Technology Push Development

Technology Push Development Part 1: Short questions Technology push development: The Pebble watch is a radical innovation. Eric Migicovsky created a watch to use whilst bike riding, the watch had to communicate with his smart phone, providing message notifications. The technology was tested but the concept was new; creating a whole new market of smart watches. Figure 1: Pebble watch (Pebble Technology, 2012) Market pull development: The digital camera is an example of this, customers wanted a product that takes more pictures and shows results instantly, through technological advances incremental changes were made to go from a standard film camera taking 36 pictures, to digital cameras that can take 1000s. Figure 2: Rugby ball evolution (Image: History-Gilbert, N.D Rugby ball Wikipedia, N.D) The above figure shows how the rugby ball has evolved over time. Left- The first rugby ball made from pigs bladder stuffed inside leather housing, the size of the bladder determined the shape and size. Middle -The first official rugby ball, this had a rubber bladder, the shape and size could be controlled, this is due to material enhancements. Officials then called for a ball that is uniform in shape and size. Due to advancements in technology and manufacturing processes, we now have the ball on the right; made from plastic and rubber. Goal: This sets out the desired result or solution we want the design to achieve. This does not state how this should be achieved. Context: The target audience / market is set out in this section, who are we designing this new product for. Constraints: In this part we specify restrictions for the design such as budget, time frame, even things like materials that should be used, is placed in this section. Criteria: Is a wish list of things we would like the design to achieve. It provides a method of how the design solutions will be graded; the design that fulfils most of the criteria will be preferable. Figure 3: Android TV box Remote control The remote above is a good piece of equipment but in my opinion it has one main design failure. The remote communicates via infrared with the TV box, meaning if there is no clear line of sight: then the remote does not function. This can be very frustrating. The TV box has WIFI and Bluetooth capabilities built in; so by removing the infrared and replacing with a Bluetooth connection we could eliminate the need for line of sight making the remote a pleasure to use. User test: A group of selected persons are asked to use a product with a specific and controlled set of instructions so everyone uses the product in exactly the same manner and normally at the same time, unlike laboratory conditions but like a controlled home environment. User trials: The group of persons are given a product to use at their own homes for a set period; they will then provide feedback on how the product fits in with their normal daily lives, the things they liked and disliked or even when and where they used the product. Figure 4: Aston Martin Rapide S (Rapide S, 2017) Figure 5: Rapide S interior (Rapide S, 2017) I have been in one of these, its a dream car. The noise the engine makes raises the hairs on your neck, the smell and feel of the interior is pure elegance (Physio-pleasure).Owning one of these would make me belong to a group of people that enjoy the finer things in life (Socio-pleasure). Sitting behind the wheel makes you feel important and powerful (Psycho-pleasure). One of Aston Martins policies is to do whatever it takes to reduce their carbon footprint; because with power comes responsibility thus we are responsible for the world we live in (Ideo-pleasure). User profile: This is a collection of the distinguishing features of a particular group of people for example people between 16-30 years old are more likely to listen to pop music than say people between 50- 70 years of age. User persona: This is a fictional user created by the designer to assist in the design process. This user will be created out of one of the user profiles and will be described in detail down to a name and character traits. Ergonomics looks at how we as humans move and what our body limitations are; to create designs that are more compatible with our bodies. This study allows designs to improve usability of the products whether it is something that sits better in the palm of your hand thereby prolonging the length of time the user can use the product without straining the body or a chair that curves with the spine to improve circulation etcetera, it all involves the study of what works best with our bodies. Figure 6: Push-button tap (Push button tap, N.D) The timed-flow tap is a good example of inclusive design, even though it is designed to supply a timed amount of water, the way it is designed means that a much larger group of people can use this tap in comparison to a regular tap, this tap can be used by people with disabilities such as arthritis or even amputees. This product can be used by many people without the need for adapting it. I have tried to think a bit more like a designer by keeping in mind what would be important to a client but also considering human factors, I found this a bit of a challenge as I am a hands on kind of guy but I understand that this needs improvement from my part. I tried to stick to the same format for my TMA as I scored well in the last TMA. Word count 936 (limit 900) Part 2: Researching and writing a design brief. Section 1: Gathering information. A product to improve fitness: Treadmills Product Area: Three of the broader market sectors use products for improving fitness; Retail sector consists of personal users, the Commercial sector contains entities such as Health clubs and the Public sector has hospitals etcetera. (AMAResearch, 2016) Cardiovascular exercise combats a range of disorders and improves overall wellbeing, thus a bicycle, treadmill or rowing machine would be a good. (Metabolic disorders, 2016) In 2015 approximately 67% of people aged between 16-54 years met the minimum recommended exercise levels in the UK; providing potentially large market areas. (Physical activity statistics 2015, 2016) Market sales for treadmills are approximately 83 million per year (Yozgat, 2014); this may not be accurate but its worth looking into treadmills. Users: Statistic shows people on higher income tend to exercise on a regular basis (Physical activity statistics 2015, 2016); aiming at the middle to top-end of the market would be ideal. The people that use treadmills tend to be those that are trying to lose weight, may have medical conditions making an exercise machine that can measure heart-rate and blood pressure in valuable. The largest group of people that exercise are aged 25 to 54, the working age; they