Molecular and ionic equations Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Molecular and ionic equations - Assignment Example Molecular equation Cu(s)+4NHO3 (aq) Cu(NO3)2 (aq)+2NO2 (g)+2H2O (g) Ironic equation Cu(s)+4H+(aq)+4NO3-(aq) Cu2+(aq)+2NO3-(aq)+ 2N3+(aq)+4O2-(aq)+ 2H2O (g) Step 2 Molecular equation Cu(NO3)2 (aq)+2NaOH(aq) Cu(OH)2 (s)+2NaNO3 (aq) Ionic equation Cu2+(aq)+ 2NO3-(aq)+2Na+(aq)+2OH-(aq) Cu2+(aq)+ 2OH-(aq)+2 Na+(aq)+ 2NO3-(aq) Step 3 Molecular equation Cu(OH)2 (s) CuO(s) +H2O(g) Ionic equation Cu2+(aq)+ 2OH-(aq) Cu2+(aq)+O2-+ H2O(g) Step 4 Molecular equation CuO(s)+H2SO4 (aq) CuSO4(aq)+ H2O(l) Ionic equation Cu2+(aq)+O2-(aq)+2H+(aq)+SO42-(aq) Cu2+(aq)+ SO42-(aq)+ H2O(l) Step 5 Molecular equation CuSO4(aq)+Zn(s) Cu(s)+ZnSO4(aq) Ionic equation Cu2+(aq)+ )+ SO42-(aq)+Zn(s) Cu(s)+Zn2+(aq)+ SO42-(aq) Side reactions a) Molecular equation Zn(s)+HCl(aq) ZnCl2 (aq)+H2 (g) Ionic equation Zn(s)+H+(aq)+Cl-(aq) Zn2+(aq)+Cl-(aq)+H2 (g) b) Molecular equation HCl(aq)+NH3 (aq) NH4Cl (aq) Ionic equation H+(aq)+Cl-(aq) NH4+(aq) 2. The mas of copper could be in excess as it may have oxidized to form copper (II) Oxide and also due to the side reactions that takes place.

Solid and Hazardous Waste Assignment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Solid and Hazardous Waste Assignment - Essay Example Agricultural waste comprises mainly slurry and farmyard manure with significant quantities of straw, silage effluent, and vegetable and cereal residues. Most of this is spread on land. Certain types of waste are defined as hazardous because of the inherent characteristics (e.g. toxic, explosive). The three largest waste streams in this category are oils and oily wastes, construction and demolition waste and asbestos, and wastes from organic chemical processes. Non-controlled waste includes waste generated from agriculture, mines and quarries and from dredging operations. In 1998–99 over 470 million tons of wastes were generated in the UK. The mean production of daily household and commercial waste in EU Member States in 1993–96 was approximately 370 kg/capita/annum, ranging from 350 to 430 kg (Waste Statistics). Most people lack of understanding on â€Å"hazardous waste†; it doesn’t always mean that when waste is hazardous it is harmful, though most can be . Hazardous waste defines that a waste has a property which might make it harmful to human health and the environment. Most, but not all, wastes produced by humans can be classified as hazardous. That is why, authorities and government agencies concerning environmental issues are stepping forward to the control and proper disposal of hazardous waste. Domestic wastes that are, may be, hazardous are the following: asbestos, pesticides and garden chemicals and medicine, fluorescent tubes and lamps, oils and oil filters, plastics, paints and coatings, household batteries and car batteries, discarded electrical equipment like TVs and radios, and computers, computer monitors and CRTs, fridges and freezers, discarded energy saving light bulbs (CFLs), Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), HCFCs, Cathode ray tubes, and tires and rubber. Environmental impact on the disposal of municipal solid wastes (MSWs) Many options may be taken by management of environmental agencies to dispose hazardous wastes, pa rticularly incineration and landfills. However, several potential health risk

Visiting Interlaken †City of lakes and mountains

Visiting Interlaken – City of lakes and mountains Interlaken – City of lakes and mountains Hallo (Hello in German)! Interlaken is a small Swiss city set in the middle of two beautiful lakes, Lake Brienz and Lake Thun. It lies in the centre of the glorious Jungfrau region comprising of the legendary Monch, Eiger and Jungfrau mountains. Interlaken is the perfect place to stay for anyone who is visiting Switzerland due to its proximity to most of the tourist destinations and also other famous Swiss cities. Famous cities like Bern, Lucerne and Montreux can be visited as day trips from Interlaken. Turquoise lakes, pretty waterfalls and majestic snow capped mountains combined with an opportunity for adventure sports like sky diving, paragliding, bungee jumping and river rafting is what makes Interlaken an attractive and a unique destination in Switzerland. Interlaken is