Ed Martin, a pardon attorney and head of the Department of Justices weaponization task force, is launching an official investigation into former President Joe Biden's pardons issued in the waning days

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The Department of Education said the change was to protect social security recipients who oftentimes rely on a fixed income.The Department of Education announced a policy change on June 2, saying

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Lots of eggs. Lots of babies. Lots of death.

What science says about this common accessory.

It might not be why you think.

Ireland had been under nominal English control since the 1100s but across much of the island local Gaelic lords continued to enjoy great autonomy, similar to the highlands of Scotland. The English Crowns efforts to extend its political control over the island during the 16th century inspired a rebellion among the Gaelic lords between 1593 and 1603 that came to be known as the Nine Years War. English victory brought an end to Gaelic Ireland and the imposition of centralized rule.English Rule in IrelandIrish Soldiers by Albrecht Durer, 1521. Source: Wikimedia CommonsEnglish control in Ireland was initially centered on a small region of the eastern coast around Dublin city known as the Pale of Settlement. A series of conflicts in the 16th century had expanded this control through the processes of plantation and surrender and regrant. Plantation was the act of evicting the local Irish population and bringing in settlers from Britain to replace them. Surrender and regrant involved Irish lords surrendering their Gaelic title to the crown and then being presented with an English title such as earl or duke.Crown forces in Ireland were similar to their continental counterparts. Infantry were primarily musketeers or pikemen, working in concert. They fought in close packed formations that frequently brought them victory against superior numbers. Their cavalry were fewer in number but much more disciplined than their Gaelic counterparts. Irish forces typically preferred to fight in loose formations and were more effective carrying out ambushes and raids. They consisted mostly of kern, gallowglasses, and redshanks. Kern were light infantry that frequently turned to banditry in peacetime. Gallowglasses were heavy infantry, traditionally of Scottish origin, and armed with double handed swords or axes. Redshanks were mercenary soldiers who migrated with the seasons.Among the independent lords across the island were the likes of Red Hugh ODonnell in Tyrconnell or OSullivan Beare in southwest Munster, but the most dangerous was Hugh ONeill in Tyrone. Areas of the island such as the Wicklow glens or the province of Ulster were effectively no go areas for Crown forces.King in the NorthSketch of the Blackwater Fort by Unknown, 1587. Source: Wikimedia CommonsBy this stage in the 16th century, Gaelic rule remained strongest in Ulster, which was accordingly the most hostile towards English rule. Leinster was considered relatively pacified though still possessing dangerous regions. The free clans in Wicklow were only a nights march from the walls of Dublin. Connacht and Munster were under the rule of Lord Presidents, military leaders with wide ranging authority extending to the civilian sphere.A further complication was that Ulster was the site of substantial Scottish settlement. The Gaels across the sea shared a language and in many cases intermarried and intervened in each others political affairs. Mercenary soldiers would cross the sea in both directions. Hugh ONeill had emerged as the preeminent Gaelic leader in Ulster by the end of the 16th century, overcoming the machinations of his relatives and his rival Gaelic lords. While continuing to profess loyalty to the Crown, he secretly continued his preparations for war.Other Gaelic lords continued to resist the encroaching English forces in the province, clashing with soldiers sent to enforce English laws while ONeill hoped to be named the Lord President. He even fought in the initial stages of the war on the English side but he joined the rebellion with an assault on the Blackwater Fort, which commanded a strategic point deep inside Ulster. Since the Irish sought aid from the Catholic King of Spain, the war became part of the wider Anglo-Spanish War.A Bloody Day at Yellow FordBattle of Yellow Ford by Thomas Mason, 1890. Source: National Library of IrelandThe repeated attempts to resupply the Blackwater Fort would lead to one of the most famous defeats of English forces in the field. By 1598, Henry Bagenal, ONeills brother-in-law, was determined to accomplish the task. They were old rivals, ONeill had eloped with Bagenals sister and believed Bagenal had prevented him from becoming Lord President of Ulster in response. Bagenal had a jaundiced view of ONeill but was ultimately proved right that ONeill had no intention of remaining a loyal subject of the Crown.Although ONeill did not completely abandon the traditional Gaelic methods of war, ambushing and raiding, he made great efforts to modernize his forces along continental lines. His gallowglasses and kerns had been retrained as pikemen and musketeers respectively by Irish veterans from the continent, Spanish advisors, and even English soldiers. During his years of loyalty to the Crown, he had taken advantage of the English trust to ensure his soldiers were trained in their style of fighting.At