INFORM, an environmental research organization partly funded by the EPA, has estimated that cell phones are typically used only for about 18 months before being replaced. Calling plans are often packaged with free or low-cost cell phones, which often makes keeping your current phone economically disadvantageous. Thus, many cell phones face their demise before they have become technologically obsolete, and the waste stream gets not only the cell phones that are truly unusable, but also those that are simply no longer the best deal for the owner.

As of 2001 (the last year figures were available), there were 129 million cell phone users in the US, with 400 million users worldwide. In the coming years, as population and market penetration for cell phones both increase, the number of cell phones destined for the waste stream will continue rising. With such a short average lifespan for each cell phone, it’s easy to perceive the magnitude of the cell phone disposal problem. INFORM estimates that by 2005, nearly 130 million cell phones will be discarded every year in the United States.

How does this affect the environment? In addition to the volume of landfill space that cell phones could take up, they also contain toxic chemicals such as:
– arsenic (used in some semiconductors)
– brominated compounds (used as flame retardants)
– lead (used in the solder that attaches components to circuit boards)

These and other cell-phone toxins enter the environment when discarded cell phones are incinerated or when rainwater leaches the materials out of landfilled phones. Many of the toxic compounds in cell phones are found on the EPA’s list of “persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic chemicals.” EPA warns that these substances can cause a range of adverse human health effects, including damage to the nervous system, reproductive and developmental problems, and cancer. Eek! Call a doctor!

So, what is a highly mobile, well connected cell-phone lover to do with a phone they no longer need?

Well, if you could go back in time, you could reconsider the waste issue when evaluating your current cellular-service package. True, you can’t do that; but here in the present, you can include the disposal issue when considering whether or not to renew your current plan or go with a one. If your phone still works fine, choosing a plan that allows you to keep it is the best option from an environmental standpoint. If you do decide you want a new phone, you can still take the waste issue into account to avoid finding yourself in the same situation a year later. Don’t accept a plan where the economically intelligent thing to do again will be to throw away a perfectly functioning phone.

Inevitably, at some point you will probably have a still-working but money-stupid cell phone on your hands. If so, you may be able to give it back to the manufacturer for reuse or recycling. Two major cell phone manufacturers, Nokia and Motorola, offer take-back programs. Or you can donate your phone to certain charitable organizations that can put them to good use. Two such organizations are:
– Collective Good (http://www.collectivegood.com)
– Donate A Phone (http://www.wirelessfoundation.org/DonateaPhone/index.cfm)

There are other donation options, and new ones are likely to come up in the future. To find out how else you might find a good home for your old cell phone, or to figure out how to just recycle it, visit:
– The Wireless Foundation (http://www.wirelessfoundation.org/)
– The cell phone industry’s recycling site (http://www.recyclewirelessphones.com/)

In grocery stores and restaurants, in traffic, and even sometimes while sitting on the can, cell phones are becoming an essential part of an efficient lifestyle for many people. Only you can prevent the flushing of perfectly good cell phones!

Finally, we just want to mention that it’s not true that our cell phone has the president on speed-dial #1. We did for a while, but the Secret Service made it clear that our “ideas for putting more humor into governance” were not welcome.

For jokes, cartoons, and more great environmental information, visit http://www.grinningplanet.com .

© 2003 by GrinningPlanet.com
You have permission to publish this article electronically or in
print, free of charge, as long as the bylines are included. Must
be published complete with no changes. A courtesy copy of your
publication would be appreciated.

About the Author

Mark is a writer, financial analyst, web developer, environmentalist, and, as necessary, chef and janitor. Grinning Planet is an expression of Mark’s enthusiasm for all things humorous and green, as well as a psychotic desire to work himself half-to-death. Hobbies include health foods, music, getting frustrated over politics, and occasionally lecturing the TV set on how uncreative it is.

