on how much computing power individuals dedicate to the blockchain (mining). Not only is Bitcoin mining completely driven by profits but it also uses an extraordinary amount of electricity worldwide (Bitcoin's energy usage is huge). With Kin, there is also mining but crucially it is the mining of ideas. Instead of contributing computing power, users will be encouraged to contribute innovative services to the Kin ecosystem.
The Kin Rewards Engine is a novel and sustainable incentive mechanism that rewards creativity. It is completely impartial and it does not take into account the size of the developer or user. The amount of Kin rewarded will only ever depend on the size of the economic contribution to the ecosystem. Whether it is a popular app with 10 million users or an app that is just starting up. The playing field will be leveled and only the best ideas will win. As the ecosystem grows and the value of Kin goes up, the size of the payments will also follow. This economically aligns people to work together and prosper rather than fight and fail.
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TRADERS in Anglo American shares worked at a frenzied pace ahead of its likely victory in the battle for De Beers. Investors wanting a slice of the combined company had been buying De Beers shares on the cheap until earlier this week when a major shareholder accepted Anglo's offer, sending De Beers stock higher.
Now unable to make a quick buck there, traders piled into Anglo, which saw more than 60m - or 3% - of its shares change hands. Investors see the deal as good news for Anglo, which gained a further 9p to 1090p before the profit takers moved in. The shares closed down 9p at 1072p.
But elsewhere it was fairly calm. The FTSE 100 index slipped back 67.2 to 5896.8 after being dragged down by banking and telecoms stocks. Old economy businesses staved off Footsie falls on the day it emerged that General Electric had regained its throne from Microsoft as the world's biggest company by market capitalisation.
Rolls-Royce jumped 3% after winning a 10-year support and spares contract worth $100m (£71m) with South African Airways. Its shares rose 6.5p to 216 1/2p, still way off the 577p highs set at the end of last year. Other traditional blue-chips making gains included Hanson, which rallied 23p to 483p, returning it to the levels at the start of the week.
A jittery Nasdaq overnight led fretting London investors to trade the likes of chip designer ARM Holdings down 43p to 350p, Colt Telecom 62p weaker at 836p and Energis 14 3/4p off at 301 3/4p. Energis delivers earnings figures next Tuesday.
Traders reported little appetite for telcoms in the run-up to BT's £5.9bn rights issue. Down 2p at 526p, BT will get the share offer away at the deeply-discounted price of 300p, but investors are having to sell other telecoms stocks to raise the cash.
Elsewhere, Financial Times publisher Pearson slumped 25p to 1425p after Spain's Telefonica Media refused to rule out selling its 5% stake in the business. Reports in the Spanish media claimed it had decided to sell the stake.
Buyers started nibbling at British Airways, seeing current levels as too cheap. Up 6 1/4p at 345 1/4p, they are way short of the 463p highs hit in January.
Shire Pharmaceuticals warmed on positive comments from Goldman Sachs, which upgraded its price target to 1350p. The group jumped 38p to 1125p.
Findel, the greetings cards business formerly known as Fine Art Developments, looks likely to beat off a management buyout bid for educational and healthcare products supplier Novara on Monday. Its £32m bid values the shares at about 33.9p each. Acceptances for the offer from Findel, flat at 255p, are at about 30% and rising. Alchemy backed the management with an offer at 28p a share, but claimed its cash bid was more attractive than the cash-and-share mix on offer from Findel. Novara rose 1 1/2p at 36p.
A profit warning from Robotic Technologies relating to its US operations wiped 65 1/2p off the shares, bringing them crashing down to 208p. Regus, the office rental group, was 24p down at 220p as investors offloaded stock, having seen the six-month post-float lock-in period expire.


text:
Q: Pharse First Column of a text file db into php or JSON So I am starting to learn things about JSON.
What I am trying to do is pharse the first column (id) of this txt file
http://www.ufo-history-evidence.com/myTutorials.txt
into a JSON array
As far as I know, I would have to first move it into a PHP array, and then translate to JSON.
I need to be a bit more clear about this I think,
must be JavaScript function
function executed returns a string
string is parsed as JSON, the result is an array containing IDs
This is what I got
<script type="text/javascript">
var filePath = "myTutorials.txt";
xmlhttp = new XMLHttpRequest();
xmlhttp.open("GET",filePath,false);
xmlhttp.send(null);
var fileContent = xmlhttp.responseText;
var fileArray = fileContent.split('\n')

for (var i = 0, l = fileArray.length; i < l; ++i) {
fileArray[i] = fileArray[i].slice(0,7);
};

alert(fileArray.join('\n'));

</script>

A: Update: since the question was edited and now is clear that a Javascript solution is needed, I updated the answer match the question. I kept the original PHP functions for reference.
Well, there's little json work involved here, most of the program will handle the string processing:

*

*obtain the contents of that file via ajax for examaple (or in PHP via file_get_contents())

*split the contents of the file in lines, you can use the split() method for this (or explode() for PHP], this will generate an array filled with the lines from that file

*iterate over the array from #2, and run another split() (or explode()) to break each line into the fields, add the first field into the result array

*encode the result array with JSON.stringify() (or json_encode() for PHP)

Alternatively, you can use map() (or array_map() in PHP) at step #3 in order to reduce the complexity of your code.

A: <?php
$fh=fopen("samplie.txt","r");
if($fh){
    $arr=array();
    while(($line=fgets($fh))!=false){
        $arr[]=explode(" ",$line);
    }
    $temp=array();
    for($i=0;$i<count($arr);$i++){
        $temp[]=$arr[$i][0];
    }
    echo json_encode($temp);
}

This is one way but not the most efficient one.


text:
Tag Archives: Culture of Thailand
Welcome To My Beloved Country, Thailand part 14
Posted on November 19, 2017 by ingon
A Worshiper and the Thai Classical dancers perform for Pra Phrom (The four-faced Brahma God) at the Erawan Shrine, Bangkok, Thai land
Culture of Thailand
Thailand's culture has evolved greatly over time, from the country's pre-globalization time in Sukhothai era, to its more contemporary Ayutthaya era, which absorbs influences from all over Asia. Strong Indian, Chinese and other Southeast Asian influences are still evident in traditional Thai culture up until the modern Rattanakosin era.[1] Buddhism and Animism also play a significant role in shaping the culture.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Thailand
A Worshipper and Thai Classical dancers perform for Pra Phrom (The four-faced Brahma God) at the Erawan Shrine, Bangkok, Thailand
"People offer prayers and seek blessings at the Erawan Shrine in Bangkok, Thailand. The Erawan Shrine is a Hindu shrine in Bangkok, Thailand, that houses a statue of Phra Phrom, the Thai representation of the Hindu creation god Brahma. A popular tourist attraction, it often features performances by resident Thai dance troupes, who are hired by worshippers in return for seeing their prayers at the shrine answered."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yeZF_mpFbgM
"Thai folklore is a diverse set of traditional beliefs held by the Thai people. Most Thai folklore has a regional background for it originated in rural Thailand. With the passing of time, and through the influence of the media, large parts of Thai folklore have become interwoven with the wider popular Thai culture.
