Opinion Is a Privilege, Not a Right

By Steve Wickham

One week teaches us much if we care to reflect and observe. God had this sort of conversation with me recently: "Watch and learn about how your opinion polarises or changes - see how fickle it is - watch and learn about others' opinions - watch and learn, thirdly, about the ruin opinion brings."

Opinion brings ruin.

Because it is ill-conceived judgment for every user,

as nobody has the whole truth at their disposal.

Time often tells if our opinions have validity or not. Rarely do we have such a grasp on reason to have something of value to offer. That usually takes the time of analysis, which is never arrived at in the moment. Yet so rarely do we commit such effort to making a fair analysis of our or others' opinions.

If our view could ever be considered a right, then we would have to agree that others have that same right. What goes with that is a respect to hear divergent views. Rarely do any of us enjoy others sharing their conflicting views without us wanting to interrupt and 'correct' them.

Opinion is a privilege, not a right, but unfortunately, we live in an age where everyone has broadcast capacity. Our age mobilises thought instantly, and there's no time made for reflection, let alone listening to another's opinion with an obliging heart.

I say opinion is a privilege because our opinions have power. They have incredible power to upset people. Rarely are opinions used to vouch for another's good in a way that promotes peace. More often, opinions add fuel to an already stoked fire.

All opinions - no matter how right or wrong they are - can be expressed in such a way as to be wrong or right. If they're not shared respectfully or they're not treated with respect, conflict breaks out. Name-calling ensues, with emojis, and worse, trolling. Being right or wrong can be very well beside the point. It takes much wisdom to correctly communicate opinion, but even this statement is an opinion. And, most issues we can have an opinion on are far too complex to be reduced to a linear thought.

There is a better way.

A third way.

A way of thinking that is no longer either/or, but both/and. Such thinking synthesises left and right, good and bad, right and wrong (for good and bad, and right and wrong, depend on your standpoint - they're not literal positions).

But the only way we can employ this third way thinking is through instant self-awareness of our opinionated judgment. We will always want to go one way or the other, in some one direction with our thought.

To employ third way thinking we must become aware of the instant formulation of a view, check that view (and by that I don't mean self-validate it), and bring into the court of our awareness all other views, before repenting of our one solitary view.

We could learn much from this saying:

"Let me never fall into the vulgar mistake of dreaming that I am persecuted whenever I am contradicted."

Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803 - 1882)

Steve Wickham holds Degrees in Science, Divinity, and Counselling. Steve writes at: http://epitemnein-epitomic.blogspot.com.au/ and http://tribework.blogspot.com.au/

How to Cater Enough Food For Your Event

By Sarahbeth Kluzinski

If you are planning a catered event, you have a lot to think about. Not only are you responsible for choosing the dishware, utensils, appetizers, Hors d'oeuvres, entrees, and beverages, you also have to plan the venue, d�cor, guest list, invitations, budget, and much more. But most importantly, you must ensure you have enough food to feed everyone. In order to create the perfect catering menu, all of these aspects must be considered ahead of time.

Although it can be fairly easy to choose the items you want on your menu, it can be more of a challenge to plan for the right amount of food. Ordering too much food can be a waste of resources and money, while ordering too little can make your event seem incomplete. Continue reading to learn some important tips on how to order the appropriate amount of food for your catered event, and who you can trust for professional advice and recommendations.

Understanding Your Budget

When it comes to ordering enough food for your catered party, the first factor you want to consider is your budget. Basically, your budget will set the tone for how much food you plan to serve at your event. Furthermore, it is very easy to go over your spending limit if you do not pay attention, so work on finding a balance between the right amount of food and your set budget.

Consider the Essential Factors

Aside from your budget, the three most influential factors for your catering menu include your guest count, the type of event you are planning, and the length of time it will last. These three factors, coupled with your desired spending limit, will help lay the foundation of how much food you will need. This information should be used to gauge how much food you will need. For instance, if you are planning a baby shower that should only last a few hours, you will need much less food than if you are planning a family reunion.

General Rules of Thumb

You can gauge the appropriate amount of food based on the factors mentioned above, as well as, the fundamental catering model displayed below. Use these recommended limits to get your planning started, and then get your plan into motion by consulting with your trusted catering company for help fine-tuning your menu. They can help you meet your event's needs within your set budget.

Appetizers and Hors d'oeuvres:

Cocktail Party - 10 to 15 servings per Person (no meal to follow)

Daytime Event - 1 to 3 servings per Person (light lunch to follow)

Evening Event - 3 to 5 servings per Person (lighter dinner to follow)

Lunch:

5 Ounce Main Course per Person

2 to 3 Sides per Person

2 Desserts per Person

2 Beverages per Person

Dinner:

3 to 5 Appetizers per Person

1 Serving Soup and Salad per Person

7 Ounce Main Course per Person

3 Sides per Person (include 1 starch and 1 vegetable)

2 Desserts per Person

2 to 3 Beverages per Person

2 Desserts per Person

Call Jug's Catering at 317-842-5879 when you need Indianapolis party caterers you can trust. They are family owned and operated catering company that has been in business for over 75 years! Request a free estimate, today.