do it to feel good or look better. (Fitnessforweightloss, 2015) Product information: Figure 7: ARGOS catalogue part 1 (ARGOS spring/summer 2017, N.D) Figure 8: ARGOS catalogue part 2 (ARGOS spring/summer 2017, N.D) The Argos catalogue showed a range of treadmills costing  £100- £3500; this includes manual treadmills and motorised treadmills. Cheaper models were less sturdy, had a smaller running surface because higher speeds cannot be achieved. Lower end models had smaller motors thus unable to maintain set speeds when an incline is introduced, creating a weight restriction for user usage. Top range models fold away electronically; this could be a safety concern for younger children. Materials Technologies: Parts Table 12 Extrusion rails 11 Electric motor 3 Treadmill belt 12 Drive unit 45 Rollers 13 Motor hood cover 6 Running deck 14 Treadmill frame 7 End cap 15 Electric circuit board 8 Elevation motor actuator 16 Control unit 9 Motor pan 17 Hand rails 10 Motor fan 18 Electric supply unit Figure 9: Basic treadmill parts( c.searspartsdirect.com,N.D) Table 1:Parts table for figure 9 The main materials are Polyurethane, Nylon-Polyester (treadmill belt), Steel or aluminium (frame) and wood (running deck). These are good materials with good properties; theyre recyclable or renewable making them environmentally friendly. Figure 10: Basic unit (Jhony, 2017) Figure 11: Advanced unit (fitness-superstore.co.uk, N.D.) As can be seen from above figures the control units can be basic to very advance; measuring all aspects of the fitness routine. Technologies already incorporated into treadmills are heart-rate monitoring sensors and blood pressure sensors. Theres opportunity to add ECG monitoring or Bio-electrical impedance for body fat measuring. I have a safety concern about treadmills that operate without a user being on it, this could cause harm to children. Word count 399 (limit 400) Section 2: Research Figure 12: Outer box Figure 13: Inner packaging Figure 14: Possibility of trapping wiring Figure 15: Cheap plastic part Figure 16: Feet rest with roller for moving Figure 17: MP3 connection User Research:User trip on a Reebok ZR9 treadmill, beginning at unpacking, assembly and first time use. During each stage I stopped and took note of my feelings, what I found interesting or disappointing. I was experiencing all four pleasures, something I have never taken notice of before, the Reebok brand made me feel like an athlete, the control unit made me feel excited about the different routines I could try out, the smooth lines of the treadmill is a pleasure to look at and professionalism is evident in all aspects. Points to note, packaging creates initial feeling of excitement and professionalism. Assembly was simple and clearly laid out, a concern is that electrical wiring could get trapped during assembly. Some parts looked cheap, not in keeping with design. Using the treadmill is user-friendly, no method of measuring weight and as I have no MP3 player the function to connect to one is of no use, create a wireless connection so any media can be played through the speakers. User trips are good for experiencing the pleasures but may be biased; I found I was willing to overlook faults. Prior operation knowledge meant I have learnt to navigate around nuisances meaning I may have missed something. I interviewed a personnel trainer at my local gym, this was very informative; I was able to learn a lot about what types of people use treadmills, when and for what reasons they use it, the trainer also pointed out some user tendencies. Interviews widen the variety of information available to you as designer. Things to note, treadmills are mainly used as a weight loss device and novice users only use the quick start function as they feel intimidated by all the different settings and functions. User Profile: I initially split my potential users into 3 groups, this was done by splitting them into age groups (15 to 23, 24-56 and 57+ years), I chose to do a user profile for the group aged between 24 to 56 years because this seems to be the group more likely to use and buy a treadmill based on their characteristics. User characteristics Treadmill users aged 24 to 56 years characteristics GenderBoth male and female. Physical limitationsMay range from fully-able bodied people to having some limitations such as, hearing and sight problems, mobility problems such as loss of a limb, can also range in shape and size. EducationLittle or no education, unable to read or write up to very high levels of education. Computer/IT skillsLikely to be well educated in computer literacy and technological advances. MotivationCan range from being well motivated to use a treadmill for social interaction, enhancing fitness state, relaxation (stress reduction) or controlling body weight to unmotivated to use it because of health reasons. AttitudeLikely to be positive depending on how effective the treadmill can provide the required training levels and features the user may be expecting. FinanceLow to high levels of income, more likely to be on higher levels of income as career tends to be well grounded at this stage. Daily physical activityMay range from being inactive due to working in an office; to very active working as a postal worker for example. Exercise equipment experienceVery likely to have experience in the use of a range of exercise equipment. LifestyleLikely to be athletic viewing exercise as fun, be sports-savvy viewing sport as a fashion statement, may be health oriented -likes to have a specific diet or may have medical reasons for keeping fit. User Persona: Leroy (Persona for the treadmill users aged 24 to 56 year group) Leroy is a 28 year old male. He works as a stock broker and earns  £80 000 per year, graduated from Queen Mary University with a MSc Wealth Management degree. Leroy is in a steady relationship with Claire, they are living in a spacious three bedroom upmarket apartment in a London suburb, it is situated near a large gym and very close to an Underground station; this makes travelling to pubs, shops and other amenities very simple. He lives a very fast paced life, takes great pride in his image. Shopping for good expensive clothing is important as this makes him stand out from others. Leroy plays squash with his friend Paul in the mornings to get him in the right frame of mind for work; this helps because he is very competitive. After work he will meet Claire at the Gym to do some cardio on the treadmill, this helps them to relax after a tough day. Having a treadmill at home will free up some time that he would appreciate spending with his friends and family. I used the persona activity to create a template for my persona, I immersed myself in to it, I imagined myself as Leroy, I know this may not be a true