Richard Williams, III Essays - Physical Geography, Water

Richard Williams, III Mr. Greer Practicum STEM Robotics 09222016 The Exceptional Statewide Drought in California The issue at hand is the severe drought consuming over 71% of the state of California. This drought has California the driest it's been for 500 years . The heat has the Golden State with almost no snowpack in the mountains, which are critical sources of runoff for the state's water reservoirs. If this problem isn't fixed immediately the drought will only increase every year until the state has a 100% drought and there's no water left. This issue is was caused naturally but also influenced by mane-made things and issues such as global warming, pollution, and the overuse and waste of freshwater. One of the natural causes of the drought is a mass of warm water in the Pacific Ocean that has drifted closer to the West Coast named " The Blob ". Scientists believe this mass has persisted in about the same area for over 2 years and measure 1,000 miles across and 300 feet deep. Researchers have stated this mass of water may be a partial cause of the drought due to the increased temperature of the water, it doesn't allow much cool and moist air into the atmosphere in the direction of the state. Other scientist speculate that the high pressure system " La Nina " is likely what kicked off the drought cycle in 2011 by creating a persistent high-pressure system just off to the West Coast, close to California. The high-pressure system interfered with storm tracks and wind flow, causing storms that would usually have hit California to chart a different course and drench other locations with their much-needed precipitation. Recent studies on the scientific phenomenon have found that La Nina is to blame for the emerging drought. They've also discovered another possible cause named the "Ridiculously Resilient Ridge", which is a high pressure area in the atmosphere off the West Coast, nearly 4 miles high and 2,000 miles long. This atmospheric pressure is currently blocking Pacific winter storms from coming to California, deflecting them to Alaska and British Columbia. The results of this drought can become catastrophic. During times of drought, the areas flora and fauna are visibly dry and very unhealthy. This affects the herbivores that eat the plants, consequently removing the food source for omnivores and carnivores that eat the herbivores and plants. In summary, drought can cause an entire ecosystem to fail over time. Also the water levels in lakes and reservoirs fall dramatically, causing us humans to resort to underground aquifers and wells. The bad thing about that is over time, as the drought persists, the constant removal of the backup water can result in land subsidence, seawater intrusion, and the development of sinkholes. These issues are harder to see but are more costly to manage. The decline of surface water flows can be detrimental to water supplies for agriculture, cities, hydropower production, navigation, recreation, and habitat for aquatic and riparian species. There are no known ways to prevent and mostly natural drought; however there are ways man can prevent the negative effects of them. To begin with, local governments can use recreational surveillance drones to search for possible water sources or signs of aquifers. They can also be used to locate stranded or hurt people all over California with most focus on the Mojave, Colorado, and Great Basin Deserts. Other ways to prevent substantial water loss is to attempt to replenish the supply with seawater intrusion, which is using automated machines to remove water from the oceans, purify it, and store/deliver it to holding areas until it is needed. One of the major problems that come with droughts is wildfires. Fire departments can use drones put out the fires by remote so that no firemen with have to go in harm's way. And in conjunction with that, they can use rovers to survey particularly dry areas, locate, and remove potentially combustible debris and return them to a sec ure location. The drought in California is a major concern and should be treated as so. The natural disaster itself cannot be prevented but its effects can be. Technology is the greatest advancement in human civilization; we