Yellow Ford the relieving army fought a running battle over several miles before being halted and destroyed in a fierce fight, Bagenal dying with his troops. The survivors fought their way out to Armagh, shocked to have encountered Irish soldiers fighting in a conventional manner. Over 2,000 English soldiers had been lost, half the army, and hundreds of others deserted to ONeill. Many Irish lords who had remained neutral now threw in their lot with ONeill and English reinforcements were hurriedly dispatched to Ireland. The war had now escalated, no longer being a primarily Ulster affair.War Across the IslandAn armed company of kern attacks a farmhouse. The Image of Irelande by John Derrick, 1581. Source: Edinburgh University LibraryWhile Yellow Ford and other battles in the north are the best known, the war also spread to the other provinces of Ireland. Formerly quiet regions erupted into violence as Gaelic lords joined the widening war. Gaelic forces raided deep into English controlled territory, torching villages and ambushing garrisons that ventured out to fight them.Red Hugh routed an English force at Curlew Pass in August 1599 after ambushing the English army as they moved through the mountains. Similar to Yellow Ford, the Irish continually harassed the advancing English, using barricades to slow their advance and wearing them down with repeated attacks. Running low on ammunition, the English musketeers retreated, leaving the rest of the infantry to weather the assault. An Irish infantry attack broke their lines and only the courage of the English cavalry saved the entire army from being destroyed. A similar battle occurred in May 1599 at Deputys Pass in Wicklow where Irish skirmishers wore down the English troops until they could be engaged in open battle.A change was needed and Charles Blount, Baron Mountjoy was appointed Lord Deputy of Ireland and commander of English forces. A breath of fresh air, he negated the Irish successes by the use of strategic forts and scorched earth tactics, burning grain and killing animals. He denied his enemy supplies and avoided the mistakes of his predecessors. Mountjoy stabilized the Irish front and even succeeded in landing troops in Ulster to be a thorn in ONeills stronghold. But victory for the English was still far off.Disaster at KinsaleEnglish soldiers on the march. The Image of Irelande by John Derrick, 1581. Source: Edinburgh University LibraryAt the start of the 17th century, the situation appeared grim for the Crown forces. Most of the island was in open rebellion and English control was restricted to the Pale and a few strongholds dotted around the country. A renewed English offensive led by George Carew, Lord President of Munster, succeeded in pacifying the province to some extent. He offered pardons to those who would surrender while ruthlessly purging the rebels who continued to resist.A Spanish force of 3,500 infantry led by Juan Del guila succeeded in landing at Kinsale in October 1601 while other smaller groups landed in the Beara peninsula. Mountjoy stripped his garrisons to the bone and led an army of 12,000 men to besiege them. Harsh conditions devastated the besiegers while the Spanish forces mounted an active defence. Still, without relief, they were doomed to surrender. Urgent appeals were sent north to the main rebel armies and to other local lords.The Irish forces arrived late after pillaging the countryside on their leisurely march south. Whether overconfident or pressured, the Irish chose to engage the besieging English army in open battle. Unused to pitched battles, they were routed by an English cavalry charge, causing their own cavalry to retreat into the path of the infantry. Only the Spanish detachment and some of the continental veterans stood to fight. The besieged Spanish had no option but to surrender while the Irish forces scattered. Agonisingly, Spanish reinforcements had been en route but turned back after hearing of the surrender.A Bitter PeaceHugh ONeill surrendering to Baron Mountjoy by Unknown. Source: Wikimedia CommonsKinsale decided everything. Nearly half the English army had perished in the siege but the Irish forces had been shattered. Many Irish had escaped but their leaders decided to withdraw to the north or seek terms to preserve what power they could. In many cases former allies came to blows.One spectacular event near the end of the war was the odyssey of OSullivan Beare and his followers. A powerful lord on the Beara peninsula, he had first returned to his own lands to rearm and fight on. Despite taking English castles and receiving arms from Spain, he was forced to abandon the peninsula and march north to join his allies. He retreated with a mixed column of 1,000 soldiers, women, and children, fighting his way through both English forces and former allies who had surrendered. It took them two weeks to travel over 300 miles, with only 35 survivors reaching safety.ONeill continued to fight on until March 1603 but was eventually forced to sue for peace. To his enemies fury, he retained some of his lands but his power was much reduced. The defeated Gaelic lords received more generous terms than were expected, because Elizabeth I had died and been succeeded by James I who was eager to seek an end to the war. Despite this, many left Ireland a few years later in the Flight of the Earls, clearing the way for increased plantations in Ulster, the effects of which are still felt today in Ireland.

