Renewable Wind Power Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Renewable Wind Power - Research Paper Example A wind turbine is a device that converts kinetic energy of wind into mechanical energy. When mechanical energy is put to use directly in some equipment such as grinding stones or a pump, it is called a windmill. Instead, when it is converted to electricity for further use, the device is known as wind turbine or wind generator. Wind turbines are mounted at high elevation so as to receive a constant flow of wind power at higher average velocity. Usually, wind turbines need an average speed of 35 kilometer/hour or 11 meters/second. Wind velocity mapping is done before selecting a place for wind turbine. Higher the wind speeds, more are the chances to get continuous flow of electricity (Whitburn, 2012). As terminology implies, 1- kW rated capacity wind turbine would generate theoretically maximum of 1 kW of power per hour, if continuous flow of wind with the average wind velocity is available at all the time; however, in all practical purposes it does not happen so because wind energy is intermittent. In the long run, wind turbines are found to generate electricity only at 10-40% of their rated capacity. This means that wind turbine with the rated capacity of 1 kW would generate between 2.4 kWh (1Ãâ€" 24Ãâ€" 0.10) and 9.6 kWh of power per day (1Ãâ€"24Ãâ€" 0.40) (Whitburn, 2012). Wind turbines can be segregated on the basis of horizontal- and vertical-axis turbines. Horizontal-axis turbines have tail fins that keep blades facing the wind. A constant flow of wind keeps turning the rotor blades of the turbine, which is connected to the generator through a rotating shaft and gear-wheel assembly. The power so generated is called Direct Current (DC) and needs to be converted to Alternating Current (AC) for its use as all devices for home use are usually designed based on AC current. The conversion from DC to AC is done through a device called inverter. Inverter is connected to a battery bank that is a store house of electricity produced in this way because wind energy is available intermittently while electricity demand is continuous. When no sufficient wind energy is available, electricity production comes to a standstill; however, the need of end users are met through the stored energy in the pool of battery (Whitburn, 2012). The following schematic shows the st eps involved in the production of wind power. Source: http://exploringgreentechnology.com/wind-energy/how-does-wind-energy-work/ How Wind Energy Can Save Money Companies can save a huge amount of money if they use this renewable source of energy. Subsidies that are available at Federal and State levels give extra cushioning; technological advances and scale of operations have changed the scenario in clear terms. Subsidies Available on Wind Energy The production tax credit (PTC) is the subsidy available to the producers of wind power and that, currently, rules at 2cents/kWh (zFacts, 2011). Most of the wind generators have qualified for this and they will receive it for 10 years. Moreover, double declining 5-year depreciation is the second benefit that companies get on investment toward wind power. This allows investor to take a 40% tax deduction on the very first year and 24% deduction on the second year. It is allowed to be completed in five years. The combined federal-sales tax rat e is around 43% and in that sense the depreciation allowance is lucrative enough and in terms of benefits, it accounts for half a cent/kWh (zFacts, 2011). Though wind produces electricity free of operating cost, it requires still huge investment toward the cost of equipment and installation

Portugal Perspective Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Portugal Perspective - Essay Example As a result of this kind of enlargement, democracy has been improved and Europe has become more secure. Portugal agrees with European Union enlargement, which has allowed other member countries like Iceland and Turkey to join. Kaiser & Elver (2006) add that when the Union met in Copenhagen, it invited 10 member countries to join the European Union. Portugal thinks that the Union was not only increasing its population and geographical size, but putting an end to the split in the continent which had separated the free world from the communist bloc. Additionally, it emphasizes that the EU enlargement has moral and political dimensions. This process enabled countries like Turkey, Hungary, Iceland, and Poland, which are European countries not only geographically but in their aspirations, culture and history, to join the European Union. As a result, the countries are now partners of EU project. Turkey is NATO member having a long-standing association with the European Union. It has been ap plying for membership since 1987, but its history, political situation and geographical location made the Union hesitate for a longtime before accepting the application. It was until recently that it negotiated with Turkey and at the same time entered into an agreement with another country. Morelli (2011) emphasizes that there are legal requirements that exists for any European country to become a member. The European integration means to make the candidate’s economic and political process open to other European countries, as well as readiness to sign their treaties. Normally, for countries to