reflection of a real person and asking someone else to complete a persona notebook would perhaps give me views I could not imagine. Word count 849 (limit 800) Section 3: Detailed design brief Goal: To design a motorised treadmill that will improve overall fitness levels of the user according to their current state of health and well-being; with minimal programming input from the user. Context: People use treadmills for weight-loss, relaxation and stress-management or to maintain and improve their health and well-being. The main reason users dont exercise is; a lack of time, figuring out what program is best for the users goal is time consuming and confusing thus most users tend to use the basic stop start functions; making the user experience mundane and therefore the user is less likely to stay motivated. Users that have a goal to work towards or that is stimulated audio-visually are more likely to stay motivated and return to exercise more frequently. This brief provides an opportunity to challenge the traditional image of the treadmill that is seen as mundane by creating something interesting that forms part of the users everyday life. Constraints: The design must: User-centred, ease of use and functions to be self-explanatory. Energy-efficient, energy consumption must have an energy-efficiency rating of A or better. Non-moving parts to last lifespan of the design. All parts must be recyclable or come from a renewable source. Ready for market launch within a maximum of 5 years. To retail at approximately  £750. Able to connect with a variety of devices. Maintain a maximum speed of up to 16 km per hour with a maximum user load of up to 140kg. The running-deck must have a minimum running area of 135cm x 46cm. Mains operated. Be safe and reliable Criteria: The design should: Usable by able bodied and disable bodied users, limitations can include sight problems, hearing-loss and loss of limbs or mobility issues such as arthritis. Appeal to male and female users aged between 16-56 years. Require little to no maintenance. Assembly should be simple and easy to follow. Able to be stored neatly and compactly. Be easy to move during storage. Word Count 324 (limit 300) References ARGOS (2017) ARGOS spring / summer 2017, ARGOS. Aston Martin Rapide S (2017) Aston Martin. Available at: http://www.astonmartin.com/cars/rapide-s (Accessed: 4 February 2017). C.Searspartsdirect.com (No Date) Available at: http://c.searspartsdirect.com/lis_png/PLDM/P9110011-00001.png (Accessed: 6 February 2017). FitnessforWeightLoss (2015) Gym statistics: Members, equipment, and cancellations. Available at: http://www.fitnessforweightloss.com/gym-statistics-members-equipment-and-cancellations/ (Accessed: 4 February 2017). Fitness-Superstore.co.uk (No Date) Available at: http://www.fitness-superstore.co.uk/technogym-spazio-forma-folding-treadmill-with-training-link.html (Accessed: 3 January 2017). FreeGreatPicture (2016) Free photo man sports competition game Racquetball exercise. Available at: http://maxpixel.freegreatpicture.com/Man-Sports-Competition-Game-Racquetball-Exercise-89823 (Accessed: 9 February 2017). Image: History Gilbert (no date) Available at: https://www.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gilbertsa.co.za%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2014%2F01%2Fhistory31.jpgimgrefurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gilbertsa.co.za%2Fhistory%2Fdocid=8eSbVl-aVYRhrMtbnid=wdHhJhz5Z8ZayM%3Avet=1w=725h=275bih=636biw=1242q=rugby%20ball%20historyved=0ahUKEwjGo7jm0vbRAhXBD8AKHW8oAyoQMwgeKAIwAgiact=mrcuact=8#h=275imgrc=wdHhJhz5Z8ZayM:vet=1w=725 (Accessed: 4 February 2017). Image: Rugby ball Wikipedia (no date) Available at: https://www.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=https%3A%2F%2Fupload.wikimedia.org%2Fwikipedia%2Fcommons%2Fthumb%2F3%2F35%2FRichard_Lindon_(1816-1887).jpg%2F150px-Richard_Lindon_(1816-1887).jpgimgrefurl=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FRugby_balldocid=lW8pE2oOw1kUKMtbnid=JYnP6tWeXFBirM%3Avet=1w=150h=218bih=636biw=1242q=rugby%20ball%20historyved=0ahUKEwjGo7jm0vbRAhXBD8AKHW8oAyoQMwgpKA0wDQiact=mrcuact=8#h=218imgrc=JYnP6tWeXFBirM:vet=1w=150 (Accessed: 4 February 2017). Jhony (2017) Buy Opti manual folding treadmill at Argos.Co.Uk your online shop for treadmills, fitness equipment, sports and leisure. Available at: http://www.argos.co.uk/product/6127743 (Accessed: 6 February 2017). Metabolic disorders (2016) Available at: http://www.technogym.com/gb/business-solution/metabolic-disorders/ (Accessed: 3 January 2017). Pebble Technology (2012) Pebble watch trio group 04 Available at: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pebble_watch_trio_group_04.png (Accessed: 23 January 2017). Physical activity statistics 2015 (2016) Available at: https://www.bhf.org.uk/publications/statistics/physical-activity-statistics-2015 (Accessed: 4 January 2017). Push button tap (no date) Available at: https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=push+button+tapespv=2biw=1242bih=636source=lnmstbm=ischsa=Xved=0ahUKEwjh3-aK1_bRAhVTOMAKHZ7gACkQ_AUIBygC#imgrc=AQF6rJotS-erZM: (Accessed: 4 February 2017). The Open University (2013) Designing for people: Book 2, Milton Keynes, The Open University. Yozgat, B. (2014) How many treadmills are sold each year? Available at: http://www.howmanyarethere.net/how-many-treadmills-are-sold-each-year/ (Accessed: 4 January 2017). (The references are not included in the word count)

Get Nevada Glowing :: essays research papers fc

â€Å"Two minutes† says Teal Krech as he replies to a question posed to him bye an interested intern from within his cubicle at the â€Å"Village Voice† headquarters. The question he was answering was â€Å"How long can a human being survive unshielded radiation exposure from a broken fuel rod?† Teal achieved this research from the DoE (Department of Energy) who to this point â€Å"has no set plan for the transportation of the spent nuclear fuel rods through our major cities and states on their way to ultimate storage in the bowels of Yucca Mountain†(Krech 2002). Yucca Mountain, located approximately 100 miles Northwest of Las Vegas, Nevada, is the site that President George Bush has endorsed for serious consideration as the location in which to store the nations nuclear waste. This nuclear waste, currently stored at 131 reactor sites around the nation, originates from nuclear fuel rods used for nuclear power generation, and national defense and weapons pr ograms.