Whenever we hear the name Charlie Chaplin, our minds likely jump to an amusing, cane-wielding man with a hat and a mustache. This is understandable, for this characterthe Trampis the most recognizable figure from Chaplins career.However, when one digs deeper into Chaplins life and work, it becomes evident that he was much more than a silent film actor. Indeed, he was a multi-talented auteur who directed, wrote, and produced an impressive roster of classic films.Charlie Chaplins Victorian ChildhoodQueen Victoria by Bertha Mller, 1900. Source: National Portrait Gallery, LondonCharlie Chaplin was born on April 16, 1889 in London. He was raised in a relatively poor family, with his deprived childhood reminiscent of a Victorian Dickens character. His father was also called Charlie, and his mother was named Hannah.Both worked in the performing arts and wanted to become famous actors and singers. But despite their ambitions, neither made much money. Worse still, Charlie Senior developed an alcohol addiction and abandoned the family.Hannah found another partner, a singer named Leo Dryden. But this relationship also fell apart. Following the birth of their son Wheeler, Leo left Hannah, taking his son with him. This latest tragedy was too much for the poor woman. With a fading voice, a tough financial situation, and the loss of her new son, Hannah developed psychological disorders. Consequently, her two remaining sons were housed in various institutions, including the Lambeth Workhouse and the Central London District School at Hanwell.With some help from Charlie Seniors connections in the theater, the young Chaplin joined the Lancashire Lads at the end of 1898. After learning to tap dance, he and the Lancashire Lads toured the country for a couple of years, performing in front of large crowds in prestigious theaters.Mr. Karno and Mr.ChaplinPhotograph of Caseys Court Circus featuring Charlie Chaplin from the scrapbook of Will Stanton, 1906. Source: Peterborough Images ArchiveWhen touring came to an end in 1901, Chaplin was reunited with his mother. Devoid of any assistance from his older half-brother Sydney (who was away working as a steward on a ship), Chaplin supported himself and his mother with a series of odd jobs. But Chaplin couldnt ignore his true calling. His heart was in the performing arts, and he soon returned to the stage, giving a notable performance as Billy the Groom in Sherlock Holmes. He also worked as a pantomime, honing his skills as a comedy performer.Chaplin developed his comedic chops still further as a member of Caseys Court Circus, where he produced remarkable imitations of famous comedians. Soon after, Sydney (who had also returned to the theater and started to build his own career) managed to get his sibling an audition with the influential Fred Karno, a gifted man with a knack for comedy and entrepreneurship.Having impressed Karno with his abilities, Chaplin joined his company. He portrayed a sly drunk in Mumming Birds and the titular character in Jimmy the Fearless or the Boy Ero. Chaplin traveled with Karno to the United States, setting off for New York in October 1910.The Tramp Comes toAmericaPhotograph of Mabel Normand by an unknown photographer, c. 1915. Source: Library of CongressHaving made the jump from stage to screen by joining Mack Sennetts Keystone Film Company, Chaplin soon developed his most iconic character: the Tramp.Also drawing upon Chaplins childhood experiences, the Tramp was designed to be a walking contradiction, with the tight coat, small hat, and cane contrasting with baggy pants and big shoes.The Tramp first appeared in a film called Kid Auto Races at Venice (1914). In Kid Auto, the Tramp continuously tries to put himself into the frame, providing a commentary on how people behave when in the presence of a camera.The Tramp next appeared in Mabels Strange Predicament (1914) alongside silent film actress Mabel Normand. (This was filmed before Kid Auto but released slightly after.) Mabels Strange Predicament was the first of eleven films starring Chaplin and