the perfect example of a place where beauty meets adventure! Best season to visit Interlaken Interlaken and its surrounding areas have something nice to offer throughout the year. Summer, from June to August is the peak season. With pleasant temperatures, clear skies, beautiful views of snow capped mountains, lush green surroundings and opportunities for adventure sports it is also the best time to visit Interlaken. But quite obviously the prices go up and it can get crowded during these months. Autumn from September to November is also a good time to visit, especially the months of September and October. The crowds start thinning but the temperature is still pleasant and you can visit all the nice places. Winter, from December to March can be avoided by most people except for ski enthusiasts. It is the perfect time to ski in the Jungfrau region. Spring, from April-May is yet another beautiful time to visit Interlaken. Days are cool and sunny and nights cold but not chilly. Skies start clearing up, hiking trails start opening up, flowers start blooming and it is a very prett y sight. Highlights (Things to do) Ride the highest railway in all of Europe to reach the Jungfraujoch peak, which is probably one of the most beautiful views you will see in your life! Do not forget to sit and relax in one of the restaurants in Top of Europe enjoying the view. Visit the Sphinx Observatory situated above Jungfraujoch, overlooking the infinite snows of Aletsch Glacier. Ski on the famous slopes of Jungfrau located with a backdrop of Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau peaks. Dine at Piz Gloria, a revolving restaurant situated at the summit of Schilthorn in the Bernese Alps, which was a set for one of the James Bond movies. Cruise the beautiful Lake Brienz, nestled between the snow-capped mountains, tall cliffs and pretty waterfalls. Take a stroll in the picturesque and charming lakeside villages in the hop-on hop-off cruise. Hop on a Lake Thun Cruise to enjoy some charming vistas around and explore the beautiful oberhofen castle situated on the banks of the lake. Climb the Brienz-Rothorn railway and experience the vintage steam train ride that starts from Lake Brienz and reaches up to the mountains of Brienzer Rothorn, passing through a variety of landscapes including forests, meadows, pastures and finally the Bernese Alps. Make a day trip to the charming historic old town of Bern city. Try Sky diving in Switzerland! At Interlaken, adventure meets beauty and that’s what makes it a must try when you are in the city. Go Paragliding to enjoy the incredible views of the Bernese Alps at a much slower pace. Experience Night Sledding with Swiss Fondue at Interlaken during winter. Indulge in some Lutschine River Rafting with a view of the Alps! Participate in the world’s most popular mountain marathon, Jungfrau marathon! Interlaken being the starting point and Kleine Scheidegg the end point, the route includes all the beauties in the Bernese Oberland of Swiss Alps. Ride the Golden Pass line from Interlaken to Lucerne which traverses through Brunig Pass. Take a stroll or ride the horse-drawn carriages at Hoheweg Street, the heart of Interlaken. Hotspots (Things to see) Jungfrau Jungfraujoch: Ride the rail from Interlaken to the peak of Jungfraujoch which is a 2 hour journey and traverses through the mountains of Eiger and Monch. If you gasp at the fantastic views the train journey offers, then hold your breath when you reach the top! You are now on the highest point of Europe. Dine in one of the restaurants in ‘Top of Europe’ overlooking the mighty Jungfrau peak with the feeling of being on Top of the World! Sphinx Observatory: An astronomical observatory that is situated above the Jungfraujoch is a sight to see. The observatory is not open to public, but it has a viewing terrace which is open to public and offers incredible views of the Aletsch Glacier. Aletsch Glacier: The largest glacier in the whole of Alps, Aletsch Glacier is truly a nature’s jewel and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Ride the cable car to Bettmerhorn or Eggishorn and soak in the beauty of the place. There are some interesting hikes as well for adventurous people. Ice Palace: There is a very good chance that all the viewing platforms up on Jungfraujoch are crowded. Take