qualify as members of the Union, they must have a stable institution that guarantees rule of law, democracy, respect for minorities and human rights. Additionally, European enlargement will have a functioning capacity and economy with market forces and competitive pressure in the Union, as well as the ability to take on membership obligation and aims of the Union. The countries undergoi ng negotiations normally receive European Aid, which makes it easier for those countries to catch up with others economically. Sajdik & Schwarzinger (2008) contend that the enlargement of the Union cost a package of 4 billion for funding newcomer’s projects in order to help them fulfill their obligations. Portuguese, therefore, think that when European Union expands its territories, the member states will ensure that the Union is enlarged and as a result it will work democratically and efficiently. This process makes it clear that Europeans have a number of concerns on its identity, as well as the entire EU. Therefore, there are no possible answers as for Turkey, Iceland and other countries’ disputable entry into EU. This is because each country views its economic and geopolitical interests differently. Their entry also raises status question of such countries like Armenia and Georgia. They have fulfilled the European request, but still they are not members of EU since their public opinion is against joining (Claude, 2004). Advantages of the enlargement for Portugal and European economy As for Portugal experience and perspectives, some advantages of the enlargement for Portugal economy and European economy that appear to be relevant are the following: to start with, the economy of Portugal benefited when it joined EU; as a result, it has promoted structural changes and macroeconomic stability in the country. It is also a

The City in the progressive era Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

The City in the progressive era - Essay Example This research will begin with the statement that the progressive era was a time of flourishing during the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. During this era, there was much reform taking place. Women, government, education, and healthcare were made new to make for a better America. The progressive era was also a huge time for modernization. The leaders and families in the progressive era focused on modernizing everything. This meant increasing city life and many swarmed to the city. The present research has identified that during the progressive era the city had so much to offer. The city offered housing complexes, theatre, jobs, shopping, and schools were nearby. Many began to develop around cities. Immigration also began to grow. Asian decent immigrants came dramatically into the cities. The modernized way of thinking and city life encouraged increased immigration. During the progressive era, there was a huge focus on clean water and healthy family life. Many different act s such as the Pure Food and Drug Act, helped to put regulation on food and drinking water. This was important since the cities rapid growth contributed to illness as a result of improper sanitation. The paper tells that many living in the city during the progressive era shared the same toilets and overcrowding became an issue. The progressive era was definitely a time where many saw hope and dreamed of a promising future.

Portugal Perspective Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Portugal Perspective - Essay Example As a result of this kind of enlargement, democracy has been improved and Europe has become more secure. Portugal agrees with European Union enlargement, which has allowed other member countries like Iceland and Turkey to join. Kaiser & Elver (2006) add that when the Union met in Copenhagen, it invited 10 member countries to join the European Union. Portugal thinks that the Union was not only increasing its population and geographical size, but putting an end to the split in the continent which had separated the free world from the communist bloc. Additionally, it emphasizes that the EU enlargement has moral and political dimensions. This process enabled countries like Turkey, Hungary, Iceland, and Poland, which are European countries not only geographically but in their aspirations, culture and history, to join the European Union. As a result, the countries are now partners of EU project. Turkey is NATO member having a long-standing association with the European Union. It has been ap plying for membership since 1987, but its history, political situation and geographical location made the Union hesitate for a longtime before accepting the application. It was until recently that it negotiated with Turkey and at the same time entered into an agreement with another country. Morelli (2011) emphasizes that there are legal requirements that exists for any European country to become a member. The European integration means to make the candidate’s economic and political process open to other European countries, as well as readiness to sign their treaties. Normally, for countries to qualify as members of the Union, they must have a stable institution that guarantees rule of law, democracy, respect for minorities and human rights. Additionally, European enlargement will have a functioning capacity and economy with market forces and competitive pressure in the Union, as well as the