Carl Rogers Core Conditions

This is statement summarizes the basic hypothesis and therapeutic conditions that distinguish the person-centered approach from other approaches. Rogers (1960, p33) believed that if the therapist can provide a certain kind of relationship, the client would discover within himself/herself the capacity to use the relationship for growth and change for the development of personal growth. So what are the characteristics of the therapeutic relationship that Rogers believed to be essential?These are congruency, unconditional positive regard and empathic understanding. Rogers’ (1957) said that a therapeutic relationship can occur if there are two people in psychological contact, the client is experiencing in congruency or is anxious, the therapist is congruent or integrated in the relationship, the therapist experience unconditional positive regard and acceptance for the client as well as an empathic understanding of the client’s internal frame of reference and strives to comm unicate this experience to the client.He further believed that no other conditions are necessary, if all this conditions are present overtime, constructive personality change will occur. Rogers’ provide a brief summary of the core conditions he believed to be essential in a therapeutic relationship in his book A Way of Being (Houghton Mifflin, pp 115-117). â€Å"The first element could be called genuineness, realness or congruence. The more the therapist is himself or herself in the relationship, putting up no professional front or personal facade, the greater is the likelihood that the client will change and grow in a constructive manner.This means that therapist is openly being the feelings and attitudes that are flowing within at the Counseling and Psychotherapy Page # 2 moment. The term transparent catches the flavor of this condition: the therapist makes himself or herself transparent to the client; the client can see right through what the therapist is in the relations hip; the client experiences no holding back on the part of the therapist. As for the therapist, what he or she is experiencing is available to awareness, can be lived in the relationship, and can be communicated if appropriate.Thus, there is a close matching or congruence between what is experienced at the gut level, what is present in awareness, and what is expressed to the client†. â€Å"The second attitude of importance in creating a climate for change is acceptance, or caring, or prizing – what I have called ‘unconditional positive regard’. When the therapist is experiencing a positive acceptant attitude toward whatever the client is at that moment, therapeutic movement or change is more likely to occur.The therapist is willing for the client to be whatever immediate feeling is going on – confusion, resentment, fear, anger, courage, love, or pride. Such caring on the part of the therapist is nonpossesive. The therapist prizes the client in a tot al rather than a conditional way†. â€Å"The third facilitative aspect of the relationship is empathic understanding. This means that the therapist sense accurately the feelings and personal meanings that the client is experiencing and communicates this understanding to the client.When functioning bets, the therapist is so much inside the private world of the other that he or she can clarify not only the meanings of which the client is aware but even those just below the level of awareness. This kind of sensitive, active listening is exceedingly rare in our lives. We think we listen but very rarely do we listen with real understanding, true empathy. Yet listening, of this very special kind, is one of the most potent forces for change that I know†. Congruence implies that the therapists are true, that is they are genuine, integrated and authentic during the therapy session.They are without pretensions, what their inner feelings and the external expression of it are one a nd the same and they can honestly articulate their feelings, thoughts, reactions and attitudes that are present in the relationship with the client. The therapist who is congruent conveys the message that it is not only permissible but desirable to be oneself, he. /she presents themselves as transparent to the client and thus refuses to encourage an image of herself as superior, expert and omniscient (Mearns and Thorne, 1992 p15.). Person-centered therapy emphasizes that therapy will not progress if the therapist feels one way about the client but behaves in a different way. So that if the therapist either dislikes or disapprove of the client but pretends that he/she accepts the client. Therapy will not work. Counseling and Psychotherapy Page # 3 The unconditional positive regard of the therapist to the client tells us that it is of the utmost importance that the therapist’s caring be nonpossesive.If the act of caring is rooted in the therapist’s need to be liked and a ppreciated, constructive change in the client is inhibited. Therapists should give importance and genuinely accept their clients without placing conditions on their acceptance. It should not be an attitude of â€Å"I’ll accept you when†¦Ã¢â‚¬ , rather it should be â€Å"I’ll accept you as you are†. Therapists should let their clients know that they value their clients as they are and that clients have the freedom to feel and experience an array of emotions without fear of losing their therapists acceptance of them.When the therapist is able to embrace this attitude of acceptance and nonjudgmentalism, the client is more able to feel safe, to explore negative feelings and to move into the core of his anxiety or depression, he is more likely to face himself honestly without the ever present fear of rejection or condemnation (Mearns and Thorn, 1992 p15. ). However, acceptance is the affirmation of the client’s rights to have their own beliefs and feeli ngs, it is not the approval of all behavior.One of the fundamental tasks of the therapist is to understand client’s feelings and experiences perceptively and precisely as they are presented during the therapy sessions. The therapist tries to feel the client’s subjective experience in the here and now. The aim is to persuade clients to go deeper within them and experience their inner selves to recognize and resolve the unease that is present within them. Empathic understanding suggests that the therapist should be able to feel what the client is feeling without becoming lost in these feelings.It is also necessary to recognize that empathic understanding goes beyond the act of identifying the presenting feelings of the client but rather should include those feelings deep and less Counseling and Psychotherapy Page # 4 experienced feelings. Therapists’ empathy brings about a more profound understanding of the self in the part of the client and an elucidation of thei r beliefs and worldviews. Rogers (1980) asserts that when the therapist can grasp the clients’ private world as the client sees and feels it – without losing the separateness of their own identity – constructive change is more likely to occur.In Rogers’ perspective, the client/therapist relationship should be one of equality; therapists do not keep their knowledge a secret or attempt to mystify the therapeutic process. The progression of a client’s transformation is largely dependent on the quality of this equal relationship. As clients’ experience the therapists’ accepting way of listening to them, they eventually come to listen acceptingly themselves. As they find the therapist caring and prizing them, clients begin to believe in their worth and value.As they experience the genuineness of the therapist, clients also discard their pretensions and become real with themselves and the therapist. References Mearns, D. & Thorne, B. (1992) Person-centered counseling in action. London: SAGE Publications Limited Rogers, C. (1961) On becoming a person. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Rogers, C. (1980) A way of being. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Rogers, C. (1986) Carl Rogers on the development of the person-centered approach. Person- Centered Review, 1(3), 257-259. Thorne, B. (1992) Carl Rogers. Newsbury Park, CA: Sage

It was the worst thunderstorm in 36 years

Wednesday night, 9th October 2002. It was the worst thunderstorm in 36 years. The rain was like stones hammering onto you from the pitch-black sky. Long streaks of bright lightning were jumping from the sky. A few seconds after each bright light there was a gigantic roar, like a furious lion. The weather was wet, cold, dull, dark and miserable with horrendous winds, travelling at the speed of a cheetah. There were two boys. Andy was quite tall and skinny with short blonde hair. He had legs like long twigs and hands the size of a giants, but very brittle. The other boy, Paul, was big and obese. He was built like a tank. His fists were like big balls of steel. But he was very shy. Andy and Paul were walking home through the fields. It was dark and windy. Paul pulled out a torch. He turned it on, but all it gave out was a dull light that kept flashing on and off every time lightning strikes. Andy started to get scared and he walked faster and faster. Paul was dragging his big heavy feet though the wet muddy grass. Andy started to run but they were getting no where. Paul was dragging behind and was having problems keeping up with Paul. Andy looked behind him and saw Paul in the distance. So Andy shouted â€Å"hurry up Paul, we gotta get outa here†. So Andy slowed down and waited until Paul caught up with him. Then continued running. Andy shouts, â€Å"I can see a house†. So they both started to run towards the house. They both stop. Every thing is silent. Paul and Andy walk towards the front door. Paul nocks on the door and it opened. Nobody was in the house. Andy said, â€Å"is any body in†. Nobody answered so they both carefully walk in the house. There was not a bit of dust in the house. Paul and Andy hung up there soaking wet coats on a hanger and closed the door. The house was bright and warm. The two boys walked into the living room, which was straight in front of them. In the living room the fire was lit and there was stuffed animals every where. There was a huge old wooden staircase. They decided to sit down on the big black leather sofa. They sat down for a while. Paul quietly said, â€Å"let's go up stairs†. So they both went up stairs. They got to the top of the stairs and went to open one of the doors in front of them. The lights started flicking on and off. Andy started shaking. All of a sudden the house went cold. Paul opened the door. A body fell from behind the door. Both of the boys jumped back. The front door creaked open and then slammed closed. A deep mans voice yelled up the stairs, â€Å"who the hell is in my house†. The man ran up stairs with a dead squirrel in one hand and an axe in the other. The boys were so scared that they could not move.

The Library Project Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

The Library Project - Case Study Example . For this project, I will evaluate whether there is a difference in age of the books in this two libraries. In case of significant difference in the ages of the books, I will then determine which library has older books. If there is no significant difference in the age of the books in the two libraries, then each library receives equal funding. To determine whether there is a difference in age, I will conduct a paired sample t-test. Evidently, the t computed is greater than the t-tabulated. Consequently, we hence reject the null hypothesis. Therefore, we assert the alternative hypothesis that there is a significant difference in the ages of the collections from the two libraries. For Ramstein library, the median is less than the mean. According to Stockburger (2014), if the sample mean is greater than the media then the data is positively skewed. Thus, Ramstein library data is positively skewed. This can be interpreted to mean that more data is found on the upper side of the table. Thus, most books in Ramstein library have the copyright of recent years. The boxplot above shows that the data is negatively skewed. This is justified by the fact that mean is less than the median. This can be interpreted to mean that there are more old books in Vogelweh library. From the extensive analysis and interpretation of the presented data, I recommend that KMC funds Vogelweh library as it contains the highest number of old books. It fully meets the benchmark required by KMC for a library to receive extra