Free Essays on The Right To Die

Euthanasia The controversy of euthanasia has been debated for years. Is it immoral or just a way to help a person suffering? Both sides of this argument make good points, which make it even harder for one to decide. In the end, it is currently illegal in the states, but maybe this law should be changed. In â€Å"Euthanasia – A Critique† published June 20, 1990, Peter A. Singer and Mark Siegler argue against two of the main basis for euthanasia: relief of suffering and individual rights. Their reasoning against relief of suffering is that they feel a patient can be put out of pain without death. They feel with better pain management patients won’t feel this way. They also dispute that the fear of dying is tied into this. For this cause, the writers state that a person can opt to not be put on life saving devices allowing them to pass, without relying on euthanasia. As far as individual rights are concerned the people behind this article state that â€Å"(the right to die) must be balanced against the legal, political, and religious prohibitions against killing that have always existed in society generally and in medicine particularly† (Singer/Siegler 334). On the other hand, in â€Å"In Defense of Voluntary Euthanasia† published in 1987, the writer, Sidney Hook, is for euthanasia for two main reasons. First, because he went through an ordeal where he asked to be allowed to die and he was denied that right. Now, even though he has recovered a lot, he still feels he’s gone through more than enough, and wishes he could just pass away. His second reason is because he doesn’t want his family to have to go through seeing him in a stage where he can’t function properly. He feels that he has â€Å"lived a full and relatively happy life, I would cheerfully accept the chance to be reborn, but certainly not to be reborn again as an infirm octogenarian. To some extent, my views reflect what I have seen happen to the aged and stricken who... Free Essays on The Right To Die Free Essays on The Right To Die Euthanasia The controversy of euthanasia has been debated for years. Is it immoral or just a way to help a person suffering? Both sides of this argument make good points, which make it even harder for one to decide. In the end, it is currently illegal in the states, but maybe this law should be changed. In â€Å"Euthanasia – A Critique† published June 20, 1990, Peter A. Singer and Mark Siegler argue against two of the main basis for euthanasia: relief of suffering and individual rights. Their reasoning against relief of suffering is that they feel a patient can be put out of pain without death. They feel with better pain management patients won’t feel this way. They also dispute that the fear of dying is tied into this. For this cause, the writers state that a person can opt to not be put on life saving devices allowing them to pass, without relying on euthanasia. As far as individual rights are concerned the people behind this article state that â€Å"(the right to die) must be balanced against the legal, political, and religious prohibitions against killing that have always existed in society generally and in medicine particularly† (Singer/Siegler 334). On the other hand, in â€Å"In Defense of Voluntary Euthanasia† published in 1987, the writer, Sidney Hook, is for euthanasia for two main reasons. First, because he went through an ordeal where he asked to be allowed to die and he was denied that right. Now, even though he has recovered a lot, he still feels he’s gone through more than enough, and wishes he could just pass away. His second reason is because he doesn’t want his family to have to go through seeing him in a stage where he can’t function properly. He feels that he has â€Å"lived a full and relatively happy life, I would cheerfully accept the chance to be reborn, but certainly not to be reborn again as an infirm octogenarian. To some extent, my views reflect what I have seen happen to the aged and stricken who...

Business Plan Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 8

Business Plan - Essay Example The company intends to incorporate information technology into the marketing strategies adopted by companies to gain a competitive advantage. To offer marketing services through clear-cut information systems. To be an effective information technology company that offers operational management services in relation to marketing processes. The company will strive to create a broad consumer base by improving the marketing strategies adopted by companies. The primary reason for writing this business plan is to convince our prospective clients to utilize the operational management services offered by the company. The company plans to provide information technology services to companies to improve the marketing strategies adopted. The company is concerned with formulating ways to improve productivity through effective marketing strategies. The first part of the business plan is the company description. The business plan contains an in-depth analysis of the company to explain that it is a reliable information technology company. The products and services provided by the company are also outlined in the business plan. This section describes the benefits of the services offered by the company to its clients. The business plan is concluded by an overview of the operations and management functions of the company. The business plan does not include an appendix, market analysis, or financial analysis. The reason for such omissions is attributable to the fact that the company is still new. It has not been in existence for a significant amount of time to establish the market and financial performance. However, the service description and operations and management segment provide all the relevant information about the company and the set objectives. Techmark is a limited liability corporation that focuses on providing operational management services in relation to marketing.