ability to take on membership obligation and aims of the Union. The countries undergoi ng negotiations normally receive European Aid, which makes it easier for those countries to catch up with others economically. Sajdik & Schwarzinger (2008) contend that the enlargement of the Union cost a package of 4 billion for funding newcomer’s projects in order to help them fulfill their obligations. Portuguese, therefore, think that when European Union expands its territories, the member states will ensure that the Union is enlarged and as a result it will work democratically and efficiently. This process makes it clear that Europeans have a number of concerns on its identity, as well as the entire EU. Therefore, there are no possible answers as for Turkey, Iceland and other countries’ disputable entry into EU. This is because each country views its economic and geopolitical interests differently. Their entry also raises status question of such countries like Armenia and Georgia. They have fulfilled the European request, but still they are not members of EU since their public opinion is against joining (Claude, 2004). Advantages of the enlargement for Portugal and European economy As for Portugal experience and perspectives, some advantages of the enlargement for Portugal economy and European economy that appear to be relevant are the following: to start with, the economy of Portugal benefited when it joined EU; as a result, it has promoted structural changes and macroeconomic stability in the country. It is also a

International Finance and Financial Crisis Case Study

International Finance and Financial Crisis - Case Study Example They should oversee if the sources of funds have an undisrupted flow and if they are able to pay their creditors. Having a clear understanding, the company should try to maximise the cash positions. In 2008, Woolworths had net cash flow of 39.2 millions in comparison to 27.1 millions in 2007. In due contrast to it, the company had 2.2 millions of net cash flow in 2003. So, it can be said Woolworths took required measures to have the increased cash flow during the time of crisis. Identify and aggressively minimise operational risks - The companies, amidst financial crisis, should try to identify and reduce all sorts of avoidable day-to-day risks. During crisis, it is desirable that the companies follow the basics. The operations generated over 61.7 millions in 2008, a drastic increase over the previous year. Conduct rigorous scenario planning - During crisis the companies should also take a proper stock of the economic scenario. They should strategise on the basis of the GDP growth, currency depreciations, etc. Woolworths Group scrapped the idea of paying interim dividend in 2008 considering the net loss it has incurred and the global meltdown. Review business performance and prepare for divestitures - The c... They should strategise on the basis of the GDP growth, currency depreciations, etc. Woolworths Group scrapped the idea of paying interim dividend in 2008 considering the net loss it has incurred and the global meltdown. Review business performance and prepare for divestitures - The company, to sustain and survive the crisis, should continuously review its performance and take necessary steps, as and when required. Also, the company should prepare itself for necessary divestments to increase the cash inflow. As the cash inflow was great for Woolworths, so we can say that the company took regular assessments of its business performance. Maintain the confidence of key stakeholders - Any company that wants to stay floated for long term, knows the value of its stakeholders. Relationship with shareholders, suppliers and customers if once lost can not be regained. The revenue has increased in 2008 compared to 2007 for Woolworths Plc and also there are no bank overdrafts in the year. Dividend Policies, Capital Structure and the Shareholders' Wealth Share-holders are the true owners of any company. And the dividend is the earning of the owner because of his stock holding on the basis of the company's profit. Apart from the capital yield (which a share-holder might earn, if he sale away the share), earning of dividend is the reason of purchasing shares by the shareholder. If a company earns profit from its professional and operational activities, the management can either retain the profit or future investments (called retained profit or retained earning) under the head of 'reserve and surplus' in the balance sheet or the management of the company can distribute the profit among its

Green Revolution Essay Example for Free

