Unification of Germany Essay Example for Free

Unification of Germany Essay Economic success, political failure, and diplomatic tension marked the idea of a unified Germany in the period after the Napoleonic Wars. It was not clear around which power, Austria or Prussia, Germany could achieve national unification (Merriman 2010). Prussian merchants, with the support of the Prussian crown, established the customs and trade union known as the Zollverein in 1834 (AP Central German Unification 2013). The Zollverein freed trade between most of the German states, with the exception of Austria. The upper class were wary of any change that might threaten the status quo and feared the strong nationalist feeling unleashed by the revolution, the expansion of which might lead to, they reasoned, the proclamation of the equality of all citizens (Merriman 2010). Industrialists and merchants thus brought liberal politics into German nationalism. During the Revolution of 1848, liberals met in the Frankfurt Assembly and drafted a constitution modeled on the ideals of the French Revolution of 1789 (AP Central German Unification 2013). The assembly offered to share power under a constitutional monarchy and offered the crown of a unified Germany to Frederick William IV of Prussia. The Revolution of 1848 brought some liberal reforms to Prussia, such as the ability of the parliament to obstruct certain forms of taxation. However, the Prussian leadership, which was thoroughly conservative, rejected the Frankfurt constitution, preferring reform and unification directed from above. Austrias resistance of attempts to unify Germany under Prussian leadership further obstructed unification. One of the major questions concerning German unification centered on this Prussian-Austrian rivalry, which was both diplomatic and cultural. Supporters of Greater Germany insisted that Prussians and Austrians, with a common language naturally, should be part of one nation. However, proponents of Lesser Germany argued that Austria should be excluded from unification due to dynastic rivalry between the Hohenzollerns and the Hapsburgs and the cultural differences between a mostly Protestant Prussia and Catholic Austria (AP Central German Unification 2013). Figure 1 : Kaiser Wilhem I German Emperor (18 January 1871 – 9 March 1888) The Wars of German Unification The path to unification for Germany came through diplomacy and war. The French defeat at the Battle of Sedan and annexation of Alsace-Lorraine brought Bavaria into the German Confederation, and William I became the first monarch of the German Empire (AP Central German Unification 2013). In 1862, Wilhelm I of Prussia appointed Otto von Bismarck prime minister. Bismarck’s name became closely identified with the term Realpolitik, or â€Å"the politics of realism† (Muntone 2011). Bismarck was a very able man, both pragmatic and determined. Bismarck’s focus was on a united Germany with a strong monarch. Bismarck’s belief in a strong monarchy made him a political conservative and in the 1860’s he was faced with a hostile liberal majority in Parliament (Muntone 2011). Therefore, Bismarck directed the nation’s attention to foreign affairs. This would allow him to maintain control of the domestic policy, since civilian populations always accepted special government controls and restrictions during wartime. In 1864 Bismarck trumped up charges against the Danish government for their treatment of Germans living in the Danish province of Schleswig-Holstein. Prussias defeat of Denmark and annexation of Schleswig-Holstein set Prussia on a collision course with Austria for dominance of central Europe. Following the defeat of the Austrian Empire in 1866, the German states allied with Prussia, with the notable exception of Catholic Bavaria, forming the North German Confederation. In his first two wars, Bismarck balanced Russian and French concerns over the growing power of Prussia. In the former, Bismarck manipulated long-standing Russian mistrust of Austria to form an alliance. With France, Bismarck benefited from Emperor Napoleon IIIs failed campaign in Mexico, which distracted the French from European affairs. This was only temporary and the Franco-Prussian War began in 1870. Figure 2: Otto Von Bismarck Prime Minister of unified Germany The opportunity for the final step in German unification arrived in 1870. Bismarck decided to go to war with France, believing that the other German states would come to Prussia’s aid. He changed the wording of a press release so that it gave the appearance of a deliberate insult from the Prussian king to the French emperor (Muntone 2011). On reading the statement, Napoleon III immediately declared war on Prussia. As Bismarck had calculated, the southern German states allied themselves with Prussia against their common enemy, France (Muntone 2011). The war can accurately be describe as â€Å"Franco-German† rather than â€Å"Franco- Prussian† because many German states besides Prussia played a major role in defeating the French(Muntone 2011). The efficiency and superior strategy of the German military brought the French to a speedy surrender. The peace treaty gave Germany control of Alsace and Lorraine, and provided for a compensatory payment to Prussia of 5 billion francs. Although Prussia had provoked the war, France had technically been the aggressor, and at any rate was on the losing side (Muntone 2011). Figure 3: German Empire of 1871 Conclusion On January 18, 1871, Wilhelm I of Prussia was officially crowned emperor of Germany. Below is a copy of the imperial proclamation on January 18, 1871 that unified Germany as a nation: The Imperial Proclamation, January 18, 1871 Whereas the German princes and the free cities have unanimously called upon us to renew and to assume, with the restoration of the German Empire, the German imperial office, which has been empty for more than sixty years; and Whereas adequate arrangements have been provided for this in the constitution of the German Confederation;We, Wilhelm, by the grace of God King of Prussia, do herewith declare that we have considered it a duty to ur common fatherland to answer the summons of the united German princes and cities and to accept the German imperial title. In consequence, we and our successors on the throne of Prussia will henceforth bear the imperial title in all our relations and in all the business of the German Empire, and we hope to God that the German nation will be granted the ability to fashion a propitious future for the fatherland un der the symbol of its ancient glory. We assume the imperial title, conscious of the duty of protecting, with German loyalty, the rights of the Empire and of its members, of keeping the peace, and of protecting the independence of Germany, which depends in its turn upon the united strength of the people. We assume the title in the hope that the German people will be granted the ability to enjoy the reward of its ardent and self-sacrificing wars in lasting peace, within boundaries which afford the fatherland a security against renewed French aggression which has been lost for centuries. And may God grant that We and our successors on the imperial throne may at all times increase the wealth of the German Empire, not by military conquests, but by the blessings and the gifts of peace, in the realm of national prosperity, liberty, and morality. Wilhelm I, Kaiser und Konig (Halsall 1998). In a final insult to the French, the Germans held the ceremony in the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles. Nationalism was a major force in the creation of the German Empire. Both the nobles and the common people supported unification. In contrast to the treatment given to Austria in 1866, the conditions imposed on France in 1870 and 1871 were very harsh (World History at KMLA 2008). For the following decades, the recovery of Alsace-Lorraine was a political goal of French diplomacy, and one of the roots for World War I (World History at KMLA 2008). Unification was accomplished with the approval of most, but not of all Germans. Especially in Hannover, annexed in 1866, the aversion of Prussia remained strong and Hannovers representatives in Germanys Reichstag, the Welfen, were in constant opposition (World History at KMLA 2008). The Catholic Bavarians remained skeptical of the new Empire. The army had been the most visible instrument by which unification had been achieved. In the German Empire, the defense forces were revered. The state failed to establish a mechanism ensuring state control over the army. When World War I began, military reasoning (crossing Belgium to get into France, the Schlieffen-Plan) won out over political reasoning (World History at KMLA 2008). The breach of Belgiums neutrality was the main reason for charging Germany with sole responsibility for World War I.