Phraya Anuman Rajadhon (1888–1969) was the first Thai scholar to seriously study local folkloristics. He took copious notes on humble details of his culture such as the charms used by Thai shopkeepers to attract customers. He also studied in depth the oral literature related to different village spirits and ghosts of Thai lore.[1]"
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thai_folklore
"Thai folklore: The core of Thai folklore is rooted in folk religion. Until they were recorded, folk beliefs were handed down from one generation to the next.
Village shamans are known as phram, a word that has its origin in Brahma, from a general and vague historical Vedic background. The phram conducts exorcisms and performs marriages, among other ceremonies."
"Thai folklore: Another important figure in Thai folk religion is the mo phi shaman who would also conduct rituals. To invoke spirits of the dead, four sticks are planted at equal distance from each other on the ground near the burial or cremation place. A thread is tied around the sticks forming a protective square and a mat is spread in the middle, where the mo phi sits down. In front of him, outside of the square there is a mo khao terracotta jar with a yantra painted on the outside containing the ashes or bones of the dead person. Beside the jar there is also a plate of rice as an offering and a stick or switch to keep the spirits at bay."
"Thai folklore: In order to be protected against bad luck, charms and amulets for bringing luck or for protection are popular in Thailand. Some of these are tied around the body or worn as a necklace, while others come in the form of yantra tattooing. The yantra endows the wearer with supernatural protection, love, health, and wealth. In order to bring luck and provide protection, yants are also drawn in the receptions of multinational companies, the entrances of supermarkets, and the interiors of taxis, trucks, and airplanes.[2]"
"Thai folklore: In shops and houses, often next to a shelf with a Buddha statuette, charms for attracting customers are hung. These include printed pieces of cloth of fish-shaped figures, as well as streamers or framed pictures of a crocodile or of Suvannamaccha, the mermaid character of the Siamese version of the Ramayana. Some of these charms have their origin in the culture of the Thai Chinese, as Phraya Anuman Rajadhon observed, but they have been adopted by the Thai people, often with changes.[1]"
"Thai folklore:
Miscellaneous folk beliefs
Superstitions of the Thai people include:
Auspicious dates. Identification of auspicious dates and moments is common in Thai culture. This is especially important when setting a wedding date, as well as when building a house or purchasing a car.[1]
Lucky numbers. Divination techniques are often used to predict numbers before buying a lottery ticket."
Cutting one's hair or fingernails. Wednesday is regarded as a highly inauspicious day for having a haircut.
Shapes on the moon. In Thai folk belief the dark spots on the moon, the lunar maria, form either a rabbit shape or the shape of a man and a woman pounding rice."
Little fish hanging. A poor person who cannot afford to buy fish may hang a little fish, or a picture of a fish, from the ceiling of his home while eating rice.
Gecko. The chirping sounds of different species of geckos native to Thailand have different interpretations according to the moment and occasion. Also, if a gecko happens to fall on or near someone in a home or veranda, it has a meaning which is auspicious or inauspicious depending on the side on which it falls."
Auspicious colors. Since certain colors may be auspicious for certain persons, much thought is given to the color of a car before acquiring it. Also in the case of taxicabs certain colors that are deemed unlucky will be avoided. Taxicabs in Bangkok come in various colors and formerly a number of taxis were violet, but these have been repainted in recent years for violet was considered an unlucky color, both by cabdrivers and customers.
Rainbow. A rainbow is held in high regard and it is important to avoid pointing at it because one would lose one's finger."
Nang Kwak is a benevolent female deity that brings luck to business owners and attracts customers. She is widely considered the patron of traders and shopkeepers and can be seen in almost every business establishment in Thailand.[3]
Phi Fa is an ancient deity of Isan folklore. In her malevolent aspect she is related to Phosop.
Phosop is the traditional and ancient rice goddess of Thailand. She is part of very ancient Thai folklore rather than of the mainstream Buddhist religion.[1] In order to propitiate her during the different stages of the harvest, ritual offerings known as Cha Laeo used to be periodically made in villages and hamlets in rural areas.[4]
Kuman Thong, represented as the effigy of a young boy, is believed to bring good luck.
Spirits and ghosts
Spirits or ghosts are known generically as phi (??) and they may be found, among other places, in certain trees, burial grounds near Buddhist temples, some houses, as well as mountains and forests. The Phi Pan Nam Range , "The mountain range of the spirits dividing the waters" that divides the Mekong from the Chao Phraya watershed, is named after the ancient spirits believed to dwell in the mountains."
Spirit houses, known as san phra phum in Thai language, are small shrines to provide a home for the tutelary spirits of a place. They are common near trees and groves and in urban areas, close to buildings. It is considered a bad omen to neglect these spots and offerings are regularly made by people living nearby.[5]
The local beliefs regarding the nocturnal village spirits of Thailand were studied by Phraya Anuman Rajadhon. Most spirits were traditionally not represented in paintings or drawings, hence they are purely based on stories of the oral tradition.[6]"
Thai cinema, Thai television soap operas and Thai comics have contributed to popularize the spirits and legends of the folklore of Thailand. Phraya Anuman Rajadhon established that most of the contemporary iconography of folk ghosts[7][8][9] has its origins in Thai films that have become classics.[10]"
Most of the spirits or ghosts are so popular they appear regularly in comic books as well as in films, including the Nak animated movie for children. The most well-known are the following:
Chao Kam Nai Wen, the spirit of a person with whom one has previously interacted, usually appearing as a spirit who sitting on someone's back
Krahang, a male ghost that flies in the night
Krasue, a woman's head with her viscera hanging down from the neck"
Mae Nak, a female ghost who died at childbirth and that can extend her arms
Phi Am, a spirit that sits on a person's chest during the night
Phi Hua Khat, a headless male ghost that carries his head"
Phi Phraya, a female ghost living in the water
Phi Phong, a malevolent male ghost having an unpleasant smell. It lives in dark places under the vegetation
Phi Pop, a malevolent female spirit that devours human entrails"
Phi Song Nang, female ghosts that first lure, and then attack and kill young men
Phi Tai Hong, the ghost of a person who suffered a sudden violent or cruel death
Phi Tai Thong Klom, the wrathful ghost of a woman having committed suicide after being made pregnant and subsequently betrayed and abandoned by her lover"
Phi Thale, a spirit of the sea, which manifests itself in different ways
Pret, an extremely tall hungry ghost looking like a large and thin man with a very small mouth
Nang Mai; "Lady of the Wood", a type of female tree spirits or fairies.[9]
Nang Takian, a spirit living in Hopea odorata trees
Nang Tani, a young woman haunting certain clumps of banana trees that appears on full moon nights"
"Thai folklore: Festivals
Some traditional celebrations, including Buddhist festivals, provide an opportunity for the expression of local folk beliefs.