Green Revolution Essay Interaction between humans and the environment has always had a great importance in the development of humankind; according to Marx, what differentiates humans from other animals is the fact that humans can transform their surroundings to suit their needs, through labor. The Green Revolution is not the exception to that. In times of need the human being manipulated its environment to be suitable for its development, however, the question lingers, how efficient was it, how positive? The Green Revolution, from 1945 to the present, was motivated by the need to increase the production of food to supply for the increasing demand as population grew, to promote national self-sustainability in terms of food. However, during that period the effect of the Revolution have been detrimental to the environment and society: they have damaged agricultural diversity and heritage, damaged the lands, and put at risk food security; also, they have widened the gap between the very rich and the very poor, monopolizing the food industry. The Green Revolution originated after an urgent need to promote food security with a growing trend in global population, as a way to promote self-sustainability and independence. As it is clear in the report given by the Food and Agriculture Organization (DOC 2), in the period ranging from around 1929 (great depression) and 1945 (end of World War II) the global food supply index was below the world population. What this means is that there was literally not enough food being produced world wide to feed the world population. This struggle of human kind to stay afloat in supplying the minimum needs for survival meant that a change needed to occur. The answer, as Dr. Norman Borlaug stated in his Nobel Lecture (DOC 4) was not simply planting more in the developing nations, since the lands in those areas were â€Å"tired, worn out, depleted of plant nutrients†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Clearly, what the document refers is that a new, more effective way of growing food had to be developed. In fact, Dr. Borlaug states that the priority of the developments of the green revolution concentrated in the millions that were lurked by hunger, a large problematic that clearly was under the spotlight. As a proof that the world was prioritizing the deficient food supply is the statement given by President Harry Truman (DOC 3). President Truman was the leader of the most powerful nation in the world at the time, the one with the largest technological developments, and his word was the one that would set the course of the world. This particular speech is vital, since it is the inaugural speech, where he was to set the priorities of the government and address the world with what the United States had as a course for the future. In this speech, he clearly refers to the shocking figure that â€Å"more than half the people of the world are living in conditions approaching misery† and says that the United States will help provide â€Å"technical knowledge†¦ to produce more food† In the speech President Truman refers often to liberty, thus meaning that self-sustainability will provide freedom. This speech is the perfect example, the jewel of the trend that the world was seeing with regard to prioritizing food. The mention of â€Å"technical knowledge† is vital in the construction of the green revolution as a response to the lack of food, with technological developments in the agricultural field. Some have said that the Green Revolution has been a success in improving the food industry, and improving living conditions for everyone; nevertheless the numbers today reflect a mediocre success. Indian minister for food and agriculture (1964-1967) states in an interview (DOC 5) that the farmers of the state of Punjab competed to use the technology that was introduced by the green revolution the best. It is stated with a positive connotation, as to refer to the great feats of Punjab. This seems very positive, however, the most likely reason for this to have occurred is the fact that multinational corporations were kicking them out of the market and they were forced into utilizing the technology that those same corporations were imposing on them. If this were true, which it most likely is, as it has happened in many places around the world, it would discredit the great success that the Green Revolution supposedly is. Furthermore, the claim is that the Green Revolution has brought prosperity, however, to whom, to the ones that were rich already? A perfect example of this negative impact of the Green Revolution is the conversation between Mrs. Dula and the United Nations official (DOC 6), which gives a not very realistic perspective of the impact of the green Revolution and is concentrated exclusively in the sector of the very rich. This document is indeed quite revealing, as the speaker is an aristocratic woman of Mexico, probably a housewife who sees the world through the optic of his husband, a man who earns a salary if the revolution which he works for is successful; in fact, she is most likely part of one of the clubs she talks about herself. The occasion of this statement is a simple conversation with a UN official, probably at some sort of a social event, where the high class is all joined together, with perfectly slanted people who are not really analyzing the global impact of the Green Revolution. This document gives a crystal clear proof of how much the Green Revolution has made the â€Å"rich Mexican farmers† richer probably at the expense of making the poor laborers, poorer, however, this document presents only one, very bright point of view to sell the revolution. With regards to India once again, socially, they sell the idea of improvement, like in the report of the State of Punjab (DOC 9) where it says that the Green Revolution has seen with it the â€Å"emergence of middle and rich peasants† a very undesirable euphemism to conceal the actual situation. This document seems to give a perspective of social growth and development, of a population going for education, yet once again, it seems very idealistic in its tone, when in reality India has totally different