Finding Domain and Range of a Function

Now it is very easy to calculate the domain and range of functions like Y = X², you can just tell that X and Y can take any real number from the X-Y plane but have you ever thought of defining the domain and range of log(tan 2x + sin 3x) = cosine^(-4)(2x). But now you can solve such critical and complex problems with an algebra calculator without breaking sweat and you will also be getting all the steps as well

Coordinate Geometry

Now you can easily find the focus and directrix and whether parabola opens up or down by just feeding the equation into algebra software system. Addition, subtraction and multiplication of binomials are quite tedious, since they involve lots of terms to manipulate. However, by leaving the job up to algebra calculators, you will be able to get results within a shorter period with 100% accuracy. Similarly, algebra calculators can save the trouble for you in calculating matrices of 33 or 44 order or its opposite matrices.

So now you need not to start worrying when you see indices, rational numbers or exponential equations. Parabolas, hyperbolas or ellipses can all be easily graphed within computer algebra systems.

“America has become a vassal state to OPEC. Our military men and women are offered as a serf army to the OPEC nations. We use billions of US tax dollars and the blood of our soldiers to preserve the power of these unpopular governments. Wind power and solar energy could quickly free us from OPEC’s shackles.” – Hulagu’s Web

In the first quarter of 2005, the cost of a gallon of gas climbed to the highest price ever. In that same period ExxonMobil, the behemoth global oil company, surged forward as the largest and most profitable corporation in the world valued at more than $402 billion on Feb. 28th. The American public funded this success through military operations to secure the oil and in turn, pay for the success with higher and higher prices at the pumps.

While America politicians and businesses clamor over the dwindling global oil reserves, other countries are taking necessary actions to replace oil as their principle energy source. Germany and France have both implemented successful alternative energy programs, dramatically reducing their dependency on oil, and oil rich countries. This is perhaps one of the principle reasons why their governments are labeled as uncaring towards America’s political predicament with foreign oil. While America spends billions to secure oil resources with their military, Germany and France pour their wealth into expanding their alternative energy programs. It’s a race that America is losing. Politically, the American blight in the Middle East is of great advantage to countries in support of renewable energy, because these countries are getting a head start on the global race towards the technological development of more efficient renewable energy systems. Billions spent on preservation of the status quo of the OPEC nations assures France and Germany oil for the immediate future. At the same time, the money saved from opting out of participation in the Coalition can be used to build many alternative energy resources and research new methods of securing renewable energy. Well-orchestrated protests against American involvement in Iraq and other Middle East countries endears Canada, France and Germany to the world.

“Implementing alternative energy requires us to be motivated; as we know it’s much easier to simply hook into the ‘grid’.” — David Suzuki

Why is America so dependent on oil and unwilling to seriously turn to alternative energies to gain freedom from OPEC’s shackles? A principle reason is the naivety regarding possible options of renewable energy, coupled with the distorted way big oil and their hoard of PR people compare the cost of oil against the cost of other energy sources. The cost of a barrel of oil is used to determine its kilowatt/hour cost. That price is stripped clean of the billions spent each year for securing the oil. The barrel price only reflects OPEC’s asking price. Not considered in the kilowatt/hour cost is the tax money spent on military mobilization to assure the resources of companies like ExxonMobil reach American shores. The death of American soldiers and their overwhelming sacrifices to keep oil flowing, to power America, or to squander on SUV’s and ATV’s, is never considered as a part of the oil cost in the corporate offices of the energy titans.

Some feel adamant that alternative energy will not only provide cheaper energy but remedy or at least diminish the primary reasons for ongoing global conflict. Alternative energy provides the ability to offer a large level of redundancy in sources so that countries are not dependent on the natural resources of another nation. It also provides a much cleaner energy, reducing the tremendous pollution problem of fossil fuel. The profitability of alternative energy is an investment that starts today and pays off tomorrow.