this time to visit the Ice Palace consisting of interesting sculptures made of ice which includes animals, birds, furniture and a bar! Kleine Scheidegg: While going to Jungfrau, one has to cross the Kleine Scheidegg station and it is recommended that you make a stop here! Located below the mountains of Jungfrau, Monch and Eiger, it is at this place where you come face to face with the awe inspiring Eiger peak. Views are amazing and a lot of hiking trails also begin from Kleine Scheidegg. Schynige Platte: Vintage train, open carriages, breathtaking views of the Bernese Alps throughout, beautiful alpine gardens and finally a lunch/dinner at the Mountain Hotel! This is what a train ride to the Schynige Platte has to offer. Lake Brienz Lake Brienz Cruise: A themed cruise on the Lake Brienz like a Swiss Dinner or a Fish Jazz Cruise is the best way to explore the lake and its neighboring areas. Explore the tiny beautiful village of Brienz and do not forget to take home some souvenirs. You can also opt to get down at the Brienz village and take the scenic ride in Brienz Rothorn Railway. Giessbach Falls: Ride the beautiful turquoise lake to reach the thundering Giessbach falls. Lake Thun Lake Thun: Take a cruise on Lake Thun and make sure you stop at Saint Beatus Caves and Oberhofen Castle. Lauterbrunnen Isenfluh: Isenfluh is a charming tiny mountain village away from all the major tourist places and located very near to Interlaken. Unspoilt and untouched, this beautiful Swiss village also offers enchanting views of Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen valley and of course the world famous Bernese Alps. Take a cable car up to Sulwald to enjoy these views. Staubbach Falls: There are 72 waterfalls in the valley of Lauterbrunnen and Staubbach falls is one of the highest and spectacular ones of those. Easily accessible, the view of the falls is nothing short of spectacular. You can also climb up to the falls and take in the beauty of Lauterbrunnen valley from the top. Unterseen Aare Sluice Gates: Take a stroll in one of the Aare Sluice Gate located on the borders of Interlaken and Unterseen. The blend of mountains, hills and the charming old town of Unterseen combined with the turquoise waters of the Aare offers a pleasantly beautiful atmosphere. Unterseen Stadthausplatz: The town hall square with its modern buildings, restaurants and boutiques is a nice place to spend the evening. Harder kulm Harder Kulm Panorama Restaurant: Ride the funicular to the mountains high up where a pretty restaurant and charming views await you. Look and admire the elegant Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau peaks from a completely different angle while indulging in a Swiss fondue! Two Lakes Bridge: Situated very close to the Harder Kulm Restaurant, the bridge offers remarkable views of Lake Brienz and Lake Thun along with the mountains of Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau. Beatenberg Niederhorn: Enjoy a beautiful ride from Interlaken to Beatenberg from where you can take the cable car to the peak of Niederhorn. If you think that the ride to the peak is very scenic, you are in for some surprise when you reach the peak. The view of Lake Thun and entire Bernese Alps is simply mind blowing! It also offers orientation hikes with 3 trails of varying levels. Shopping in Interlaken Head to Hoheweg Street for any kind of souvenir shopping. From the famous Swiss Cuckoo Clocks to Swiss chocolates, watches, knives, cow bells and liquor, you can find it here. For local Swiss crafts, wooden crafts and handicrafts, head to the village of Brienz. How to reach Interlaken Interlaken has no airport of its own. The nearest airport is located at Bern which is 45 minutes from Interlaken. It has 2 main railway stations, Interlaken West and Interlaken East (Ost). Both of them are well connected with trains from all major cities of Switzerland. There are also trains from Paris, Frankfurt, Milan, Vienna and Salzburg to Interlaken. It is also well connected to other Swiss cities through buses. One can also drive in to Interlaken as there is a well maintained highway/autobahn that connects the city with all major Swiss and European cities. How to get around in Interlaken The city is so small that it can be covered on foot and is probably the best way to get