Normand. Chaplin also worked alongside veteran producer-director Mack Sennett during the formative stages of his film career. But Chaplin wasnt always the easiest to work with, for he was itching to direct as well as act.With increasing popularity and influence, Chaplins wish was granted. He wrote and directed many films during the second half of 1914, demonstrating his skills both in front of and behind the camera. Before long, America was captivated by the little man from England, with audiences lining up outside cinemas to see his films.Triumphs andTroublesPhotograph of Charlie Chaplin by an unknown photographer, 1921. Source: Science Museum Group CollectionIn Work (1915), Chaplin highlighted social injustice, with the Tramp working under the tyranny of a whip-wielding coachman. By exploring exploitation in the workplace, Chaplin expanded his appeal, becoming a symbol for the oppressed.Many more short films followed, including A Woman (1915), where Chaplin dressed up in drag. But it wasnt until the early 1920s that Chaplin made his first full-length feature, The Kid (1921), a beautiful and potent picture that evokes the creators poverty-stricken childhood.But things were not good behind the scenes. Chaplin quarreled with the films distributors, the First National, demanding more money. He was also in the middle of a divorce settlement with his first wife, Mildred Harris, who had decided to reject the settlement of $100,000!Photograph of Charlie Chaplin by an unknown photographer, 1916. Source: Science Museum Group CollectionWhen The Kid was finally released at the start of 1921, it was a milestone for Chaplin, both creatively and personally. He met teenage actress Lita Grey while making the film, and the young actress also appeared in The Gold Rush (1925), one of Chaplins most well-known pictures. It was during the making of the film that the sixteen-year-old Grey became pregnant, prompting a shotgun marriage.However, just like Chaplins first marriage, the relationship wasnt meant to last, and the couple divorced in 1927. The following year, Chaplins mother died at the age of sixty-three after living in Californias San Fernando Valley for several years under permanent care.Modern TimesStill of Charlie Chaplin in Modern Times by Charlie Chaplin Productions, 1936. Source: Library of CongressIn December 1928, Chaplin arrived on set to make City Lights (1931). He worked on the film obsessively, fine-tuning every sequence and going through hundreds of takes to find the perfect shot.By the end of 1930, Chaplin had finished editing, and the film premiered soon after. City Lights was a massive achievement for Chaplin. With a moving blend of comedy and melodrama, the film was a hit upon release and is regarded by many as Chaplins best film. Following this success, he returned to Europe to take a break from filming.When Chaplin returned to Hollywood, he had to grapple with the changing landscape of the film industry. The silent era was coming to an end, forcing the creator to ponder a serious question: Could the Tramp survive in a post-silent Hollywood?Indeed, Chaplins final performance as the Tramp was in Modern Times (1936), with shooting starting in October 1934. Though still largely a silent film, Modern Times featured some dialogue and numerous sound effects. Paulette Goddard, who had been in a relationship with Chaplin for several years, played the leading lady, and the couple married in secret the same year as the films release.Though praised by many, some conservatives took issue with Modern Times, seeing it as a critique of capitalism. Yet the political aspect of the Tramps final film was tame compared with what came next.The GreatScandalsPromotional Poster for The Great Dictator by Charles Chaplin Film Corporation, 1940. Source: The National WWII Museum, New OrleansChaplin left the silent era behind in The Great Dictator (1940). Having penned the script, he started shooting in 1939. He played two roles: a Jewish barber living in a ghetto and Adenoid Hynkel, a dictator and parody of the Nazi leader Adolf