Management And Personal Management Competencies Essay

Management And Personal Management Competencies - Essay Example This deed will make sure the sufficient and suitable corresponding among the organisational and the personal/managerial competences. No doubt, Khandwalla (2004) research results sketch management competencies which have been highly oriented in consecutive managers in dissimilar organisations around the planet. No doubt, the core competencies seem to be helpfulness enhancing" (p.12). Reliability has a huge impact on the aptitude to earn respect which eventually helps to mobilize scarce resources in hard situations. Planning aptitude and time management ability have exposed appositive effect for taking personal responsibilities. Team building skills are a basic source for helpful, effectual and relaxed environment. Before introducing the manger require for team job competencies. The author powerfully proclaims that personal traits, values, consider and attitudes are the core personal competencies which may improve or weaken one aptitude to manage others. So, self awareness, personal orientation, motivation, expressive aptitude etc' are to be firstly address and training focused in order to augment personal aptitude to perform, to learn and to take pleasure in his communication with the surrounding. (fields supportive concepts from :Bandura, A.(2000);Covey, S. (1988);Gardner, W.L. and Schermerhorn. (2004);Luthans, F. (2002). Myers, L and Tucker, M. (2005);Pajares, F. (2002) Robbins, S.P. (2001) and Updegraff, S. ( 2004). Skills And Values Required Of Professionals IF we analyzed then we come to know that dynamic and quick developed operational environment demands for expert and high possible personal traits and skills. No doubt, under these circumstances, performance fineness becomes personal and organisational proportional advantage. Khandwalla (2001) suggest, "Performance of the manager depends considerably on how well his/her multiple roles are played. In turn, how well these roles are played by the managers of an organization influences the performance of the organization" (p.11). Updegraff (2004), broaden the theory of the decision-making competence throughout join learning and the interface in the middle of people in the organisation. "If employees can assist employees make the mainly of their personal competence and achievement, it than follows that companies would stand to gain as well" (p.43). McLean, J and Davis, P (2000) emphasis the learning process from side to side relations when they wrote, "It is from side to side our relations (intrapersonal; inter-personal; intra-organisational and inter-organisational) that we attain all of our important personal, organisational and shared goals (p.1). Updgraff (2004) suggest, "The ability to build and uphold expert association is a vital part for personal efficiency" (p.46) Covey (1988) supports an extra point of view to the management capability when he writes, "When more than two persons are concerned in the win-win agreements the psychosomatic contact turn out to be a communal contract" (p.9). From the higher than information it is clear that decision-making effectiveness is a combination of personal skills and ecological pressure. The need

Education of Young Children Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Education of Young Children - Essay Example However, "the preparation" context of DAP does not neglect the fact that more and more knowledge are being discovered regarding the significance or uniqueness of childhood that should merit the attention and commitment of educators, parents, government and communities alike - thus, DAP is consequently becoming more attuned to the ever-current needs of the child. DAP also recognizes the individual child as much as the diversity of the socio-economic and cultural environments that contribute to the differences in children's perceptions that they carry with them while attending early education. There are certain elements that make developmentally appropriate programs well suited to the aim of supporting the development of children in their education. These are knowledge or information used to come up with learning programs, the learning environment which is the dynamic interface between children and the educators, whether inside or outside the school system, and the policies which serve to institutionalize the mechanisms that make DAP continuously responsive to its aims. Knowledge as a key element of DAP allows educators to come up with learning programs and applications that are guideposts on what will work or not for the development of children. ... Furthermore, knowledge of varying socio-economic and cultural contexts as applied in DAP allows for relevance among children and families coming from different backgrounds. The learning environment as an element of DAP encompasses the interface between young children and the all the actors such as teachers, families and other children. It also includes the inter-related practices of teaching, developing curricula and the feedback processes that go with DAP. The learning environment is where social interactions and relationship skills are developed, that is why DAP is committed to fostering a safe and caring environment for young children. Continuous assessment of how children fare in learning programs also constitutes an important facet of the learning environment. Policies also constitute an important element of DAP in as much as they make learning programs committed to the development of young children viable. These include formal mechanisms that would set up personnel with the needed expertise, funding and other guidelines that serve as rules when certain expectations under DAP are not met. 2. What are the underlying values of DEC Recommended Practices According to the Division for Early Childhood of the Council (no date) for Exceptional Children or DEC, Recommended Practices are important because RP "represents collective wisdom, identifies what practices work, provides a framework to define quality, supports positive outcomes and applies to all settings". Instead on focusing on the larger framework of locating the child in the greater milieu of the education system or the society and to a certain extent and taking off from there, the approach is more evidence-based and is more geared towards what is practical and works. The