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Since 1978 the Department of Energy has been studying Yucca Mountain. They have been trying to determine whether it would be suitable for the long-term geologic repository for spent nuclear fuel and high level radioactive wastes. In that time period and billions of American dollars spent of scientific research on everything from the potential seepage into groundwater to microbial growth within the Alcoves already trenched into the mountain’s core. Yucca Mountain has been determined the safest place in North America for such a site. The Department of transportation has sank nearly three decades of research and money into the site and have just this year began developing a concise transportation plan for the movement of this nuclear waste throughout our country to the Yucca Mountain site, says Energy Department spokesman Joe Davis. â€Å"With the licensing procedures expected to take 3 years† (Abraham 2002) and that license only granted through the construction period of the site, at which point and time the Department of Energy will have to reapply for licensing before they can begin to receive wastes, the project is at least 8 years away from completion. I personally think that eight years allows plenty of time for further development of transportation methods and protocols that will guarantee the safe movement and containment of this waste through our major cities. The Department of Energy will probably come up with special containers that will be specifically designed to withstand even the most violent of turnovers and impacts, just like they have done for the transportation of gaseous cyanide and chlorine which are transported bye truck and rail every day.

Deterrence, Rational and Restorative Justice Theories Essay -- Legal I

This paper will illustrate three theories; deterrence theory, rational choice theory, and restorative justice theory. It will outline in detail the policies, and the connections between theory, research, and policy. Deterrence theory can be outlined as â€Å"principles of certainty, severity, and celerity of punishment, proportionality, specific and general deterrence† (Burke, 2009). In order for the punishment to be effective it has to be certain, swift, severe. Certainty is more important than the severity in deterring crime. Deterrence theory confirms that if the punishment contains these three elements people will rationally calculate that there is more to be lost than there is to be gained from crime (Gordon, 2010). Deterrence functions in two ways. General deterrence is the punishment of the offender to be set as an example for others in the society and specific deterrence focuses on repeat offenders to refraining them from the act (Burke, 2009). The purpose of general deterrence is to abstain others considering committing the crime. It was argued that when the certainty, severity, and celerity of criminal sanctions are high in a population, criminal behaviour will be low. Studies suggest that capital punishment has been ineffective, other studies show that more homicides occurred when the death penalty was publicized (Pacotti, 2005). Then a comparative research shows that 5 countries with the highest homicide rate do impose the death penalty average 41.6% murders for every 100, 000 people, whereas the five countries that don’t impose death penalty is 21.6% for every 100, 000 (Gordon, 2010). Deterrence also has little affect on domestic cases, drunk driving, and shoplifting. Deterrence is well said in a theory but in reality ... ...ender in certain circumstances of a situation. Restorative justice has been used widely, and has some success rate, for those to be held accountable without being sanctioned; by repairing the harm or paying restitution will restore harmony within the victim and community to some extent. The program is inconsistent that it will repair harm done to the victim, but many victims are being left emotionally, psychological, and physical strained which will lead to another conflict during victim-offender mediation. Overall, it concludes the idea that some programs can effective and has ties to its theory; others can ineffective in deterring, repairing, and restoring crime, as well as low success rate. Furthermore, offenders in many cases don’t think rationally before committing the act and crime can’t be deterred it doesn’t matter if the punishment is harsh or lenient.

Essay --

I watched a documentary on Youtube about the Super Volcano that lies beneath the oldest national park. I have always been very interested in this particular volcano because it is so close to my home in Colorado. I found this documentary to be thoroughly informative while being left extraordinarily frightening. All of those wonderful geysers, boiling mud pits, and pools of heated sulfur, all get their power by the magma chamber a mere 5 miles below the surface. This Magma chamber contains over one million tons of partially molten rock. Volcanologists have explored all parts of Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming. The discoveries that they made would shock the world, they have found 3 calderas from past eruptions. The last and biggest eruption ever known to man, taking place 64,000 years ago, left a huge Caldera towards the North part of Wyoming up into Montana that can only be fully seen in the air. The effects of this eruption were felt most heavily in a radius of 300 miles however there were devastating effects were felt worldwide and they lasted up to 9 years. This caldera is the biggest ever known to mankind, and with part of it overlapped with a caldera from a previous, smaller eruption, ultimately creating an even larger caldera. This is the foundation for a globally spread disaster. There’s only one eruption that can almost match the destruction that would come when the pressure starts to build and everything explodes. That is the Eruption in Toba. We know from this eruption that when a supervolcano erupts the immediate effects will take place in a Possible 450ft. Radius. A super volcano differs from the typical volcano in the sense that there is no dome or raise earth where the opening is. Instead, the magma chamber is rumbling ... ...fference of life and death. I liked the production and presentation of the documentary, it was VERY informative and chalked full of facts that I am dying to share with everyone now. If I could change anything about the message that they sent across would be that, yes if an eruption were to happen (which it probably will sometime in the not so far away future however far away that may be, anywhere from a year from now, to one thousand years from now) our future would be bleak and most likely the earth would be desolate. But I would have added in the factor and hope that comes with knowing that God’s in control and it was his will for this to happen. Overall It leaves me knowing everything I would have ever want to know about the Yellowstone Supervolcano. Yet in a strange way, it leaves me wanting to explore deeper into the mystery that lies just beneath our feet.