Hitler. Goddard joined her husband once again, portraying the barbers neighbor.Though the film is now held in high regard, it was controversial at the time of release. The final speech was particularly contentious, with those on the right viewing it as yet another example of left-leaning politics. Moreover, Chaplin had openly supported some of President Roosevelts more socialist-leaning policies. The Communist Party in England then amplified Chaplins association with the left side of politics by publishing the entire final speech from The Great Dictator inside a pamphlet.Chaplins personal life was also under fire. In the summer of 1941, he started an affair with actress Joan Barry. Several years later, Barrywho was pregnantfiled a lawsuit against him for denying paternity. Though the blood tests supported Chaplin, he was still forced to pay child support.Chaplin married for the fourth and final time in June 1943. His bride was eighteen-year-old Oona ONeill, the daughter of the dramatist Eugene ONeill. Chaplins taste for much younger women is one of the more uncomfortable aspects of his legacy. Apart from Paulette Goddard, all his wives were teenagers at the time of the wedding ceremony.Political OutcastStill of Charlie Chaplin in Limelight by Celebrated Productions, 1952. Source: Museum of Modern Art, New YorkChaplins next film was a black comedy, Monsieur Verdoux (1947). Inspired by the French serial killer Henri Dsir Landru, the titular character (played by Chaplin) accumulates wealth by marrying rich widows and murdering them.Controversy surrounded the anti-capitalist picture upon its release. Boos erupted from the audience during the premiere in New York, and journalists fired questions at the press conference that followed, honing in on the politics of the picture. Chaplin became a prime target during the early stages of the Cold War, particularly after he protested against the trials of Communist Party members.The political themes were dropped for the next project. Limelight (1952), though not Chaplins final film, is often regarded as his swan song. Set in early-twentieth-century London, the picture is an autobiographical piece about an aging comedic performer whose career is in decline, a reflection of Chaplins own career at the time.With the FBI interviewing his collaborators back home, Chaplin remained in Europe and moved his family to Switzerland. He started to work on A King in New York (1957), a political fable about an exiled king who claims asylum in the United States. It was shot, produced, and screened in England and wasnt released in the United States until 1972.Chaplin worked on his autobiography for several years, simply called My Autobiography (1964). The success of the book prompted Chaplin to return to the film industry. A Countess from Hong Kong (1967) was written and directed by Chaplin, but he only played a minor role in front of the camera. Several international stars, including Marlon Brando and Sophia Loren, appeared in the picture. The film was not received well, and the critical consensus has remained lukewarm ever since.Charlie Chaplins Final Years andLegacyPhotograph of Charlie Chaplin by Douglas Kirkland, 1966. Source: National Portrait Gallery, LondonDuring the final years of his life, Chaplin traveled with his wife Oona, and won many awards, including an honorary Oscar in 1972. He died in his sleep five years later, on Christmas morning, at the age of 88, leaving behind a remarkable legacy.Within the vast catalog of Hollywood legends, Chaplin stands tall alongside the greats. We tend to remember him for his physical performances, particularly during the silent era. But Chaplin wasnt just a physical actor, for he wrote, directed, and produced, too. He even composed the music for many of his films.Critics of Chaplin tend to point to his political views, labeling him a hypocrite for attacking capitalism despite benefiting from it himself. Yet its important to remember that Chaplin wasnt born into wealth, and his poverty-stricken upbringing shaped his political outlook as an adult.