Most alternative energy resources are much safer to produce and use. The oil business, however, has a bad history of subjecting even their employees to dangers in the production and transportation of the fuel. On March 23, 2005 a huge explosion erupted in an oil refinery in Texas wounding around 70 employees and killing 14. In the Tosco Avon Refinery in Martinez, California, an explosion in 1999 killed 4 employees. After an investigation that refinery was closed and lawsuits are still raging over the accident. Oil spills are another major hazards unique to the oil industry. Most are not as infamous as the Exxon Valdez Spill, but they all are damaging and happen frequently with ships breaking apart and trucks overturning. The results are death of people, wildlife and long term environmental damage.

How can America embrace alternative energy and reduce the dependency on politically volatile foreign oil? Realize that alternative energy is now cheaper for any country than oil. The military expense involved with the procurement of oil is a hidden fee, paid through taxes and with lives. The American working class pays the bulk of this burden as higher taxes than any other group. Education is the answer in the US, because the reality of alternative energy is realized by the simplicity and beauty of wind power and solar energy. It is insane to continue the ongoing effort, extending the use of a fuel that is so scarce, dangerous, polluting, monopolized, and produced by politically unstable entities. America’s energy crisis can be solved quickly with alternative energy. There is no need for another soldier to die on foreign soil, leaving loved ones to grieve. This should be America’s focus, not finding more oil fields or even destroying the Alaskan wildlife reserve just to squeeze a few more barrels out of the ground, to face the same problem in a few more years. Prolonging agony does not suspend agony — it saves agony for later.

For millions of years the sun has been shining down on our planet and will do so for many more eons. With the advances in solar energy starting right now, every electrical need could be satisfied with solar power and the grid. What America needs is a federal government New Deal that pours billions into renewable energy, instead of subsidizing big oil and shoring up corrupt oil producing countries. America probably will not get a deal such as this, because big oil owns too many of their congressmen.

The states themselves are an entirely different story. New Mexico just announced a $20 million dollar solar energy program to retrofit government and school building with solar panels proving some legislative entities actually have the guts to help lead America to a more energy sustainable direction.

Wind is abundant all over the world and in the USA it can generate ample energy, if promoted and utilized now. Advancements in technology will continually improve with the right backing, politically and financially. Wind turbines are quiet and have an unending resource to produce energy for any country smart enough to use them. The state of California and Texas have incorporated wind energy into their energy programs. Other states such as Massachusetts have been stymied by Senators like Ted Kennedy, who claims wind turbines are great but are unsightly and a threat to birds.

In the book “Hulagu’s Web,” Senator Katherine Laforge expressed that “The death of a bird a day is a much more acceptable price to pay than the life of an American soldier a day to secure our oil from some foreign land. Man is also part of the ecological system.”

Laforge’s rebuttal in David Hearne’s novel is one of clarity with regards to human responsibility for self-determination.

The oil industry and its cronies are famous for deceptive practices and self-serving logic.

“There is no such thing as clean energy,” Warburg said. “The Cape Wind project will have some adverse environmental impacts. Some birds may be killed by windmill rotors – the draft EIS predicts about one bird a day. The wind farm will be visible from some nearby coastal areas. Some may like the way it looks, some may not.”

The whole point of alternative energy is to provide sustainable, clean, cost effective, and localized energy to our communities. Communities must stand up to politicians and oil companies that want to hamper our emergence from relying on foreign oil. Sending jobs overseas does not solve the problem — it puts civilians in a war-zone. The tremendous profits that ExxonMobil makes with oil offers little incentive to their stockholders to help steer this behemoth to a more sensible energy sources. However, from deep within this 400 billion dollar company a small group formed Campaign ExxonMobil, a coalition of concerned shareholders. These cash-smart stockholders actually are fighting within this company to make change on the issue of global warming and ExxonMobil’s disregard for renewable energy, because they see a huge potential for profit if the company acts now.

