Most of those working in what count as service jobs across Asia lead less modern and productive lives: shopkeepers, rickshaw-pullers, foot-masseuses, security guards, barbers, road-sweepers, dhobi-wallahs, lift attendants, rubbish-pickers and so on.

ECONOMIST: Banyan

The foot soldiers, be it forest guards or home guards posted around these reserves, have lost interest.

NPR: Poachers Put Bengal Tiger in Additional Peril

Only slightly less imposing is the pink granite structure that is Seattle Art Museum (1300 First Avenue) and the 48-foot "Hammering Man" that guards its entrance.

CNN: Seattle: What to see

Tasked with enforcing the law, the park guards often cover the forest on foot, gathering clues to track an evasive enemy.

CNN: Rangers risk their lives to save African forest elephant

From the entrance to the cable car at the foot of the mountain to the slopes at the top, security guards and volunteers checked credentials every step of the way.

NPR: Russia To Increase Security At Athletics Event