Water Quality Management Issues In DEWA Company Environmental Sciences Essay

Water Quality Management Issues In DEWA Company Environmental Sciences Essay This paper will discuss water quality management issues in a Dubai company called DEWA (Dubai Electricity and Water Authority). This is a governmental organization that is in charge of producing and distributing water and electricity to the whole of the Dubai population. Water quality issues were among the concerns of the third UNEP report on the environment. Gordon (1998:1) notes, The Global Environmental Outlook (GEO-3 report) identified a wide spectrum of existing and emerging water issues that need to be addressed if the world is to achieve sustainable development. One of the general issues in water management is the threat of depletion of groundwater due to the rising demands for land for agriculture and for building urban centres. Majority of communities living near water catchment areas such as forests are depleting rather than preserving them. Hydro-development and geothermal projects are another threat to abundance of water sources and the quality of water because they divert it to uses such as irrigation and generation of electricity. Another concern is the threat to quality of water due to pollution by fertilizers, pesticides and factory chemical emissions. Poor quality of water has a negative effect on human, animal and plant populations, and can occur due to natural or artificial factors. One cause of problems in the quality of water is natural chemicals in the air and ground that enter into contact with water sources and pollute them. Another factor, which is also the largest contributor to poor water quality, is human use of chemicals that pollute water bodies in activities such as farming and industrial production. Sources of water pollution can be fixed, such as manufacturing plants, or mobile, for example, farming activities. The first category has pollutants that are very strong while those of the latter group are mild but are extensive in area of coverage. Moreover, it is easier to estimate and alleviate pollution from the first category than the second because the latter affect a wider region. As Ongley (1999:5) observes, Water quality degradation can pose serious threats to public health, agricultural and industrial production, ecological functions, and biodiversity. Water quality problems can arise from high concentration of naturally occurring elements such as arsenic, fluoride, or selenium. But most water quality problems are caused by the discharge of pollutants from human activities. Pollution sources include point sources-specific points of discharge of high-pollutant concentration-and nonpoint sources-low-concentration sources covering a large area. Point source discharges from sewers, wastewater treatment plants, and factories are visible and can be chemically characterized relatively easily. However, substantial loads of pollutants can also enter water bodies from nonpoint sources, such as fertilizer use for agriculture. In the case of the DEWA Company, poor quality of water is likely to result from emissions from point sources rather than nonpoint ones because the firm undertakes the supply of water to the nation. Consequently, the company has facilities set up to clean water before pumping it to consumers. For example, in 2010 the company set up a facility at Jebel Ali to purify water from salty substances. The chemicals used to desalinate the water and purify it may be a threat to its quality. Another possible threat to the quality of water that the firm supplies is likely to be poor hygiene of the storage tanks, distribution pumps and pipes. If management does not ensure that these facilities are clean, contamination of water is likely to occur. If the storage tanks are left bare, contamination of the water contained therein is likely to occur. Moreover, the residue of chemical substances, especially chlorine, used to clean these facilities is likely to pollute the water when in storage or during distribution. In addition, the company can cause pollution of external water masses through emissions from its water treatment facility. At the same time, since it supplies electricity to consumers, generation of this source of energy can cause gas emissions that pollute not only the air but also the water masses nearby. The World Health Organization has set maximum levels for chemicals present in water, especially for human consumption. World Health Organization (1958: 9) Water intended for human consumption must be free from chemical substances and micro-organisms in amounts which would provide a hazard to health is universally accepted. Supplies of drinking-water should not only be safe and free from dangers to health, but should also be as aesthetically attractive as possible. Absence of turbidity, color and disagreeable or detectable tastes and odors is important in water-supplies intended for domestic use. Fluoride levels should not be lower than 0.5 mg/l as this will contribute to dental decay in the population, especially in children. Nitrates, on the other hand, should not exceed 50 mg/l and 100 mg/l. If bacterial organisms of the coliform type are present, this means that the water has faecal contamination and therefore is not fit for human consumption. Moreover, the water should be free of any taste and smell. The table below presents the acceptable levels in drinking water for other chemical substances. World Health Organization (1958:29) Chemicals affecting portability of water Total solids 500 mg/l 1500 mg/I Colour 5 units 50 units Turbidity 5 units 25 units Taste Unobjectionable Oduor Unobjectionable Iron (Fe) 0.3 mg/l 1.0 mg/l Manganese (Mn) 0.1 mg/l 0.5 mg/l Copper (Cu) 1.0 mg/l l.5 mg/l Zinc (Zn) 5.0 mg/l 15 mg/l Calcium (Ca) 75 mg/l 200 mg/l Magnesium (Mg) 50 mg/l 150 mg/l Sulfate (SO) 200 mg/l 400 mg/l Chloride (Cl) 200 mg/l 600 mg/l pH range 7.0-8.5 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬ °Ã‚ ¤6.5 or à ¢Ã¢â‚¬ °Ã‚ ¥ 9.2 Magnesium + sodium sulfate 500 mg/l 1000 mg/l Phenolic substances (as phenol) 0.001 mg/l 0.002 mg/l Burke (2002:1) notes that the main aim of monitoring the quality of water is to ensure its clean and safe supply. Some of the variables to check in order to get an indication of water quality include temperature of the water, alkalinity and acidity, density, amount of salt, gas levels such as oxygen and nitrogen, chemical substances such as nitrate and phosphorous and micro-organisms such as protozoa, among others. One may therefore carry out the process from a physical, chemical or biological perspective or use all of these angles of analysis. However, this process also involves checking the hygiene levels of water bodies in use by many stakeholders and those that offer a habitat for animal and plant populations. Since water is one of the resources in the natural environment, it is susceptible to effects from manufacturing plants that utilize natural resources. These include geothermal plants, quarries where mining takes place and the timber industry that makes use of wood from forests. Monitoring the quality of water therefore involves assessing the impact of such industries on water, water bodies and catchment areas. Another reason for monitoring the quality of water is to check whether a particular type of water mass meets the standards set for it. The standards depend on the use of the water body. These include for water for drinking purposes, leisure, fishing, habitat for wildlife, farming and industrial use. She adds that there exist three main ways of monitoring the quality of water. Burke (2010:1) mentions discrete, mechanical, and automated methods. In the first instance, which is the old way of monitoring water quality, one measures a single aspect. This is done either in the field or in a laboratory. This method is tiring and time-consuming. At the same time, it is subject to the operators bias and judgment when collecting the samples as well as when doing the analysis in a laboratory. The second method involves leaving bottles in a water mass for some time to collect water then taking these to a laboratory. This method reduces the manual effort and time spent collecting samples of water. However, it is subject to bias from laboratory analyses and at the same time, leads to loss of time spent waiting for the bottles to collect water. The third method makes use of devices that will sense the aspect of water quality being tested and these in turn store the information. This method is fast and likely to yield more reliable results than the other two as it does not rely on the subjective judgment of the analyst in a laboratory setup. In the monitoring of water quality, screening methods have become more common than other techniques. This is because they are fast and easy to use due to their advanced technology. Gonzalez, Greenwood, Quevauviller (2009:16) note, Screening methods are often chosen by field operators for rapid and simple measurement of water quality. They are also called alternative methods or emerging tools. There are different types of alternative method such as ready-to-use methods (test