8 Awesome Health Benefits of Cheese & Its Nutritional Value

By Sunny Sharma

It is almost an impossible thing to find a person who doesn't love cheese. The taste of cheese is loved by many people.

Though it's often high in fat, cheese can offer significant benefits to your health when you eat it in moderation. You can use cheese in many different foods, and the benefits vary accordingly. Various variants have various health benefits which are unknown to humans, but overall there are some health benefits which mostly all cheeses provide.

Awesome health benefits of cheese and its nutritional values.

1. Good for maintaining weight

The dairy product contains good bacteria. Good bacteria is necessary to boost metabolism and also digestion. Many variants also contain butyrate. Butyrate is also known to boost the metabolism in human body.

Many people think that fats are harmful to their body. However, up to certain extent fat are important to develop muscles. They also provide energy to the body. Natural fats also ensure that you feel full for more time and keep hunger pangs at bay. This keeps you from munching on all the bad fats every now and then.

2. Even the lactose-intolerant can eat certain cheeses

If lactose does a number on your stomach, you can still eat certain cheeses. When natural cheeses including Parmesan, cheddar, Gouda, Swiss, mozzarella, and Brie are made, the manufacturing and ageing processes remove almost all of the lactose. One ounce of these cheese contains less than a gram of lactose, compared with the 12 grams you'd get from a glass of milk.

3. Prevent cancer cells

Well, cancer is the worst killer ever yet we can prevent it by some healthy food like cheese. Indeed, cheese contains Linoleic Acid and Sphingolipids as the key roles to prevent cancer cells. A researcher even said that cheese has butyrate properties to fight cancer colon by nourishing the good cells on the colon. Meanwhile, the vitamin B also protect the body from strange cells.

4. Build muscles

One more benefit of cheese includes maintenance of muscle health. The dairy product is also protein packed. Proteins are the building blocks of muscles and thus the protein content helps in the building of muscle mass. The natural nutrient is better than the enhanced protein powders.

5. Boon for hair

Almost all variants are rich in proteins. Especially, the low-fat cottage cheese, when included in your regular diet provides you with great amounts of protein and calcium. These nutrients are beneficial for hair and thus, consumption of cheese on a regular basis is good for hair health.

6. Immune System

Cheese is used to facilitate your immune system. Some types of cheese give positive results for the proper functioning of the immune system. This can reduce illness and diseases.

7. Glow to the Skin

Healthy skin is desired by every individual and cheese can be helpful to provide your skin with the much-needed glow. It contains Vitamin B which aids cell metabolism and growth of cells, giving you a glowing skin and it also helps you to get rid of blemishes.

8. Keeps depression at bay

Looking at today's condition, these benefits should be considered as the most important one. Firstly, the product is said to stimulate sleep. It contains an amino acid, called tyrosine. Tyrosine, when broken down in the body makes us feel happy, content.

Also, cheese is said to help our brain release dopamine, which is a natural feel-good chemical.

Do you love cheese? then please don't waste your time. Start placing the order for it now. You can prefer online shopping as there are many online grocery shops are available. These shops provide you with the maximum choices and offers. One can buy diverse milk products such as Cheese, Milk, Butter, Ghee, Paneer and so on from these shops. Plus they sale quality approved and branded products from like Amul Cheese, Go Cheese etc.

Cheese Nutrition Facts Table (per 100 grams)

Category Amount
Calories 406
Water 37%
Protein 24g
Carbs 1.3g
Sugar 0.3g
Fat 33.8g
Omega 3 0.14g
Trans fat 1.18g

Bottom line is you can consume cheese in any way you like to eat whether as the topping of your milkshake or melted in your pizza. As a result, you can still put cheese on your diet list due to its high nutrients.

He is a passionate content writer. He has been writing articles in field of dairy health along with being partner in Online Dairy product Shop. People can shop   cheese online with home delivery.

Stories of Hope: Drilling Into My Skull and Injecting Stem Cells Helped My Stroke

By Richa Verma

Life on one hand seems all bright and beautiful. And when faced with an irreversible ailment with no visible room for recovery, then it seems like uncertainty has had a tight grip on life. Ailments like cancers of all kind, immune system and blood disorders and chronic brain and spine injuries all pose a threat to life. And in the recent times, cord blood stem cell has been the only miracle cure that has been successfully combating the list of dangerous and untreatable ailments and recording victory.

Such is the story of Evelyn Hilton, who was a brave heart to volunteer for stem cell transplant to treat her brain condition. The lady at 58 witnessed a stroke back in 2014. Going by her account, it was a weekend and she doesn't recall graphic details about the stroke. But she confirms it was a painful one and it prohibited all the movement to the left side of her body. Struggling with this condition, Evelyn wasn't ready to give up, as she had a list of things to achieve and she didn't want to quit all that.