Compliance with OHS and othe relevant laws Term Paper

Compliance with OHS and othe relevant laws - Term Paper Example Or is the employee responsible for her situation? On a case where an employee insists on working, the employer deems him inappropriate to perform due to his health complications. However, this employee is competent and needs the job in order to support his family. If the employer reinstates him out of compassion, then, who is liable if his condition worsens? I hereby seek your approval to present these matters to OHS specialists for more clarification. I Hope you will consider my request and thank you in advance. Yours faithfully, Signature John Doe. Enforcement notices, processes and penalties. Enforcement notices are issued to companies that do not comply with the health and safety laws, thus breaching the law. Such individuals or companies may be persecuted. The Queensland authorities implement compliance and enforcement strategies to ensure that companies and individuals comply with the laws on OHS and if they fail to, they are held accountable. These strategies mainly aim at con trolling risks at the place of work (compliance and enforcement policy, p2). ... which may lead to penalties of breach of duties which according to the OHS act, range from $920,250 for organizations and $184, 050 for individuals, (OHS) The duty of care requires that all the people at the workplace are embracing health and safety for all. The employer has a duty of ensuring that reasonable measures are taken to control risks. An employer’s duty of care applies to the employees, visitors and also contractors. This also entails manufacturers who have to ensure that the produced goods are not a risk to the health and safety of consumers, hence are required to provide directions on how their products should be used. An employee also has a duty of care which involves, ensuring health and safety for the people present at the place of work, who may be affected by his actions and omissions. Checklists for OHS inspection Locations Inspector’s comments Grading: fair, good, poor, excellent. Conditions Prescribed OHS specialist Construction department -Workers a re provided with dust masks, helmet and gloves.-(excellent) -Signs of alcohol consumption in some employees (Poor) -Favorable working conditions due to the protective gears issued.-(fair) - portrays danger to employees as they may loose focus and yield to accidents. For alcohol testing and screening on employees, LST consulting situated at 31 army street, is effective. Distribution department -Fully ventilated offices, with internal heaters in case of cold weathers.- (good) -Spacious offices Work done in shifts.-4 -Breast feeding mothers have no flexible working hours. (poor) -Motivated employees.-(good) -No sign of workload -Overtime is paid.-(fair) -interferes with the mother’s concentration. Australian breastfeeding association (ABA) An appraisal report In the construction site, it is clear that

Crime Scene Investigators in Law Enforcement Research Paper

Crime Scene Investigators in Law Enforcement - Research Paper Example Crime Scene Investigator The scene where the crime occurred is an imperative aspect in the entire process of investigation. The site contains the core evidence which enables law enforces piece together the evidence amassed from other locations. The evidence gathered from the scene may at times require processing. These investigators undertake various tasks which include classifying and analyzing the evidence. Therefore, the crime scene investigator may require an assortment of skills and knowledge to undertake their tasks. These investigators should have relevant qualifications in the scientific field such as forensics. The knowledge and skill impacted in such a programme will be vital for these investigators. CSI teams should be the first to arrive at the scene. This will ensure that the evidence gathered is apposite. Additionally, there may be people intentionally or unintentionally attempting to distort the scene to frustrate the investigations. These investigators should show urg ency in their arrival at the crime scene. Some crimes entail interviewing the persons that were around the scene when incidence happened. Therefore, the investigator should have appropriate skills that will enable them gather the right information in relation to the crime. Additionally, there should have the capacity to discern the flawed and correct evidence. The investigators should consequently connect the events that occurred in a chronological manner. Crime scene investigators are an imperative constituent of the disciplined forces (Dutelle, 2011). Importance of a CSI team This team makes a crucial contribution in resolving crime since it amasses the initial evidence. The initial evidence forms the basis on which the investigator can follow up the case. It provides the investigator with vital hints on what avenue to pursue in order to resolve the crime. The initial evidence shows when and how the crime happened. Consequently, the team vested with the authority of gathering such evidence contributes considerably to resolution of the crime. With the massive advancements in technology, criminals are utilizing sophisticated methods that leave minimal traces. Consequently, it is vital that there is a CSI team which has the knack to retrieve evidence in sophisticated crimes. The ordinary law enforcer may lack the ability to see some minor details which would provide subsequent investigators with clues on what measures to undertake. The CSI team also processes evidence. The processing of evidence may include DNA analysis and matching of fingerprints. Such evidence is extremely vital in homicides and thefts. However, the effectiveness depends on the legal framework provided and the police force procedures. Some of these laws may create bureaucratic procedures that limit the efficacy of CSI teams. The evidence provided by these teams forms the basis of prosecution and enables lawmakers to charge an offender with charge based on the evidence available. CSI team arr ives at the crime scene earlier on and assists other investigators in stitching together the events that occurred leading to the crime. Most CSI team acts as the custodian of the evidence amassed. Some CSI members specialize in photographic analysis which assists in facial recognition of criminal or victims. Owing to their understanding of the events which transpired, then members of CSI teams are present at court trials. Therefore, CSI teams do not only partake in investigations, but

Financial management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 2

Financial management - Essay Example Assuming that the cost of sales also increases by the same figure, the cost of sales has been increased by the same margin. R&D costs are assumed to remain the same for the two years, and the selling and administrative costs to increase by 20% of the figure in the previous year. Restructuring costs are computed as 2% of the total sales, and the taxation rate as 15% of the sales figure. After all this assumptions, the following forecasted statement is prepared. 4. The results shown above indicate that the net income for period September 26, 2008 through to September 25, 2009 indicate that Microchip Computer Corporation will earn a net income of $1777.34. To calculate this increase in net income is derived from a 20% increase in net sales, which is accompanied by a corresponding increase in cost of sales. The selling, general and administrative costs are also assumed to increase by the same figure. The forecast of the consolidated statements of operations included the following

Linear Regression and Regression Analysis Assignment

Linear Regression and Regression Analysis - Assignment Example Linear regression refers to an approach that involves modeling the relationship that exists between a dependent variable Y and explanatory variable(s) X. The model for linear regression requires that the variables take up the relationship illustrated below: Therefore, regression analysis is the process of determining the parameters that make up the equation defining that defines the relationship between the variables. This forms the basis for further evaluation of the variables through an in-depth analysis of the basic components of the equation that would result into a line of best fit. Regression analysis is defined on basis of the goal of conducting regression, which is to develop a line of best fit for the variables under investigation (Kahane, 2001). The goal of using the technique is to establish the relationship and strength of the relationship between two or more variables. This technique is applicable in criminal justice in a number of ways. Regression analysis is useful in evaluating the relationship existing between various aspects of criminal justice. By acknowledging that there are events that take up the position of being determinants of the outcomes of other variables, this technique can be applied in Criminal justice. The regression analysis is pertinent in determining the relationship among variables as a basis for evaluation of the best practices and structures to adopt with regards to the criminal justice system. For instance, upon establishing the nature and strength of the relationship among variables, it is possible to evaluate the impact of specific changes on one to the other. This analysis is important in developing an understanding of the different ways in which improvements can be made to one of the variabl e in order to change the other (Williams, 2009). There are many ways in which regression analysis is applicable to criminal justice. For instance, when conducting a study on the relationship between criminal

Db3 2 training and development Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Db3 2 training and development - Research Paper Example In their article, â€Å"New Developments Concerning Negligent Training†, they describe age and pay among various types of discrimination that are important to employers. Issues of hiring and firing concepts, which have been controversial in terms of employment, have also been discussed. Three cases regarding sexual harassment as a form of discrimination have been taken up. They conclude by saying that employers must keep track of labor laws and how they can adapt themselves to the changes. Employers should focus on reducing the risks of negligent training. The best method of limiting exposure is by educating managers. They should be made aware about the implications of their actions (legal or otherwise), and should hence set high standards of professionalism for themselves while dealing with employees. Disciplinary action against or discharge of employees should be done keeping the privacy and dignity of employees in mind. The document flow and the number of current employees with whom a discharged employee has contact should be minimized. Procedures should be in place for a suitable time and place for a discharge to take place. The procedure for recruitments should be centralized. If the number of interviewers is minimized, the scope for exaggeration on the part of prospective employees can be lessened. Hence, the terms and conditions regarding the work in the organization should be spelt out by one single

Experimental economics summary paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 6

Experimental economics summary paper - Essay Example This can be better understood in the example provided by the authors to a person who is trying to lose weight through diet and how he/she must regard a simple piece of chocolate not as a single reward with very few cost staked but an overall threat that affects his/her consumption in the future. This provided view of linked together concepts of self-signals â€Å"bundles together similar rewards in the foreseeable future, putting the expectation of getting them at risk in the current choice† (Hofmeyr et al., p.4). Thus, the subjects overall perception of what causes addiction is reduced with the instinctive knowledge that sonsumption of such at one point affects future consumption. Findings The results reveal that in comparing smokers with non-smokers, those included in Forced who are smokers will choose LL if they are compelled to correlate their present choices to its effect in the future. This shift from an SS reward preference was seen significantly in smokers than non-smo kers. Some variables were also reported to give more credit to the overall results of the study. In smokers, it may be noted that African-Americans were recorded to low probability of selecting LL while increased age would prefer LL. In non-smokers, higher income leans toward LL and higher baseline choose SS. There were two patterns determined in the study.

Russian Environmental Policy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Russian Environmental Policy - Essay Example People's health continually worsens. The middle age of men for last years has made only 68 years. Each tenth child is born intellectually or physically defective owing to abnormalities at genetic level. In the majority of industrial regions of the country one third of inhabitants has various forms of immunologic deficiency. According to World Health Organization (WHO) standards people of the Russian Federation is on the verge of degeneration. A great deal of territory of the country are occupied with zones of ecological disaster and extreme ecological situations. Only some small part of inhabitants of towns and little villages has a possibility to breathe the air, which meet the requirements of quality standards. About 50 % of potable water consumed by the population does not answer any hygienic requirements. The list of similar data is extensive enough. Until recently in Russia in general there was no state policy in the field of ecology. Russia inherited a legacy of environmental problems from the demise of the Soviet Union in 1991. 'The Soviet Union's emphasis on industrial production and blatant disregard for the environment has left Russia grappling with numerous environmental problems. ... Furthermore, Russia's ongoing transition to a market-based economy has meant that the government has been strongly disposed to promoting economic growth rather than environmental protection' (EIA, 2004).Such a situation becomes inadmissible during transition to market relations when ecological and economic interests come into conflict with each other. There is a necessity to bring to the norms of the ecological law of the Russian Federation for the conformity with the norms of international law. It assumes the development and acceptance by the Russian science and law the most effective international concepts and ideas in the field of environment protection.During the past decade, the disastrous effects of Soviet development and industrialization policies have come to light, raising awareness in Russia of the need to protect the environment and prevent future damage. It should be mentioned that Russia has made a progress in addressing the Soviet environmental legacy. According to last international summits among priority directions in the field of activity connected with an environment following three directions come to light: management of natural resources as a basis of eradication of poverty and steady social and economic development; maintenance of population with pure water and protection of water resources; preservation of a biodiversity. Following these directions, priority in universal scale, Russian Federation has worked the priority issues named in three Russian documents of a national level: The Russian State Ecological Doctrine; National Biodiversity Conservation Strategy; The federal targeted program Ecology and Natural Resources of Russia (2002-2010) From

Football salary Essay Example for Free

Football salary Essay Many people think that footballers are paid too much money for doing too little effort. However, this can be argues because they are people who have dedicated their entire life to this sport and therefore they should be rewarded. But in the end there is lots of people need that money to survive and get some food and clean water. The money which is given to players should be reduced because what they do isnt worth all the money they get. Because the average salary of a professional football player of February 2010 was listed at about $1.8 million year (Mandi R Hall, www.ehow.com). There are also other people that have worked harder throughout their lives by working and studying. Players perform a sport where they do not save anyones life unlike doctors who study for 6 consecutive years, work for several hours, and literally save peoples lives. But the problem is even doctors they don’t gut that high salary like the average in 2009 for doctors in the US was $226,000/ year (mdsalaries.blogspot.com). There are also other careers like police officers who devote their lives to provide a safe community. A single football player receives high amounts of money where half of this amount could be spent on medical supplies, help have a better education, and also help many needy people. Because billing school for example â€Å"The Williamstown Public School in Williamstown, Massachusetts is an old school, so they are currently building a new one. It costs $14.5 million and it will house 650 students maximum. The Williamstown Public School is about three times bigger than Marks Meadow. Since our school is about 1/3 smaller, it would cost about 1/3 less money to build. $14.5 million divided by three equals about $4.8 million† (arps.org).The players effort is insignificant and worthless compare to the amount of they get. The reasons why they should not be paid as much as they do, are: Children should be in better schools have a higher degree of education, people who work harder should get better salaries, the money people sent in football as a whole should be used better on investment or donations.