Comparison of a Position Argument and a Proposal Argument

6. 1 COMPARISON OF A POSITION ARGUMENT AND A PROPOSAL ARGUMENT |DISTINCTION |POSITION ARGUMENT |PROPOSAL ARGUMENT | |Definition of each |Proposal arguments, however, are arguments in which you |Position arguments are arguments in which you state your | | |request a change in policy or procedure of something that is|position on a certain issue and then proceed to argue the | | |already in place, like a new law or rule for example. stance you're taking on the issue with some well-documented | | | |evidence, research, and facts. |Key features of each |HAVE YOU: |HAVE YOU: | | |Chose a controversial issue |Clearly stated the problem | | |Clearly stated a position |Clearly proposed a solution | | |Recognized other positions and possible objections |Explained why the solution will work | | |Developed a well-reasoned argument |Demonstrated how the solution will work | | |Provided convincing support evidence |Addressed possible objections | | |Projected a reasonable persona |Shown why the solution is better than alternatives | | | |Projected a reasonable persona | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |How does each begin? |With an explanation of their issue and clearly stated |Because a proposal argument seeks to change the readers mind| | |position. or behavior, you must first demonstrate that there is such a| | | |problem. The writer should make the problem more convincing | | | |supporting the claim by showing solid evidence. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |How does each conclude? |Provide convincing supporting evidence in figures pacts and |Even though you may believe you have the best solution for | | |specific details. The more valid facts and supporting the |the problem, you cannot expect readers to follow | | |position the more reason there is for the reader to accept |automatically to share your opinion. The writer must explain| | |that the position is valid. |why you r solution is better than the alternatives. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |

Green Golf Traingle Sri Lanka Essay

The world Tourism arrivals grew by 4.4 % in 2011 to a total of 980Mn up from 939 M in 2010. Among the regions Asia lead with 6.1 % growth. Sri Lanka did well with 32% growth in 2011 and country is expected to reach 2.5 million tourist arrival by year 2016. The Development policy framework of the Government namely ‘Mahinda Chintana’ is committed to a sustainable tourism development. The strategic commitments of six year Tourism Development Strategy Plan is aimed to fulfill its ambitious vision to grow tourism arrivals to 2.5 million with USD 2.75 billion foreign exchange earnings by 2016. The plan further emphasize the priorities outlined for Sri Lanka Tourism business plan 2011-2012, including encouraging regional visitation, investment attraction and attracting golfers from emerging markets such as China and India. Golf involves directly with the tourism offering golfing facilities in Sri Lanka. It was introduced Sri Lanka in the later part of the 19th century by the British Planters. Though there are growing awareness for environmental protection and sustainability, most of the tourism industry products are still far from achieving these ‘green’ objective. Hence the proposal of Green Golf Triangle is to give an achievable practical target to boost the ongoing discussion of environment sustainability. The main economic benefit that will accrue through the project will be increase of foreign exchange while attracting up market quality tourist. In addition development of this nature are important for regional developments, since they create social mobility and open new opportunities for employment. Objectives Recognize and promote Sri Lanka as a â€Å"Green Golf† destination in which visitors can play golf on three high-quality, environmentally-responsible courses. With this proposed project, Sri Lanka will become the first country anywhere in the world to have all of its courses recognized as environmentally responsible. The primary objective is to create sustainable recreation facility where visitors could come and enjoy a game of golf set within nature which provided in beautiful environmental friendly and sustainable setting. In other word to develop a unique recreational products which will cater to high end ‘niche’ market segment of tourism. Followings are some of the specific objectives that could be achieved by maintaining Green Golf Practices. †¢ It’s the law to maintain the environment and have ethical business practices †¢ Better government relations †¢ Better community relations †¢ Save money on running costs †¢ Good media angle †¢ Way to stand out from other courses in the region which will enhances positioning of Golf Tourism in Sri Lanka †¢ Enhances ability to attract regional & International Golf tournaments †¢ Reinforces corporate positioning as a responsible tourism †¢ Collateral activities can be developed – nature walks, bird watching Present Policy The government development policy regarding tourism development is to ensure that tourist and recreational developments are socially and environmentally acceptable, and that the developments meets the needs of tourists and contributes to the overall policy and objectives of Sri Lanka tourism. Followings are some of the aspects that apply to all tourist activities. †¢ An Environmental impact assessment should be carried out for all projects and environmentally harmful measures relating to development and maintenance avoided †¢ Water Supply of all tourist projects should be adequate and sources of supply should be sustainable †¢ Electricity – All establishment should be adequate and reliable. Environmentally friendly alternative sources , particular solar energy are encouraged †¢ Surface water – Drainage should be adequate to remove surface water and collection and re-use should be incorporated into the design and operation where ever possible The proposed project of ‘Green Golf Triangle’ is very much in line with above stated government policies and standards. Therefore obtaining required approval and clearance will be hazel free process. Planning aspects Sri Lanka has positioned itself as a ‘green’ and ‘eco† destination. It also successfully structures tourist itineraries as â€Å"cultural triangles†. Sri Lanka Cultural triangle covers an area which includes very important world heritage site of scared cities of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Kandy with Dambulla. The Cultural Triangle is visited by many pilgrims, both laymen and the clergy (prominently Buddhist), as well as by local and almost all foreign tourists to the country. In the same manner positioning of Green Golf Triangle should be developed and promoted.