Alternative energy communities will have a realized advantage over oil-driven communities in the future. Oil proponents are afraid of advancements in technology that could put an end to the oil hegemony, so they fight progress bitterly. Taxpayers, scientists and philanthropists will be the ones to compel governments to change policy and redirect our collective energies to beneficial results. We have to work together, not just as countries, but as wise corporations and citizens.

Wind turbines spin from the wind and store energy at a very impressive rate, while Thermal Depolymerization recycles bio-matter into usable crude oil and solar power gathers rays from the sun. Thermal Depolymerization has hit the break-even mark and is continually improving.

OPEC and big oil is not going away without a fight.

“Propped up against the base of the wind turbine was the body of Frank Payne. His blood soaked clothes glisten under the full moon as blood still oozed from his slit throat. A note hung from a knife stabbed into his face. Senator Laforge was overcome with anger and remorse as she stared at the gristly sight of her brutally murdered campaign manager. Why did they kill him? Has the big oil cartel supplemented intimidation, violence and political coercion now with murder to stop alternative energy programs? She reached for the note.” Chapter 10 Hulagu’s Web

Is this vision in Hulagu’s Web preposterous? Would companies with billions at stake, political cronies in their pockets and the most powerful army in the world securing their product, consider assassination an option to stop the takeover of Alternative energy? Let’s hope not, but selling oil at exorbitant prices and refusing to address the problem of global warming and simple pollution produced by fossil fuels leaves us with a bit of doubt. What is the answer to the energy crisis? Is it adding more resources to the problem, digging a bigger hole, or is it finding a new deal, a new resource, ample enough for thousands of years of technological advancement?

“The answer, my friend, is blowing in the wind…” — Bob Dylan

About the Author

About the Author: Robert S. Leonard is a freelance writer and PHP developer currently residing in the Kingston area (Ontario, Canada).

If you are in to golf, it is primary that you obtain a membership from the county. So that you could play golf as you
wish with rest of the members from the county golf club and perhaps socialize around as well.

All about Golf Packages

Golf packages work in a little bit distinct manner. The ‘golf package’ companies do offer you a
package, a typical leisure package which comprises of accommodation, food and beverages, a few rounds of golf, and some other entertainment. So let’s walk through a real deal to understand this concept better.

In Las Vegas, a golf package would be marked from $180 upwards for a two nights package that is based in an okay hotel. The offer is inclusive of food, which is an advantage. As per playing golf, you will be given two rounds of play for three days of stay that comes with a shared cart. Pre bookings and tee times are also enclosed in the package.

Things to Be Concrned Over

There are a few parameters of golf packages and the various combinations of those that determine the cost
of the package. Location is the key factor that matters to the cost tag
tied. A player is free to pick out locations from Nevada to Phuket in Thailand. Consequently, depending on the venue, the package rates will differ to keep up with the rates depending on whether it is local or international.

The
second determinant is the number of nights enclosed in the package. When the number of nights of the stay goes up, usually the round of golf
also grows as the player tend to play more rounds during the long stay. In this case cost goes up due to the number of nights at the hotel
(including food) and for the rounds of golf.

Normally the golf packages extended by such companies are customizable. The players can add and delete the choices they want in the package, so the package
suits their taste, budget, and schedule. Many of the companies who offer golf packages preserve an online portal for customizing golf packages online, so the players can benefit
from it. Once the players customize the package details and pay via online payment facilities, it is just a issue of being at the locale on
the scheduled date.

A lot of people are not even really sure what is involved in algebra but it is not horrifying as a lot of individuals think. Some of the primary pieces of algebra include finding least common multiple, factoring difference of cubes and reducing fractions.

When mathematics is leaned by students, especially at college level it is very significant for them to apply some planning and also some continuity in learning mathematical constructs from easy to hard ones. There are a lot of college mathematics courses of study at beginning level that are built-up around constructing a sound path for the route into advanced mathematics as they enable learning the fundamental skills that are required.