conditions. With regards to that, India has one of the largest Gini index’s in the world, meaning a huge social inequality, and has one of the smallest middle classes in the world, which has diminished even more throughout the years, meaning that in reality, India may have had a somewhat positive year, but the general trend is of a very pronounced downturn in social progress, all related to the Green Revolution which is destroying the small farmers. The Green Revolution, in truth has brought more ill than it has brought good, in the environmental and social aspects. Regarding environmental harm, the FAO Wheat Yield report (DOC 1) is very good in demonstrating the introduction of massive scale crops that the Green Revolution brings forth with it. The introduction of these crops damages the lands since they are not prone to such production. The graphs show that in both Mexico and India the crop yields were extremely irregular, and as time passed they have become even more, this is due to the fact that they are not proper to those areas and its planting is something totally synthetic and with complete disrespect towards the natural balance. The article by Dr. Vandana Shiva (DOC 8) reveals how much damage the crops, especially Genetically Modified Organisms; do to the land they are planted in. The â€Å"reduced genetic diversity, increased vulnerability to pests, soil erosion, water shortages†¦Ã¢â‚¬  are effect that will leave marked the land for a long time, as Dr. Shiva states, and are a threat to future generations, which will have totally barren land where it will be impossible to plant food. Dr. Shiva also refers to the social problematic that the Green Revolution is planting alongside its seeds. For instance the fight for water to provide irrigation, previously not needed in India, has lead to â€Å"conflict and violence† and as it has become a worldwide trend, the career for water dominance is â€Å"leading to both local and interstate water conflicts. † This clearly shows how disadvantageous the spread of the Green Revolution has been, since it has brought unmeasured changes that have not been made responsibly, but rather abruptly, causing enormous damage. Dr. Shiva is an Indian Physicist, and being from India she probably has had a very direct contact with the Green Revolution, considering that one of its birthplaces was in fact the State of Punjab. In this occasion she is writing for the Ecologist magazine, a publication read by people with primary interest in the environmental issues, including organization leaders and maybe politicians who will probably get concerned, especially due to the tone of annoyance and hatred that she employs in the article. Expanding on social implications, the Guatemalan National Coordinating Committee of Indigenous peasants (DOC 10) gives a different perspective. Although it may sound somewhat as mysticism from indigenous people, saying that they have contaminated the seeds is not a joke, considering the hormones that can be found in GMO plantations. This also acknowledges a vital issue, the loss of diversity and heritage that society is killing with the systematic Green Revolution trends, like the Mayan traditions, which have been present for â€Å"five thousand years. † Furthermore, the social disaster does not stop there, but stumbles over women, which according to the FAO Newsletter (DOC 7) have been forced to change their job. In this case the implications have made woman, traditionally in other roles, have even less opportunities to succeed, as the increased need for cash income made the woman be forced to work. This implies a social catastrophe since it denies the right of woman to equal opportunities, which are stripped off with the Green Revolution, which makes them simply one more laborer forced to work. Additional to the information presented in the documents it would be vital to contain the point of view of a small scale male farmer that has to compete with the multinational corporations, which have been installed after the start of the Green Revolution circa 1945. This would be important since it would show the first hand effects of the monopolies that the Green Revolution has brought, with regards to the social impact it has made, and whether that impact is positive or negative. As discussed throughout the essay, the Green Revolution, which has lasted from 1945 until the present day, was originated with a need to secure food production in a starving world. However its effects were not so positive, since today many starve, and the Green Revolution has damaged the environment and widened the gap between the social classes. The setup of crops that have give no benefit to the places in which they are grown, with complete disregard to the ecological balance that was being destroyed have caused issues ranging from soil erosion to water shortages and crops with pest vulnerability. The Green Revolution has also made the rich farmers richer at the cost of the poor being poorer, since the costs of the new technologies are not easily accessible, but the yields that they provide take the small farmers out of business. In general, although certain governments sponsor the Green Revolution and make it seem positive, it has brought about large changes in the way humans interact with the environment, with a generalized destruction of it to get short-term solutions to the problem of food shortages.