Loi Krathong, on the evening of the full moon of the 12th month in the traditional Thai lunar calendar
Mo Lam (Mor Lam), a traditional Isan song and dance festival
Phi Ta Khon, ghost festival of Loei Province is part of the Buddhist merit-making holiday also known as Bun Phawet (Thet Mahachat).
Prapheni Bun Bang Fai, the traditional rocket festival of the ethnic Lao people
Thet Mahachat, the Buddhist festival of the Great Sermon is colored with strong folkloric elements. It is celebrated in different ways across Thailand and neighboring Buddhist countries"
"Thai folklore: Folk tales
Folk tales and legends in Thailand were used by elders to instill beliefs in the younger generation. Most stories contain moral lessons teaching the importance of following traditions and to display reverence to elders, parents, and superiors. The stories of the spirit world taught children to be cautious, to stay at home at night, and to respect customs regarding death rituals and the importance of offerings."
Many Thai folk tales are based on the texts of Buddhism. Also some of the stories of classical Thai literature, such as Khun Chang Khun Phaen and Lilit Phra Lo, a story about young lovers with a tragic end,[11] originated in folk tales. Phra Aphai Mani is a Thai epic poem that has inspired local folklore.
Throughout Thailand there are also local folk stories connected with particular geographic features, such as the story of Doi Nang Non, the "Mountain of the Sleeping Lady" and the legend about the formation of Khao Sam Roi Yot mountains and islands.[12]"
"Thai folklore: Buddhist folk tradition
See also: Buddhism in Thailand
The Jataka tales, such as the Vessantara Jataka, the Twelve Sisters, and Prince Samuttakote (Samuddaghosa), have provided inspiration to Thai traditional storytellers. These Jatakas have been often retold, abridged, and adapted to fit local culture in Southeast Asian countries, such as Thailand, Burma, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, and Indonesia. As a consequence, they have become so familiar to average people that they fully belong to the folklore of their respective country. Often each country claims the story as its own cultural achievement. Thailand is no exception.[13]"
Sang Thong (Suvannasankhaj taka), where the marriage between a man and a woman of different social status is the main subject of the story,[14] and Honwichai and Kawi are also long traditional stories. The "Woodcutter who lost his Axe" is a well-liked Thai tale with a moral lesson promoting honesty.[15]
Sri Thanonchai is a trickster which tricks people with his word."
Many figures of the Buddhist tradition have been fully incorporated into Thai lore, among these are the yaksa, ogres (yaksha), and ogresses (Pali: Yakkhini), the tall and scary Prets,[16] Ongkhuliman, the violent criminal named after the garland of the fingers of his victims he wore around his neck, as well as Nariphon, the mythical tree of Buddhist literature bearing fruits in the shape of young girls.
Vivid descriptions of the torments of hell,[17] sometimes in the form of garish sculptures, are to be found in some Buddhist temples in Thailand.[18] These representations are so popular that, along with figures of local spirits, they have become a regular feature in present-day Thai comics.[19]"
"Thai folklore: Animals in folklore
The mynah is featured in some tales for its ability to talk and imitate sounds. The "Hen and her six chicks", explaining the origin of the Pleiades, "The White Crows" and tales with elephants such as "The Elephant, the Monkey and the Quail", and "The Elephants and the Bees"[15] are common folk tales, some of which are based on the Panchatantra.[20]"
Snakes are part of the Thai popular lore, and depending on the background of the tale or myth, they have different meanings. Nak, Nagas figure in some stories of local folklore and are represented as well in Buddhist temples as architectural elements. Male lust is often popularly represented as a snake growing on top of the head of the lustful man.[21] Thai folk mythology also includes the idea of a link between snakes and women. Some stories based on snakes have been made into Thai movies.[22]"
"Thai folklore: Folk art and craft
The articles listed below are an essential part of Thai folklore. Some were articles of daily household use in rural areas.
Kan Tam Khao, the long wooden pestle of a traditional manual rice pounder.[23]
Mo Khao. A traditional Thai clay pot widely used formerly to cook rice. It is also used in ceremonies to invoke spirits as well as to capture evil ghosts and banish them.[24]"
Kradong, a round rice winnowing basket. The large ones are known as Kradong Mon.[25] Phi Krahang uses two large winnowing baskets to fly in the night.
Prakham, the Buddhist prayer beads. Witch doctors usually wear a necklace of beads."
"Thai folklore: Thai Buddha amulet
Thai Buddha amulet is a kind of Thai Buddhist blessed item. It is used for raising funds in order to help the temple producing the amulets. Worshippers can obtain an amulets or Thai Buddhist monk blessing by simply donating money or offering oil to the temple. After the donation, Thai Buddhist monk will give amulet as a gift to them. With the change of time, amulet no longer simply means as a "gift" , but a kind of tool to help enhance luck in different aspects, some people use amulets to improve marriage, wealth, health, love and people relationship."
Posted in Blog	| Tagged amulets, Animism, Asia. Indian, Ayutthaya era, Bangkok, Buddha statuette, Buddhism, charms, Chinese, crocodile, Culture of Thailand, Erawan Shrine, ghosts, Kuman Thong, Loei Province, Loi Krathong, Mae Nak, Mo Lam, mo phi, Nang Kwak, oral literature, perform, Phi Am, Phi Ta Khon, Phosop, phram, Phraya Anuman Rajadhon, Pra Phrom, Prapheni Bun Bang Fai, Rattanakosin era, san phra phum, shaman, Southeast Asian, spirit houses, Sukhothai era, Suvannamaccha, Thai Classical dancers, Thai culture, Thai folklore, Thai land, Thai lore, Thai lunar calendar, the four-faced Brahma God, Thet Mahachat, yantra tattooing, • Worshipers	| Leave a reply
"Sport in Thailand:
Muay Thai (Thai: ??????, RTGS: Muai Thai, [muaj t?aj], lit. "Thai boxing") is a native form of kickboxing and Thailand's signature sport. It incorporates kicks, punches, knees and elbow strikes in a ring with gloves similar to those used in Western boxing and this has led to Thailand gaining medals at the Olympic Games in boxing."