Alcohol abuse Essay Example for Free

Alcohol abuse Essay Alcohol is absorbed from all parts of the gastrointestinal tract largely by simple diffusion into the blood. However the small intestine is by far the most efficient region of the gastrointestinal tract for alcohol absorption because of its very large surface area. In a fasting individual, it is generally agreed that 10% to 20% of a dose of alcohol is absorbed from the stomach (the volume of alcohol affects the absorption) and 75% to 80% is absorbed from the small intestine. Because of this peak blood alcohol concentrations are achieved in fasting people within 0. 5 to 2. 0 hours, (average 0. 75 1. 35 hours depending upon dose and time of last meal) while non-fasting people exhibit peak alcohol concentrations within 1. 0, and in extreme cases up to as much as 4. 0 hours (average 1. 06 2. 12 hours). Because it is distributed so quickly and thoroughly the alcohol can affect the central nervous system even in small concentrations. In low concentrations, alcohol reduces inhibitions. As blood alcohol concentration increases, a persons response to stimuli decreases markedly, speech becomes slurred, and he or she becomes unsteady and has trouble walking. With very high concentrations greater than 0. 35 grams/100 milliliters of blood (equivalent to 0. 35 grams/210 liters of breath ) a person can become comatose and die. The American Medical Association has defined the blood alcohol concentration level of impairment for all people to be 0. 04 grams/100 milliliters of blood (equivalent to . 04 grams/210 liters of breath). The following is a generally accepted guide to the effects of alcohol. Distribution Alcohol has a high affinity for water and is therefore found in body tissues and fluids inasmuch as they contain water. Absorbed alcohol is rapidly carried throughout the body in the blood and once absorption of alcohol is complete an equilibrium occurs such that blood at all points in the system contains approximately the same concentration of alcohol. Elimination The liver is responsible for the elimination through metabolism of 95% of ingested alcohol from the body. The remainder of the alcohol is eliminated through excretion of alcohol in breath, urine, sweat, feces, milk and saliva. The body uses several different metabolic pathways in its oxidation of alcohol to acetaldehyde to acetic acid to carbon dioxide and water. Healthy people metabolize alcohol at a fairly consistent rate. As a rule of thumb, a person will eliminate one average drink or . 5 oz (15 ml) of alcohol per hour. Several factors influence this rate. The rate of elimination tends to be higher when the blood alcohol concentration in the body is very high. Also chronic alcoholics may (depending on liver health) metabolize alcohol at a significantly higher rate than the average. Finally, the bodys ability to metabolize alcohol quickly tend to diminish with age. Body Weight and Body Type In general, the less you weigh the more you will be affected by a given amount of alcohol. As detailed above, alcohol has a high affinity for water. Basically ones blood alcohol concentration is a function of the total amount of alcohol in ones system divided by total body water. So for two individuals with similar body compositions and different weights, the larger individual will achieve lower alcohol concentrations than the smaller one if ingesting the same amount of alcohol. However, for people of the same weight, a well muscled individual will be less affected than someone with a higher percentage of fat since fatty tissue does not contain very much water and will not absorb very much alcohol. Rate Of Consumption Blood alcohol concentration depends on the amount of alcohol consumed and the rate at which the users body metabolizes alcohol. Because the body metabolizes alcohol at a fairly constant rate (somewhat more quickly at higher and lower alcohol concentrations), ingesting alcohol at a rate higher than the rate of elimination results in a cumulative effect and an increasing blood alcohol concentration. Alcohol Content Its not how many drinks that you have, but how much alcohol that you consume. The concentration of the drinks that one ingest can have a slight effect on the peak alcohol concentration due to the differences in absorption rate of different concentrations of alcohol. Alcohol is most rapidly absorbed when the concentration of the drink is between 10% and 30%. Below 10% the concentration gradient in the gastrointestinal tract is low and slows absorption and the added volumes of liquid involved slow gastric emptying. On the other hand concentrations higher than 30% tend to irritate the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract and the pyloric sphincter, causing increased secretion of mucous and delayed gastric emptying. Food Food taken along with alcohol results in a lower, delayed blood alcohol concentration peak (the point of greatest intoxication). There are two major factors involved in this phenomenon. First, because alcohol is absorbed most efficiently in the small intestine, the ingestion of food can slow down the absorption of alcohol into ones system. The pyloric valve at the bottom of the stomach will close in order to hold food in the stomach for digestion and thus keep the alcohol from reaching the small intestine. While alcohol will be absorbed from the stomach it is a slower and less efficient transition. Second and equally important is the fact that alcohol elimination rates are inversely proportional to alcohol concentration in the blood. Therefore the suppressed levels of alcohol due to food ingestion cause the body to eliminate the alcohol that is absorbed at a faster rate. The type of food ingested (carbohydrate, fat, protein) has not been shown to have a measurable influence on this affect but the larger the meal and closer in time between eating and drinking, the greater the diminution of peak alcohol concentration. Studies have shown reductions in peak alcohol concentration (as opposed to those of a fasting individual under otherwise similar circumstances) of 9% to 23%. Medication If you are taking any medication, it could increase the effects of alcohol. You should always consult your physician or the medical information that accompanies the medication when drinking alcohol in conjunction with any medication. Fatigue Fatigue causes many of the same symptoms that are caused by alcohol intoxication. These and other symptoms will be amplified if alcohol intoxication is concurrent with fatigue. Tolerance Tolerance is the diminution of the effectiveness of a drug after a period of prolonged or heavy use of that drug or a related drug (cross-tolerance). There are at least two types of tolerance at work with alcohol. The first is metabolic tolerance in which the alcohol is metabolized at a higher rate (up to two times as quickly) in chronic users. Because of the higher metabolic rate for alcohol lower peak blood alcohol concentrations are achieved by chronic alcohol users than the average drinker when the same amount of alcohol is ingested. The second is functional tolerance in which there is an actual change in the organ or systems sensitivity to the drug. Studies have shown that chronic alcohol users can have twice the tolerance for alcohol as an average person. It is important to note however that even in light of these tolerance factors, it has been shown conclusively that even in heavy alcohol users functional impairment is clearly measurable at the blood alcohol concentration levels that are currently used for traffic law enforcement and safety sensitive job performance. Gender Differences As outlined above in the section on Body Weight and Body Type different body types coincide with different body water percentages. In general, but by no means in all cases, women tend to have a higher percentage of body fat and thus a lower percentage of body water. Therefore, in general, if a man and a woman of the same weight ingest the same amount of alcohol the woman will tend to achieve a higher alcohol concentration. This, of course, would not be true if the woman was very fit and the man was somewhat obese, but on average, this is the case. Furthermore, total body water tends to decrease with age, so an older person will also be more affected by the same amount of alcohol. According to the table below the differences in alcohol concentration due to average body composition differences based on gender would be between 16% and 10% depending on age. ________________________________________ Average Total Body Water as a function of Sex and Age AgeMaleFemale 18 to 4061%52% over 6051%46% ________________________________________ Another gender based difference is in the elimination of alcohol. Although not explained, studies appear to show that women eliminate alcohol from their bodies at a rate 10% greater than that of men. Alcoholism and alcohol abuse Alcoholism (alcohol dependence) and alcohol abuse are two different forms of problem drinking. †¢Alcoholism is when you have signs of physical addiction to alcohol and continues to drink, despite problems with physical health, mental health, and social, family, or job responsibilities. Alcohol may control your life and relationships. †¢Alcohol abuse is when your drinking leads to problems, but not physical addiction. Causes, incidence, and risk factors There is no known cause of alcohol abuse or alcoholism. Research suggests that certain genes may increase the risk of alcoholism, but which genes and how they work are not known. How much you drink can influence your chances of becoming dependent. Those at risk for developing alcoholism include: †¢Men who have 15 or more drinks a week †¢Women who have 12 or more drinks a week †¢Anyone who has five or more drinks per occasion at least once a week One drink is defined as a 12-ounce bottle of beer, a 5-ounce glass of wine, or a 1 1/2-ounce shot of liquor. You have an increased risk for alcohol abuse and dependence if you have a parent with alcoholism. You may also be more likely to abuse alcohol or become dependent if you: †¢Are a young adult under peer pressure †¢Have depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, or schizophrenia †¢Have easy access to alcohol †¢Have low self-esteem †¢Have problems with relationships †¢Live a stressful lifestyle †¢Live in a culture alcohol use is more common and accepted Alcohol abuse is rising. Around 1 out of 6 people in the world have a drinking problem. Symptoms People who have alcoholism or alcohol abuse often: †¢Continue to drink, even when health, work, or family are being harmed †¢Drink alone. †¢Become violent when drinking †¢Become hostile when asked about drinking †¢Are not able to control drinking being unable to stop or reduce alcohol intake †¢Make excuses to drink †¢Miss work or school, or have a decrease in performance because of drinking †¢Stop taking part in activities because of alcohol †¢Need to use alcohol on most days to get through the day †¢Neglect to eat or eat poorly †¢Do not care about or ignore how they dress or whether they are clean †¢Try to hide alcohol use †¢Shake in the morning or after periods when they have not a drink Symptoms of alcohol dependence include: †¢Memory lapses after heavy drinking †¢Needing more and more alcohol to feel drunk †¢Alcohol withdrawal symptoms when you havent had a drink for a while †¢Alcohol-related illnesses such as alcoholic liver disease Signs and tests The health care provider will perform a physical exam and ask questions about your medical and family history, including use of alcohol. The following questions are used by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism to screen for alcohol abuse or dependence: †¢Do you ever drive when you have been drinking? †¢Do you have to drink more than before to get drunk or feel the desired effect? †¢Have you felt that you should cut down on your drinking? †¢Have you ever had any blackouts after drinking? †¢Have you ever missed work or lost a job because of drinking? †¢Is someone in your family worried about your drinking? Tests that may be done include: †¢Blood alcohol level (this can tell whether someone has recently been drinking alcohol, but it does not necessarily confirm alcoholism) †¢Complete blood count (CBC) †¢Liver function tests. †¢Magnesium blood test Medical Illness Associated With Chronic Alcohol Abuse DisorderIllness MetabolicAlcoholic ketoacidosis, alcoholic hypoglycemia, water and salt disorders NeurologicChronic problems with thinking such as Wernickes encephalopathy and Korsakoffs psychosis, alcoholic cerebellar degeneration, and central pontine myelinolysis leading to problems walking and other motor activities, acute and chronic dementia, alcoholic peripheral neuropathy MuscularAcute and chronic alcoholic muscle weakness. GastrointestinalFatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, alcoholic cirrhosis, alcoholic pancreatitis, poor pancreatic function, gastroesophageal reflux, esophageal carcinoma, erosive gastritis, chronic diarrhea, malabsorption, esophageal varices leading to bleeding into the GI tract Metabolic-endocrineHigh cholesterol, high levels of uric acid, low testosterone levels, impotence, testicular atrophy, gynecomastia, irregular menstrual periods, reversible Cushings syndrome BloodAnemia due to poor production of blood cells or slow intestinal bleeding, poor white cell production, destruction of platelets, blood too thin to clot properly. CardiacDecreased cardiac function, arrhythmias, dilated cardiomyopathy, high blood pressure PulmonaryIncreased incidence of pneumonia, increased incidence of tuberculosis OtherIncreased incidence of severe intestinal infections, fetal alcohol syndrome, vitamin deficiency syndromes, trauma, sexual dysfunction, insomnia Social Problems Associated With Alcohol Abuse Accidental death and injury50% of fatal car crashes 25-fold increased risk of falls or drowning 50% of fire-related burns or deaths 20% to 30% of trauma seen in emergency rooms. CrimeFrequently involved in violent crime SuicideInvolved in up to 35% of suicides Economic cost$148 billion annually (estimated); 15% for health care and treatment OtherAssociated with increased rates of spouse or child abuse and increased spread of sexually transmitted diseases Treatment Completely stopping the use of alcohol is the ideal goal of treatment. This is called abstinence. A strong social network and family support are important in achieving this. Completely stopping and avoiding alcohol is difficult for many people with alcoholism. There will be times when it is difficult. You should aim to avoid drinking for as long as possible. Some people who abuse alcohol may be able to simply reduce the amount they drink. This is called drinking in moderation. If this method does not work, you should try to quit drinking completely. DECIDING TO QUIT Many people with alcohol problems do not recognize when their drinking gets out of hand. The ideal approach to treatment is to help the person realize how much their alcohol use is harming their life and those around them. Studies find that more people with alcohol problems opt for treatment when their family members or employers are honest with them about their concerns, and try to help them see that drinking is preventing them from reaching their goals. Withdrawal from alcohol is best done in a controlled, supervised setting. Complications from withdrawal can be life threatening. For more information, see: Alcohol withdrawal Your health care provider should order blood and urine tests to check for health problems that are common in people who abuse alcohol. LONG-TERM SUPPORT Alcohol recovery or support programs can help you stop drinking completely. These programs usually offer: †¢Counseling and therapy to discuss alcoholism and its effects and how to control your thoughts and behaviors †¢Mental health support †¢Medical care You may be treated in a special recovery center (inpatient), or you may attend a program while you live at home (outpatient). Medications are sometimes prescribed to prevent you from drinking again. †¢Acamprosate is a drug that has been shown to lower relapse rates in those who are alcohol dependent. †¢Disulfiram (Antabuse) produces very unpleasant side effects if you drink even a small amount of alcohol within 2 weeks after taking the drug. †¢Naltrexone (Vivitrol) decreases alcohol cravings. It is available in an injectable form. You cannot take these medications if you are pregnant or have certain medical conditions. The medications are often used with long-term treatment with counseling or support groups. Depression or other mood or anxiety disorders may be noticed after you stop drinking. These should be promptly treated. It is important that the patient has a living situation that supports their need to avoid alcohol. Some programs offer housing options for people with alcoholism or alcohol abuse. Support Groups Support groups are available to help people who are dealing with alcoholism. ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS (AA) Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a self-help group of recovering alcoholics that offers emotional support and specific steps for people recovering from alcohol dependence. The program is commonly called a 12-step approach. There are local chapters throughout the United States. AA offers help 24 hours a day and teaches that it is possible to participate in social functions without drinking. AL-ANON Family members of a person with an alcohol abuse problem often need counseling. Al-Anon is a support group for partners and others who are affected by someone elses alcoholism. Alateen provides support for teenage children of people with alcoholism. OTHER SUPPORT GROUPS Several other support groups are available. †¢SMART recovery teaches you have to change your thoughts and behaviors to help people with alcoholism recover. †¢LifeRing recovery and SOS are two nonreligious programs that offer support for people with alcohol abuse. †¢Women for Sobriety is a self-help group just for women. Moderation Management is a program for those who want to reduce how much they drink. It recommends abstinence for people who cannot do this. Expectations (prognosis) How well a person with alcoholism or alcohol abuse does depends on whether or not they can stop drinking. Alcoholism is a major social, economic, and public health problem. Problem drinking can affect every part of a persons life. If you have an alcohol problem, abstinence can help improve your mental and physical health and possibly, your relationships. Treatment programs can help you quit. However, drinking again after treatment is common. It is important to have a good support system. Complications Alcoholism and alcohol abuse can increase your risk of many health problems, including: †¢Bleeding in the digestive tract †¢Brain cell damage †¢Brain disorder called Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome †¢Cancer of the esophagus, liver, colon, and other areas †¢Changes in the menstrual cycle (period) †¢Delirium tremens (DTs) †¢Dementia and memory loss †¢Depression and suicide †¢Erectile dysfunction †¢Heart damage †¢High blood pressure. †¢Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) †¢Liver disease, including cirrhosis †¢Nerve damage †¢Poor nutrition †¢Sleeping problems (insomnia) Alcohol use also increases your risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and violence. Drinking alcohol while you are pregnant can lead to severe birth defects in the baby. Prevention The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism recommends: †¢Women should not drink more than 1 drink per day †¢Men should not drink more than 2 drinks per day One drink is defined as 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1? ounces of liquor.