around and explore. Hiring a car from a good car rental agency will be helpful since most of the attractions are at a distance from the city. You can also rent cycles, motorbikes or mountain bikes for an adventurous ride. Public transport consists of local trains and buses which are well connected to places in and around the city. Hiring a taxi is also a good option to travel around the city. Ride in the horse-drawn carriages especially in the Hoheweg Street for a more romantic holiday! Top areas in Interlaken Interlaken City Centre: Heart of the city, close to all the places and stations, City Centre is a good place to stay. You can also find some nice souvenir shops nearby. Hoheweg: Favorite hanging place for tourists and locals alike, Hoheweg Street is filled with restaurants, cafà ©Ã¢â‚¬â„¢s, hotels, shops and boutiques. Beatenberg: Enjoy a quiet stay at Beatenberg Village while in Interlaken and enjoy nice views of the mountains and lakes around. Wilderswil: Another village located in the municipality of Interlaken, Wilderswill offers good stay options with nice views. Unterseen: A very pretty village that comes with history and attractions of its own is one of the preferred places to stay for people from all over the world. Matten: You can find hotels for cheap rates in Matten and the views can just not go wrong in any of the mountain villages neighboring Interlaken. Lauterbrunnen Valley: Beauty of Lauterbrunnen is already well-known. A stay amidst this beautiful valley could just add more charm to your Swiss holiday. Murren: It is a quiet, cozy, charming mountain village located at the base of Schilthorn. Danke (Thank You in German)!

Charlotte Smith’s Elegiac Sonnets Essay -- sensibility, nature, emotion

In Charlotte Smith’s Elegiac Sonnets, Smith uses nature as a vehicle to express her complex emotions and yearning for a renewal of her spirit. Utilizing the immortal characteristics of spring and the tempestuous nature of the ocean, Smith creates a poetic world that is both a comfort and a hindrance to her tortured soul. Even while spring can provide her with temporary solace and the ocean is a friend in her sorrow, both parts of nature constantly remind her of something that she will never be able to accomplish: the renewal of her anguished spirit and complete happiness in life once more. Through three of her sonnets in this collection, Smith connects with the different parts of nature and displays her sensible temperament with her envy over nature’s ability to easily renew its beauty and vitality. In â€Å"Written at the close of Spring,† Smith’s second sonnet, she focuses on the wonderful ability nature has in rejuvenating itself each year. Smith personifies Spring in the way it â€Å"nurs’d in dew† its flowers as though it was nursing its own children (â€Å"Close of Spring† 2). While it creates life, Spring is not human, because it has this ability to come back after its season has passed. Human beings grow old and die; we lose our â€Å"fairy colours† through the abrasive nature of life (â€Å"Close of Spring† 12). Smith is mournful that humans cannot be like the flowers of Spring and regain the colors of our lives after each year. Normally in comparing the age of sensibility with nature, we see this great appreciation of nature as a whole. In Smith’s poems, we do see this, but mostly in this sonnet we see a jealousy of nature. Smith is able to connect with the beauty of Spring on some level; it is something that brings her a small amount of... ... but she always realizes at the end that her happiness is forever gone and she only has despair to look forward to her future. While nature is a typical outlet for people with a sensible nature, like Smith, it can also just as easily create a desire in man that can never be attained. Works Cited Smith, Charlotte. "To Spring." Poem Hunter. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Oct. 2011. . Smith, Charlotte. â€Å"Written at the close of spring .† Elegiac Sonnets. Ed. Stuart Curran. New York: Oxford, 1993. 13-14. Print. Smith, Charlotte. â€Å"Written in a tempestuous night, on the coast of Sussex.† Elegiac Sonnets. Ed. Stuart Curran. New York: Oxford, 1993. 58. Print. Smith, Charlotte. â€Å"Written on the seashore- October, 1784.† Elegiac Sonnets. Ed. Stuart Curran. New York: Oxford, 1993. 20. Print.

