Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827): Biography & Music

The composer of some of the most influential pieces of music ever written, Ludwig van Beethoven created a bridge between the 18th-century classical period and the new beginnings of Romanticism. His greatest breakthroughs in composition came in his instrumental work, including his symphonies. Unlike his predecessor Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, for whom writing music seemed to…

Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Genital Herpes, Gonorrhea, Chlamydia

A sexually transmitted disease is not the same as genital disease. Most genital diseases are not caused by sexually transmitted organisms. But most sexually transmitted infections do involve the genitals. Infection of the rectum, throat, and the eye are also common. A lot of sexually transmitted diseases spread from a single place and produce sores…

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: History, Symptoms, Treatment

What is the Disease? ALS is an extremely deadly disease affecting the nerve cells that control the victim’s voluntary muscles.  These nerves shrink and eventually die, leaving the muscles without stimulation.  As these muscles go without stimulation, they too eventually shrink and die.  The victim progressively weakens to the point of complete paralysis of all…