Age and Gender Differences in Attitudes

Age and Gender Differences in Attitudes A survey was carried out among people from two different age categories to determine whether age and gender individually result in different attitudes towards seeking psychological help. The 653 participants each completed a shorter version of the Attitudes Towards Seeking Professional Psychological Help Scale survey. The survey results were later grouped based on gender where there was 319 males and 334 females. The gender groups were again each classified into two age categories; as either young or older adults. The results indicated females have more positive attitudes towards seeking psychological help than males and that older adults have more positive attitudes towards seeking psychological help. It was also found that participants who had previously sought psychological help had more positive attitudes towards seeking psychological help. This research needs to consider the methodological limitations, such as the selection of the participants by the experimenters, which could h ave biased the results and also whether the length of the Attitudes Towards Seeking Professional Psychological Help Scale survey produces different results. Age and Gender Differences in Attitudes Towards Seeking Professional Psychological Help Psychotherapy has been described as embarrassing and potentially difficult and it induces fear and avoidance in some individuals (Vogel, Wester Larson, 2007). Andrews, Issakidis Carters study (2001, as cited in Vogel, Wester Larson, 2007) found that less than one third of individuals who experience psychological distress do seek help from a mental health professional (p 410). For many people, counselling and seeking psychological help is an uncomfortable way to deal with personal problems. This may be true for many men as the findings of most studies related to attitudes towards seeking psychological help have been particularly consistent that women tend to have more positive attitudes towards seeking psychological help (Fisher Farina 1995). Some researchers have found that age is another barrier which underutilizes help seeking (Mackenzie, Gekoski Knox, 2006) and it is generally uncommon for an individual to discontinue a psychological service once they have experience it for t he first time (Deane Todd, 1996). Attitudes towards psychological help seeking vary between individuals due to avoidance factors and demographic influences. Kushner and Shers study (1989, as cited in Vogel, Wester Larson, 2007) found that different avoidance factors are likely to vary in their intensity and importance depending on the characteristics of the individual (eg., sex, age) as well as social and cultural differences (p 413). Vogel, Wester Larson (2007) stated that some researchers have suggested that traditional gender roles influence professional help seeking (p 414) which is possibly why males avoid seeking help. The behaviours and characteristics associated with traditional masculinity form a system of social beliefs- that is, an ideology- regarding the expectation of how men should be (1995, as cited in Levant, Wimer, Williams, Smalley Noronha). This ideology influences the way that adults think, feel and behave in gender matters. Therefore, males may feel that they need to mask their problems due to traditional masculinity which is why females are mainly found to have more positive attitudes towards seeking psychological help. Veoff, Kulka Douvan (1981) believe that adolescents and seniors are both reluctant to help-seeking due to one avoidance factor in common; Social norms, which changes across the age groups. However, social stigma has been conceptualised as one of the most significant barriers to treatment for both younger and older adults (Vogel, Wester and Larson, 2007). Vogel, Wester and Larson (2007) concluded that younger adults however are more affected by the avoidance factor social stigma as adolescence is a time of developing and building a sense of identity. Being a young adult is also the time when peers and norm groups may be particularly salient (1989, as cited in Vogel, Wester and Larson, 2007). Therefore, some young adults may be reluctant to help seeking because of the threats as being judged negatively (2002, as cited in Vogel, Wester and Larson, 2007). Some individuals may or may not find psychological help beneficial and this determines whether they continue or discontinue the service. However, most people who have received help from a professional psychologist or counsellor rate themselves as more likely to continuing seeking help as compared to people who have received no psychological help (Deane Todd, 1996). Consistent with this research, females with more positive attitudes towards seeking psychological help rate themselves as more likely to seek professional help (Deane Todd, 1996). The present study aimed to determine whether age and gender affect attitudes towards seeking psychological help. From the research examined, it was anticipated that age, gender and previous history of counselling influences attitudes towards help seeking. It was hypothesised that females will have more positive attitudes towards psychological help seeking than men and younger adults will have more positive attitudes towards seeking psychological help. It was also hypothesised that individuals who have previously sought psychological help would have more positive attitudes towards psychological help seeking. Method Participants The 653 participants in this study consisted of 319 males and 334 females. Participants needed to be specifically selected based on their age, since the research involved investigating age and gender differences in attitudes towards seeking psychological help. There were two age categories that separated the younger adults from the older adults. Younger adults were classified between the ages of 18 years to 30 years of age, whereas the older adults were classified over 55 years of age. Of the 653 participants, 373 participants were classified as younger adults and 280 participants as older. The younger adults group consisted of 178 males and 195 females, whereas the older adult group consisted of 141 males and 139 females. The mean age of the 653 participants was 38.05 (SD= 20.10) and the ages ranged from 18 years of age to 85 years of age. The mean age of the 178 younger male adults was 21.72 (SD= 4.38), whereas the mean age of the 141 older males was 60.11 (SD= 6.10). The mean age of the 195 younger female adults was 20.90 (SD= 3.26), whereas the mean age of the 139 older females was 60.64 (SD= 7.73). Materials A shorter version of the Attitudes Towards Seeking Professional Psychological Help Scale was used to measure participants attitudes towards seeking psychological help. The scale for each statement ranged from 0 (disagree) to 3 (agree). The scale contained 10 statements, some of which expressed negative attitudes towards seeking psychological help and other expressed positive attitudes. Reverse scoring was needed for the statements which expressed negative attitudes towards seeking psychological help so that a higher score represents a more positive attitude. The statements which represented positive attitudes towards seeking psychological help did not have to use reverse scoring. The maximum possible score was 30 which represented the highest positive attitude towards seeking professional psychological help, whereas the minimum possible score was 0, which represented the lowest support for seeking professional psychological help. A demographic sheet was also attached to the Attitudes Towards Seeking Psychological Help Scale. The demographic sheet questioned for information such as date of birth, age, sex, occupation, country of birth and whether the participant has had no, little or a lot of counselling prior to completing the scale. Procedure The shorter version of the Attitudes Towards Seeking Professional Psychological Help Scale was provided to all students attending Victoria University who are