Public Participation Planning

Public Participation Planning The purpose of this Literature Review is to establish a theoretical framework for my research proposal, specifically the theoretical aspects associated with public participation and collaborative planning. It aims to analyse and assess the various articles books and journals published and researched to date, while also identifying potential gaps in the research, which could be addressed by my research proposal. The literature review will take the form of an assessment of the emergence of public participation, the different types of participation and decision making models, followed by an analysis of the merits of collaborative planning as a tool for facilitating public participation within a development plan process. 2.2What is meant by participation? Although the merits of public participation have only begun to gain credence in recent times, the idea itself has been around for quite a while and literature on the subject can be found spanning back a number of decades. Public Participation has been defined as citizen involvement in making service delivery and management decisions (Langton, 1978). More recently it has been defined as ‘the process through which stakeholders influence and share control over priority setting, policy-making, resource allocations and access to public goods and services (Kende-Robb, 2005). Sanoff argues that it is advocated to reduce citizen cynicism toward government, build stakeholder consensus in government and enhance administrative decision-making. There remains a strong sense that the proper objective of participation is to ensure the ‘transformation of existing development practice, and more radically, the social relations, institutional practices and capacity gaps which cause social exclusion. This was central to many of the approaches to participation over the years including the community development approach from the 1940s to 1960s; political participation in the 1960s and 1970s; alternative development from the 1970s to the 1990s; social capital from the mid 1990s to the present and participatory governance and citizen participation from the late 1990s to the present day (Hickey Mohan, 2004). Other traditional participation mechanisms include public hearings, citizen forums, community or neighbourhood meetings, citizen advisory groups, individual citizen representation and focus groups (Wang, 2001). The focus on increasing public participation and citizen involvement in policy making has only begun to have a visible effect in recent times. It has been stated that direct, active citizen involvement in policy making has not always been a goal of civilised societies (Putnam, 1995). The reason is, to some extent a result of the enlarged role in society played by government bureaucracies (Davidoff, 1965). Habermas however states that individuals should be able to freely share their views with one another in a process, which closely resembles true participatory democracy. He states that the public sphere is â€Å"a discursive arena that is home to citizen debate, deliberation, agreement and action† (Habermas, 1981). By allowing every person the same opportunity to participate in discourse, Habermas hopes to eradicate the prejudices which limit marginalized groups from fully attaining their rights in a democratic society. The difficulty with recent models of participation is that citizens are more often reacting to plans rather than proposing what they see as appropriate goals for future action. This is certainly the case in Ireland, where participation is almost always reactive in nature. However, in the last decade this has begun to change and public participation is becoming an established part of planning and policy decision-making practice (Cameron Grant-Smith, 2005). Participation Versus Consultation Even though the term ‘participation is used to describe public involvement in policy and decision making, it must be recognised that there are various levels at which a person may participate and in many cases what is referred to as public ‘participation is not in fact participation at all. In the late 1960s, Sherry Arnstein developed an 8 rung ‘Ladder of Citizen Participation with each rung corresponding to the extent of the citizens power in influencing a final outcome (Arnstein, 1969). Arnstein developed this Ladder while involved in developing processes for citizen participation in planning and renewal projects in America (see figure 1). At the bottom of the ladder are rungs 1 (Manipulation)and 2 (Therapy). Both are non participative and the aim is to cure or educate the participants. The proposed plan is deemed best and the job of participation is to achieve public support by public relations. Rungs 3 (Informing), 4 (Consultation) and 5 (Placation) demonstrate slightly higher levels of tokenistic participation, however too frequently the emphasis is on a one-way flow of information with no channel for feedback. Rung 6 (Partnership) can be described as meaningful participation, as power is in fact redistributed through negotiation between citizens and power holders. Planning and decision-making responsibilities are shared e.g. through joint committees. It is at this partnership level that the collaborative planning model aims to operate. Rungs 7 (Delegated Power) and 8 (Citizen Control) affords ‘have-not citizens the majority of decision making seats or full power and is the holy grail in terms of citizen participation. Figure 1: If participation is to be real and effective there must be dialogue between the different stakeholders and between those who have power (those at the top of the ladder) and between those who have little or no power (those at the bottom of the ladder). There must be a two way flow of information between the parties involved. However there is no dialogue in consultation which is what has traditionally been considered ‘participation in a development plan process in Ireland. The planning authority consults the public normally after a plan has been prepared by seeking feedback through public meetings and public comment. ‘Participation in Ireland essentially consists of proposal and response the planning authority proposes a plan for a community and members of the public respond through making a submission. This submission is often made without any direct contact with officials in the planning authority so in effect there is no dialogue of any form, thereby illustrating that what is refered to as ‘participation in a development plan process in Ireland is in fact consultation. However, with public participation now becoming central to National, European and International policy, as well as being an important aspect of the sustainable development discourse, such tokenistic participation is no longer adequate. The introduction of the Planning and Development Act 2000 has resulted in a requirement on planning authorities to produce their statutory plans through a process that involves greater public input at the earlier stages. They are now required to develop a somewhat more participatory approach to planning than was previously the case. The Aarhus Convention, which took place in 1998, and the 2003 Public Participation Directive which followed on from the convention, also provide members of the public with opportunities for early and effective participation on plans or programmes relating to the environment. The increase in emphasis on public participation has meant that alternative models of planning need to emerge to facilitate and respond to this increas e and the collaborative planning model is one such response. 2.4Participation in Physical Planning Decision Making There has been much debate about the most effective methods of facilitating citizen involvement in policy formulation and decision-making. A useful approach that provides a basis for analysing processes of decision-making in planning is that developed by Innes and Booher (2000) and this will be discussed first, followed by an analysis of other participatory models of decision making that have emerged in recent times. The Innes and Booher approach identifies four different models of decision making technical/bureaucratic, political influence, social movement and the collaborative model as well as identifying when and where each model works best, which ultimately depends on the levels of diversity and interdependence present (see diagram). Source: (Innes and Booher, 2000) The technical/bureaucratic model works best where there is neither diversity nor interdependence among interests. A bureaucratic system is set up to implement known policy and the technical analyst is associated with rationality and bureaucracy. Technicians and bureaucracies essentially respond to a single set of goals and decision maker, and the typical practice is one where analyses are not focussed on interdependencies. Within this model, the focus of planning is on the achievement of the most efficient mechanism for reaching easily defined and identified needs. The political influence model works best where there is a high diversity of interests, however there is normally a low interdependence of interests, as each individual is focussed on their maximising their own interest only. In this model there tends to be a political bargaining approach that seeks to get an adequate number of interests to agree to a particular course of action in order for it to work. The social movement model recognises the importance of high levels of interdependence among a coalition of interests and individuals, but which does not deal with the full diversity of interests. Collaboration therefore is seen as the model that deals best with both diversity and interdependence ‘but is typically the least-used and least-institutionalised of the four models (Innes and Booher, 2000). Both the technical/bureaucratic model and the political influence models of planning and decision making, as proposed by Innes and Booher, reflect the lower levels of participation as identified by Arnstein, with the ‘convincing nature of the technical/bureaucratic model comparing significantly with need to ‘educate and ‘cure participants on Arnsteins tokenism rungs. The technocratic approach to planning which was the dominant planning model for much of the twentieth century has been severely criticised for its failure to adequately incorporate the values and interests of stakeholders into the decision making process. This criticism of technocratic planning was fuelled by the growing protests of stakeholders over expert-formulated plans in areas such as natural resource management, environmental regulation, transportation, and urban renewal, that were clearly contrary to the interests of large segments of society (Gunton and Day 2003). Planning theory responded to t he criticism and limitations of the technocratic approach by acknowledging the role of goals and objectives identified through democratic political processes (political influence model) to set the framework in which plans were prepared (Davidoff 1965). Planners, previously experts under the technocratic umbrella were relegated to determining optimal means to achieve politically set goals within this new participatory environment. The unresolved question in this new goals-based planning theory was how the goals should be determined. The initial and somewhat vague response was that goals should be determined by citizen participation in the planning process, however it was not clear how this was to be achieved (Gunton and Day 2003). Dahl suggested that pluralism was another vehicle that would allow individual citizens to have their concerns voiced in government, a concept developed by Davidoff in the 1960s interlinked with the idea of the planner as an advocate for the under-represented (Dahl, 1989). Unlike the ‘advocacy planning that Davidoff proposes (different planners acting as advocates for different interests), most city and town planning is performed by a single planning authority which develops plans, which it feels will best serve the welfare of the whole community, not of individual interest groups (LeGates and Stout, 2000). Davidoff argues that different groups in society have different interests, which would result in fundamentally different plans if such interests were incorporated into these plans. The articulate, wealthy and powerful groups have the skills and resources to influence plans to take account of their own interests while the poor and powerless do not. Advocacy Planning introduces the idea of planners acting as advocates, articulating the needs of the poor and powerless, the same way as a lawyer represents a client (Davidoff, 1965). The problem with advocacy planning, however, is that it did not provide a framework for resolving disputes among competing interest groups and therefore cannot be seen as an adequate method for dealing with the various conflicts that are emerging in modern day planning. Dahl sees pluralism as a situation where individuals join interests groups that represent their needs and wants. These interests groups then come together to debate their competing viewpoints and create a collective public policy that should reflect the common good. The more interest groups that exist, the greater the conflict, and the greater the likelihood that decision making will reflect that common good (Dahl, 1989). However, Lowi on the other hand argues that pluralism often fails to represent the collective good, and instead represents the needs and wants of special interest groups (Lowi, 1979). Davidoffs idea of pluralism is slightly different from Dahls, in that citizens or interest groups should go one step further and produce an alternative plan to what he sees as the ‘unitary plan prepared by the planning authority, and the advocate planner can be central to the process by representing certain interest groups. A final model, often referred to as alternative dispute resolution, also emerged as a way of engaging stakeholders in the development of plans by allowing stakeholders to negotiate a consensus agreement to resolve the dispute (Susskind and Cruikshank 1987). However the alternative dispute resolution does not appear to provide a satisfactory model either, as it is reactive in responding to disputes that have already arisen instead of proactive. In essence, this limits its effectiveness as a planning tool. It is evident therefore that to date, the existing models of decision making have had limited success with regard to facilitating public participation. However as our societies and communities are now becoming more diverse and less homogenous than ever before it would seem an alternative model is required to facilitate and acknowledge these changes. 2.5The Collaborative Planning Model Innes and Booher (2000) note that in situations where there is a clear interdependence between stakeholders interests and there exists a high diversity of such interests that a different model of planning and policy making is needed. This model is known as collaborative planning. It emerged as a distinct planning paradigm in the 1990s and is a logical extension of alternative dispute resolution (Gunton and Day 2003). ‘The collaborative model is about stakeholders co-evolving to a common understanding, direction and set of heuristics†¦. It is only the collaborative model that deals both with diversity and interdependence because it tries to be inclusive and to explore interdependence in the search for solutions. It does not ignore or override interests, but seeks solutions that satisfy multiple interests. For complex and controversial issues in rapidly changing and uncertain contexts issues that there is public pressure to address collaboration among stakeholders is likely to be the best approach indeed the only approach that can produce a satisfactory result. (Innes and Booher, 2000, p21) This model is a new framework for planning which proposes that spatial planning activity move from the traditional narrow, technical and procedural focus towards a communicative and collaborative model for achieving common purposes in the shared spaces of our societies (Healy, 1997). For Healy, collaborative planning seems not to be an end in itself, but a path to â€Å"co-existence in shared spaces.