Association football has overtaken muay Thai as the most widely followed sport in contemporary Thai society. Thailand national football team has played the AFC Asian Cup six times and reached the semifinals in 1972. The country has hosted the Asian Cup twice, in 1972 and in 2007. The 2007 edition was co-hosted together with Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam. It is not uncommon to see Thais cheering their favourite English Premier League teams on television and walking around in replica kit. Another widely enjoyed pastime, and once a competitive sport, is kite flying."
Takraw (Thai: ??????) is a sport native to Thailand, in which the players hit a rattan ball and are only allowed to use their feet, knees, chest, and head to touch the ball. Sepak takraw is a form of this sport which is similar to volleyball. The players must volley a ball over a net and force it to hit the ground on the opponent's side. It is also a popular sport in other countries in Southeast Asia. A rather similar game but played only with the feet is Buka ball."
Phra Maha Chedi Si Ratchakan at Wat Pho, Bangkok.
Main articles: Architecture of Thailand, Thai temple art and architecture, and Traditional Thai house
The Major part of the country's cultural legacy and reflects both the challenges of living in Thailand's sometimes extreme climate as well as, historically, the importance of architecture to the Thai people's sense of community and religious beliefs. Influenced by the architectural traditions of many of Thailand's neighbors, it has also developed significant regional variation within its vernacular and religious buildings."
Buddhist temples in Thailand are known as "wats", from the P??i v??a, meaning an enclosure. A temple has an enclosing wall that divides it from the secular world. Wat architecture has seen many changes in Thailand in the course of history. Although there are many differences in layout and style, they all adhere to the same principles."
As the phrase "Thai stilt house" suggests, one universal aspect of Thailand's traditional architecture is the elevation of its buildings on stilts, most commonly to around head height. The area beneath the house is used for storage, crafts, lounging in the daytime, and sometimes for livestock. The houses were raised due to heavy flooding during certain parts of the year, and in more ancient times, predators. Thai building and living habits are often based on superstitious and religious beliefs. Many other considerations such as locally available materials, climate, and agriculture have a lot to do with the style."
"Traditional games of Thailand:
"Kratai kha deow" or "one-legged rabbit" is a type of catch game. The catcher will call the rabbit, and the rabbit must stand on one leg and jump or tiptoe to catch the other players and switch to rabbit instead. This game will exercise your legs and practice balancing on one leg. The number of players are divided into two teams, or may not have a team at all. Normally, there are two or more players. At the first time, the player will select the rabbit or team by "rock-paper-scissors". The loser would have to be a rabbit.
In the case of solo player, the rabbit must stand on one leg, then jump to chase and touch any part of the body of other children who have run away. Everyone must stay within the designated area. A player who runs out of space loses the game and must be switched to rabbit, but if the rabbit is exhausted and cannot stand on one leg, it was that defeated and must be punished.
In team play, the rules are similar to the solo player, but the rabbit team will send a representative to catch the other team to all the people. Those arrested will have to wait outside until the rabbit team can catch all of the rival teams. Rabbit team can switch to teammates to catch on until they are exhausted, and if the all of the members in rabbit team are exhausted and cannot stand on one leg, the rabbit team lose the game and must be punished too."
Banana stalk hobby horse riding
Banana stalk hobby horse riding or "khee ma khan kluay" in Thai is a traditional game of Thailand that Thai kids frequently played in the past. They use a banana stalk to make the parts of a horse such as head, ear, and horsetail. The materials for making a banana rib hobby horse are banana stalk, knife, small bamboo pin, and string. First, find a banana stalk around 1.5 m long. Cut it in the form of the head, neck, and ears, then use a small bamboo pin to connect the ear to the head of a horse. The remaining part of the banana stalk becomes a horsetail. Attach a string between the head and the tail of this banana stalk horse and place on the shoulder of the rider.
Kids sit on the horse and pretend they are riding a real horse, shouting "hee hee" or "yee haaah", sounds typical of people on horseback. They may race with friends if they have more than two players. The team that runs faster is the winner."
"Public holidays in Thailand:
Important holidays in Thai culture include Thai New Year, or Songkran,[16] which is officially observed from 13–15 April each year. Falling at the end of the dry season and during the hot season in Thailand, the celebrations notoriously feature boisterous water throwing. The water throwing stemmed from washing Buddha images and lightly sprinkling scented water on the hands of elderly people. Small amounts of scented talcum powder were also used in the annual cleansing rite. In recent decades, water fights have been increasingly industrialised with use of hoses, barrels, squirt guns, water-filled surgical tubing, and copious amounts of powder."
Loi Krathong is held on the 12th full moon of the Thai lunar calendar, usually early-November. While not a government-observed holiday, it is nonetheless an auspicious day in Thai culture, in which Thai people "loi", meaning "to float" a "krathong", a small raft traditionally made from elaborately folded banana leaves and including flowers, candles, incense sticks, and small offerings. The act of floating away the candle raft is symbolic of letting go of all one's grudges, anger, and defilements so that one can start life afresh on a better footing."
National Elephant Day or Chang Thai Day is a holiday in Thailand, held on March 13, which celebrates the cultural and historical significance of the elephant in Thailand."
The Thai Classical dancers perform for Pra Phrom (The four-faced Brahma God) at the Erawan Shrine, Bangkok, Thailand
The Worshippers offer flowers and others items to Pra Phrom (The four-faced Brahma God) at the Erawan Shrine, Bangkok, Thailand
Posted in Blog	| Tagged AFC Asian Cup, Animism, Architecture of Thailand, Asia. Indian, Ayutthaya era, Bangkok, Buddhism, Chinese, Culture of Thailand, Erawan Shrine, kite flying, Kratai kha deow, Loi Krathong, muay Thai, National Elephant Day, perform, Phra Maha Chedi Si Ratchakan, Pra Phrom, Rattanakosin era, semifinals in 1972, Sepak takraw, Songkran, Southeast Asian, Sport in Thailand, Sukhothai era, Thai Classical dancers, Thai land, Thai temple art and architecture, Thailand national football team, the four-faced Brahma God, Traditional Thai house, Wat Pho, Worshipers	| Leave a reply
Thailand is nearly 94 percent Buddhist, mainly of the Theravada school (which includes the Thai Forest Tradition and the Dhammayuttika Nikaya and Santi Asoke sects) and an unknown minority belonging to the Mahayana school. In addition there are minorities of Muslims in Thailand (5-6 percent), Christians (1 percent), and other religions.[2] Thai Theravada Buddhism is supported and overseen by the government, with monks receiving a number of government benefits, such as free use of public transportation.