Descriptive general marketing plan outline for eegee company

I.  Ã‚   Executive Summary – This marketing plan is designed and conceptualized to respond to a particular challenge that the Eegee Company is looking to take head-on: make solid, calculated steps upward the market and consumer share ladder and eventually lead the industry based on commanding hold of the target market and market share. This marketing plan provides an insight on the key pillars of a workable, achievable and realistic marketing strategy through the careful analysis and consideration of the company structure, capability and current market position as well as the position of the competitors and the direction where most of the target customers are looking. This marketing plan is designed to design a strategy so to ensure that the target customers of Eegee Company is looking Eegee’s way, and no other way, through effective marketing with the use of traditional and below the line (BLT) advertising vis-à  -vis enhanced and improved product designed to suit the taste of its target market. In order to measure the success level of the marketing plan, several long term and short term objectives are identified in this marketing plan to enable the company to see whether they are consistent with the course of action and course plotted by the marketing plan, and if the marketing plan is effective after all. II. The Egee Company Marketing Challenge – The Eegee Company has been operating since 1971, and for nearly four decades, many internal and external aspects have changed. Internally, there have been several changes in operational direction that included shift in logistics, use of technology and expansion while externally, competitors of the Eegee Company products themselves collectively experienced changes; some became stronger brands, some disappeared and in their place some new names surfaced to challenge the market and threaten the market share enjoyed by Eegee Company. The main marketing plan of the this marketing plan is to put Eegee Company in a position of stable and consistent growth, and over a period of calculated time, hit the top spot in market share in the frozen fruit juice, baked goods and sandwich industry, and provide long term and short term strategies on how to maintain pole position at least before a new and more suitable and up-to-date marketing plan has been created and enforced. This market plan will take into consideration the analysis of the current business situation Eegee is in, as well as the analysis of the company, the target market and customers and the competition to be able to ascertain the real grounds Eegee is standing on at the moment and from that point define the path it should take to get to where it wants to go. Analysis of the Situation – Eegee Company has successfully managed to branch out, but the branching out of the company is not yielding the desired stranglehold effect of the target market. Simply put, Egee is everywhere, but a lot of its target consumers are still going somewhere else. The question is, ‘why is that’? Product-wise, Eegee Company’s line of food product provides both character to the company and diversity that consumers require for a food chain to constantly invite patrons and attract new customers. In the absence of any official action against Eegee Company by anyone of its former and current customers with regards to the products having undesirable qualities, it is by default that this marketing plan would consider that most customers would agree that generally, Eegee Company’s food is fresh, delicious, satisfying and reasonably priced. Eegee Company, throughout its 36 years of existence and operation, was able to follow trends in local and trans-state food and beverage distribution and manufacturing, such trends not jeopardizing the quality of Eegee Company food. III. Alternative and Selected Marketing Strategies – This marketing plan will identify some alternative marketing strategy and select particular marketing strategies that the company is capable of launching and supporting inside a particular time frame. Selective and Sensitive Media Advertising – Traditional marketing wisdom still points to the use of advertising in mass media as an effective marketing strategy. But as was pointed out earlier in the marketing plan, current social changes affect the manner by which modern advertising and marketing strategy is being conducted, and Eegee should be aware of that and incorporate these changes in the strategy to come across as an issue-sensitive company whose main concern as a corporate entity is customer welfare. Eegee can shift its marketing and advertising styles with more health-conscious tones and responsibilities, meaning Eegee will focus on its healthy food line and stress on the characteristic of Eegee as a partner in maintaining healthy eating habits and at the same time re-align product advertising with regards to the audience that it actually hits, similar to the Kellogg case and the role of their advertisement of food that pressure groups deem as unhealthy for kids and contributing to the