† Like Innes and Booher, Healy also believes that a collaborative approach can be successful only where there is a variety of stakeholders interests, because if all the interests are the same then no dialogue is required. Healys version of collaborative planning emerged after she analysed the shortcomings of conventional forms of governance and styles of planning, namely economic planning, physical development, public administration and policy analysis, advocacy planning, neo liberalism and utilitarianism. The conceptual base for collaborative planning as Healy sees it, consists of two theoretical strands, an ‘institutionalist sociology and ‘communicative dialogue. The institutionalist theory states that spatial planning processes need to be judged by the quality of the process, i.e. the way the decision is made is just as important as the actual decision. It also seeks to identify and analyze forms and relations of power between people, beyond that of class and categories. The communicative approach offers a way forward in the design of governance processes for a ‘shared world and takes an ethical commitment to enabling all stakeholders have a voice. It deals with the design of governance systems and practices, focusing on ways of fostering collaborative, consensus building processes. This approach outlines a number of necessary components for a collaborative model to be successful. Consensus building practices are important, as they help to ensure that no stakeholder finds a particular outcome intolerable. It is important that an individuals position at the top of the ladder is not maximized at the expense of the individual at the bottom; there should be equality. It recognizes three forms of reasoning instrumental/technical (the mechanisms for public decision making), moral and emotive/aesthetic. It argues that there has been a predominance of the first, at the expense of the other two. Within the public sphere, moral and emotive reasoning must be afforded an equivalent status, to achieve balance. There is also a need for recognition of the growing cultural differences that there now is. She also points out that polices and processes need to be designed to relate to the experience of globalization and multi-cultural societies, as older planning practices do not take these into account. Leadership is not about bringing stakeholders around to a particular planning content but in getting people to agree and ensuring that, whatever the position of the participants within the socio-economic hierarchy, no groups interests will dominate (Healy, 1997) Another approach to collaborative planning is that which emerges from the work of John Forester, an American planning theorist, who focuses on the communicative role of the planning analyst. His view is that planners within organizations do not work instrumentally towards the achievement of clearly distinguishable ends. Instead he sees the role of the planner to: ‘†¦work instead toward the correction of needless distortions, some systematic and some not, which disable, mystify, distract and mislead others: to work towards a political democratization of daily communications. (Forester, 1989, p.21) Forester also states that: ‘†¦problems will be solved not only by technical experts, but also by pooling expertise and non-professional contributions too; not just by formal procedure but by informal consultation and involvement; not mainly through formally rational management procedures, but through internal and external politics and the development of a working consensus; not by solving an engineering equation but by complimenting technical performance with political sophistication, support building, and liaison work (p. 152) Forester therefore recognizes the communication and negotiating elements of planning, as well as its technical elements. He also recognizes the political nature of planning and the extent to which the planner is engaged in value laden political action. 2.6Strengths and Weaknesses of Collaborative Planning Advocates of collaborative planning cite many advantages of the collaborative model relative to other models of planning. Firstly, the chances of reaching a decision on a plan are a lot higher, because stakeholders are incorporated in the process from the outset to help reach a solution, rather than remaining as critics outside the process (Gunton and Day 2003, Susskind et al. 2000). Secondly the dynamic interaction of the stakeholders is likely to produce a plan that is in the public interest as more alternatives are generated and the consensus decision rule ensures that the mutual interests of all parties are at least partially catered for in the plan (Frame et al, 2004). Thirdly, the plan produced at the end of the process has a greater chance of being implemented, because stakeholders who might otherwise attempt to block the implementation have developed the plan and will help implement it because they have a stake in the outcome. Finally, collaborative planning helps to create à ¢â‚¬Ëœsocial capital among the stakeholders, improving their skills, knowledge and stakeholder relationships which last beyond the process of creating a plan (Gunton and Day, 2003). However, the collaborative planning model also has its critics and a number of weaknesses and challenges to the approach have been identified. Firstly, collaborative planning is founded on the principle of stakeholders negotiating with one another to agree on an outcome. In some cases, more influential and powerful stakeholders will avoid or undermine the process by using delaying tactics, or pursuing alternative means to achieve their objectives if they do not like the outcome of collaboration (Frame et al, 2003). Secondly, the need to achieve consensus may encourage stakeholders to seek second best or vague solutions when they cannot reach the best possible agreement (Gunton and Day, 2003). Cooper and Mckenna (2006) and Fainstein (2000) also state that the need to achieve consensus has meant that participatory exercises often concentrate on issues where agreement is more likely to be achieved and avoids those which are likely to cause difficulties. Thirdly, the time and resources r equired to organise a process around large group of diverse stakeholders is quite substantial. This is compounded by the potential lack of support or interest from planning officials who are unwilling to delegate the decision-making responsibilities to outside stakeholders (Wondolleck and Yaffee, 2000, Fainstein, 2000). Also, established statutory fora comprising of local elected representatives are relatively neglected, while project staff must spend huge amounts of time, energy and money organising and servicing local public meetings, stakeholder meetings, public surveys and follow up consultation exercises. This often leads to a situation where projects become characterised by ‘consultation paralysis, a condition where nothing can be done because yet someone else must be consulted or re-consulted (Cooper and McKenna, 2006). Finally, relying on stakeholders that have little or no specialised training may lead to the exclusion of important scientific information in the decisi on making process, thus resulting in poor decisions being made. Fainstein (2000) also cites what she sees as a number of other weaknesses with the collaborative planning approach including: Action/implementation is often a problem, because parties in the process are not honest about their intentions and purposes It ignores the role of the powerful and their capacity to impede the implementation of agreed actions The process is usually too drawn out and resource hungry If the planner/expert acts as facilitator only, new and creative thinking can be stifled and only those that are incrementalist in nature will emerge There is evidence that experts acting on their own often come up with better solutions than stakeholders operating in a collaborative process It is evident from the above that collaborative planning approaches have many strengths and weaknesses, however it would appear that the potential benefits to the community from using such an approach outweigh potential negatives. COLLABORATIVE PLANNING IN IRELAND In the past number of years, there have been many attempts to develop models for community development and planning that aim to achieve higher levels of participation than previous models. Such models include the ADOPT model, the Bantry Bay Charter and Integrated Area Planning (IAP) to name but a few, while the Village Design Statement (VDS) could also be considered as an attempt at achieving higher levels of participation through a more collaborative approach. The ADOPT model, which was pioneered by Ballyhoura Development Ltd, is aimed at providing local area-based communities with a framework for participation in community development at a local level. The model also aims to tackle the lack of co-operation within the community sector, and weak research and planning by communities who are participating and contributing to local planning and development activities. It seeks to develop a strong community representative structure, an umbrella group that brings together representatives of the various bodies and groups within the community to ensure that activities are not being duplicated and that real needs are being addressed. This umbrella structure, along with the training and capacity building that the model promotes, supports communities and their representatives to play a meaningful role in partnership functions with Stage agencies and other bodies (Pobal, 2003). The Bantry Bay Charter was a project initiated by Cork County Council with the main objective being to develop a model and strategy for successful coastal zone management. By developing a stakeholders charter it was possible to develop an agreed approach to the management and development of the Bantry Bay area. In doing so, the process brought together the different stakeholders and interest groups of the area, as well as the agencies involved in regulating and developing the area. The Charter is based on the understanding that the regulatory agencies need to work in partnership with the local community for the successful management and development of the area. It explored the use of consensus, where all those who are stakeholders work together, to develop a single agreed approach to its development. Similar to these models is a model of collaborative planning developed by Tipperary Institute (TI), a third level education institution specialising in the area of Sustainable Rural Development called Integrated Area Planning. Integrated Area Planning is a concept that first emerged through the 1999 Urban Renewal Scheme, introduced by the Irish Government and which involved a more targeted approach to the award of urban renewal incentives. This model is multi-focused and is based on the premise that development of an area should emerge from a broadly based not take place in isolation but should emerge from a broadly based Integrated Area Plan (IAP), taking into account the social, environmental, economic and cultural needs of a community. Integrated Area Planning has been defined by TI as an empowering, practical and participatory process to collect, analyse, and compile information while developing the skills and structures needed to prepare and implement an inclusive and multifacet ed plan for a defined geographical area. The development of the IAP model was influenced to a great extent by planning theorist Patsy Healy and central to the model is the requirement for consensus to be reached on all issues before the process can be moved forward. The IAP model contains many key steps, which must be carried out including: Contracting Phase Pre-Development Phase Data Collection Establishment of a Steering Group Capacity Building of the Steering Group Establishment of Visions and Objectives Establishment of task groups Drafting Stage Validation Approval Implementation Using the IAP model, TI became involved in a number of community planning projects in Ireland including: Crusheen Co. Clare, Kinvara and Eyercourt Co. Galway, Ferbane Co. Offaly, Hacketstown Co. Carlow and Kilmacthomas in Co. Waterford. In each of these cases, the communities, in partnership with the relevant authorities prepared plans for their areas. Two of the key stages in the process are establishing the steering group and task groups. The steering group is elected by the community and it is contains a representative from the various different stakeholders in the process. The steering group plays an important role in the whole IAP process as they are responsible for driving the process forward. The task groups on the other hand are smaller groups, which are made up of members from the community and statutory agencies. The task groups are responsible for carrying out research on particular topics, such as the environment, infrastructure etc and they then report back their finding s to the steering group. The IAP process is quite resource demanding and generally takes over 12 months to complete. CONCLUSION It is clear from the above that the issue of participation and the models, which attempt to facilitate it, are central to the planning and environmental fields in both Ireland and abroad. Some of the collaborative planning models that have been developed in Ireland have multiple aims, one of which is to impact on the statutory Local Area Plan process and outcomes, including those implemented in Kinvara, Ferbane, Hacketstown and Kilmacthomas. However having reviewed the literature it is evident that there has been a clear lack of research focussing on the assessment of such collaborative planning models in Ireland. In order to assess the extent to which the IAP model in Kinvara was successful, an examination of the entire process is required. To this end, the examination required will entail more than just the IAP process itself, but also its impact on the LAP process as well as an assessment of the level of implementation that has taken place to date. Bibliography: Arnstein, Sherry R., (1969) A Ladder of Citizen Participation, Journal of the Institute of American Planners, Vol. 35 (4), pp 216-24. Connick, S., Innes J., (2001) Outcomes of Collaborative Water Policy Making: Applying Complexity Thinking to Evaluation, Working Paper 2001-08 Dahl R, (1989). Democracy and its Critics. New Haven, Conn.: Yale University Press. Davidoff, P, (1965) Advocacy and Pluralism in Planning, Journal of the American Institute of Planners DeSario, J. Langton S, (1987) Fainstein, S.S. (2000). ‘New directions in Planning theory, Urban Affairs Review, Vol.35, Issue 4, March, pp.451-78 Frame, Tanis M., Thomas I. Gunton, and J.C. Day. (2003). Resolving Environmental Disputes through Collaborative Planning. Journal of Environmental Planning and Management. Frame, Tanis M., Thomas I. Gunton, an