Being stuck in the hospital bed makes one vulnerable at the hands of the medical system! Not having any control on her left side, Evelyn one day decided to volunteer for what seemed to her just an experiment. In the course of it a liquid mix of stem cell got injected to her brain cells. During that time, this revolutionary treatment was experimented only on selected patients and the outcome were safe and very effective. The process did however require a hole to be drilled in her skull.

The stakes were high and the results were expected to favourable. But just the idea of drilling a hole into the skull seemed painful and challenging. In her own words, Evelyn expressed her desire to be back to normal, daily life, was so strong, that she was prepared for almost anything. All she assured herself was that the process might just help her heal back than stay in the stroke indefinitely.

Recounting her story, she says, that she reached the hospital within a span of 4 hours and received proper medication that helped to eradicate the blood clot that had taken place and averting further damage. And after she received the stem cell therapy, on the 6th month of her treatment where patients are noted to recovery, she wonders if she would get any better without that. Filled with grace and gratitude Evelyn says that in the time frame of two and half years of her stroke, she has only seen health improvements post the stem cell therapy. Though the changes have been slow, but they are consistent and that's what helped keep a positive attitude to life.

Over the past few months, Evelyn confirms that she has recovered in a huge way on the left side of her body. This made her do away with the walking stick. She has left it and it's been a while. She didn't want the world to look upon her as a disabled, old body but rather as one who is continuously improving in body and mind, with every passing day.

For Evelyn stem cell transfusion has a miracle cure. She isn't completely normal but has recovered almost 40%. She considers herself lucky to have healed to this extent. There are several such stories of hope where cord blood stem cell therapy has brought back life in people where the end was almost inevitable. This only proves stem cell therapy is the future of regenerative medicine and counting on cord blood banking has its positives.

Read more at   https://www.cordlifeindia.com

Cord Blood Banking for Potential Future Transplantation

By Richa Verma

Despite all the planning and caution, life seems to be unpredictable at one phase or the other! And it's mostly, when individuals are faced with a health crisis, where the ailment at hand is chronic and irreversible. Humans try to secure the health of their children and loved ones in many ways. One such way that has gained popularity owing to its growing success rate, is cord blood stem cell transplant. Today, it is considered to be a miracle cure for diseases that previously doctors considered as dead-end.

The use of UCB (Umbilical Cord Blood) as a rich source for cord blood stem cells have expanded in the past decade. Today, it is already a successful practice for treating children who are suffering from haematological malignancies. Furthermore, there's also the use of double UCB and minimized-intensity transplantation platforms that have also played its part in this expansion. In the recent times, the registry-based evaluation and the end-to-end multi-center and single institution clinical trials are researching on ways to make the UCB transplantation more acceptable. The objective is to address the complex ailments such as sickle cell disease and Kostmann's syndrome and treat it successfully through the transplant without any side effects.

Once a baby is born, the cord blood gets collected from the placenta and the umbilical cord. The collection process is very simple and poses no risk either to the baby or the mother. These cord blood cells comprise of Haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), which are the rare cells usually spotted in bone marrow as well.

It is said that the Haematopoietic stem cells has the capacity to produce all kinds of cells in blood i.e. white cells, red cells and platelets. They are accountable for retaining blood production all through the life. And they have also been utilized for several years in the bone marrow transplants for treating blood related ailments. In addition to that there also have been numerous reports that suggest that cord blood might also comprise of specific kind of stem cells that can create a distinctive cell that doesn't belong to blood, for instance nerve cells. Such ideas and theories are debatable and are being researched upon for correct validation.

In the recent times, over 6000 patients globally have been treated with stem cell transplants. The U.S Food and Drug Administration still consider this process experimental and urge that there's scope for expertise in future. However, the doctors usually procure cord blood from children whose parents have decided to store the cord blood. At the time of transplant if the patient and donor have genetic similarity then the patient's body will accept the transfusion.

According to Mary Laughlin, Cord Blood Transplantation Expert, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio there's a constant battle or action to reaction that goes on between the recipient and donor cells, and every patient and doctor wants the donor cells to win invariably. Usually, the stem cell transplants are considered more forgiving that other processes, such as the bone marrow transplants even if the donor isn't an exact match.

As there is growth in the volunteer stem cell donor bands, the patients who are in need of it are closer to getting the best match and thus the chances of recovery is more. According to the Center for Cord Blood in Minneapolis, Minnesota, which is biggest public cord blood donor bank in United States, the chances of procuring a perfect or near perfect match today has increased exponentially in the last 4 years.

So, from Beta Thalassamia Major, Inherited Red Cell Abnormalities, Pure Red Cell Aplasia, Multiple Myeloma to Plasma Cell Leukaemia cord blood stem cell transplant has successfully treated it all. And its future is a promising one where medical experts are researching on treating other chronic ailments with UCB.

Read more at   https://www.cordlifeindia.com/umbilical-cord-stem-cells-advantages