The Vampire Diaries: The Fury Chapter Ten

December 12, Thursday morning Dear Diary, So after a week of work, what have we accomplished? Well, between us we've managed to follow our three suspects just about continuously for the last six or seven days. Results: reports on Robert's movements for the last week, which he spent acting like any normal businessman. Reports on Alaric, who hasn't been doing anything unusual for a history teacher. Reports on Mrs. Flowers, who apparently spends most of her time in the basement. But we haven't really learned anything. Stefan says that Alaric met with the principal a couple times, but he couldn't get close enough to hear what they were talking about. Meredith and Bonnie spread the news about other pets besides dogs being dangerous. They didn't need to work very hard at it; it seems as if everybody in town is on the verge of hysteria already. Since then there've been several other animal attacks reported, but it's hard to know which ones to take seriously. Some kids were teasing a squirrel and it bit them. The Massases' pet rabbit scratched their littlest boy. Old Mrs. Coomber saw copperhead snakes in her yard, when all the snakes should be hibernating. The only one I'm sure about is the attack on the vet who was keeping the dogs in quarantine. A bunch of them bit him and most of them escaped from the holding pens. After that they just disappeared. People are saying good riddance and hoping they'll starve in the woods, but I wonder. And it's been snowing all the time. Not storming but not stopping, either. I've never seen so much snow. Stefan's worried about the dance tomorrow night. Which brings us back to: what have we learned so far? What do we know? None of our suspects were anywhere near the Massases' or Mrs. Coomber's or the vet's when the attacks happened. We're no closer to finding the Other Power than we were when we started. Marie's little get-together is tonight. Meredith thinks we should go to it. I don't know what else there is to do. Damon stretched out his long legs and spoke lazily, looking around the barn. â€Å"No, I don't think it's dangerous, particularly. But I don't see what you expect to accomplish.† â€Å"Neither do I, exactly,† Elena admitted. â€Å"But I don't have any better ideas. Do you?† â€Å"What, you mean about other ways to spend the time? Yes, I do. Do you want me to tell you about them?† Elena waved him to silence and he subsided. â€Å"In the basement,† chorused several voices. â€Å"And we're all just sitting here. Does anybody have a better idea?† Meredith broke the silence. â€Å"If you're worried about its being dangerous for me and Bonnie, why don't you all come? I don't mean you have to show yourselves. You could come and hide in the attic. Then if anything happened, we could scream for help and you would hear us.† â€Å"I don't see why anybody's going to be screaming,† said Bonnie. â€Å"Nothing's going to happen there.† â€Å"Well, maybe not, but it doesn't hurt to be safe,† Meredith said. â€Å"What do you think?† Elena nodded slowly. â€Å"It makes sense.† She looked around for objections, but Stefan just shrugged, and Damon murmured something that made Bonnie laugh. â€Å"All right, then, it's decided. Let's go.† The inevitable snow greeted them as they stepped outside the barn. â€Å"Bonnie and I can go in my car,† Meredith said. â€Å"And you three-â€Å" â€Å"Oh, we'll find our own way,† Damon said with his wolfish smile. Meredith nodded, not impressed. Funny, Elena thought as the other girls walked away; Meredith never was impressed with Damon. His charm seemed to have no effect on her. She was about to mention that she was hungry when Stefan turned to Damon. â€Å"Are you willing to stay with Elena the entire time you're over there? Every minute?† he said. â€Å"Try and stop me,† Damon said cheerfully. He dropped the smile. â€Å"Why?† â€Å"Because if you are, the two of you can go over alone, and I'll meet you later. I've got something to do, but it won't take long.† Elena felt a wave of warmth. He was trying to trust his brother. She smiled at Stefan in approval as he drew her aside. â€Å"What is it?† â€Å"I got a note from Caroline today. She asked if I would meet her at the school before Alaric's party. She said she wanted to apologize. Elena opened her mouth to make a sharp remark, and then shut it again. From what she'd heard, Caroline was a sorry sight these days. And maybe it would make Stefan feel better to talk to her. â€Å"Well, you don't have anything to apologize for,† she told him. â€Å"Everything that happened to her was her own fault. You don't think she's dangerous at all?† â€Å"Be careful,† Elena said as he started off into the snow. The attic was as she remembered it, dark and dusty and full of mysterious oilcloth-covered shapes. Damon, who had come in more conventionally through the front door, had had to take the shutters off to let her in through the window. After that they sat side by side on the old mattress and listened to the voices that came up through the ducts. â€Å"I could think of more romantic settings,† Damon murmured, fastidiously pulling a cobweb off his sleeve. â€Å"Are you sure you wouldn't rather-â€Å" â€Å"Yes,† said Elena. â€Å"Now hush.† It was like a game, listening to the bits and pieces of conversations and trying to put them together, trying to match each voice to a face. â€Å"And then I said, I don't care how long you've had the parakeet; get rid of it or I'm going to the Snow Dance with Mike Feldman. And he said-â€Å" â€Å"-rumor going around that Mr. Tanner's grave was dug up last night-â€Å" â€Å"-you hear that everybody but Caroline has dropped out of the snow queen competition? Don't you think-â€Å" â€Å"-dead, but I'm telling you I saw her. And no, I wasn't dreaming; she was wearing a sort of silvery dress and her hair was all golden and blowing-â€Å" Elena raised her eyebrows at Damon, then looked meaningfully down at her sensible black attire. He grinned. â€Å"Romanticism,† he said. â€Å"Myself, I like you in black.