This book clarifies the musical dramaturgy of comedy writer and musician Luiz Carlos Martins Penna (1815-48) - a notion that encompasses both the theatrical text and its performance. The corpus for this analysis is composed of twelve comedies by Martins Penna written between 1833 and 1846, divided into three groups, which I have called Lundu, Aria, and Alleluia. The sound universe made up by the three groups of comedies covers African-Brazilian genres and musical-choreographic styles (batuque, fado, lundu, miudinho, muquirao), the transnational urban popular universe (lundu, tirana, quadrilha, marcha, waltz, caxuxa, tonadilla, polka), and modinhas and Italian opera, in addition to romantic concertos, Gregorian chant and Iberian religious theater (loas). To evaluate the multiple meanings acquired by the musical allusions inserted into the comedy texts and theatrical performances, this research reveals the network which included the author, actors, theater owners, publishers and the public, and other agents, such as black Catholic irmandades (brotherhoods), Freemasonry, and institutions linked to the imperial government. The sound universe of the comedies of Martins Penna are compared to the comedic axes of the Western theatrical tradition (a study of situations and characters) and the axes of performance (solo and chorus), contemplating the relationship between the repertoires written by Martins Penna and the repertoires of Brazilians and Portuguese artists, a mix of actors, singers and dancers, who performed in his comedies. The research questions the notion of authorship and reveals the importance of the partnership between theatrical writers, artists and publishers, through which the comedies of Martins Penna have reached the second half of the nineteenth century through the present.

The nobile officium - the equitable jurisdiction of the Supreme Courts of Scotland - has the potential to be of continuing use today. But its scope and limitations are poorly understood. This is the first book to systematically examine the nobile officium. Placing it in its historical and conceptual context, the book explores the development and application of the nobile officium. It covers areas as diverse as trusts; judicial factors, curators, tutors and guardians; bankruptcy, insolvency and sequestration; custody of children; public officers; statutory omissions; civil procedure; and criminal law and procedure.

This new text provides the most comprehensive and up-to-date coverage of administrative law in Hong Kong. It includes original commentary on judicial review, administrative tribunals, the Ombudsman, the Legislative Council Redress System, Commissions of Inquiry, the Independent Commission Against Corruption, the Equal Opportunities Commission, the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data, the Audit Commission, subsidiary legislation and more. Drawing on law, policy and practice, it offers detailed analysis while maintaining accessibility, charting developments as Hong Kong continues to evolve as a Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China. Administrative Law in Hong Kong is essential reading for judges, practitioners, policymakers, academics, students and commentators with an interest in public law, governance and administration.

Is it really true that listening to Mozart makes us and our children smarter? Why is there always classical background music in high-class restaurants? Does opera really make cows give more milk and do sharks like Barry White? Darwin believed our ancestors used music in courting, and this eventually led to words. Others reckon music has the same evolutionary role as a delicious cream pie: none. Why, then, do we have music, and how exactly does it give us pleasure? Though scientists have been busy in laboratories and in the field, they propose no unanimous conclusion as yet. From Neanderthal to Metallica, from Pythagoras to neuroscience, this book covers the state of the art in research about our relationship with music, and ends up depicting the birth of a new, extremely fertile and exciting science. Studies of music and the brain have recently attracted intense interest leading to the success of recent books. Bencivelli's distinctive contribution is a broad and inclusive approach, and an easy writing style intended to introduce non-specialist readers to the ways scientists formulate questions and look for answers in this new and fascinating field.

Spiritual development is the theme of this book. It explores the idea that awareness of the invisible world is an evolving process, and that as our awareness increases, our understanding and consciousness expands. Written as a conversation between the two authors, they share their experiences and perspectives on such topics as free will, destiny, the nature of identity, and encounters in the invisible world. Each section of the book opens and closes with a dialogue between the two authors. The closing dialogue explains how their differences in thought have transmuted into one understanding - a combined truth. Sandwiched between dialogues are essays such as 'Is Karma Everything' that challenge individual belief, and display how our shifting values shape our perspective of truth. In a section titled 'Hitting the Wall' they discuss how relationships, drama, and material concern such work and money contributes to our spiritual development. Also included are methods to explore and understand states of consciousness. Essays such 'Orientation to the Unknown' provide techniques to understand belief and expand individual perspectives. The authors are both Rosicrucians who share a lifelong passion for mysticism and truth. In this book, they recount their personal experiences and have also included information about various mystery schools, enabling the reader to continue further investigation in greater detail. A primer for the spiritual path, this book is a celebration that allowed each author to let go of their individual perspective, and journey into a combined consciousness - an expression of the essence of our universe - the one. Michael Guarino is the author of 'Imagine That: Integrating Reality in Search of Actuality', a blend of poetry, stories and essays on spiritual themes. Stephen Thomson is author of 'The Secret Key', and 'Essays for Spiritual Self Mastery.' These books are also available through Amazon.com.

This is an important book for anyone interested in advancing his or her own innate psychic ability. The best-kept secret down through the ages is that unlocking the Spirit within comes from preparing, advancing and utilizing the psychic senses. Included in the book are practical exercises and information for advancing the psychic senses. The pages of the Secret Key present complex spiritual concepts and ideas in simple language and make it so logical and personal. Also, the book presents a strong case for the underlying need of all spiritual people to develop their psychic senses. It's time for more of what has traditionally been held as esoteric or mystical information to be make available on a larger scale to the growing numbers of people who hunger for deep spiritual truths. Thomson gives a detailed and personal look into his world, including the steps he took and the way he approached the unfolding of his psychic senses.

Post-Theory brings together some of the most prominent figures and rising stars in the field of Critical Theory. Essays consider such issues as: the current state of Critical Theory; the type of work Theory has made possible; and the future of theory. Opening with a Preface by Ernesto Laclau, the book closes with a 'Post-Word' from Helene Cixous. This volume of new work features examples of new theoretical possibilities. Contributors include: Catherine Besley, Geoffrey Bennington, Helene Cixous, Patricia Duncker, Lorna Hutson, Ernesto Laclau, Julian Murphet, Christopher Norris, Nicholas Royle, Robert Smith and Eric Woehrling. Key Features * Ground-breaking collection of opinion-changing work * Timely and topical intervention into Critical Theory * Wide range of approaches and examples of theoretical possibilities * Contributors include huge names in the field, such as Catherine Besley, Geoffrey Bennington, Helene Cixous, Patricia Duncker, Lorna Hutson, Ernesto Laclau, Julian Murphet, Christopher Norris, Nicholas Royle, Robert Smith and Eric Woehrling