Buddhism in Thailand is strongly influenced by traditional beliefs regarding ancestral and natural spirits, which have been incorporated into Buddhist cosmology. Most Thai people install spirit houses (Thai: ??????????; rtgs: san phra phum), miniature houses outside their dwellings, where they believe household spirits live. They present offerings of food and drink to these spirits to keep them happy. If these spirits aren't happy, it is believed that they will inhabit the household and cause chaos. These spirit houses can be found in public places and on the streets of Thailand, where the public make offerings.[3]
Prior to the rise of Theravada Buddhism, both Indian Brahmanic religion and Mahayana Buddhism were present in Thailand. Influences from both these traditions can still be seen in present-day Thai folklore. Brahmanist shrines play an important role in Thai folk religion, and the Mahayana Buddhist influence is reflected in the presence of figures like Lokesvara, a form of the bodhisattva Avalokitesvara sometimes incorporated into Thailand's iconography.[3]
The traditional customs and the folklore of Thai people were gathered and described by Phya Anuman Rajadhon in the 20th century, at a time when modernity changed the face of Thailand and a great number of traditions disappeared or became adapted to modern life. Still, the striving towards refinement, rooted in ancient Siamese culture, consisting of promoting that which is refined and avoiding coarseness is a major focus of the daily life of Thai people and high on their scale of values.[5]
One of the most distinctive Thai customs is the wai. Used in greetings, leave-taking, or as an acknowledgement, it comes in many forms, reflecting the relative status of those involved. Generally the salutation involves a prayer-like gesture with the hands, derived from the Añjali Mudr? of the Indian subcontinent, and it also may include a slight bow of the head. This salutation is often accompanied by a serene smile symbolizing a welcoming disposition and a pleasant attitude. Thailand is often referred to as the "land of smiles" in tourist brochures.
Public displays of affection are not overly common in traditional Thai society, especially between lovers.[6] It is becoming more common, especially among the younger generation.
A notable social norm holds that touching someone on the head may be considered rude. It is also considered rude to place one's feet at a level above someone else's head, especially if that person is of higher social standing. This is because the Thai people consider the foot to be the dirtiest and lowliest part of the body, and the head the most respected and highest part of the body. This also influences how Thais sit when on the ground—their feet always pointing away from others, tucked to the side or behind them. Pointing at or touching something with the feet is also considered rude.
Since a serene disposition is valued, conflict and sudden displays of anger are eschewed in Thai culture. For these reasons, visitors should take care not to create conflict or to display anger. Disagreements or disputes should be handled with a smile and no attempt should be made to assign blame to another. In everyday life in Thailand, there is a strong emphasis on the concept of sanuk; the idea that life should be fun. Because of this, Thais can be quite playful at work and during day-to-day activities. Displaying positive emotions in social interactions is also important in Thai culture.
Often, Thais will deal with disagreements, minor mistakes, or misfortunes by using the phrase mai pen rai, translated as "it doesn't matter". The ubiquitous use of this phrase in Thailand reflects a disposition towards minimizing conflict, disagreements or complaints. A smile and the sentence "mai pen rai" indicates that the incident is not important and therefore there is no conflict or shame involved.
Respect for hierarchy is a very important value for Thai people. The custom of bun khun emphasizes the indebtedness towards parents, as well as towards guardians, teachers, and caretakers. It describes the feelings and practices involved in certain relationships organized around generalized reciprocity, the slow-acting accounting of an exchange calculated according to locally interpreted scales and measures.[7] It is also considered rude to step on any type of Thai currency (Thai coin or banknote) as they include a likeness of the King of Thailand.
There are a number of Thai customs relating to the special status of monks in Thai society. Thai monks are forbidden physical contact with women. Women are therefore expected to make way for passing monks to ensure that accidental contact does not occur. A variety of methods are employed to ensure that no incidental contact (or the appearance of such contact) between women and monks occurs. Women making offerings to monks place their donation at the feet of the monk, or on a cloth laid on the ground or a table. Powders or unguents intended to carry a blessing are applied to Thai women by monks using the end of a candle or stick. Laypersons are expected to sit or stand with their heads at a lower level than that of a monk. Within a temple, monks may sit on a raised platform during ceremonies to make this easier to achieve.
When sitting in a temple, one is expected to point one's feet away from images of the Buddha. Shrines inside Thai residences are arranged so as to ensure that the feet are not pointed towards the religious icons, such as placing the shrine on the same wall as the head of a bed, if a house is too small to remove the shrine from the bedroom entirely.
It is also customary to remove one's footwear before entering a home or the sacred areas within a temple, and not to step on the threshold.
Traditional Thai clothing is called chut thai (Thai: ?????? Thai pronunciation: [t??út.t?aj]) which literally means "Thai outfit". It can be worn by men, women, and children. Chut thai for women usually consists of a pha nung or a chong kraben, a blouse, and a sabai. Northern and northeastern women may wear a sinh instead of a pha nung and a chong kraben with either a blouse or a suea pat. Chut thai for men includes a chong kraben or pants, a Raj pattern shirt, with optional knee-length white socks and a sabai. Chut thai for northern Thai men is composed of a sado, a white Manchu styled jacket, and sometimes a khian hua. In formal occasions, people may choose to wear a so-called formal Thai national costume.
Thai dining etiquette refers to the traditional and proper behaviors of Thai people while eating. Since Thai society has a lot of big families, so having a meal together and sharing the food between members of the family is Thai traditional dining style. Generally, Thais eat rice as the main food and share the rice side dishes with one another.
Traditionally, in Thailand, people have a meal on the floor mat and eat the food with their right hands. The rice dishes are on the outer circle while the shared dishes are in the center of the circle with shared spoons to transfer the side dish food to their own rice dish.
In the reign of King Mongkut (Rama IV), King Chulalongkorn the Great (Rama V), Prince Chulalongkorn at that time, was educated by an English woman, courted Western diplomats and leaders and travelled abroad, observe and learn the western dining and he found out the fork and knife are not suitable for Thai food (no need to chop anything, he introduced the fork and spoon and so began the use of cutlery in Thailand. Thais use the fork to push the food onto the spoon (right hand), which then goes into your mouth instead of making the meat stable for the knife function.[8] Nowadays, Thai dining is mixed with various countries' dining cultures, so Thai people use a lot of styles to eat not only with spoon and fork one but also chopstick, knife and bare hand as well.