the awakening :: essays research papers

Music Throughout The Awakening, the manner in which each of the characters uses and understands music gives us a sense of Edna’s ideological alignment in relation to the novel’s other characters. Additionally, Edna’s exploration of music and her meditations upon its significance enable her own (visual) art to flourish. Edna first learns about the emotive power of music from Mademoiselle Reisz. Whereas Adà ¨le Ratignolle’s piano playing had merely conjured sentimental pictures for Edna, the older woman’s playing stirs new feelings and probes unexplored emotional territories in her. Mademoiselle Reisz uses music as a form of artistic expression, not merely as a way of entertaining others. In contrast to Mademoiselle Reisz, the Farival twins play the piano purely for the sake of the gathered company. The twins’ association with the Virgin Mary, and, hence, with a destiny of chaste motherliness, links them thematically with notions of how Victorian wo men should behave. Their piano playing—entertaining but not provocative, pleasant but not challenging—similarly serves as the model for how women should use art. It becomes clear that, for a Victorian woman, the use of art as a form of self-exploration and self-articulation constitutes a rebellion. Correspondingly, Mademoiselle Reisz’s use of music situates her as a nonconformist and a sympathetic confidante for Edna’s awakening. The difference Edna detects between the piano-playing of Mademoiselle Reisz and Adà ¨le Ratignolle seems also to testify to Edna’s emotional growth. She reaches a point in her awakening in which she is able to hear what a piece of music says to her, rather than idly inventing random pictures to accompany the sounds. Thus, music, or Edna’s changing reactions to it, also serves to help the reader locate Edna in her development. Children Images of children, and verbal allusions to them, occur throughout the novel. Edna herself is often metaphorically related to a child. In her awakening, she is undergoing a form of rebirth as she discovers the world from a fresh, childlike, perspective. Yet Edna’s childishness has a less admirable side. Edna becomes self-absorbed, she disregards others, and she fails to think realistically about the future or to meditate on her the consequences of her actions. Ultimately, Edna’s thoughts of her children inspire her to commit suicide, because she realizes that no matter how little she depends on others, her children’s lives will always be affected by society’s opinion of her. Moreover, her children represent an obligation that, unlike Edna’s obligation to her husband, is irrevocable.