Dependent On Their Cell Phones English Language Essay

Dependent On Their Cell Phones English Language Essay Cell phones are a must have in the modern society. They have become so central to the daily life that most people find it really hard to do without them. Just by a swipe, everything from banking services to online shopping to payment of bills are done right there on the small gadget (Brown et al. 381-394). You can listen to music and also create cyber friendship. Yes these devices are reliable, yes they are convenient and yes they simplify life. But too much of something is unhealthy. People have become too dependent on them. In as much as they provide wide and far reaching advantages, they also have their downsides. People who are addicted to the cell phones are more likely to suffer from brain cancer, physical and psychological symptoms, have broken relationships and literally be isolated from the community life (Sellman 74-76). The purpose of this paper is to take this discussion in detail by answering the question why people have become too dependent on their cell phones. In doin g so, this paper begins with a brief history of cell phone origins and proceeds to tackle the advantages and drawbacks of the small gadgets in todays culture. It concludes with a brief summary of the entire contents discussed. History of Cell Phones The history of cell phones is somewhat long and not so certain, though many argue that it could have started around 1843 with the small research of Michael Farady. He had hoped to find a space through which electricity could be conducted. His findings were later to become the reference points of the 19th century scientists. In 1865, Dr. Mahlon developed what is believed to be the first wireless communication technology. He is also thought to have transmitted the first telegraphic message in 1866 through Earths atmosphere. In the 1940s, new devices were created based on radio technology. They were primarily a two-way radio communication. For instance, this was the time when police officers communicated with each other via a central base. In 1946, the Swedish police officers were able to use cell phones that were connected to the car battery. But these devices could only make (utmost) six calls before draining up the car-battery. In 1947, D.H. Ring developed hexagonal cells, though they were too a two-way technology. Soon after, another engineer came up with the cell towers technology, which enabled the devices to collect and convey signals in a three-way direction rather than two. Like the previous technologies, they heavily consumed battery and had to be connected to car battery. For example, the Swedish police cell phones weighed about eighty pounds. By 1967, cell phones were already in use in different places; however, the users could only make their calls from fixed cell areas. Besides, these cell phones could only handle a set range. Later on, Amos Edward Joel developed another technology that enabled users to make longer calls, but still from fixed cell locations. Proper cell phones first featured in the early 1970s. Dr. Martin Cooper is thought to have been the first inventor of these portable phones. Interestingly, he equally became the first man to make a call through a portable device. He also established the first portable cell phone station, and named it Motorola. This technology was approved by the U.S government (FCC) in 1983. The DynaTAC 800X only weighed twenty eight pounds compared to the previous devices, and was exceptionally small for its time (Rainer Cegielski 243). Since then, hand-held phones have been in constant improvements with new applications and models created almost every other time. In the 1990s, the 2G technology boomed the cell phone market. The hand-held devices were small and had an advance battery. What is available in the market today is the third generation cell phones. These phones are based on a 3G technology. Their innovations are extremely advanced (Rainer Cegielski 236-266). It was not until recently, however, that they became an integral part of human life. Like many other technologies that boost the superiority of social status, the small devices began as a class symbol of the selected few (affluent in particular). In 1983, for example, the Motorola model was sold in the market for 100 million U.S dollars. You can imagine how many people could afford that. Then somewhere out of the blue, the reserved affluent privilege changed when the devices became reasonably priced and accessible to everyone. Better still; the advancement in technology also saw the devices move from two-way radios to world coverage towers. People are now talking about the extremely advanced 3G technology (Brans 61-72). Why do People Rely on Cell Phones in todays Culture? People depend on cell phones in todays culture for a number of reasons. Essentially, the devises provide reliable advantages with few downsides. Never in human history, has a device influenced and transformed the means of communication as seen today. Cell phones have done it. They are inevitably intertwined into the human social life for good reasons. The cell phone technology has facilitated rapid communications and has made it possible to communicate with everyone from anywhere. Apart from the vocal communication, the technology has also enabled its