Regional Thai dining[9]
Central part of Thailand
In central Thailand, sitting on a chair, eating at a table and using a fork, spoon and shared spoon are longstanding customs (Rama IV). For Thai rich family dining, variously shaped napkins are added on the table and also employ waiters or waitresses to serve the food and beverages beside the table. For some poor people the shared spoon is not used.
Northern part of Thailand
Thai northern people still preserve their traditional culture by using small food bowls and putting them on a "Kan tok" (Thai northern small table). They are decorated with wood, pearl or yellowish gold. Sticky rice, glutinous rice is the main food eaten with shared dishes. It is contained in "Kratip Song Soong", high-height container for sticky rice. Beside "Kan tok", there is "Kon Tho Din", jar made from the soil and "Kan ngeaun" silver cup. After finishing the main course, the desserts are served and also "Buri Chai Yo", the cigarette, which is end of the meal.
Northeastern part of Thailand, "Isan"
Typically the food is served on a large flower-patterned circular zinc tray. The sticky rice contained in "Kra Tip Song Taei" (low-height container for sticky rice). Then the desserts are served.
Southern part of Thailand
The local people eat on a floor mat. The dishes are placed on the center of it. They sit in the circle and traditionally eat with their bare hands. The drinking water is contained in "Kan"or"Jok", (little Thai cup.) Nowadays, fork and spoon are used instead of bare hands. Sitting on a chair and eating at a table now predominates. There are only few local people who still preserve the original dinning style.
Ways of serving food in Thailand
There are two main ways to serve Thai food, "Raad Kao", individual dish and "Gap Kao", separate dish.[10]
Individual Dish
In the past, Thai people had large families. Due to the difficulty of eating together at the same time, placing the rice side dish and the rice on the same dish and serving individually is to some extent supplanting the traditional Thai dinning style.
Separated Dish
The rice side dishes are separately served with the rice (not same dish). Normally, this style is suitable for eating with others. The shared rice side dishes are in the center of the circle. Each has their own rice while the side dishes are shared by transferring them with the shared spoons to the individual rice dishes.
The spoon is on the right and the fork is on the left side of the dish.
Shared dishes
For rice dishes, the spoon is on the right and the fork is on the left side of the dish. Shared dishes are placed in the center of the table with the serving spoons.
For shared dish style, let the senior of the group order their rice side dish first and then another select the menu which everyone can eat and try to order balance of dish, ordering fish or seafood, pork, shrimp, chicken and vegetarian dishes which encompass a full range of tastes. Spicy, sweet, salty and bitter will all be represented, often all in one dish. When the dishes are served, all of them do not come at once. The food keeps coming and coming.
Thai people eat using the fork and spoon combo method. The spoon acts as the main tool and the fork is the supporting tool pushing the food onto the spoon and the shared spoon is the main tool to scoop the food from shared dish to rice dish. Some people use their own spoon to scoop the food from the shared dish directly but it is not a good dining manner for Thais because they concern about sanitation issue. If the shared dish is curry, it is transferred to an individual little cup first. Then they sip the soup from the spoon. Sipping it from the cup directly is not proper, Moreover, making noise during eating and sipping is impolite in Thailand. On the other hand, talking during eating is not prohibited. However, Thai food menus include a lot of fish and spices of which some parts are not for eating—splitting the food is the general behavior for Thais. Splitting on the spoon, and put them on the edge of the dish or provided dish for the trash is Thai general practice.
After finishing eating, placing the spoon and fork down close together on the bowl/plate, gathering the trash to one side of their dish and stacking the empty plates at the side of the table makes the waiters realize that customer(s) require them to clean the table.
Since there are a lot Chinese families in Thailand, the Chinese culture is mixed with the Thai culture. Sticking up sticks, poking a stick or skewer into food on a plate and having it stick straight upwards, is impolite. To be polite using a toothpick, block the mouth with one hand before you pick with the other.
The bill is usually picked up and paid by the wealthiest or most important person[11] or inviter or oldest person.[12] If customers are friends the bills are usually paid separately.
Birth traditions and beliefs
Main article: Birth in Thailand
Traditional principles concerning pregnancy and childbirth are largely influenced by folk beliefs, especially in rural areas of central and north Thailand. Modern practices follow the Western medical model.
See also: Thai names,
Thai people universally have one, or occasionally more, short nicknames (Thai: ???????? name-play) that they use with friends and family. Often first given shortly after birth by friends or an older family member, these nicknames are overwhelmingly one syllable[13] (or worn down from two syllables to one). Though they may be simply shortened versions of a full name, they quite frequently have no relation to the person's full name and are often humorous and/or nonsense words. Babies may be given a nickname of a relative or named for a characteristic of birth, e.g., "little". Traditionally, nicknames would relate to things of low value, e.g., "dirt", which was to convince evil spirits lurking in the vicinity that the child was not worthy their attention. Today this folk custom is on the decline.
Some common nicknames translate into English as "small", "fatty", "pig", "little", "frog", "banana", "green", or "girl/boy". Though rare, sometimes Thai children are given nicknames in the order they were born into the family (i.e., "one", "two", "three", etc.). Nicknames are useful because official Thai names are often long, particularly among Thais of Chinese descent, whose lengthy surnames stem from an attempt to translate Chinese names into Thai equivalents, or among Thai with similarly lengthy Sanskrit-derived names. In recent years, English language words have become popular nicknames. Examples include: "Ice" (????); "Bank" (?????); "New" (???); "Ball" (???), and even "Beer" (??????).[13]
Thai Buddhist marriage ceremonies are generally divided into two parts: a Buddhist component, which includes the recitation of prayers and the offering of food and other gifts to monks and images of the Buddha, and a non-Buddhist component rooted in folk traditions, which centers on the couple's families.
In former times, it was unknown for Buddhist monks to be present at any stage of the marriage ceremony itself. As monks were required to attend to the dead during funerals, their presence at a marriage (which was associated with fertility, and intended to produce children) was considered a bad omen. A couple would seek a blessing from their local temple before or after being married, and might consult a monk for astrological advice in setting an auspicious date for the wedding. The non-Buddhist portions of the wedding would take place away from the temple, and would often take place on a separate day.