kit method), handheld devices (handheld instrument with generally no reagent needed), online sensors (generally in an industrial context) and methods for biological monitoring (such as bio markers, whole-organism tests). To improve the process of monitoring water quality, DEWA has integrated an automated system among its management programs. According to DEWA Company (2009:15), 7-Technologies has entered into agreement with our German system integrator, Cegelec, for the supply of an AQUIS real-time water management system to DEWA in the United Arab Emirates. The AQUIS platform supplied includes all the AQUIS modules: Hydraulic, Water Quality, Surge, Load Forecaster, Leak Detection, GIS and SCADA Interface. The real-time system will provide asset and process performance monitoring and give early warnings of potential operational problems. This will improve planning and design, serviceability, water quality and leakage reduction. For this topic, I choose the automated technique of measuring water quality because it is fast and yields more reliable results. This method makes use of devices capable of sensing the variables under consideration. Since the DEWA Company distributes water for human consumption, it has to ensure that it stores and distributes enough water for the population. DEWA Company (2009:3) DEWA has a policy to maintain bulk storage of potable water equivalent to two days of system peak demand. This implies that it has an extensive reservoir and distribution system, which is not possible to monitor manually on a regular basis. Moreover, the stored water is susceptible to residue of chemical substances such as chlorine and this may affect the quality of water the firm distributes for human consumption. The company therefore requires continually monitoring of the quality of the stored water and the automated technique would be the most appropriate. The technology applicable here would be the online sensing devices that would read the chlorine levels in the tanks as well as the input and output pipes. To monitor water quality in the DEWA Company (2009:5), analyzer stations consisting of transmitters and sensor assemblies for measuring pH, residual chlorine, conductivity and temperature may be installed at specified locations as per DEWAs specifications. The quality of the water that DEWA produces is as follows: DUBAI ELECTRICITY WATER AUTHORITY TRANSMISSION DISTRIBUTION: WATER DIVISION OPERATION DEPT. LABORATORY TYPICAL RANGE OF COMPOSITION OF DEWA WATER ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY 250-800 MICROMHOS/CM pH 7.5-8.5 TOTAL DISSOLVED SOLIDS 125.0-400.0 Mg/l CHLORIDE AS CI Mg/l BICARBONATE AS HCO3 50.0-75.0 Mg/l SULPHATE AS SO4 Mg/l NITRATE Mg/l CALCIUM AS Ca 15.0-25.0 Mg/l TOTAL HARDNESS AS CaCO3 50.0-120.0 Mg/l MAGNESIUM AS Mg 2.0-20.0 Mg/l SODIUM AS Na Mg/l FLUORIDE AS F NIL TASTE, COLOUR AND ODOUR UNOBJECTION-ABLE COLIFORM BACTERIA NIL The above table incorporates variables of assessing quality of water from a chemical, physical and biological perspective. From the data, it appears that the DEWA Company produces relatively high quality water. This is because, according to the above table, the water is free from any taste, smell and has no color and is therefore transparent. In addition, it is free from contamination by coliform bacterial organisms, meaning the water has no faecal pollution. However, there is no fluoride present in the water meaning that it is likely to cause dental problems in the consuming population. As the World Health Organization (1958:28-29) notes, If the fluoride concentration in the drinking-water of a community is less than 0.5 mg/l, a high incidence of dental caries is likely to occur. To prevent the development of dental caries in children, a number of communal water-supplies are fluoridated to bring the fluorine concentration to 1.0 mg/l. Moreover, the water is safe for consumption because its nitrate levels do not exceed the World Health Organization directives of 50 mg/l and 100 mg/l. The water pH does not raise concerns since the levels of alkalinity and acidity of the water are within the accepted range. It is therefore possible that there are few land use activities in the areas from which the company sources its water. Consequently, fewer chemical substances such as fertilizers and pesticides wash off into the water sources. In addition, the amount of chloride is also on the lower end of the permissible range, which means that salinity of the water is low. However, the amount of dissolved matter is less than the permissible level therefore the water density is low, but on the other hand, this means that the salinity levels are low. The magnesium, calcium and sulphate contents are also lower than the acceptable minimum, which means that though the water lacks essential components, it has low salinity levels. According to the above table, the water from the DEWA Company is relatively good for consumption because it does not contain toxic substances such as lead or cyanide. The presence of nitrates in the water that the firm supplies is likely to be due to the discharge of treated sewage water while that of sodium is due to the use of this compound to clear chlorine residue. On the other hand, the absence of fluoride in the water may be due to changes in climate in the areas where the company sources its water. The high potential of the water to conduct electricity may be due to the presence of radioactive matter. This is also evident in the presence of hydrocarbons in the water. The salinity of the water is low meaning that there is a higher amount of freshwater than salty water entering into contact with the sources of the DEWA water. Since the amount of dissolved solids in the water is less than 1000mg/l, it appears then that the DEWA water is fresh. It appears that the water is soft because the levels of magnesium and calcium are low. Moreover, the amount of solids dissolved in the water is low indicating that the saline content is also low. According to Statgraphics (2006:1), An important technique used to determine how well a process meets a set of specification limits is called a process capability analysis. A capability analysis is based on a sample of data taken from a process and usually produces: an estimate of the DPMO (defects per million opportunities), one or more capability indices and an estimate of the Sigma Quality Level at which the process operates. From the above table, it appears that the water quality management process at the DEWA Company is capable of meeting the needs of the population. In addition, it appears that the company is capable of providing good quality water for human consumption to its consumers. The strengths of the system include its ability to lower the saline content and the amount of dissolved solids therefore producing water that is fresh. Furthermore, the water does not contain toxic substances such as cyanide, lead, among others, and this implies that it is fit for human consumption. Moreover, there is a balance between the water acid and alkaline levels as the pH is within the acceptable range. The nitrate levels are also within the acceptable range and therefore do not pose a threat to human health. In addition, the water is soft rather than hard due to reduction of magnesium and calcium elements. Another strong point is that the management system has preserved the waters aesthetic quality since there is no odor, color and taste present. Moreover, the water is free from faecal pollution as there is no contamination by bacterial organisms of the coliform nature. According to DEWA Company (2009:7), DEWAs water system consists of a transmission network where pipe diameters range from 550 mm to 1200 mm, and distribution network where pipe diameters range from 100 mm to 450 mm. This means that the company is able to transmit and distribute large amounts of water at any given time due to the large capacity and volume of its transmission system. On the other hand, the water production system has fewer defects than the strengths listed above. The defects include production of water with no fluoride element, which can lead to tooth decay. In addition, the electrical conductivity of the water is very high indicating the possibility of contamination with radioactive matter. However, the strengths of the system of water production outweigh its weaknesses. The indicators of the systems capability to produce good quality water are the variables that the company uses to measure the quality of water. These include lack of taste, smell, color, coliform bacterial organisms that are indicative of faecal pollution, few nitrate, calcium and magnesium contents that are an indication of low salinity levels, normal alkaline and acidity levels, a low amount of dissolved solids and the absence of poisonous substances such as lead and cyanide. In conclusion, it appears then that the company is capable of producing good quality water for the con suming population. Consequently, we can also say that the management system of the DEWA Company in relation to the production and supply of water is one that is effective in terms of ensuring good quality water.

