In the introduction of the The Fly in the Ointment, by Joe Schwarcz, Essay

In the introduction of the The Fly in the Ointment, by Joe Schwarcz, the author notes that real-world chemistry engages the n - Essay Example Many cough medicines use similar ingredients, so analyzing a single brand is sufficient to make assumptions about most of the medicines on the market. One such model medication is Triaminic Children's Cold and Cough. This medication contains 5 mg of dextromethorphan HCL as a cough suppressant, in addition to other active ingredients to act in helping with the pain and congestion symptoms of a cold (Triaminic-Novartis, 2011). It is reasonably effective at stopping a cough quickly, and so parents may use it for their younger child while ignorant of, or deliberately ignoring, the recommendations that it not be used in children under the age of four (National Center for Biotechnology Information, 2000). What many parents may not realize when choosing to administer these medications to their pre-schooler is the mechanism of action of the dextromethorphan in Triaminic Cold and Cough. Dextromethorphan reduces coughing by actually decreasing electrical activity in the brain, specifically in the parts of the brain responsible for the cough reflex (National Center for Biotechnology Information, 2000). This reflex is situated in the brain stem, a very basic portion of the brain involved in nearly all life-sustaining bodily functions (Shannon et al., 2004). This means that in addition to suppressing the cough, the medication can also cause disorientation and drowsiness even for those for whom dextromethorphan is FDA approved, and brain damage and death in young children (National Center for Biotechnology Information, 2000). In addition to the possible detrimental effects of dextromethorphan, its effectiveness is actually also in question. Some studies have shown that giving a tablespoon of unprocessed honey to children above age two through age eighteen is more effective at stopping a nighttime cough than medications containing dextromethorphan. The parents of the children in one such study reported that not only did honey produce a similar level of cough suppression as th e medication, children had a better sleep quality after treatment with honey and in fact a better sleep quality with no treatment at all. Some side effects of the dextromethorphan, such as restlessness and anxiety, interfered more with a child's ability to fall asleep than did the comfort level of the child during an untreated cough (Paul et al., 2007). If all children's products containing dextromethorphan, such as Triaminic's Cold and Cough, were removed from the market, there would be a definite lack of available over-the-counter treatment for children's coughs (Maisch, 2007). However, given that there is an available alternate treatment, honey, and the risks of brain damage and even death, parents should be aware that simply because a product such as Cold and Cough is available on the market does not mean they should give it to their children. Even older children can be at risk for serious side effects, and parents should be very careful about making such they provide such medic ations in the correct dosage for their child's age and weight. There are situations where a cough is severe enough in a school-age child to warrant use of Triaminic's Cold and Cough, but in no case should a parent provide a pre-schooler with that or any other cough suppressant medication containing dextromethorphan (National Center for Biotechnology Information, 2000). Any cough that is that serious requires the care of a

Nevada &import fossil fuels Essay Example for Free

Nevada import fossil fuels Essay I do not think that importation of fossil fuels can sustain the way of life of people Nevada for longer period of time. Firstly, the production of fossil fuels, as well as its use, has environmental disadvantages. As Nevada uses this kind of energy source, people will suffer from different ailments caused by the carbon dioxide produced while converting fossil fuel into energy. What is the use of energy if people will suffer from unhealthy environment? Secondly, fossil fuels take millions of years to be produced and it is non-renewable. Sooner or later, the sources will be depleted and the need to look for alternatives is a must. Second, what things do you think the state government can do to reduce dependence on fossil fuels? To reduce dependence on fossil fuels, the state government may try to pass policies that will encourage investors to create infrastructures that will be home to plants of renewable sources of energy like wind, solar, geothermal, nuclear and others. Third, identify 3 conservation techniques that we can do immediately as individuals to help reduce our dependence on fossil fuels? To decrement the amount of energy being used, the following are 3 conservation techniques that may be used: 1) Residents of the state should save energy being used at home. Home appliances and equipment should be turned off and unplugged when not in use. Also, if the weather is fine, they may not use their air-conditioning units. 2) Commercial buildings in the state should be designed to favor good natural ventilation and lighting. 3) Instead of using energy-burning vehicles in going to near places, people may try walking or riding bicycles. Finally, admit to whether you actually utilize any of these conservation methods! The aforementioned conservation methods are very practical. I utilize those methods without such a big effort. In simple ways, we can help the state reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

Should Euthanasia be Legalised?