obesity of the children in America (Associated Press, 2007). Product and company assessment through public and target market survey – bringing the food closer to the target customers requires the company to know what type of food these people want on their hands and on their plates. This assessment is critical since this will provide the company a glimpse of where current Eegee products stand in the preference of the target market. Results of this study is integral in the marketing plan since this will help in the undertaking of alternative recommended strategies like the discontinuing of a product as well as product re-branding and change in company profile. The marketing team can begin with conducting the study on the impact of the company’s current identifiable logos and characters and whether or not it alienates a particular section of the target market owing to its leaning towards more youthful and child-like personality. Promotion through close contact with customers – Promotional activities like community-based events support and sponsorship is highly encouraged to be able to put Eegee closer to its target market. Other minor promotional gimmicks like holiday discounts and give-away items should also be analyzed carefully, particularly with the items to give out with focus on strengthening brand and product recall through non-food items. IV. Short Term and Long Term Projections – Long term and short term projections include immediate marketing strategy impact as well as the expected fall out of the marketing plan which will be reflected in a post mortem for the marketing plan which will be identified in the marketing strategy calendar. The long term and short term projections should also consider the impact of the marketing plan in other business areas like the forecast of revenues, expenses and break even analysis. The selected marketing strategies also promise several long term and short term impact on the company sales and product performance. The ‘Selective and Sensitive Media Advertising’ marketing strategy’s short term results may include favorable public perception on the company and the product that may show direct positive impact in immediate improvement of sales. Another expected short term result is the gaining of newfound interest among new target market who will be hit by the particular new wave of Eegee’s media advertising. Long term results generated from this particular strategy include long term maintenance of favorable and positive company and product profile (which can only be maintained if the company can provide products that customers generally like and enjoy) as well as the establishment of the very critical brand recall that can help in minimizing advertising efforts for at least the next one or two years. The ‘Product and company assessment through public and target market survey’ strategy’s long term and short term effect is primarily the ability of the company to use the opinion of its target consumers to its advantage. Its short term effect includes being able to re-design and repackage the products, the company and the marketing style that fits the consumer taste. Its long term effect is primarily the providing of usable data which the company can use in the future during its redesigning of future marketing plans and strategies. The ‘Promotion through close contact with customers’ strategy provides a short term effect that translates to direct communication with target consumers on a more localize and direct level while its long term effect is expected in the increase and maintenance of brand recall and product identification. In order to achieve them, departments and individuals who are directly involved in the implementation of the marketing plan should perform expected tasks and maintain deliverables as per marketing plan schedule. Special action towards the marketing plan that affects the marketing strategies directly may come in the form of remedial actions should unexpected problems arise during the duration of the marketing plan and strategy implementation, as well as crisis management task undertaking in the event of crisis-level concerns occurring during the duration of the marketing plan/strategy implementation. Forecast of Revenue – members of the marketing team should be designate the starting point of marketing campaign pursuant to the marketing plan put into action. A comprehensive administration of the marketing plan (advertisement, promotion, product change, corporate re-design etc) would be sufficient enough to allow management to evaluate sales performance from the start of the marketing campaign up to the end of the first three or five months and break down these months into weeks and days to see if there are noticeable trends that can suggest improving revenue based on the imposed marketing strategy. Expenses – List of expected expenses should make room for auxiliary expenses for unexpected marketing costs and should be detailed in the marketing plan. The expenses incurred in the undertaking of a creating and using of a new marketing plan and marketing strategy is considered as