Historical Background Of Lokoja Environmental Sciences Essay

Historical Background Of Lokoja Environmental Sciences Essay If a legal institution has life, it is delivered when an urge for public discipline begins to overtake events SALVATORE .J.NATOLI. Zoning was born out of such a concern for the unplanned and undisciplined growth of cities, zoning has become almost as ubiquitous as cities themselves. Over time, and through past prudent land planning decisions, thats the topographic organization of the campus has influenced the location of various campus functions. Though the sectors are interrelated, each has unique characteristics and specific planning priorities. A successful university campus embraces the physical context in which it resides, understands the various forces that shape its edges and mould its core, and incorporates community representation and constituencies into its planning processes. Land use zoning for institutions has been seen in the past to foster successful interactions with all who use it and simultaneously convey unity in its visual appearance with a sense of adventure and discovery. University should be cohesive in its organization while remaining open and inviting at its perimeter. By zoning, the environment communicates the importance of university in our society through its unique sense of place and academic traditions and provides the critical con tinuity between the past and future. University should convey a sense of dignity while celebrating the nobleness of its purpose. In supporting the basic missions of the university and providing a variety of venues for numerous events and other activities, the distinctive qualities of the physical environment are meant to provide an atmosphere conducive to intellectual discovery and interaction as well as repose and contemplation. A well planned campus should promote curiosity, discovery, and inspiration. The interest for this study is to balance the needs of Federal University Lokoja. Studies have shown that the initial visual impression of a campus has notable influence on prospective students when making decisions about attending a university. Perceptions of the campus environment depend on the qualities of the landscape, buildings, and the spaces between them. The research study intends to look on how land use zoning contribute in providing mechanism for the coherency of purpose and direction, which will result into an efficient, safe, and visually attractive campus environment with a view to convey and celebrate a sense of arrival for members of the campus community as well as for visitors. The role of land use zoning in improving the qualities of the physical environment of an institution, as a unity of visual character, a unique sense of place, and the activities that are encompassed on the main campus , which will provide an exceptional asset to the city, the region, and Nigeria as a whole. The contribution of higher education institutions to regional development is a theme which has attracted increasing attention in recent years. Currently, it is expected that the role of the institutions is not only to conduct education and research, but also play an active role in the development of their economic, social and cultural surroundings. In view of this, land use zoning for Federal University Lokoja permanent site cannot be compromised. This study attempt to make a proposal of land use zoning of permanent site of the Federal University Lokoja using map produce with the use of geographical information system and computer aided design to harmonize the activities of land use in the institution in order to mitigate the spillover effect of the existing land uses in the surrounding environment. 1.2 Statement of problems As population and human aspirations increase, land use zoning for institutional uses is seen as an important tool to mitigate the negative effects of land use and to enhance the efficient use of resource with minimal impact on future generations. An effective zoning system promotes the future of physical development of a University which makes it to be sympathetic and respectful of the residents, business establishments, and other interests that surround it. Due to the dire urge for a rapid development, the Kogi State Government through the Ministry of Environment and Physical Development now Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development empowered the Ministry to embark on the preparation of various Layout plans and Planning Scheme. This is to address critical planning issues in Lokoja, like housing supply for both private and public use or acquisition, provision of office accommodations, through the identification of land area that are most suitable for such needs. Hence the resultant Layout plan and planning schemes spread across the metropolis. However, some of the planning schemes have either been distorted or abandoned due to the fact that most of the basic infrastructural facilities such as roads, drainages, electricity supply e.t.c within these schemes are left unaddressed. Due to the rapid urban growth of the town, there are many un-planned rural-urban fringe within Lokoja. This un-controlled land use has resulted in illegal construction of houses and construction on drainage channels and other areas not fit for residential construction. This is common in places like Felele, Adankolo and SarikinNoma areas among others. The stress can be displayed on the traffic congestion usually along the Okene-Abuja Express road; this congestion is associated with the already existing Kogi State Polytechnic and Lokoja International Market. The road over the years has become too narrow, with no space enough for cars to pull off the road (i.e., park) and the space for pedestrian (walk way) is almost disappearing. This congestion is further compounded when luxurious buses and tankers travel through the roads which also house the permanent site of the Federal University. Noise pollution is a major factor in the study area due to the quarry activities carried out along the Crusher Village by the Gitto Construction Company. They create a lot of negative impact on the environment due to the effect of blasting of rock by the Company. Disturbance in various forms is associated with this zone and makes the environment unfriendly. As a result of the impact highlighted above, these call for concern in order to mitigate the spillover effect of the land uses associated with the surrounding environment of the institution. 1.3 Aim and Objectives Aim The aim of this study is to prepare a proposed land use zoning plan for Federal University Lokoja permanent site in order to mitigate the spillover effect of the existing land uses. Objectives The objectives of the study include the following, To ensure that the proposed land use zoning fit in with existing situation of the site and the surrounding environment. Make provision for future development that will key in into the aim and objectives of establishing the institution. Integrating the four categories of land uses relating to an institution (the civic administrative core, the academic zone, the student residential zone and the staff residential zone) to be functionally efficient and logically organized in accommodating a variety of needs and users. Make recommendation that will enhance the functionality of the institution regarding to the proposed land use zoning. 1.4 Scope of study The scope of this project is to prepare a proposed land use zoning for Federal University Lokoja permanent site, located along Okene-Abuja Road Felele covering the entire area and integrating the four categories of land uses relating to an institution (the civic administrative core, the academic zone, the student residential zone and the staff residential zone).In order to make recommendation that is aimed at improving the growth and development of the institution, the study shall be limited to the permanent site of Federal university of Lokoja which falls within 16km radius of Lokoja with a total land area of 798.52 Hectares. 