† â€Å"Well, you would, wouldn't you?† she murmured. It was strange how much more comfortable she felt with Damon these days. She sat quietly, letting the conversations drift around her, almost losing track of time. Then she caught a familiar voice, cross, and closer than the rest. â€Å"Okay, okay, I'm going. Okay.† Elena and Damon exchanged a glance and rose to their feet as the handle on the attic door turned. Bonnie peered around the edge. â€Å"Meredith told me to come up here. I don't know why. She's hogging Alaric and it's a rotten party. Achoo!† She sat down on the mattress, and after a few minutes Elena sat back down beside her. She was beginning to wish that Stefan would get here. By the time the door opened again and Meredith came in, she was sure of it. â€Å"Meredith, what's going on?† â€Å"Nothing, or at least nothing to worry about. Where's Stefan?† Meredith's cheeks were unusually flushed, and there was an odd look about her eyes, as if she were holding something tightly under control. â€Å"Nothing, or at least nothing to worry about. Where's Stefan?† Meredith's cheeks were unusually flushed, and there was an odd look about her eyes, as if she were holding something tightly under control. â€Å"Never mind where he is. Who's coming up the stairs?† â€Å"What do you mean, ‘who's coming up the stairs?' † said Bonnie, rising. â€Å"Everybody just stay calm,† Meredith said, taking up a position in front of the window as if guarding it. She didn't look overly calm herself, Elena thought. â€Å"All right,† she called, and the door opened and Alaric Saltzman came in. Damon's motion was so smooth that even Elena's eyes couldn't follow it; in one movement he caught Elena's wrist and pulled her behind him, at the same time moving to face Alaric directly. He ended in a predator's crouch, every muscle drawn taut and ready for the attack. â€Å"Oh, don't,† cried Bonnie wildly. She flung herself at Alaric, who had already begun to recoil a step from Damon. Alaric nearly lost his balance and groped behind himself for the door. His other hand was groping at his belt. â€Å"Stop it! Stop it!† Meredith said. Elena saw the shape beneath Alaric's jacket and realized it was a gun. Again, she couldn't quite follow what happened next. Damon let go of her wrist and took hold of Alaric's. And then Alaric was sitting on the floor, wearing a dazed expression, and Damon was emptying the gun of cartridges, one by one. â€Å"I told you that was stupid and you wouldn't need it,† Meredith said. Elena realized she was holding the dark-haired girl by the arms. She must have done it to keep Meredith from interfering with Damon, but she didn't remember. â€Å"These wood-tipped things are nasty; they might hurt somebody,† Damon said, mildly chiding. He replaced one of the cartridges and snapped the clip back in, aiming thoughtfully at Alaric. â€Å"Stop it,† said Meredith intensely. She turned to Elena. â€Å"Make him stop, Elena; he's only doing more harm. Alaric won't hurt you; I promise. I've spent all week convincing him that you won't hurt him.† â€Å"And now I think my wrist is broken,† Alaric said, rather calmly. His sandy hair was falling into his eyes in front. â€Å"You've got no one but yourself to blame.† Meredith returned bitterly. Bonnie, who had been clutching solicitously at Alaric's shoulders, looked up at the familiarity of Meredith's tone, and then backed away a few paces and sat down. â€Å"I can't wait to hear the explanation for this,† she said. â€Å"Please trust me,† Meredith said to Elena. Elena looked into the dark eyes. She did trust Meredith; she'd said so. And the words stirred another memory, her own voice asking for Stefan's trust. She nodded. â€Å"Damon?† she said. He flipped the gun away casually and then smiled around at all of them, making it abundantly clear that he didn't need any such artificial weapons. â€Å"Damon?† she said. He flipped the gun away casually and then smiled around at all of them, making it abundantly clear that he didn't need any such artificial weapons. â€Å"Oh, I'm sure,† Bonnie said. Elena walked toward Alaric Saltzman. She wasn't afraid of him, but by the way he looked only at her, slowly, starting from the feet and then continuing up, he was afraid of her. She stopped when she was a yard from where he sat on the ground and knelt there, looking into his face. â€Å"Hello,† she said. He was still holding his wrist. â€Å"Hello,† he said, and gulped. Elena glanced back at Meredith and then looked at Alaric again. Yes, he was scared. And with his hair in his eyes that way, he looked young. Maybe four years older than Elena, maybe five. No more than that. â€Å"We're not going to hurt you,† she said. â€Å"That's what I've been telling him,† Meredith said quietly. â€Å"I explained that whatever he's seen before, whatever stories he's heard, you're different. I told him what you told me about Stefan, how he's been fighting his nature all those years. I told him about what you've been going through, Elena, and how you never asked for this.† But why did you tell him so much? Elena thought. She said to Alaric, â€Å"All right, you know about us. But all we know about you is that you're not a history teacher.† â€Å"He's a hunter,† Damon said softly, menacingly. â€Å"A vampire hunter.† â€Å"No,† said Alaric. â€Å"Or at least, not in the sense that you mean it.† He seemed to come to some decision. â€Å"All right. From what I know of you three-† He broke off, looking around the dark room as if suddenly realizing something. â€Å"Where's Stefan?† â€Å"He's coming. In fact, he should be here by now. He was going to stop by the school and bring Caroline,† Elena said. She was unprepared for Alaric's reaction. â€Å"Caroline Forbes?