enrolled in Psychology 1B. Psychology 1B students were instructed to make an additional three copies as they each needed to survey four people. Each Psychology 1B student needed to survey two males and two females, however one participant from each gender needed to be either 18 years of age to 30 years of age and the other needed to be over 55 years of age. The participants were not allowed to complete the survey if they were a psychologist or a psychology student. The unit coordinator of Psychology 1B derived the mean age and mean attitude score towards seeking psychological help for the following categories: (a) young male adults, (b) young female adults, (c) older male adults and (d) older female adults. Results An analysis of the mean attitude scores towards seeking psychological help for each of the four participant categories were used to determine whether the hypotheses were supported. The mean attitude scores towards seeking professional psychological help for all four participants categories are presented in Table 1. Table 1 The mean attitude scores towards psychological help seeking Males Females Younger (18-30) 15.13 18.36 (5.56) (5.01) Older (55+) 14.74 19.78 (6.76) (6.07) Total 14.96 18.95 (6.11) (5.52) Note. Numbers in brackets are the standard deviations of each mean attitude score. The results from Table 1 indicates that females have more positive attitudes towards seeking psychological help with a mean of 18.95 (SD=5.52) as compared to males who scored a mean of 14.96 (SD=6.11). This finding supported the hypothesis that females have a more positive attitude towards seeking psychological help than males. From the table, it is also evident that older participants have more positive attitudes towards seeking psychological help with a mean of 17.24 (SD=6.90), as compared to younger adults who scored a mean of 16.82 (SD=5.52). This result did not support the hypothesis younger adults have a more positive attitude towards seeking psychological help than older adults. In terms of counselling history, a no counselling history was mostly reported. Of the 653 participants, 418 participants had never had counselling before with a mean of 15.76 (SD=5.98), 203 participants have had little counselling before with a mean of 18.69 (SD=5.71) and 32 participants have had a lot of counselling with a mean of 22.44 (SD=5.62). Discussion In this study, two of the three hypotheses were supported. Both hypotheses (a) females have more positive attitudes towards seeking psychological help than men and (b) individuals who had previously sought psychological help would have more positive attitudes towards psychological help seeking were supported in this study. However, the hypothesis (c) younger adults will have more positive attitudes towards psychological help seeking than older adults was not supported. A gender difference in attitudes towards psychological help seeking is one of the most consistent findings in the literature (Ang, Lim Tan, 2004). In the present study, the results suggested that females had more positive attitudes towards seeking psychological help than men. This finding supports the results of previous research of Vogel, Wester and Larson (2007) where they researched factors that inhibit seeking help. In their study, Vogel, Wester and Larson (2007) found that gender role plays a part in psychological help seeking. This was evident as men were more likely to think that they would be stigmatized for consulting a psychologist or counsellor. Women in contrast, are more open towards seeking psychological help and feel comfortable and less ashamed. However, because gender role is recognised by so many people, women may feel that they are expected to act reverse to a man. In this study, females may have felt that it would only be normal for them to have positive attitude s towards seeking help as compared to men because they are usually classified as weaker and softer than men. To address this limitation in further research, participants should be given the opportunity to make a statement or comment on why they believe their gender should and should not seek psychological help. This may further help explain gender role which is defined as one of the most common factors that prevents seeking psychological help. On the other hand, a previous history or experience seeking psychological help indicated that participants were more likely to have more positive attitudes towards psychological help seeking than those people who have not sought help. Deane and Todds study (1996) supports the findings of this study as their results were very similar. For example, approximately 35% of participants have had little or a continuation of therapy in this study which is similar to the 40% of participants in Deane and Todds study (1996). In this study, participant needed to mark whether they had never had counselling before, have had little counselling or have had a lot of counselling. This approach used to determine whether a previous history encourages a positive attitude towards psychotherapy could have been used more effectively to find out the duration of therapy and for those who have had no counselling; to find out whether something is inhibiting them from seeking psychological help or if they simply do not need it. In future research, participants who have received psychotherapy both short term and long term should be questioned about the duration of psychotherapy they have had. On the other hand, participants who have not received psychotherapy should be given the opportunity to further elaborate on their choice of not seeking help. The results did not support the hypothesis that younger adults will have more positive attitudes towards seeking psychological help than older adults. These findings differ from those of previous studies (e.g., Mackenzie, Gekoski Knox, 2006; Vogel, Wester Larson 2007) in which respectively reported that older adults attitudes towards seeking psychological help are generally positive and younger adults are reluctant to help seeking due to a certain avoidance factor; social stigma. This could be due to the way researchers from previous studies tested their participants to determine their attitudes. In some studies, participants may have been tested for their opinions on psychological help seeking, whereas others may have been tested on their actual use of a psychotherapy service. In this study, participants were tested to determine their opinions towards seeking psychological help, whereas other studies may have tested peoples attitudes after using the service. Future research should mention what their participants are tested for so that other researchers are able to correctly support or find differences in their findings. A further limitation of the study was that the participants were not given the opportunity to provide statements about how they feel about seeking psychotherapy as a quantitative scale measure was used to determine their attitudes towards seeking psychological help. Therefore, their responses were restricted using the Attitudes Towards Seeking Professional Psychological Help Scale survey. Future research should also employ a qualitative measure to help support the results produced from a quantitative measure. Overall, the results of the study suggest that gender role does impact attitudes towards seeking psychological help as one gender consistently showed more positive attitudes towards help seeking. The results also suggest that older adults have more positive attitudes towards psychological help seeking than younger adults. It may be that adults in the present are exposed to a positive interpretation of psychotherapy which encourages them to view seeking psychological help more positively. Also, the results of the study suggest that a previous history of psychotherapy will make an individual view psychological help seeking with a positive attitude. This may be because the individual learns that the therapy is beneficial and outweighs their reasons for avoiding during psychotherapy.