Who can Help?

There are various software packages that can be used to help you with algebra and these include programs such as algebra calculators. A tutor for algebra is also a surefire way to enhancing your algebra skills. The computer software packages are very good and will help you with all aspects of algebra including non-linear inequalities , graphing rational equations , simplifying fractions with same denominators and on master the basic and advanced topics of algebra.

If you are just starting out in the world of mathematics, it is a good idea to do one of the beginning level courses of study as they will instruct you the very fundamental principles and build on that so that you are able to get up to the more sophisticated level of mathematics. The introductory topics of algebra teach the pupils the correct approach through the use of a vast number of different lessons and methods so this is an ideal starting point for the beginner to algebra.

Why Virtual Tutors are Not Perfect?

The only trouble with maths courses of study is that they sometimes do not follow reasoning in a very logical order and this particularly is the case when you are a student at primary school. A lot of the students at school are really very ill-prepared for addressing algebra and they are not knowledgeable of the fundamental principles of this notable subdivision of mathematics.

While prospects for patients with mesothelioma have been bleak, doctors have been making progress. Treatments for cancer are traditionally surgery (taking out the tumor and surrounding tissue), chemotherapy (poisoning cancerous cells) and radiation (killing cancer cells with radiation) All three methods have problems. Patients with mesothelioma have not responded well to traditional radiation therapy. Researches, concerned about damage to healthy tissue, are looking for ways to aim radiation directly at tumors.

The mesothelial tissue around the tumor is removed by surgery. This surgery is extensive and it is not clear how much the patient benefits. Most chemotherapy medication that work on other cancers typically do not work on mesothelioma, and different mixtures of these drugs have not been successful. Similar to radiation, focus in research is focusing on treating the physical location of the tumor with emphasis on the pleural cavity.

Many advanced techniques in cancer treatment are tried on mesothelioma patients because of its high fatality rate. These techniques include a biologic therapy called the agent interleukin 2 and anti-angiogenesis drugs like thalidomide. A new drug that has shown results in improving survival is pemetrexed (brand name Alimta).

Considered by oncologists is where the tumor is located, what stage the mesothelioma is in, and the age and health of the patient. Theres also photodynamic therapy and gene therapy ” two far-out new ways of attacking cancer. Patients afflicted with mesothelioma are benefitting in these clinical trials.

Algebra and its Link to Geometry

Geometry brings into play the complete use of algebra to graph a circle, a hyperbola, a parabola or even finding the focus of a hyperbola. Be it simple operations such as determining the midpoint of a line or finding the radius of a circle, to more complicated operations such as figuring out if a parabola opens up; algebra is most important for geometry.

Algebra – Solving Equations & Exponents

Algebra can solve any inequalities from linear or quadratic to radical or exponential. Using algebra as a weapon one can solve inequalities and even graph systems of complex equations and non-linear inequalities. Playing with exponents is no longer an problem when you start using algebra. Algebra works with the Laws of exponents by facilitating one to add, subtract, divide and multiply expressions with ease and assurance.

Simplify Fractions and Polynomials – Try Algebra Calculators

Whether you have problems in solving, comparing or converting fractions, algebra solvers can work their magic for you. The modern software that supports solving algebraic expressions are able to solve any math problem easily and in no time. even, complex matrix equations like inverse matrix and other matrix operations could be solved using algebraic calculators. Simplification of algebraic and arithmetic expressions along with factoring polynomials to determining the Least Common Multiple and Greatest Common Divisor is now a piece of cake with the latest algebra solvers.

Professional Help All the Way

Pupils can get professional help from tutors who will provide you with a step-by-step answer for your problems. Math tutors are at your disposition for those hard problems which can get you easily bugged. The math solver software applications that is widely available in today’s market provide countless options to suit a student’s every need. From calculators that cater to a specific type of algebra to ones that scan the entire scope of the subject, you will find a complete answer.