Medical advancements are constantly changing and improving the state of human health. As doctors learn more about the human body, they improve standards of care. But did you know that once upon a time, many drugs that are now considered addictive and illegal were everyday medical remedies? Consumed by people young and old seeking to improve their health or cure illness, drugs such as cocaine and heroin were in everyones medicine cabinet. Substances that are today called hard drugs and shunned by society were once thought to save lives and improve patient well-being. What changed?1. Amped Up on AmphetaminesA Benzedrine inhaler from the 1930s. Source: National Museum of American History, Smithsonian InstitutionFirst marketed under the brand name Benzedrine, amphetamine was discovered and synthesized in the early twentieth century. Brought to the open market in 1935, Benzedrine was used as a treatment for narcolepsy, nasal congestion, depression, and other disorders.Amphetamine is a stimulant that can induce insomnia, reverse anesthesia effects, and enhance cognition. However, side effects can also include increased blood pressure, a higher pulse rate, loss of appetite, and exhaustion.During World War II, amphetamines were used as wakefulness aids, with hundreds of thousands of Benzedrine pills and inhalers disbursed to US troops. By the end of the war, it is estimated that 16 million Americans had been exposed to Benzedrine, and its use was normalized. Once word got out about Benzedrines stimulant effects, it was reverted to a prescription-only. As time went on, these stimulant properties were sought for clandestine uses as an upper. With effects similar to cocaine, amphetamines are unique in that they last longer in the central nervous system, extending the reaction the user feels.Despite the crackdown on non-prescription use, it was estimated that at least 9.7 million Americans, about 5% of the population, were using prescription amphetamines by 1970. That year, the Controlled Substances Act was passed, making amphetamine a Schedule III drug, and it was switched to Schedule II a year later. Schedule II drugs are those with a high potential for abuse, and today include not only amphetamines but opioids. Common street names for amphetamines include bennies, crank, and speed, and this class of drugs is still prescribed for a variety of ailments.2. Medicinal Cocaine: Not Your Grandmas Coca-ColaModern Coca-Cola. Source: Wikimedia CommonsCocaine is a naturally occurring compound derived from the coca plant, which is native to South America. It was first isolated from its natural state in the mid-nineteenth century and first used in medical applications in the United States in the 1880s. Cocaine was historically prescribed to German soldiers to combat fatigue and soon became popular, particularly in the form of coca wine.Coca-Cola, a syrupy drink made from coca and kola nuts, much different from the soda pop that is enjoyed worldwide today, began to be marketed in Georgia in 1886. That same year, the Surgeon General of the US Army endorsed cocaine for medical use. Throughout history, the drug was used to treat depression and exhaustion and was used as replacement therapy for morphine addicts, much like methadone is used today.Later in the century, cocaine was used as a local anesthetic. It helped surgeons make breakthroughs in many areas of surgical application. Cocaine also came in pill form, used by doctors to treat diseases of the digestive tract. Still, even in the nineteenth century, at the height of its popularity, some healthcare professionals began to warn of the dangers associated with the compound and its side effects.In 1914, the Harrison Narcotic Act outlawed cocaine in the United States. Its usage began to decline but saw a resurgence for recreational use in the 1970s counterculture era. Its illegality makes it hard to gauge its popularity, but it is believed that usage of cocaine in the United States reached its peak in the early 1980s, with over 10 million users. Today, cocaine is most commonly used in its powder form, though it is also used in its base rock-like form, known as crack. Users commonly binge on the drug until they reach exhaustion or run out of drugs, and the human body builds a tolerance to it quickly.3. Opiates & Opioids Have Killed ThousandsPrescription drug abuse is a major contributing factor to the current opioid crisis in America. Source: K-State Research & ExtensionOpiates and opioids are a class of substances that include numerous illegal drugs and legal prescription medications. The natural form of the drug family is known as opiates, while opioids are manufactured from synthetic or partly synthetic materials. Commonly abused opiates and opioids include heroin, morphine, fentanyl, hydromorphone, and opium. They can often be abused in a variety of ways, including smoking, intravenous use, and in pill form.These compounds are extracted from the opium poppy and can cause euphoric effects, pain relief, and relaxation. In fact, no other substance on earth has been found to be as effective as opiates for difficult pain. However, opiates and opioids can also cause constipation, slurred speech, increased pressure in the brain, dry mouth, and more. They are extremely addictive.An opium