1.5 Justification There are significant reasons why this research is justifiable, the point of call is to serve as a guideline to those involved directly or indirectly with the development of campus. The institution being newly established, different proposals will spring up as to what the institution would look like in terms of planning. In view of this, a proposed land use plan for the permanent site of the university will go a long way in guiding the institution as to what kind of land use zoning pattern in terms of planning the institution would like, broaden their horizon as to what facilities and services, is suitable for a particular area and what are the prospect of sitting it there. This research will go a long way in addressing issues regarding to land use zoning for institutions, due to the fact that most institution are usually faced with following zoning problems that includes, what type of land use zoning is required, is it adequate to address the requirement, is there a system for land use zoning, is it aimed at reducing risk while accommodating future growth and what is the institutional mechanism for implementation of zoning. 1.6 The study area 1.6.1 Historical background of Lokoja Lokoja is one of the ancient towns in Nigeria. The town assumed metropolitan status from pre-independence days, harboring many Nigeria ethnic groups. It is both the administrative and commercial capital of Kogi state, the most centrally located state in Country. The state is located between Latitude 70 47 N and Longitude 60 46E.Wth an annual growth rate of 2.5% raised the population by 1996 to 49,258. The original settlers of Lokoja were the Bassa-Nge arriving in 1831 and followed by the Oworos in 1970, Akamisoko (2002). Since then, different ethnic groups have peopled the town. The present Lokoja comprises of, in addition to the Bassa-Nges and Oworos, the EgbirraKoton, Hausa and several Nupe language groups, Kakanda, Kupa and Egan. Other Nigerian ethnic groups found in Lokoja include Yoruba, Igbo, Tiv and Igala as well as, many slave aborigines of Sierra Leone origin (being a former slave depot); Alaci (2009), Lokoja is therefore cosmopolitan in nature. The socio-political prominence of Lokoja dates back to the 18th century British exploration, culminating in the arrival of Williams Balfour Balkie to the Lokoja in 1860. Lokoja has since been an important commercial settlement which compose of liberated Africans, immigrant settlers and indigenous populations who were encouraged to move down the top of mount Patti, thus Lokoja was transformed from a transit trading point to a viable commercial center for European firms in the early 1860s. The ancient town was originally ceded in 1841 to the British by the Attah [King] of Igala and was selected to be the first British Consulate in the interior (1860-1869) and subsequently, the Military headquarters for Sir George Goldies Royal Niger Company (1886-1900). With this status, the town witnessed an upsurge of diverse ethnic groups who settled in Lokoja to exploit the benefits acquired from European activities. Lokoja therefore, became a melting pot for a collection of diverse ethnic groups. Lokojas fame however, began to decline in 1904 when its military headquarters status was moved to Zungeru, which was further north but was restored when Lokoja became capital of the British Northern protectorate and remained a convenient administrative town for the British colonial government after the amalgamation of Northern and southern protectorate into one nation called Nigeria in 1914. The first Governor General, Lord Frederick Lugard therefore ruled the new nation of Nigeria from Lokoja. Formerly the capital of Kabba province, it was later a Divisional and Local Government Headquarter in Kwara State. Lokoja remained part of Kwara State up to 1991. During these periods several layout plans were prepared to suit Lokojas status and most of these plans were known as Town planning Schemes (TPS) or layout plans (LP).Preparation of the schemes was centered on areas known as Government Reserved Area (GRA), where most top government officials and Europeans lived. By the 27th of August 1991, the status of Lokoja was boosted when new states were created and Lokoja became the capital of the new Kogi state. This necessitated the enacting of an edict declaring Lokoja Metropolitan Area; this was put at 16km radius around the town centre marked by the General post office as the centre of the radius. C:UsersbilyyPicturesloja.PNG FIG 1.1; MAP OF NIGERIA SHOWING KOGI STATE (source: internet) C:UsersbilyyPicturesloja2.PNG FIG 1:2: MAP OF KOGI STATE SHOWING LOKOJA L/GOVERNMENT (source: internet) 1.6.2 Geography of Lokoja Climate: The site has a tropical climate that comprises of two season namely dry and wet seasons. The wet seasons starts from the month of April and ends in October, while the dry season starts from November and continues till March. The two seasons are affected by the south-westerly winds coming from the Atlantic Ocean and north-easterly winds which come from the Sahara Desert. Another weather phenomenon (micro climate) is associated with the presence of inselbergs. This feature exerts an influence on local weather greater than their size. Wind Dust: Two major air masses dominate the climate of the study area. These are the Tropical Maritime air mass and the Tropical continental air mass. The Tropical Maritime is formed over the Atlantic Ocean to the South of the country and is therefore warm and moist. It moves inland generally in a South-West to North-East direction. The Tropical Continental air mass is developed over the Sahara Desert and is therefore warm and dry and blows in the opposite direction, (north-east to south-west). The oscillation between these two air masses produces high seasonal characteristics of weather conditions in the country. The Tropical Continental air mass is associated with the dry season and the Tropical Maritime air mass creates wet season. Rainfall:s There are two seasons, dry and wet; the dry season lasts between October and April in each year while the wet season lasts between May and September. The annual average rainfall ranges between 1000 mm and 1500 mm while the mean annual humidity is about 70%. Humidity and Temperature: The highest temperatures in the study area always tend to occur at the end of the dry season close to the spring equinox. Thus March has the highest temperature of about 34.5o C , while the lowest temperature occur in the middle of the dry season in December/January, when outgoing radiation is encouraged by low humidity, clear skies and longer nights. The temperature at this time falls as low as 22.8o C. In the dry season there is a decrease in relative humidity from south to north in the study area caused by the higher elevation in the north. In the rainy season, this variation disappears and associated with the high relative humidity is an extensive cloud cover over the region. Geology: The geology are dominated largely by rocks of basement complex which consists of the varied assemblage of coarse grained porphynitic granites, dissected by pegamateric dykes and reins, iolite-horn which has undergone varied degrees of metamorphosis. Vegetation: The vegetation of the study area falls within the Guinea Savanna belt of Nigeria. This vegetation type has many variants, affecting both the floristic diversity and the structural appearance of the plant communities. Equally, there are several Forest Reserves in the study area and some of the notable economic trees that can be found in the reserves include Iroko, Mahogany and Obeche. Human activities have however altered drastically the natural vegetation especially in the central zone where urbanization and mining activities predominate. Since Lokoja became an administrative headquarters of Kogi state in 1991, it has been experiencing an explosive population increase which had also led to expansion with significant changes in its physical landscape-land use cover types over the years. The built-up area, vacant land, cultivated land and other land use types increased in the study area at the expense of vegetation cover. For example in 1987, the vegetal cover was about 42. 21km2 and by 2005, it had reduced to 8.41km2. (Alaci and Amujabi). Soil: The soil within the study area is mostly loamy having composition of silt, sand and clay. The surrounding hilly area like Mount Patti is composed of igneous and metamorphic rocks belonging to the basement complex. Out of this majority is composed of mica-schist gneisses and Meta sediments. Weathering of these materials from the plateau gives them a thin soil cover that is being washed down by erosion to give medium aggregates particularly desired by the building/ construction industries. Topography: The dominant physical features of the study area in the western axis are largely mountains coupled with a number of intermittent valleys and rivers crossing the breadth of the subject area. Mount Patti which is the highest point has a height of about 458 meters above sea level and gently reduces in height till it reaches river Niger at the height of 45 meters above sea level. On the other hand, the territory on the East of river Niger is relatively flat but perforated by the presence of low leveled rocks and tributary rivers to rivers Niger and Benue. 