Dorothy Parkers Short Stories Essay -- Dorothy Parker Essays

Dorothy Parker's Short Stories Dorothy Parker’s writings are connected to her life in many ways. She grew up in a time where women’s roles where changing in society. She spent most of her life in New York City and most of her stories setting are of that city. She was married young and divorced in a short time, just as the Hazel in The Big Blonde. She was outgoing, sarcastic, and witty in a time when women were supposed to be docile. This style is shown throughout her work but particularly in The Waltz, where the status quo is displayed through the character’s conversation and Parker’s ideals are made known through the woman’s inter monologue. She combats a typical stereotype through mocking, in The Standard of Living. In this story the average woman is shown, as silly and almost material person. This work breaks the normalcy of the day by having them dress a little more risquà © and being more independent. Dorothy Parker lets her sarcastic, ironic, dry humor shine a light o n the inner workings of the woman and the plight they have with society. The Big Blonde tells the story of Hazel Morse, a woman who is trapped in city culture. The city culture is dominated by males and is isolated and uncompassionate. Set in the 1920s, the story tells of how men fulfill their expected duty of holding a daily job while women are expected to be a source of entertainment as well as â€Å"good sports†. Drinking heavily is a normal part of society and is used mostly to forget about life’s woes. The only â€Å"duty† for a woman in this time period is to find a husband and keep him happy. Hazel Morse is the protagonist of the story. She is a big breasted, bubbly, blonde woman who finds herself in a precarious position. She finds herself trying... ...till be miserable. Annabel and Midge in The Standard of Living are trapped in a different way. Parker uses this innocent image of girls playing a game to show how ridiculous stereotypes are. They are confined to games for amusement. They have revolving boyfriends and they have jobs. They are the new workingwoman but still have some of the qualities of the old fashioned model. Parker is showing they both can exist at the same time. This is not a commonly held notion in society, either you are one or the other. No matter which way they are seen they are misperceived. Parker uses the theme of entrapment to illustrate the confinement of women in society. They don’t have to be shallow and content, but yet they don’t have to work a 40-hour workweek and never marry. She is trying to say that women can be a little of both, and uses her sarcasm to prove it.

being in college :: essays research papers fc

Prof. Wu Essay #2 The Learning ?Life? Everyone goes through this journey in his or life. Some fare better than others do; yet we all strive onward. The journey in I am discussing is the schooling system. It is set up for an individual to progress gradually through levels; each designed specifically for stage in which the mind is, at that point in time. Some may agree and some will disagree, but the reality is everyone is ?graded? throughout his or life according to school when it is the knowledge learned outside of class, which makes the difference.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Looking back on my previous years of schooling, I have noticed that many of the subjects covered in school do not exactly deal with the ?real world.? For instance, when is the last time someone has used the number x giving the price of an item? There is no number x. Or when has someone asked for the year in which Eli Whitney invented the cotton gin. These are facts of useless information. Unfortunately, these facts must be known for a person to reach the next level of learning (grade). I do not understand why classes are not taught for an individual to learn how to change the oil in his or her car or even change the tires, common material needed for everyday life.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Many times though I remember the teachers whose job was to teach the students these ?useless? facts and theories. I often admired many of them for the pure reason of them trying to adapt their teachings to ?real world? subjects. They understood that everything that they teach their students is not going to be used, but they know that it will make them a well-rounded individual. Teachers know when students do not care a lot about the subject in which they teach, as Terkel says in his essay, so they use tricks to enchant the minds of the students. ?Falling asleep is a tendency of the students,? Kelly states. History teachers for example usually talk about current events that all the students are familiar with and then tie the history event with the current event. Science teachers will conduct experiments using paper airplanes and lipstick to bring an idea across to every student. In his essay, Neusner explains different grading policies for students to grade their t eachers. ?Students should look at teachers as teachers look at students,?

Regression Analysis and Marks

BRUNEL UNIVERSITY Master of Science Degree examination Specimen Exam Paper 2005-2006 EC5002: Modelling Financial Decisions and Markets EC5030: Introduction to Quantitative Methods Time allowed: 1. 5 hours Answer all of question 1 and at least two other questions 1. COMPULSORY Provide brief answers to all the following: (a) A sample of 20 observations corresponding to the model: Y = + X + u, gave the P P P following data: (X X)2 = 215:4, (Y Y )2 = 86:9, and (X X)(Y Y ) = 106:04. Estimate . 5 marks) (b) Prove that r2 = byx bxy , where byx is the least-squares (LS) slope in the regression of Y on X , bxy is the LS slope in the regression of X on Y , and r is the coe? cient of correlation between X and Y . (5 marks) (c) Present four alternative in†¡ ation/unemployment regressions. (5 marks) (d) Give one reason for autocorrelated disturbances. (5 marks) (e) Explain how we might use the Breusch-Godfrey statistic to test estimated residuals for serial correlation. (5 marks) (f) The fol lowing regression equation is estimated as a production function for Q: lnQ = 1:37 + 0:632 lnK + 0:452 lnL, cov(bk ; bl ) = 0:055; 0:257) (0:219) where the standard errors are given in parentheses. Test the hypothesis that capital (K ) and labor (L) elasticities of output are identical. (5 marks) Continued (Turn over) 1 ANSWER TWO QUESTIONS FROM THE FOLLOWING: 2. (a) Economic theory supplies the economic interpretation for the predicted relationships between nominal (in†¡ ation) uncertainty, real (output growth) uncertainty, output growth, and in†¡ ation. Discuss †¦ve testable hypotheses regarding bidirectional causality among these four variables. (25 marks) + yt b) An investigator estimates a linear relation for German output growth (yt ): yt = 1 + ut , t = 1850; : : : ; 1999. The values of †¦ve test statistics are shown in Table 1: Discuss the results. Is the above equation correctly speci†¦ed? (10 marks) 3. (a) i) Show how various examples of typical hyp otheses †¦t into a general linear framework: Rb = r, where R is a (q k) matrix of known constants, with q < k, b is the (k 1) least-squares vector, and r is a q -vector of known constants. ii) Show how the least-squares estimator (b) of about . an be used to test various hypotheses iii) â€Å"The test procedure is then to reject the hypothesis Rb = r if the computed F value exceeds a preselected critical value† Discuss. (20 marks) (b) The results of least-squares estimation (based on 30 quarterly observations) of the regression of the actual on predicted interest rates (three-month U. S. Treasury Bills) were as follows: rt = 0:24 + 0:94 rt + et ; RSS = 28:56; (0:86) (0:14) where rt is the observed interest rate, and rt is the average expectation of rt held at the end of the preceding quarter.FiguresX parentheses are estimated standard errors. in X (rt r )2 = 52. The sample data on r give rt =30 = 10, According to the rational expectations hypothesis expectations are unbi ased, that is, the average prediction is equal to the observed realization of the variable under investigation. Test this claim by reference to announced predictions and to actual values of the rate of interest on three-month U. S. Treasury Bills. (Note: In the above equation all the assumptions of the classical linear regression model are satis†¦ed). 15 marks) Continued (Turn over) 2 4. (a) What are the assumptions of the classical linear regression model? (10 marks) (b) Prove that the variance-covariance matrix of the (k 1) least-squares vector b is: var(b) = 2 (X 0 X) 1 , where 2 is the variance of the disturbances and X is the (n k) matrix of the regressors. (15 marks) b (c) In the two-variable equation: Yi = a+bXi , i = 1; : : : ; n show that cov(a; b) = 2 X= X)2 . (10 marks) X (X 5. (a) Explain how we might use White statistic to test for the presence of heteroscedasticity in the estimated residuals. 10 marks) (b) A speci†¦ed equation is Y = X +u, with E(u) = 0 and E (uu0 ) = ; where =diagf 2 ; : : : ; 1 Derive White’ correct estimates of the standard errors of the OLS coe? cients. s (15 marks) (c) Explain how we might test for ARCH e ¤ects? (10 marks) 2 2g . 3 Table 1. Test statistic Value of the test p-value White heteroscedasticity test 50. 72 0. 00 Box-Pierce Statistic on 82. 263 0. 00 Squared Residuals Jarque-Bera statistic 341. 754 0. 00 ARCH test 65. 42 0. 00 Ramsey test statistic 39. 74 0. 00 4