Should Euthanasia be Legalised? Modern medicine has been beneficial in improving the quality of life, but sometimes it has been accompanied by harmful and dehumanising effects.   Many terminally ill people have been kept alive against their will by advanced medical technologies and have been denied assistance in dying.   Should now be the time for our society to recognise that terminally ill individuals have the right to choose the time, place, and manner of their own death?   Should euthanasia be legalised because our right as human beings allows us to make our own decisions?   If the right to life is to be a genuine right, rather than a duty to remain alive for as long as possible, shouldn’t people be free to choose their right to die if they consider it worthwhile to do so?   Shouldn’t these persons be allowed their human rights, dignity, and self-determination and ultimately the right to die? The European Convention on Human Rights, Article 2, recognises the right to life by implication, providing: Everyone’s right to life shall be protected by law.   No one shall be deprived of his life intentionally save in the execution of a sentence of a court following his conviction of a crime for which this penalty is provided by law. Deprivation of life shall not be regarded as inflicted in contravention of this Article when it results from the use of force which is no more than absolutely necessary: in defence of any person from unlawful violence; in order to effect a lawful arrest or to prevent the escape of a person lawfully detained; in action lawfully taken for the purpose of quelling a riot or insurrection. While the Convention requires national authorities to protect the right of ‘everyone’ to life, it does not define ‘everyone.’ Therefore, although fundamental, the right to life is generally not regarded as absolute.   Indeed, there are circumstances in which it is lawful to take another man’s life, for example by a lawful act of self-defence.   The present author not concerned with cases such as these but rather the controversial nature of the range of entities which have the right and the content of the right in different circumstances: those for which the European Convention makes no provision.   For example, opponents of euthanasia, may recognize the legitimacy of abortion; a process which involves taking some life.   Furthermore, the right of a person to commit suicide is recognised by some people, due to the belief that the right to self determination is the most essential human right. The debate on whether euthanasia and thus the right t o die in some forms might be morally acceptable practice is the subject of this essay.  Ã‚   For the purposes of this essay and the limitations in word count, there will be no dividing line between refusal of treatment, suicide, assisted suicide and euthanasia.   Rather, Lord Donaldson’s remarks about the right to choose how to live, rather than the right to die, will be taken as true. There is no ambiguity in the law of the United Kingdom towards a positive act of euthanasia; it is murder. The motive to ‘kill’ is certainly irrelevant; intention is the deciding factor.   There have been recommendations of a special offence for ‘mercy killing,’ and although there appears to be no intention to translate this into law, the courts seem reluctant to convict a ‘mercy killer’ to mandatory life imprisonment. The sympathetic view of the judges has still, until recently, consisted of predominately unsuccessful attacks on the legality of euthanasia.   However, lawful euthanasia has arrived in some jurisdictions and has added a new aspect to the debate. In the Netherlands, medically practised euthanasia became lawful in November 2000.   The doctor is required to believe that the patient’s request was ‘voluntary and well considered’ and that the patient’s suffering was ‘lasting and unbearable.’   It is also a requirement that the doctor has consulted an independent physician. The legislation also allows for advanced consent, which carries controversies in relation to the patient who does not wish to die but is killed by a doctor due to earlier written authorisation. However, the main argument against the legislation is that once a prohibition against killing is removed, it is far more difficult to control the practice. Indeed, there is evidence that euthanasia has been practised in many cases without the patient’s consent.   Another concern is that eventually, the grounds for the exercise of euthanasia will become more trivial so that the want itself will overpower the grounds.   One example is the physical healthy woman who becomes depressed. And what of the controversial provision on euthanasia for minors? This practice therefore warns of the dangers of an over sensitive right to die. Similar chances for legislation in the United Kingdom are remote: ‘The Government can see no basis for permitting suicide.   Such a change would be open to abuse and put the lives of the vulnerable and weak at risk.’   The uncertainty of the common law has, in the past, been used as a justification for a change in the law but, it is submitted that the decisions in Pretty and Mrs B clarify the boundaries between the right to live and the right to die.   Acts committed with an intention of bringing life to an end are legally impermissible, save where the patient performs them; treatment may be withdrawn from a competent adult, although the legal prohibition for assisted suicide remains.   For the reasons explained in relation to the Netherlands, it is submitted that the right to die is adequately provided for in existing convention and that there is no requirement for legislation. In conclusion, it is true that a profound respect for the sanctity of human life should be embedded in our law and moral philosophy; that is why murder has always been treated as the most grave and heinous of all crimes.   However, the arguments considered above explicate that the law has to take into account a myriad of interests which are problematic and surprisingly conditional. In matters of life and death, we are dealing with what Professor Laurence Tribe called the ‘clash of absolutes.’   Under these conditions, rules cannot dictate answers.   The best that can be hoped for is to provide answers which are not too inconsistent with too many of them.  