In modern times, these prohibitions have been significantly relaxed. It is not uncommon for a visit to a temple to be made on the same day as the non-Buddhist portions of a wedding, or even for the wedding to take place within the temple. While a division is still commonly observed between the "religious" and "secular" portions of a wedding service, it may be as simple as the monks present for the Buddhist ceremony departing to take lunch once their role is complete.
During the Buddhist component of the wedding service, the couple first bow before the image of the Buddha. They then recite certain basic Buddhist prayers or chants (typically including taking the Three Refuges and the Five Precepts), and light incense and candles before the image. The parents of the couple may then be called upon to "connect" them, by placing upon the heads of the bride and groom twin loops of string or thread that link the couple together. The couple may then make offerings of food, flowers, and medicine to the monks present. Cash gifts (usually placed in an envelope) may also be presented to the temple at this time.
The monks may then unwind a small length of thread that is held between the hands of the assembled monks. They begin a series of recitations of Pali scriptures intended to bring merit and blessings to the new couple. The string terminates with the lead monk, who may connect it to a container of water that will be "sanctified" for the ceremony. Merit is said to travel through the string and be conveyed to the water. A similar arrangement is used to transfer merit to the dead at a funeral, further evidence of the weakening of the taboo on mixing funerary imagery and trappings with marriage ceremonies. Blessed water may be mixed with wax drippings from a candle lit before the Buddha image and other unguents and herbs to create a paste that is then applied to the foreheads of the bride and groom to create a small dot, similar to the marking made with red ochre on Hindu devotees. The bride's mark is created with the butt end of the candle rather than the monk's thumb, in keeping with the Vinaya prohibition against touching women.
The highest-ranking monk present may elect to say a few words to the couple, offering advice or encouragement. The couple may then make offerings of food to the monks, at which point the Buddhist portion of the ceremony is concluded.
The Thai dowry system is known as the sin sodt (Thai: ??????). Traditionally, the groom will be expected to pay a sum of money to the family, to compensate them and to demonstrate that the groom is financially capable of taking care of their daughter. Sometimes, this sum is purely symbolic, and will be returned to the bride and groom after the wedding has taken place.
The religious component of marriage ceremonies between Thai Muslims are markedly different from that described above. The Imam of the local mosque, the groom, the father of the bride, men in the immediate family, and important men in the community sit in a circle during the ceremony, conducted by the Imam. All the women, including the bride, sit in a separate room and do not have any direct participation in the ceremony. The secular component of the ceremony, however, is often nearly identical to the secular part of Thai Buddhist wedding ceremonies. The only notable difference here is the type of meat served to guests (goat and/or beef instead of pork). Thai Muslims frequently, though not always, also follow the conventions of the Thai dowry system.
Traditionally, funerals last for at least one week. Crying is discouraged during the funeral, so as not to worry the spirit of the deceased. Many activities surrounding the funeral are intended to make merit for the deceased. Copies of Buddhist scriptures may be printed and distributed in the name of the deceased, and gifts are usually given to a local temple. Monks are invited to chant prayers that are intended to provide merit for the deceased, as well as to provide protection against the possibility of the dead relative returning as a malicious spirit. A picture of the deceased from his/her best days will often be displayed next to the coffin. Often, a thread is connected to the corpse or coffin which is held by the chanting monks during their recitation; this thread is intended to transfer the merit of the monks' recitation to the deceased. The corpse is cremated, and the urn with the ash is usually kept in a chedi in the local temple.
Thai Chinese and Thai Muslim minorities bury their deceased according to the rituals of their respective communities.
National anthem and respect for the flag and king
Twice a day, at 08:00 and again at 18:00, the national anthem is played by all Thai media outlets. Thais stop what they are doing and stand at attention to pay homage to the flag during the anthem. Students in school stand in front of the raised flag and sing the national anthem at 08:00 every school day. The practice dates from 1935 when the regulations for the raising and lowering of the colours was published in the Royal Gazette. The Flag Act of 1979 decreed that those who do not observe the custom by standing in silence during the anthem are subject to a fine of up to 2,000 baht and not more than one year in prison.[14]
In a related practice, the royal anthem of the King of Thailand is played before movies, concerts, and sporting events. All are expected to stand.[citation needed]
Traditional arts
Thai visual arts were traditionally Buddhist. Thai Buddha images from different periods have a number of distinctive styles. Thai temple art and architecture evolved from a number of sources, one of them being Khmer architecture. Contemporary Thai art often combines traditional Thai elements with modern techniques.
Literature in Thailand is heavily influenced by Indian Hindu culture. The most notable works of Thai literature are a version of the Ramayana, a Hindu religious epic, called the Ramakien, written in part by Kings Rama I and Rama II, and the poetry of Sunthorn Phu.
Traditional Thai paintings showed subjects in two dimensions without perspective. The size of each element in the picture reflected its degree of importance. The primary technique of composition is that of apportioning areas: the main elements are isolated from each other by space transformers. This eliminated the intermediate ground, which would otherwise imply perspective. Perspective was introduced only as a result of Western influence in the mid-19th century. Monk artist Khrua In Khong is well known as the first artist to introduce linear perspective to Thai traditional art.
There is no tradition of spoken drama in Thailand, the role instead being filled by Thai dance. This is divided into three categories: Khon, 'Lakhon, and Likay, Khon being the most elaborate and Likay the most popular. Nang drama, a form of shadow play, is found in the south.
There is also Thai folklore, Sri Thanonchai as an example.
The first detailed European record of khon and other classical Siamese dances was made during the Ayutthaya Kingdom. It described a dramatic tradition and style that are almost identical to the Thai traditions we still see today. Historical evidence clearly establishes that the Thai art of stage plays must have already been perfected by the 17th century. Louis XIV, the Sun King of France, had a formal diplomatic relation with Ayutthaya's King Narai. In 1687, France sent the diplomat Simon de la Loubère to record all that he saw in the Siamese Kingdom and its traditions. In his account Du Royaume de Siam, La Loubère carefully observed the classic 17th century theatre of Siam, including an epic battle scene from a khon performance, and recorded what he saw in great detail:
"The Siamese have three sorts of Stage Plays: That which they call Cone [khon] is a figure dance, to the sound of the violin and some other instruments. The dancers are masked and armed, and represent rather a combat than a dance. And though every one runs into high motions, and extravagant postures, they cease not continually to intermix some word. Most of their masks are hideous, and represent either monstrous Beasts, or kinds of Devils. The Show which they call Lacone is a poem intermix with Epic and Dramatic, which lasts three days, from eight in the morning till seven at night. They are histories in verse, serious, and sung by several actors always present, and which do only sing reciprocally…. The Rabam is a double dance of men and women, which is not martial, but gallant … they can perform it without much tying themselves, because their way of dancing is a simple march round, very slow, and without any high motion; but with a great many slow contortions of the body and arms."[15]:49
Of the attires of Siamese khon dancers, La Loubère recorded that: "[T]hose that dance in Rabam, and Cone, have gilded paper-bonnets, high and pointed, like the Mandarins caps of ceremony, but which hang down at the sides below their ears, which are adorned with counterfeit stones, and with two pendants of gilded wood.[15]:49
Today "ram Thai" (Thai: ?????), 'Thai dance'. Thai dance, like many forms of traditional Asian dance, can be divided into two major categories that correspond roughly to the high art (classical dance) and low art (folk dance) distinction.