subscribers to send multiple text messages to millions of people every single day if they so wish (Brans 61-72). What holds the society together and what supports its structures is communication. Without it, everything else is down. Accordingly, there is no device (at least not for now) in the modern world that facilitates communication better than the cell phone. For instance, just before cell phones boomed into the market, people relied majorly on landlines to communicate with their loved ones and also for official purposes. But the communication had to be on fixed locations because landlines were established on fixed areas. As a result, people on the move could not communicate over landlines. Cell phones, on the other hand, have made it possible to communicate with the loved ones and make official arrangements from anywhere even while on the move (Kavoori Arceneaux 85). The device has also brought revolution in the telecommunication sector. Statistical data in America, for example, reveals that over 74 percent of its citizens have used the hand-held technology to respond to emergencies. They widely use it to alert the police, call a doctor, report a car-crash or seek other forms of emergency responses. In addition, while parents could not initially keep in touch with their children while away from home, they can now check on them from wherever they are. Apart from calls and text messages, modern cell phones also facilitate data sharing. They can be used to transmit convenient and reliable information, but can also be used to store a great deal of data. With the large cell phone memory, people do not need to spend the whole day in book-keeping or having to deal with the computer drawbacks. Everything is right there in the pocket. Just a swipe and the information will be there. The cell phone technology has also enhanced the quality of life. It is no longer a luxury like many other technologies; it has become part of life. It is strongly woven into the social structures of the society. People need them for the quality life. Of course this is not to say people cannot do without them. They can if they so decide. Overall, the positive sides of cell phones are wide and far reaching. The e-mail messages, text messages, phone calls, cell-phone internet, data-sharing cards, music, phonebook, cameras etc., are brought together by the cell phone technology. Besides, the devices have also entirely transformed the telecommunication industry and brought the world more closer to the people. People are talking about cell phone banking services, shopping, paying of bills and fees, security devices and easy transfer of money, all because of the technology. The convenience, reliability and functionality perhaps explain the reasons behind the booming cell phone market (Rainer Cegielski 236-266). Drawbacks of Cell phones In as much as the cell phones have united the world, enhanced quality life and made life simpler, the devises have also had their dark sides. Most people have become too dependent on them. Cell phones are the first things they see when they wake up, and last things they touch before they sleep. People run for them in the market, but do not really pay attention to their side effects on ones social life or health (Makker et al. 148-157). In America, for instance, it is really hard sit together as a committee or family to deliberate on important issues for even an hour without having one or two people excusing themselves for other important calls. It is not true that those calls are urgent; it is all about obsession with the devises. Even scarier, nobody thinks about the impacts of the electromagnetic microwaves from the small devises. Well, according to the medical reports, they hinder ones ability to communicate, analyze or concentrate on complex activities. People who use cell phones while driving, for instance, have caused several accidents (Farmer 466-470). It is also true that people who rely too much on cell phones cannot solve problems that need prompt solutions. Everything for them is about swiping, and when they cannot then they cant do anything (Schlehofer et al. 1107-1112). Studies also show that children whose mothers were addicted to the small device during pregnancy have high chances (over 70 percent) of developing behavioral predicaments. The ADD and ADHD are typical behavior problems of such children. They also have problems socializing with their peers and extremely display emotional weaknesses. Further, the National Cancer Institute of America has revealed that there is a connection between brain cancer and mobile phone radiations (Sue 62-70). There is also a possibility that these devices, which were essentially made to enhance the quality of life and unite the world, could consequently destroy the very things they were supposed to construct. People are getting so obsessed with reaching out to those who are far away forgetting that there are people right in front of them that they can talk to. Even problems that can easily be resolved from within are simply taken far because one finds it rather easy to pick a phone and seek help elsewhere. It is also a major concern that children are increasingly withdrawing from their families because they have to main their cyber friendships (Sanchez-Martinez Otero 131-137). Cell phones have also been used to break