Essay --

In my opinion, the most influential time period in American history since 1945 would have to be the 1960s. So much was going on in America during this time period. Such as the civil rights movement, the counterculture, the war and so much more. I am going to focus on the counterculture because I think that out of all of the commotion that was going on in the 1960s, the counterculture has the most lasting affects and the most came out of it that we still have in our society today. They shaped music, politics, and the culture of America. They had fresh ideas that most were scared to act on or did not believe in. They had open minds and wanted everyone else to try to as well. â€Å"Your mind is like a parachute, it doesn't work unless it's open.† -Jordan Maxwell †¨ The counterculture was so important to America because it changed norms of the early 1900s to the norms of today. The definition of the Counterculture is as follows. â€Å"The counterculture of the 1960s refers to an anti-establishment cultural phenomenon that developed first in the United States and United Kingdom and spread throughout much of the Western world between the early 1960s and the early 1970s. The movement gained momentum as the African-American Civil Rights Movement continued to grow, and became revolutionary with the expansion of the US government's extensive military intervention in Vietnam.† (Previous Quote taken from an online source) During the counterculture movement, people’s lifestyles started to change. People started dressing differently and acting differently. People’s clothes transformed. They changed from vary tailored styles into looser fitting and much more revealing especially for women in public. Men started growin g their hair out and... ...id, â€Å"The thing the sixties did was to show us the possibilities and the responsibility that we all had. It wasn't the answer. It just gave us a glimpse of the possibility.† –John Lennon that is a perfect example of how people felt and why they wanted to change so much. As you can see, the 1960s was a turning point for America. Not only did we break free of social norms in society but also the generation fought for what they thought was right. Yes maybe they were looked at a little bit strangely but in the end the ended up changing America and molding it into the place that we all call home today. "If someone thinks that love and peace is a clichà © that must have been left behind in the Sixties, that's his problem. Love and peace are eternal.† –John Lennon That is why, I believe the 1960s were the most influential years of American history since 1945.