internal investment of the company. The marketing team should work hand in hand with the accounting and the legal department to see how some of the expenses can be translated for tax refunds and tax exempts and other ways and means that can soften the impact of the expenses on overall operation and financial status of the company. Marketing, after all, ‘costs money’ (Gendusa, 2006). Break Even Analysis – The marketing plan, the forecast of revenue and the list of expenses should design a strategy allowing for break even income – costs as the worst case scenario in the event that the marketing plan did not yield expected results. Necessary plans should also be made to compensate for any negative result of the break even analysis. References: Associated Press. (June 14, 2007). Kellogg to change recipes, marketing. The Boston Globe. Retrieved December 25, 2007, from http://www.boston.com/business/globe/articles/2007/06/14/kellogg_to_change_recipes_marketing/ Eegee's website. Retrieved December 25, 2007, from http://www.eegees.com/index.htm Gendusa, Joy. (May 22, 2006). The Importance of a Marketing Plan. Articlesbase. Retrieved December 25, 2007, from http://www.articlesbase.com/marketing-articles/the importance-of-a-marketing-plan-30026.html ;

Euthanasia Persuasive Speech Essay

Imagine a world where anyone, even the curably ill or depressed, is easily assisted in suicide. Where someone else decides when you’re life is no longer worth living. Where it is a societal expectation to die rather than receive long-term care. Ladies and Gentlemen, this is the world that awaits us if we legalise euthanasia. Euthanasia, or assisted suicide, is defined as the practice or act of ending the life of a terminally ill person, usually by lethal injection. Though there is no exact specification for what ‘terminally ill’ may pertain to. Who would this definition extend to and who would be eligible to be euthanized? Some laws state that â€Å"terminally ill† means that death will occur in a relatively short time. Others are specifically stating within six months or less. Though this definition is futile, as medical experts state it is virtually impossible to predict the life expectancy of each specific patient. As this has been realised, numerous euthanasia activists have increasingly replaced references to ‘terminal illness’ to phrases such as ‘hopelessly ill’, ‘desperately ill’, ‘incurably ill’. In Thomas E. Joiner’s journal Suicide and Life- Threatening behaviour, an article described the guidelines for assisted suicide to be for those with a hopeless condition. The definition of ‘hopeless condition’ included terminal illness, severe physical or psychological pain, physical or mental debilitation or deterioration, or a quality of life that is no longer acceptable to the individual. In 2009, over 30% of euthanasia cases were carried out without consent in Belgium. Simultaneously, the number of cases had increased dramatically, specifically 40% greater in 2009 than in 2008. Furthermore, in 77. 9% of these cases the patients had been killed without an explicit request, nor a discussion of euthanasia. It seems extremely likely that, in Belgium, physicians are killing patients on their own cognizance with no regard for legal restraints. Is euthanasia truly a ‘voluntary’ practice, as described in the law? Even the enforcement of laws seems ineffective as they have proven to do little to ensure the safety of vulnerable patients. How can we ensure that these results will not be replicated in Australia if we follow in Belgium’s footsteps? Could euthanasia be considered a ‘slippery slope to legalised murder’? When analysing medicines primary taboo, as sworn in the Hippocratic Oath, ‘I will neither give a deadly drug to anybody if they asked for it, nor will I make a suggestion to this effect’ it becomes apparent that euthanasia purely contradicts this. Doctor assistance in the death of a patient is antithetical to the moral ethos and the primary goal of medicine. Their role as healer is fundamentally incompatible with euthanasia. Furthermore, euthanasia rejects the dignity and value of human life. The existing quality-of-human-life ethic would be replaced with a utilitarian and nihilistic death culture and a pessimistic view that the answer to life’s most difficult challenges is the intentional ending of human life. Such a radical shift in morality would fire dangerous consequences. Societal pressure and acceptance of this concept would influence the decisions of those who would originally never contemplate such a decision. Vulnerable people- the elderly, the ill, the depressed- would feel pressure- real or imagined- to request an early death through euthanasia. The legalisation of euthanasia would be detrimental to the strife for survival of the ill and depressed, to the vulnerable that health-maintenance organisations wish to exterminate, to the medical profession and to the overall value of human life. By legalising euthanasia we are allowing our world to transform into the unthinkable. When will someone else decide when you’re life is no longer worth living?