1.6.3 History of Federal University Lokoja (FUL)  ¹ Federal university Lokoja was established along with other eight new Federal Universities on the 16th of February, 2011 following a pronouncement by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan to cater for the increasing demand in the Educational sector. Soon afterwards, a vice chancellor and Registrar in the persons of Professor Abdulmumini Hassan Rafindadi and Mrs. HabibaAnavozaAdeiza were appointed. The university is sited at Lokoja, the capital city of Kogi State of Nigeria, in the North central political zone. The motto of the university sic itur ad astra, this Latin phrase means THE SKY IS THE LIMIT. The University presently have two faculties running, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences with five degree awarding courses: Economics, English and Literary Studies, Geography, History, and Political Science and Faculty of sciences with six degree awarding courses: Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Computer Science, Geology, Mathematics and Physics, with a total of 443 students for the first matriculation for 2012/2013 academic session starting with 185 staff. Presently the total staff strength of the University is hard to define due to the series of interview still going on for employment at different levels. With the temporary site located within Lokoja city centre at Adankolo and the permanent site recently allocated along Okene- Abuja Road Felele. C:UsersbilyyDocumentshope.jpg FIG 1:3 GOOGLE EARTH IMAGE SHOWING PERMANENT SITE(FUL)  ¹, EXISTING LAND USE AND RELIEF FEATURES C:UsersbilyyPictureshi.PNG FIG 1:4; DIGITIZED MAP OF LOKOJA SHOWING THE LOCATION OF PERMANENT SITE (FUL)  ¹ Definition of Terms Spillover: Seen as the side effect of existing land uses of an area. Effect: A changed state occurring as a direct of action by somebody or something else. (FUL)  ¹: Federal University of Lokoja. CHAPTER TWO 2.0: REVIEW OF LITERATURE 2.1 INTRODUCTION This chapter reviews some of the recent literature on land use zoning for institutional uses with particular attention to the ways in which it has contributed to the development of institutional vision and transformation. This chapter will be organized as follow, the conceptual framework while the second will talk about literature review. 2.2.0 THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK 2.2.1 Euclidean Zoning The term Euclidean Zoning  refers to the conventional mechanism of applying different regulations to parcels of land by creating districts that segregate land into various classes of uses such as residential, commercial, and industrial. A zoning ordinance based on Euclidean Zoning specifies for each class of uses, called zoning districts, activities permitted as a use by right and those activities permitted conditionally by obtaining a special use permit from the local government. Typically, in a residential district only single or multi-family residences are allowed as a use by right, whereas only retail and office uses are allowed in a commercial district. Euclidean Zoning is a nickname derived from the 1926 U.S. Supreme Court decision in  Village of Euclid (Ohio) v. Ambler Realty Co., 272 U.S. 365 (1926), which affirmed the validity of comprehensive zoning. Thus, the term refers to the city where a challenge to the legality of zoning first resulted in the affirmation of zoning as a valid police power of local government. Euclidean zoning, like all forms of zoning, runs with the land, not the owner. That means when a property is sold the zoning of the property does not change. The new owner is subject to the same class of allowable uses for the property as the previous owner. Any special conditions, such as variances or special use permits, still apply and the new owner does not need to get reauthorization for the use. A Euclidean zoning ordinance is comprised of a zoning map and a schedule of regulations in text form. The zoning map depicts the zoning district that applies to each parcel of land in the community. The specific regulations that apply to a particular zoning district are then explained in the text of the zoning ordinance. Under Euclidean zoning, the use of private land is the activity that is principally regulated, followed by the regulation of the density of structural development, and the dimensions or bulk of buildings on lots. Specific regulations typically found in a Euclidean zoning ordinance include the use of the property, minimum parcel size, minimum size of structures on the property, maximum height of structures, minimum setback of structures from property lines, and maximum lot coverage of structures, among others. Euclidean zoning  regulates development through land use classifications and dimensional standards. Typical land use classifications are single-family residential, multi-family residential, commercial, institutional, industrial and recreational. Each land use must comply with dimensional standards that regulate the height, bulk and area of structures. These dimensional standards typically take the form of setbacks, side yards, height limits, minimum lot sizes, and lot coverage limits. The traditional planning goals associated with  Euclidean zoning  are providing for orderly growth, preventing overcrowding of land and people, alleviating congestion, and separating incompatible uses (such as insuring that a noisy factory cannot be built near a residential neighborhood). 2.2.2 Performance Zoning Performance zoning uses performance standards to regulate development. Performance standards are zoning controls that regulate the effects or impacts of a proposed development or activity on the community, instead of separating uses into various zones. The standards often relate to a sites development capability. In agricultural areas, for example, performance zoning could be used to limit development on prime agricultural soils and allow development on lower quality soils. Performance zoning is closely tied to the planning process because the local government must identify planning goals and then write regulations that specifically achieve those goals. Performance zoning is often used in industrial zoning to control impacts such as noise, odors, smoke, and other side effects from industrial activity. Performance zoning is an alternative to traditional land use zoning. Whereas traditional land use zoning  specifies what uses  land can be put to within specified districts, performance zoning  specifies the intensity  of land use that is acceptable. In other words, it deals not with the use of a parcel, but the performance of a parcel and how it impacts surrounding areas. A key goal of zoning codes is to limit conflicting and incompatible uses. Traditional  Euclidean zoning  does this by regulating land use and bulk.  Performance zoning, however, regulates the effects  or impact of land uses through performance standards. Performance standards usually concern traffic flow, density, noise and access to light and air. Developers can build almost any building that meets the performance standards for that district. Therefore,  performance zoning  allows for a great deal of flexibility. This level of flexibility makes it a very useful tool. 2.2.3 THE RELEVANCE OF THE THEORIES TO THIS STUDY Looking at the potential spillover effect of the adjacent land uses with the existing opposite uses of Federal University Lokoja, such conflicts need to be remedied or minimized through land use zoning. These theories provide guidelines in mitigating the effect of traffic and other external effects such as noise associated with the surrounding of the campus through the use of standards to ensure adequate Landscaping, buffering, and screening to minimize the negative effects. 2.2.4 Advantages of the theory Protect and preserve natural features in the environment by evaluating the directly the impact. Promote public health and safety. Manage traffic. Provide for more orderly development and density. 