relationships. If you are upset with your lover you just text and tell the person its over. Many people have also been caught up in cheating just by a simple phone call. Many marriages are also breaking up because spouses are too busy with the outside world than with their families. The devices have made people not to appreciate those they stay with. Ass a result of the mobile technology, people no longer communicate with each other in full sentences. No longer, for example, is simply text as lol. In effect, the medium has created a huge gap between the younger generation (dotcoms) and the older generation. To say it all, these gadgets have become an integral part of the daily life, but at a great expense (Kavoori Arceneaux 61-84). Are People too Dependent on their Cell Phones? Essentially, the purpose of cell phones is to make life easier and productive. If one wants to connect/contact a group of people, one simply goes to phonebook or opens email, then selects everyone he wants to share the information with, and right away clicks the send button. Within no minute, they are already on the same with the sender. This is the beauty of having a cell phone. It is true that people have become too dependent on cell phones. In as much as they have improved the quality of life, they have also become an epidemic in the modern society. But the problem is not with the cell phones. It is people who have taken the devices too seriously. Others depend on it too much. It is ridiculous to see how some people react, for instance, when they lose their cell phones. Its like they have lost the rest of their lives, or the world has come to an end. Others seriously get pissed off, while others its like they have lost a limb or an equivalent. These are the kind of people that cell phones not only play an integral part in their lives, but also central to their whole being (South 100/93). It is quite easy to identify those who are too dependent on the technology. Generally, this category of people will display serious mental and physical symptoms. Apart from distress, they will also employ the rhetoric of addiction and dependence when trying to demonstrate their experiences of going without a phone. Others talk about how scared they were when they lost their cell phones. Of course it is normal to be frustrated when one loses a property, let alone an important device like a cell phone. But it is total madness to literally shed tears, be lonely, call off life, or suffer from the major psychological effects. Nothing would make somebody panic or shiver if it is not an obsession (Sanchez-Martinez Otero 131-137). According to The World Unplugged Project, students who seriously depend on their phones cannot afford to stay away from their phones for more than 24 hours. At the end of day 1 of the research, all the student participants claimed to have developed psychological symptoms, while others literally displayed physical symptoms (Silk et al. 241-257). Another method of identifying those who are too dependent on the hand-held device is to withdraw the phones from them for a while and wait to see how they react. Obviously, they are those who would be imagining phone vibrations in their pockets even though they do not have them. Others would be receiving non-existent text messages when they do not even have the phones. The last group will make several attempts to pick their phones from pocket even when they were taken with their full knowledge. This is how much this category can be addicted to the small device (South 100/93). People have become so acclimatized to mobile phones that when they leave them behind they openly become frustrated. Walk into an examination room and hear how many phones go on and off when they are not even supposed to be there in the first place (Schlehofer et al. 1107-1112). Walk into an office and you will be rudely shocked into how much people are buried on their cell phones. Visit homes and you will see how people are isolated by the cell phones. It is all about obsession with cell phones. Conclusion Yes these devices are reliable, yes they are convenient and yes they simplify life. But too much of something is unhealthy. People have become too dependent on them to the extent that they can not do without them. It should indeed, be a great concern to everyone that these devices which were essentially made to enhance the quality of life and unite the world, could consequently destroy the very things they were supposed to construct. They have destroyed the community life, have destroyed relationships and have created problems that would have otherwise been avoided if they were not in use. In reality, people have seriously become too dependent on their cell phones. People cannot spend a day without them without showing negative physical and psychological symptoms. The reactions when people lose their phones perhaps tell it all. They will display patterns of frustrations, anxiousness, irritability, bitterness, insecurity, depression, restlessness, nervousness, loneliness, stressfulnes s, withdrawal and confusion. Others will be pissed off, while others will see no more meaning in their continued existence. But it is not just about the physical and psychological effects, dependency on the phone increases chances of getting brain cancer, behavioral problems and communication disabilities.