poppy. Source: Wikimedia CommonsWhen it was first synthesized, morphine was considered Gods own medicine. The first references to opium cultivation and use date back to 3400 BCE in Mesopotamia. It was a popular product traded along the Silk Road, and has even caused wars.Its popularity increased when opium smoking was introduced to the United States in the nineteenth century by Chinese railroad workers. It was a common additive to tonics and elixirs that were available to the public for a variety of applications.The US has experienced several waves of high rates of opiate and opioid addiction among its population. The first took place during the American Civil War when morphine was used heavily to alleviate pain. Hypodermic needles were invented around this time, enabling the injection of the drug.During the post-World War II era, heroin became ingrained in the cultural identity of many cultural movements and was rampantly abused by US service members in the Vietnam conflict.Currently, the US is experiencing its worst and deadliest drug crisis, and opioids are to blame. The popularity of prescription painkillers in the past 30-40 years has increased the number of addictions to opioids. Though in the last few years, prescription rates have declined, overdose rates have risen steadily over the past decades, with those attributed to opioids, particularly synthetic opioids like fentanyl, the main cause. In 2022, almost 74,000 deaths were attributed to synthetic opioids. These increases remain fairly consistent across age groups and genders, indicating that these drugs can affect anyone.4. GHB Infiltrates Numerous CirclesGHB comes in both powder and liquid form. Source: US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)GHB, short for Gamma-Hydroxybutyric acid, is a prescription drug used to treat narcolepsy, a sleep disorder. However, the discovery of GHBs other effects quickly led to its mistreatment and definition as a Schedule I controlled substance alongside heroin.GHB and its analogs are abused in either a white powder or clear liquid form, primarily by young people. GHB provides euphoric, anesthetic, and sedative effects but can also cause nausea, vomiting, depression, dizziness, hallucinations, memory impairment, and respiratory distress. It is also used illicitly for bodybuilding and weight loss. Routine toxicology screens do not detect GHB, increasing its risk for use compared to other illegal drugs. This, along with its sedative effects, also makes GHB a popular date rape drug used by sexual predators to subdue victims.5. Ecstasy: The Worlds Favorite Party DrugEcstasy pills come in many bright colors and designs, jibing with their association with partying. Source: US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)Developed in Germany in the early twentieth century, ecstasy, also known as MDMA, Molly, or X, was intended for use as an appetite suppressant. However, its stimulant properties and hallucinogenic side effects have turned this substance from a prescription medication to the most popular party drug in the world.A derivative of amphetamine, ecstasy gets the name MDMA from its chemical makeup: 3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methamphetamine. Many ecstasy users utilize it to enhance their experience at parties and clubs. During the 1970s and 1980s, it first became popular as a recreational drug in the United States and could even be purchased directly from establishments like bars and clubs.The drug promotes euphoria, reduces inhibitions, and enhances tactile experiences. It is popular in pill form, often featuring rainbow colors, different shapes, and unique logos, but it is also abused in powder or liquid form. While it is most often taken in pill form, it can also be snorted and occasionally smoked.While MDMA might not seem as inherently dangerous as other illegal drugs due to its party reputation, it can contribute to poor decision-making, cause chills, anxiety, and paranoia, and, at high doses, interfere with the bodys ability to regulate temperature. Sharp increases in body temperature can lead to brain swelling, major organ system failure, and even death. The drug has a complex metabolism, so repeated use in a short period of time can lead to increased concentrations and boost the risk of dangerous complications. Users also risk dehydration, as the use of ecstasy is often in conjunction with physical exertion in confined, warm environments like dance floors.MDMA may also appear in powder form. Source: Wikimedia CommonsMost ecstasy users are young people, with more than 10% of high school seniors admitting to trying the drug at least once. MDMA has been classified as illegal since 1985 when it was defined as a Schedule I substance. Despite this, it is currently being used in drug trials for therapeutic applications in other parts of the world. Some entities, such as Australias Queensland Productivity Commission, a major government organization, have even called for the legalization of recreational ecstasy. Some argue that the legalization of recreational ecstasy, along with some other drugs, would rechannel resources, and rather than spending money on enforcing drug laws, government funds could be spent on treatment opportunities and education to keep people safe.