A Game of Thrones Chapter Seven

AryaAryas stitches were crooked over once again.She fr birthed slash at them with terror and glanced over to where her sister Sansa sat among the early(a) missys. Sansas needlework was exquisite. Every bingle verbalise so. Sansas work is as pretty as she is, Septa Mordane t older their lady cause once. She has such fine, delicate hands. When Lady Catelyn had asked some Arya, the septa had sniffed. Arya has the hands of a blacksmith.Arya glanced furtively crosswise the room, worried that Septa Mordane might have hire her thoughts, b atomic number 18ly the septa was paying her no c atomic number 18 today. She was sitting with the Princess Myrcella, all smiles and admiration. It was non practically that the septa was privileged to instruct a majestic princess in the wo objet dartly arts, as she had tell when the sissy brought Myrcella to join them. Arya thought that Myrcellas stitches behaviored a niggling crooked besides, but you would neer k straightway it from the agency Septa Mordane was cooing.She studied her own work again, looking for some way to salvage it, then sighed and put crop up the needle. She looked glumly at her sister. Sansa was chatting away merrily as she worked. Beth Cassel, Ser Rodriks detailed girl, was sitting by her feet, listening to every intelligence operation she tell, and Jeyne Poole was atilt over to whisper something in her ear.What atomic number 18 you talking ab bug out? Arya asked explosively.Jeyne gave her a galvanise look, then giggled. Sansa looked abashed. Beth blushed. No one answered. testify me, Arya said.Jeyne glanced over to make certain that Septa Mordane was non listening. Myrcella said something then, and the septa laughed a spacious with the rest of the ladies.We were talking about the prince, Sansa said, her voice soft as a kiss.Arya knew which prince she meant J striketey, of course. The tall, handsome one. Sansa got to sit with him at the feast. Arya had to sit with the shrimpy fat one. Naturally.Joffrey homogeneouss your sister, Jeyne whispered, horsely as if she had something to do with it. She was the daughter of Winterfells steward and Sansas de arest friend. He told her she was very beautiful.Hes passage to marry her, little Beth said dreamily, gorgerin herself. so Sansa allow be queen of all the realm.Sansa had the grace to blush. She blushed prettily. She did everything prettily, Arya thought with sm opposite resentment. Beth, you shouldnt make up stories, Sansa corrected the younger girl, gently stroking her blur to prepare rid of the harshness out of her words. She looked at Arya. What did you speak out of Prince Joff, sister? Hes very gallant, dont you think?Jon says he looks like a girl, Arya said.Sansa sighed as she stitched. short Jon, she said. He gets jealous because hes a bastard.Hes our brother, Arya said, overmuch to a fault loudly. Her voice cut done the afternoon placidness of the tower room.Septa Mordane increase her eye s. She had a bony face, s brood eyes, and a thin lipless oral fissure make for frowning. It was frowning now. What are you talking about, children?Our one-half brother, Sansa corrected, soft and precise. She smiled for the septa. Arya and I were remarking on how rapturous we were to have the princess with us today, she said.Septa Mordane nodded. Indeed. A immense honor for us all. Princess Myrcella smiled uncertainly at the compliment. Arya, why arent you at work? the septa asked. She rosaceous to her feet, starched skirts rustling as she started across the room. permit me witness your stitches.Arya wanted to scream. It was right like Sansa to go and attract the septas attention. Here, she said, surrendering up her work.The septa examined the fabric. Arya, Arya, Arya, she said. This will not do. This will not do at all.Everyone was looking at her. It was too much. Sansa was too well bred to smile at her sisters disgrace, but Jeyne was smirking on her behalf. Even Princess M yrcella looked glooming for her. Arya felt up tears filling her eyes. She pushed herself out of her c sensory vibrissa and bolted for the door.Septa Mordane called after her. Arya, come put up here Dont you take another tone of voice Your lady mother will regard of this. In front of our gallant princess too Youll shame us allArya halt at the door and turned cover, caustic her lip. The tears were triflening down her cheeks now. She bonkd a stiff little bow to Myrcella. By your leave, my lady.Myrcella blinked at her and looked to her ladies for guidance. But if she was uncertain, Septa Mordane was not. Just where do you think you are going, Arya? the septa de musical compositionded.Arya glared at her. I have to go shoe a horse, she said sweetly, taking a brief satisfaction in the shock on the septas face. Then she whirled and make her exit, running down the steps as fast as her feet would take her.It wasnt reliable. Sansa had everything. Sansa was two years cured maybe b y the time Arya had been born, on that point had been nothing left. Often it felt that way. Sansa could fix and dance and sing. She wrote poetry. She knew how to dress. She bestowed the broad(prenominal) harp and the bells. Worse, she was beautiful. Sansa had gotten their mothers fine high cheekbones and the thick chromatic hair of the Tullys. Arya took after their lord father. Her hair was a lusterless brown, and her face was long and solemn. Jeyne used to call her Arya Horseface, and neigh whenever she came near. It cut that the one thing Arya could do let on than her sister was ride a horse. Well, that and musical compositionage a household. Sansa had never had much of a head for figures. If she did marry Prince Joff, Arya hoped for his sake that he had a good steward.Nymeria was waiting for her in the guardroom at the base of the stairs. She bounded to her feet as soon as she caught sight of Arya. Arya grinned. The brute pup loved her, til now if no one else did. They went everywhere together, and Nymeria slept in her room, at the foot of her bed. If Mother had not interdict it, Arya would gladly have taken the animate being with her to needlework. Let Septa Mordane complain about her stitches then.Nymeria nipped eagerly at her hand as Arya unbuttoned her. She had yellow eyes. When they caught the sunlight, they gleamed like two well-disposed coins. Arya had named her after the warrior queen of the Rhoyne, who had led her populate across the narrow sea. That had been a large s undersidedal too. Sansa, of course, had named her pup Lady. Arya made a face and hugged the wolfling tight. Nymeria licked her ear, and she giggled.By now Septa Mordane would certainly have sent word to her lady mother. If she went to her room, they would find her. Arya did not charge to be found. She had a better notion. The boys were at institutionalize in the molar concentration. She wanted to turn around Robb put gallant Prince Joffrey flat on his foul. Come , she whispered to Nymeria. She got up and ran, the wolf sexual climax hard at her heels.There was a window in the covered couple mingled with the armory and the Great take place where you had a view of the whole yard. That was where they headed.They arrived, fortunate and breathless, to find Jon seated on the sill, one leg drawn up languidly to his chin. He was watching the action, so inattentive that he seemed unaware of her approach until his ovalbumin wolf move to meet them. Nymeria walk closer on wary feet. Ghost, already larger than his litter mates, smelled her, gave her ear a careful nip, and settled back down.Jon gave her a curious look. Shouldnt you be working on your stitches, little sister?Arya made a face at him. I wanted to see them fight.He smiled. Come here, then.Arya climbed up on the window and sat beside him, to a chorus of thuds and grunts from the yard below.To her disappointment, it was the younger boys drilling. Bran was so heavily padded he looked as though he had belted on a featherbed, and Prince Tommen, who was plump to begin with, seemed positively pear-shaped. They were huffing and puffing and hitting at each other with padded wooden swords under the watchful eye of old Ser Rodrik Cassel, the master-at-arms, a great stout kegful of a man with magnificent livid cheek whiskers. A dozen spectators, man and boy, were calling out encouragement, Robbs voice the loudest among them. She uneven Theon Greyjoy beside him, his black doublet emblazoned with the golden kraken of his House, a look of wry contempt on his face. both of the combatants were staggering. Arya judged that they had been at it awhile.A shade more(prenominal)(prenominal)(prenominal) exhausting than needlework, Jon observed.A shade more fun than needlework, Arya gave back at him. Jon grinned, reached over, and messed up her hair. Arya flushed. They had always been close. Jon had their fathers face, as she did. They were the altogether ones. Robb and Sansa a nd Bran and even little Rickon all took after the Tullys, with lenient smiles and fire in their hair. When Arya had been little, she had been afraid that meant that she was a bastard too. It been Jon she had gone to in her fear, and Jon who had calm her.Why arent you down in the yard? Arya asked him.He gave her a half smile. Bastards are not allowed to damage young princes, he said. Any bruises they take in the practice yard must come from trueborn swords.Oh. Arya felt abashed. She should have realized. For the second time today, Arya reflected that vivification was not fair.She watched her little brother sock at Tommen. I could do just as good as Bran, she said. Hes only seven. Im nine.Jon looked her over with all his fourteen-year-old wisdom. Youre too skinny, he said. He took her arm to feel her muscle. Then he sighed and shook his head. I suspect you could even lift a longsword, little sister, never mind swing one.Arya snatched back her arm and glared at him. Jon messed up her hair again. They watched Bran and Tommen circle each other.You see Prince Joffrey? Jon asked.She hadnt, not at first glance, but when she looked again she found him to the back, under the shade of the high stone wall. He was surrounded by men she did not recognize, young squires in the livery of Lannister and Baratheon, strangers all. There were a few older men among them knights, she surmised.Look at the arms on his sur rise, Jon suggested.Arya looked. An ornate nurse had been embroidered on the princes padded surcoat. No surmise the needlework was exquisite. The arms were pided down the shopping center on one side was the invest stag of the royal House, on the other the lion of Lannister.The Lannisters are proud, Jon observed. Youd think the royal sigil would be sufficient, but no. He makes his mothers House equal in honor to the kings.The woman is important too Arya protested.Jon chuckled. possibly you should do the same thing, little sister. get hitched with Tully to S tark in your arms.A wolf with a fish in its mouth? It made her laugh. That would look silly. Besides, if a girl cant fight, why should she have a coat of arms?Jon shrugged. Girls get the arms but not the swords. Bastards get the swords but not the arms. I did not make the rules, little sister.There was a shout from the court below. Prince Tommen was rolling in the dust, trying to get up and failing. All the padding made him look like a tump over on its back. Bran was standing over him with resurrect wooden sword, ready to whack him again once he regained his feet. The men began to laugh. passable Ser Rodrik called out. He gave the prince a hand and yanked him back to his feet. Well fought. Lew, Donnis, help them out of their armor. He looked around. Prince Joffrey, Robb, will you go another round?Robb, already sweaty from a previous bout, moved forward eagerly. Gladly.Joffrey moved into the sunlight in response to Rodriks summons. His hair shone like spun gold. He looked bored. T his is a game for children, Ser Rodrik.Theon Greyjoy gave a sudden bark of gag. You are children, he said derisively.Robb may be a child, Joffrey said. I am a prince. And I rick tired of swatting at Starks with a play sword.You got more swats than you gave, Joff, Robb said. ar you afraid?Prince Joffrey looked at him. Oh, terrified, he said. Youre so much older. both(prenominal) of the Lannister men laughed.Jon looked down on the setting with a frown. Joffrey is truly a little shit, he told Arya.Ser Rodrik tugged thoughtfully at his snow-covered whiskers. What are you suggesting? he asked the prince.Live steel.Done, Robb dig back. Youll be sorryThe master-at-arms put a hand on Robbs shoulder to quiet him. Live steel is too dangerous. I will permit you tourney swords, with blunt edges.Joffrey said nothing, but a man strange to Arya, a tall knight with black hair and burn scars on his face, pushed forward in front of the prince. This is your prince. Who are you to tell him he m ay not have an edge on his sword, ser?Master-at-arms of Winterfell, Clegane, and you would do well not to forget it.Are you training women here? the burned man wanted to know. He was muscled like a bull.I am training knights, Ser Rodrik said pointedly. They will have steel when they are ready. When they are of an age.The burned man looked at Robb. How old are you, boy?Fourteen, Robb said.I killed a man at twelve. You can be sure it was not with a blunt sword.Arya could see Robb bristle. His pride was wounded. He turned on Ser Rodrik. Let me do it. I can beat him. sting him with a tourney blade, then, Ser Rodrik said.Joffrey shrugged. Come and see me when youre older, Stark. If youre not too old. There was laughter from the Lannister men.Robbs curses rang through the yard. Arya covered her mouth in shock. Theon Greyjoy seized Robbs arm to keep him away from the prince. Ser Rodrik tugged at his whiskers in dismay.Joffrey feigned a yawn and turned to his younger brother. Come, Tommen, he said. The hour of play is done. Leave the children to their frolics.That brought more laughter from the Lannisters, more curses from Robb. Ser Rodriks face was beet-red with cult under the white of his whiskers. Theon kept Robb locked in an iron grip until the princes and their party were safely away.Jon watched them leave, and Arya watched Jon. His face had grown as calm down as the pool at the summation of the godswood. Finally he climbed down off the window. The show is done, he said. He band to scratch Ghost behind the ears. The white wolf rose and rubbed against him. You had best run back to your room, little sister. Septa Mordane will sure as shooting be lurking. The longer you hide, the sterner the penance. Youll be fix all through winter. When the spring resolve comes, they will find your body with a needle still locked tight between your frozen fingers.Arya didnt think it was funny. I detest needlework she said with passion. Its not fairNothing is fair, Jon said . He messed up her hair again and walked away from her, Ghost abject silently beside him. Nymeria started to follow too, then halt and came back when she saw that Arya was not coming.reluctantly she turned in the other direction.It was worsened than Jon had thought. It wasnt Septa Mordane waiting in her room. It was Septa Mordane and her mother.