Although traditional Thai performing arts are not as vibrant as they once were, suffering inroads from Western entertainment and generally changing tastes, Thai dance drama is not extinct. What survives displays the elegance of an art form refined over centuries and supported by regal patronage.[citation needed]
Aside from folk and regional dances (southern Thailand's Indian-influenced Menora dance, for example), the two major forms of Thai classical dance drama are khon and Lakhon nai. In the beginning both were exclusively court entertainments and it was not until much later that a popular style of dance theater, Likay, evolved as a diversion for the common folk who had no access to royal performances. Apart from Lakhon nai, Lakhon chatri is also one of the most important Thai dances.
The Music of Thailand includes classical and folk music traditions, e.g., Piphat and Mor lam, respectively, as well as Thai pop music, e.g., "String". Thai classical music is synonymous with those stylized court ensembles and repertoires that emerged in its present form within the royal centers of Central Thailand some 800 years ago. These ensembles, while being deeply influenced by Khmer and even older practices and repertoires from India, are today uniquely Thai expressions. While the three primary classical ensembles, the Piphat, Khrueang sai and Mahori differ in significant ways, they all share a basic instrumentation and theoretical approach. Each employ the small ching hand cymbals and the krap wooden sticks to mark the primary beat reference.
Several kinds of small drums (klong) are employed in these ensembles to outline the basic rhythmic structure (natab) that is punctuated at the end by the striking of a suspended gong (mong). Seen in its most basic formulation, the classical Thai orchestras are very similar to the Cambodian (Khmer) pinpeat and mahori ensembles, and structurally similar to other orchestras found within the widespread Southeast Asian gong-chime musical culture, such as the large gamelan of Bali and Java, which most likely have their common roots in the diffusion of Vietnamese Dong-Son bronze drums beginning in the first century.
Traditional Thai classical repertoire is anonymous, handed down through an oral tradition of performance in which the names of composers (if, indeed, pieces were historically created by single authors) are not known. However, since the beginning of the modern Bangkok period, composers' names have been known and, since around the turn of the century, many major composers have recorded their works in notation. Musicians, however, imagine these compositions and notations as generic forms which are realized in full in idiosyncratic variations and improvisations in the context of performance.
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Meet Google Goggles, Augmented Reality Vector
Clint Boulton
It's early days for computer vision software such a Google Goggles, which some analysts and even Google itself feel hasn't tapped its true potential.
One such role for Goggles could be as a vector for AR (augmented reality), which comprises the overlay of information on real-world views seen through a mobile phone's camera viewfinder.
Goggles is a visual search application that uses smartphone cameras to send image information to Google's computing clouds, then back to the users' phones to complete an action.
Users of Android and Apple iPhone smartphones can use the app to snap pictures of landmarks, books, CDs, wine bottles, art. Google has taught the app to recognize print ads, QR codes and barcodes, solve Sudoku puzzles and translate menus from one language to another.
But what if Google tweaked Goggles in such a way as to retrieve not just historic info from its search engine, but to overlay real-time information about things or even places when a user points the camera at an object?
Google Goggles Product Manager Shailesh Nalawadi said Google is considering different applications for AR.
"When you do it well in current paradigm, it feels more real-time," Nalawadi told eWEEK. "AR is a user interface, user experience innovation. It's something we are looking to do as well, but at the right time."
It's one thing to whip up another newfangled piece of software, and quite another to find a practical use for it.
Nalawadi provided a hypothetical scenario where Google might use AR. For example, a mobile phone user could point his Android phone at a restaurant or bar across the street to learn menu, hours of operation, ratings, deals and other info.
Some AR browser makers, such as Wikitude and Layar, operate in this fashion. Google's core goal is rooted in search, so Nalawadi said Goggles needs to answer another question: what is the specific piece of information a user is looking for when they search with their mobile phone?
Google Working on 3D Classifiers to Solve AR Challenge
"The challenge is to figure what is the most relevant thing for the user," Nalawadi said. "You could throw a lot of info on there, but it would confuse the user. You need to make sure you are sending right users the set of things with AR. These are the user experiences challenges that we haven't cracked."
Even if Google can solve the challenge of figuring user intent via the AR lens, Goggles needs a lot of work. Superfish CTO Joe Dew, whose company also makes computer visions software that competes with Goggles, told eWEEK, Goggles has yet to solve the problem of recognizing most 3D objects.
For example, he said if a user "takes a pair of scissors, put them on a white piece of paper and Goggles probably won't find it." This is because Goggles becomes confused by the two objects, the scissors and the paper.
Superfish is working on this problem, which Google has addressed for recognizing landmarks by applying a classic, if not crude two-dimensional approach.
Specifically, Google accounts for all of the fixed, finite camera angles picture takers employ when they snap pictures of, for example, the Eiffel Tower. Still, solving the 3D challenge with a 2D-based methodology is an approach Nalawadi acknowledged is hardly ideal.
Google is working on hierarchical classifiers — essentially programming tools that help computer vision software distinguish between objects — that what a user is looking at is a car as well as product verticals such as shoes, handbags and jewelry.
In time, a user will be able to snap a picture of a handbag on a rack of handbags with their mobile phone, using Goggles. Goggles will recognize that the user wants to learn more about the bag in the foreground and ignore all of the other bags and other external, peripheral distractions in the image and give you a match.
"We have a lot of PH.Ds looking at it to solve the problem in generic way so that we can train engines to recognize a large class of objects, and then train instances within the classes," Nalawadi said.
"Can we train a trainer with a set of images to understand what is a boot, a car, or earrings? It's not easy, but we feel that is the more generic approach."
Above and beyond that audacious goal, Google needs to fill out the long tail of search. For example, Google needs to be able to recognize an entire vineyard's product lineup instead of just 100 of the most popular wine bottles.