SMOKE CITY: A STORY OF REDEMPTION :: essays research papers fc

INTRODUCTION The 21st century is an age of environmental awareness. We have commissions and agencies that measure our pollution in minutiae level parts per million. There is study after study of the affects of not only elemental health pollution, but also mental health pollution. Although there is no doubt of the importance of this era of hyper-awareness of this movement, it is a new phenomena in the spectrum of history. In the United States, a vanguard in environmental awareness has only seriously started legislating pollution controls for the protection of its citizens in the past thirty years. Many detractors, even today, feel that it is a loosing battle and that regulation of pollution control is indirect conflict with the industrial machine that is the backbone of the United States economy. However, there is one example of a region of this country that demonstrates not only the successful combination of environmental control and business, but this relationship was started forty years before the nations first pollution regulations were drafted to Congress. Pittsburgh’s story is one of suffering and redemption that no city, no community no region can claim to be more tragic and hopeful in its fight against pollution. A city founded in a river valley rich with resources; central access by water, rail and road; and integral to the key to the creation of a nation; Pittsburgh knew days when no vegetation grew from the soil and the sky was permanent midnight twenty four hours a day. That was life in the monikered â€Å"Smoke City† until citizens and businesses took fate into their own hands and cleaned themselves up. Their struggle endured hardship and death, but the residents of Pittsburgh found themselves after two hundred years of darkness living in one of the cleanest major cities in the country. HISTORY Before Europeans traveled the Monongahela to the confluence of the â€Å"Three Rivers† of the Allegheny, Monongahela and Ohio, Pittsburgh was a sparsely populated area even by the Native Americans. At best it was a rendezvous point for trade, claimed by no one due to the difficulty in traversing through large waterways and steep hills. For colonists, the trek over the Appalachian and Allegheny Mountains was enough to make the Pittsburgh region almost unreachable. On November 23, 1753, an officer of the Virginia Militia—Major George Washington—sent to give warning to Britain’s enemy, the French forces, on the Ohio river a warning as a precursor to the French & Indian War-— noted in his journal the confluence of the major rivers.