CompareandContrast Essay Microsoft vs Apple

Their products can last years like their laptops for example, but if you have a windows based laptop you need to replace it very year in order to keep up with technology. When talking about what to compare with these two companies I am going to focus on the logo, stocks, and their operating systems. Apple is a more consumer-based product, while Microsoft tends to reach out more towards businesses. Apple's logo is more classic and just a picture of an apple with a bite out of the apple. While Microsoft's is just the name Microsoft with four colored squares that look like a window.Microsoft looks like a combination of Google and Apple's design elements. Microsoft tries to use design elements from multiple companies in order to help them with the public. No more logo in technology is more known than Apple's. Microsoft has tried many times to rebind themselves. According to Matt Burns, Microsoft's logo is â€Å"simply me†, and I couldn't agree more (Burns, 2012, Para. 3). Microsof t has regained its position as the number 2 most valuable US company right behind Number 1 Apple. Apple is a maker of closed and proprietary Technology products.Apple has earned a commanding market value of 669 billion in comparison to Microsoft's 408 billion. Apple develops its in secret and unveils them to the public with presentations shown to people all over the world. Apple and Microsoft are in a dead heat this year with shares of Apple rising 21. 5% and Microsoft rising at 20. 3%. â€Å"During the intermediate term, it's a close battle, too. Shares of Apple are up 69. 8% over the past three years, just marginally ahead of the 63. 6% rise by Microsoft. (Karate, 2014, p. ) The edge goes to Apple; over the last five years Apple is up 314% compared to Microsoft 91 % gain. Contrary to popular belief prior to the phone 6 coming out, Microsoft outsold Apple on cellophanes. The trouble for Microsoft though is only 5. 8 million out of 36 million was smartness. Apple SO X and Microsoft Windows are two of the most used operating systems. When is comes to the operating systems Apple has more software bundled with their operating system than Microsoft. There are more titles available on the Windows platform. SO X has more offerings in music and video production.You can run windows non Mac, but you can't run SO X on windows. So you have the best of both worlds on an Apple computer. When it comes to security of the operating system a vicious program can change the system on windows without you even knowing it. When it comes to Apple, SO X added â€Å"sandbagging to improve protection against mallard and Trojan. † (â€Å"Apple vs.. Microsoft,† 2014, Para. 6) When it comes to viruses you have to buy additional software to protect it on a Microsoft operating system, but with Apple it comes built into their operating system.When you want to upgrade your operating system it is more affordable with Apple. If you wanted the newest operating system with Apple it would be free if you had the prior operating system, and with Microsoft it would cost 1 19. 99 for just the upgrade version. With Apple you can just install it from the App store, but with Microsoft you would have to go to a tore to purchase it. While SO X has the benefit off faster startup and higher performance, the graphics applications run faster on Windows.The question of what company is better in my opinion is Apple. All the hardware and software just works well together. Apple offers an absolutely flawless integration of hardware and software. Only with Apple do you get a system built by the same group who makes the operating system, the applications and the computer. The Apple operating system and its hardware make for a far more reliable, less troublesome environment than Windows. Microsoft just does not have a consistent, coherent and unified brand like Apple clearly does.

Dancing With Death essays

Dancing With Death essays John went to a rave party to escape his problems. He dreamt of dancing through the night like others, moving as fast as possible, never stopping, but he found it was impossible. His body would simply not hold up. Then a guy came up to him and said, Swallow an ecstasy pill and you will see! He took the pill and put it in his mouth. Moments later the drug stated to act. He danced, danced and danced, pushing himself well beyond his usual limits. John just wants to have fun, but things didnt turn out the way he wanted. A tragedy had occurred on May 4, 2000. John was really wild and outgoing. He always went out to dance when he was depressed. John loved to go to late night parties and clubs. One Saturday night, John wanted to get away from her family and all of his school problems. John and I decided to go to dance. We went to the club called Liquid Room, also called Rave. Liquid Room is a popular club where most teenagers go. This was my first time going to the Liquid Room. I saw a lot of people getting high by using drug such as ecstasy. I have learned that when people use ecstasy, the drug will act on the brain, creating a sense of euphoria that permit a person to step out beyond the boundaries his or her body and see the world in a new way or the way they believe(winwood). The drug also causes people to lose control of their action, grow tired and may occur. The danger of taking this drug is each individual person is at high risk of going dangerously beyond his or her own physical limitations and endurance. For example, a person on ecstasy may not realize he or she has become overheated and may faint-or die of heatstroke(Mathias). My friend and I joined the crowd with some people from our school. One of the guys offered John the ecstasy pill. He took the pill and swallowed it. I was so surprised to see my friend so comfortable with the drug. It seemed like these guys and his friend were ...