2.3.0 LITERATURE REVIEW 2.3.1 Spillover effect and the Environmental Quality of an institution Externalities Spillover effects of land use for which initiator is not held accountable (traffic congestion; run off; smoke, gases, and particle emissions; noise; urban sprawl; disorderly extension of urban infrastructure) (Katherine Mau, Real estate principle, chapter 5). Advocates of environmental protection express exasperation with local decisions that permit developments whose adverse effects spillover to the rest of the region (Reilly, 1973). This gives rise to at least two issues. The first has it that competition among municipalities for commercial and industrial property will create a race to the bottom in environmental quality, causing the environment of both the community and its region to be degraded. The second issue concerns itself with relations between the community and its immediate neighbors. It is commonly asserted that communities pursue a beggar thy neighbor policy by zoning land on municipal borders for such unlovely uses as landfills, shopping centers, sewage plants and industrial parks. Because such policies may invite retaliation, the story goes; beggar they neighbor also reduces the quality of the regional environment. I shall treat them in reverse order. The ratio of evidence to assertion of the beggar-thy-neighbor idea is re markably small. Sewage plants are, by casual observation, often close to municipal borders, but that is most likely because water runs downhill. The least costly place to put such a plant is at the lowest point in the community, and that is often the point at which a river leaves the jurisdiction and enters another. (As I tell my undergraduates, if it were practicable to require municipalities to take in drinking water downstream and release sewage in the same river upstream, each community would have the optimal incentives to treat its sewage. For less fanciful, common-law approaches to disputes among municipal neighbors, see Ellickson, 1979.) But it is worth unpacking this proposition because of the light it may shed on intercommunity relations and their consequences for environmental issues. Imposing unilateral costs on ones immediate, permanent neighbors is perhaps one of the least profitable activities in the world, as any homeowner knows. The reason is that one has to live for a long time with such neighbors and, over the long run; there will be many opportunities for the neighbor to retaliate. The retaliation at the municipal level could be unfavorable treatment along other borders, but it more likely would be lack of cooperation in other inters municipal activities. They include mutual aid agreements for fire and police protection, cooperation for specialized school programs and coordination of regional development activities. This does not mean that all inter municipal spillover will be internalized by a self-interested spirit of neighborliness. But self-neighborliness is observed often enough in other activities that it would be strange to rule it completely out in the municipal land-use context. Where one would expect it not to succeed is when the costs can be imposed on a highly diffuse and remote group of communities. Upper-atmosphere and large-river pollution would not necessarily rise to being an affront to ones immediate neighbors. But hardly a nyone disputes the idea that such spillovers require the attention of larger-area governments, and that most of the controls should be aimed at the activity that gives rise to the pollution, not the specific location of the polluter. The race to the bottom claim is a more common and more important criticism of local land-use autonomy (Esty, 1997). There is little doubt, as an empirical matter, that municipalities do seek to have commerce and industry located within their borders in order to promote local employment and improve the local tax base (usually property taxes). Because many communities do so, it is likely that some of the competition takes the form of relaxed environmental standards, if one understands such standards to include all conceivable infringements on residential amenities. Much of the criticism of this process comes from those who at least assert that any public sacrifice of environmental quality in exchange for other goods is unacceptable. It is generally agreed that some forms of exchange are desirable and that the presumption of a catastrophic race to an environmental Armageddon is not warranted (Oates and Schwab, 1988; Revesz, 1992). But less extreme criticisms of regulatory federalism are possible. The more plausible anxieties focus on failures of the local political process to value the foregone amenities (Esty, 1997). Within the homeowner-dominated community, one would expect that amenities would be capitalized in the value of homes. Lower property taxes (or other ongoing fiscal benefits from firms) increase their home values, but the disamenities of firms that pay the extra taxes would tend to lower them. Several theories hold that this trade-off provides efficient incentives in the homogenous homeowner community in which the median voter prevails (Fischel, 1975; Fox, 1978). The implication of this view is, incidentally, that most property rich communities have in fact paid for the fiscal benefits of an industrial tax base in forego ne amenities; the larger tax base is not a windfall. This does not mean, of course, that homebuyers in such communities received no gains from the exchange; only that redistribution of tax bases would cause some regret (and capital losses) among communities that had been willing to accommodate industrial uses (Gurwitz, 1980; Ladd, 1976). All of this is not to suggest that there are no asymmetries in the local process. Voters who are renters might be indifferent to improvements captured in property values, so they might be more inclined to vote for land use policies that increased their wages even if property values shrank. (This could be partly offset by rent control, which gives renters a stake in property value changes.) On the other hand, compensatory payments by firms may be inhibited by the transaction costs of working through the public sector, thus biasing the result towards a residential status quo. The more troubling issue

EGYPT :: essays research papers

Ancient civilizations are studied today to help us understand more about our worlds past and what has brought us to where we are today. Our findings have not only answered questions, but also bought us to ask more questions. Perhaps one of the most studied and yet least understood civilizations is the Ancient Egyptian Civilization. Many studies have been done one what is now left of their ruins. Ancient towns have left us with hieroglyphics, items that help us understand the way they lived, and even tombs.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  One of the keys to understanding the ancient civilization is the Rosetta Stone, which was discovered and helps us even today interpret the ancient writing of hieroglyphics. All of Egypt's history, religion, and beliefs are only some of the writings that are left. Some of the writings include proof that exotic plans did exist then that don't exist today. These writings have told the stories of all the kings and their rule. Gods were very prominent in this time and played a large role in the way people lived their lives. If it weren't for these writings, this civilization may have never been fully discovered. Not everyone was able to read and write hieroglyphics, there was a special school for children who were exceptional. The school would start for the child at about five to ten years of age. They would learn how vile the other occupations in the town really were. For example, the smith slaves over a hot furnace, and his hands were like crocodiles, and the mason w ho was achy and weary. Scribes seemed to have the better life among the people because they had the power over everyone. The actual power to read and write was more valuable than food, drink, and clothes. There is little evidence that women knew how to write. There was only one tomb where a woman had left a journal of her every day life. It is believed that only the wealthy women were able to read and write, but there was no place for them in the career world to do this. Scribes were so important because they were able to copy sacred texts into royal books of the Nether World into the walls of the tombs of kings and queens.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  From the hieroglyphics we learn about the average life of an Egyptian. Egyptian marriage wasn't always arranged, this was usually only done by royal family where a brother would marry a sister in an arranged marriage.