† he said sharply, sitting up. His voice sounded the way it had when she'd overheard him talking with Dr. Fein' berg and the principal, hard-edged and decisive. â€Å"Yes. She sent him a note today, said she wanted to apologize or something. She wanted to meet him at school before the party.† â€Å"He can't go. You've got to stop him.† Alaric scrambled to his feet and repeated urgently, â€Å"You've got to stop him.† â€Å"He's gone already. Why? Why shouldn't he?† Elena demanded. â€Å"Because I hypnotized Caroline two days ago. I'd tried it earlier with Tyler, with no luck. But Caroline's a good subject, and she remembered a little of what happened in the Quonset hut. And she identified Stefan Salvatore as the attacker.† â€Å"Don't you understand? You're not just dealing with high school students anymore,† Alaric said. â€Å"It's gone too far. Caroline's father knows about it, and Tyler's father. They're concerned for the safety of the town-â€Å" â€Å"Hush! Be quiet!† Elena was casting about with her mind, trying to pick up some hint of Stefan's presence. He's let himself get weak, she thought, with the part of her that was icy calm amid the whirling fear and panic. At last she sensed something, just a trace, but she thought it was Stefan. And it was in distress. â€Å"Something's wrong,† Damon confirmed, and she realized he must have been searching, too, with a mind much more powerful than hers. â€Å"Let's go.† â€Å"Wait, let's talk first. Don't just go jumping into this.† But Alaric might as well have been talking to the wind, trying to rein in its destructive power with words. Damon was already at the window, and the next moment Elena let herself drop out, landing neatly by Damon in the snow. Alaric's voice followed them from above. â€Å"We're coming, too. Wait for us there. Let me talk to them first. I can take care of it†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Elena scarcely heard him. Her mind was burning with one purpose, one thought. To hurt the people who wanted to hurt Stefan. It's gone too far, all right, she thought. And now I'm going to go as far as it takes. If they dare to touch him†¦ images flashed through her mind, too quickly to count, of what she would do to them. At another time, she might have been shocked at the rush of adrenaline, of excitement, that coursed up at the thoughts. She could sense Damon's mind beside her as they raced over the snow; it was like a blaze of red light and fury. The fierceness inside Elena welcomed it, glad to feel it so near. But then something else occurred to her. â€Å"I'm slowing you down,† she said. She was scarcely out of breath, even from running through unbroken snow, and they were making extraordinary time. But nothing on two legs, or even four, could match the speed of a bird's wings. â€Å"Go on,† she said. â€Å"Get there as fast as you can. I'll meet you.† She didn't stay to watch the blur and shudder of the air, or the swirling darkness that ended in the rush of beating wings. But she glanced up at the crow that soared up and she heard Damon's mental voice. Good hunting, it said, and the winged black shape arrowed toward the school. Good hunting, Elena thought after him, meaning it. She redoubled her speed, her mind fixed all the while on that glimmer of Stefan's presence. Stefan lay on his back, wishing his vision wasn't so blurred or that he had more than a tentative hold on consciousness. The blur was partly pain and partly snow, but there was also a trickle of blood from the three-inch wound in his scalp. If only he could collect his thoughts enough to call for help†¦ but the weakness that had allowed these men to overcome him so easily prevented that, too. He'd scarcely fed since the night he'd attacked Tyler. That was ironic, somehow. His own guilt was responsible for the mess he was in. I should never have tried to change my nature, he thought. Damon had it right after all. Everyone's the same-Alaric, Caroline, everyone. Everyone will betray you. I should have hunted them all and enjoyed it. He hoped Damon would take care of Elena. She'd be safe with him; Damon was strong and ruthless. Damon would teach her to survive. He was glad of that. But something inside him was crying. The crow's sharp eyes spotted the crossing shafts of headlight below and dropped. But Damon didn't need the confirmation of sight; he was homing in on the faint pulsation that was Stefan's life-force. Faint because Stefan was weak and because he'd all but given up. You never learn, do you, brother? Damon thought to him. I ought to just leave you where you are. But even as he skimmed the ground, he was changing, taking a shape that would do more damage than a crow. The black wolf leaped into the knot of men surrounding Stefan, aiming precisely for the one holding the sharpened cylinder of wood above Stefan's chest. The force of the blow knocked the man ten feet backward, and the stake went skittering across the grass. Damon restrained his impulse-all the stronger because it fit the instincts of the shape he was wearing-to lock his teeth in the man's throat. He twisted around and went back for the other men who were still standing. His second rush scattered them, but one of them reached the edge of the light and turned, lifting something to his shoulder. Rifle, thought Damon. And probably loaded with the same specially treated bullets as Alaric's handgun had been. There was no way to reach the man before he could get a shot off. The wolf growled and crouched for a leap anyway. The man's fleshy face creased in a smile. Quick as a striking snake, a white hand reached out of the darkness and knocked the rifle away. The man looked around frantically, bewildered, and the wolf let its jaws fall open in a grin. Elena had arrived.