The Enlightenment and the Electric Battery Essay -- Science History In

The Enlightenment and the Electric Battery This paper is a discussion of the role played by the ideals of the Enlightenment in the invention and assessment of artifacts like the electric battery. The first electric battery was built in 1799 by Alessandro Volta, who was both a natural philosopher and an artisan-like inventor of intriguing machines. I will show that the story of Volta and the battery contains three plots, each characterized by its own pace and logic. One is the story of natural philosophy, a second is the story of artifacts like the battery, and the third is the story of the loose, long-term values used to assess achievement and reward within and outside expert communities. An analysis of the three plots reveals that late eighteenth-century natural philosophers, despite their frequent celebration of 'useful knowledge,' were not fully prepared to accept the philosophical dignity of artifacts stemming from laboratory practice. Their hesitation was the consequence of a hierarchy of ranks and ascribed competence th at was well established within the expert community. In order to make artifacts stemming from laboratory practice fully acceptable within the domain of natural philosophy, some important changes had yet to occur. Still, the case overwhelmingly shows that artifacts rightly belong to the long and varied list of items that make up the legacy of the Enlightenment. The first electric battery was built towards the end of 1799 by a man who was both a natural philosopher - a member of the Republic of Letters of the late Enlightenment - and an artisan-like inventor of intriguing machines. The present paper is a discussion of the role played by Enlightenment ideals in the introduction and assessment of artifacts ... ...blic scene the rewards that some of his peers refused to grant him within the expert community of natural philosophers. The same loose set of values allowed patrons like Napoleon to exploit to their advantage on the European scene the achievements of figures like Volta and instruments like the battery. Finally (fourth transparency again), the loose set of values associated with the notions of achievement and reward allowed the Voltaic battery - this little understood artifact for which in 1800 nobody could predict the bright future of - to enjoy center-stage in a painting like this. Everyone was thus reassured - as I think we still are - of the worth of an inconspicuous, "philosophical" artifact like the battery. A worth that should induce us to include the battery in the long and varied list of valuable items rightly belonging to the legacy of the Enlightenment.

More Than A Feeling-Intuition And Insight :: essays research papers fc

More Than A Feeling By definition, intuition is the inherent ability to connect with one's inner self. It seems as if as time goes by, intuition is thought of less. This is likely due to the lack of education and understanding of this peculiar ability. Yet some people believe that everyone has intuition. Few people actually experience it. Many dismiss the fleeting hunches and gut-feeelings as coincidence. Those who do believe in the intuitive powers of the mind think it comes in many different forms. For example, a stressful situation may cause one to become frantic and worried. As if they "know" everything will work out, another person may handle that situation differently. That is what believers feel is a natural ability derived from instinct. In our Western society of cell phones and fax machines, many of us ignore our natural instinct. In fact, some have already had an intuitive experience. The experiences can be anything from a feeling that something will be good or bad, a feeling that we need to pay attention or that something is wrong with someone, or even deja vu. Most of the time, we ignore these intuition and we use our reasoning and logic instead. Although reasoning and logic are very good for solving our Smith 2 problems, our intuition may provide us with the answer to that problem more helpfully or accurately "Intuition is knowing without knowing why you know," says Laura Day. For some people, this is easier said than done. Intuition may be difficult to grasp for some due to lack of frequency but, many things can be done to improve the occurrence and quality of intuitions. For example, those people wishing to better their intuition perform relaxing activities. Those activities could include sitting by a body of water, staring at a relaxing fire, visualizing something relaxing or listening to a calming sound. This quiets the sound that constantly echo in the minds of humans. This is when we realize our intuitions. In his book "The Celestine Prophecy", James Redfield tells the story of a man who travel to the Peruvian rain forest in search of his friend Charlene. This man come to discover a group of people in search of what they call "The Nine Insights". On his journey, he meets many people who help him to get in touch with his intuitive side. The character was periodically put in a setting where he had difficulty figuring out a problem or getting out of trouble.

The Bridge to San Luis Rey

The Bridge of San Luis Ray is an American author Thornton Wilder's second novel first published in 1927. It tells the story of several interrelated people who die in the collapse of an Inca rope-fiber suspension bridge in Peru. A frior named Brother Juniper witnessed the tragic accident. He has taken on a mission to find out why the five people had to die with the collapse of the bridge. Juniper decided to research the lives of the five victims and figure out the reason of their deaths, why God chose the lives of these five people. He wanted theology to take the place among exact science. Before now, he had lacked a laboratory. He had studied other specimens, People who had died if spider bites or their houses burning down. But these accidents hadn't been fit for examination, because they lacked proper control. The accidents had been dependant upon human error or they had the elements of probability. The bridge collapse was an Act of God, so it made a perfect laboratory. Juniper could figure out God;s intentions is a pure state. Juniper know the answer to his experiment but wanted to prove it historically and mathematically to his coverts. He thought his stubborn converts were slow to believe that God insertd pains into their lives for their own good. Juniper had tried to experiment before to â€Å"justify the ways of God and man,† for example he kept a record of Prayers for Rain and their results. Juniper worked on the bridge experiment for six years. He asked the people in Lima thousands of questions. His goal was â€Å"establishing the fact that each of the five lives was a perfect whole. Juniper finished a huge book but it was publicly burned in the great square. A secret copy of thr book remained. It is in the Library of University of San Marco. Juniper's book contains thousands of facts about the victims and why God had chosen each victim. Juniper never new the central passion of Dona Maria's life; not Uncle Pio's life; not even Estaban's. † And I, who claim to know so much more, am not i t possible that even I have missed the very spring within the spring? †