When does life begin? You decide.

The topic of when life begins is very controversial. Evidence from a vast variety of sources have been provided.  These sources include a statement by Dr. Alan Guttmacher, the Van Nostrand’s Scientific Encyclopedia, and the medical book Human Embryology and Tetralogy. From the evidence presented one is able to assume that life begins at fertilization. Fertilization is the process in which the male’s sperm enters the woman’s egg and fertilizes it and this is when most believe the initiation of life occurs.

According to Dr.Alan Guttmacher, former president of Planned Parenthood, in his book Pregnancy and Birth: A Book for Expectant Parents New American Library, the Revised Ed Edition, stated that, “The essential step in the initiation of life is by fertilization”. This give us the perspective of a well respected professional in his field who agrees that fertilization is the beginning of life. The step of fertilization is essential because it initiates the start of  human life.

In the medical book, Human Embryology and Tetralogy by Ronan O’Rahilly, it states that, “Although life is a continuous process, fertilization... is a critical landmark because, under ordinary circumstances, a new genetically distinct human organism is formed when the chromosomes of the male and female pronuclei blend”. This information supports the claimed stated earlier by Dr. Guttmacher because elaborates further on why most recentbelieve human life begins at fertilization. This new distinction stated is the beginning of human life and aids in backing up my thesis.

Van Nostrand’s Scientific Encyclopedia states that, “At the moment the sperm cell of the human male meets the ovum of the female and the union results in a fertilized ovum (zygote) a new [human] life has begun.” . This information comes from a well known encyclopedia that scientist use for reference and provides reassurance to my claim of when life begins. The information provided in the encyclopedia has been assessed several times before being placed into it which why it is a reliable source.

In Conclusion these credible sources give us the information needed to come to the conclusion that life begins at fertilization. Therefore fertilization is the beginning of life. To say that life does not begin at fertilization after reading and examining this is hard to say, but "when do you believe life begins?".

Memory from Food

"Food for thought", a very colloquial phrase that you can interpret in various ways. For the sake of this article I will be applying this phrase in the most literal way I know, and that is to describe a food that makes me think. A food that evokes a series of memories that were once hidden in the back of my mind tucked under a rug. A food that does this is lasagna. Every year a few weeks before Thanksgiving I am asked what dish am I going to prepare, and my response is always lasagna even though I have never made it on my own before.

Lasagna is a dish that is made using wide pasta layered with meat, cheese, and more wide pasta. This process is then repeated several more times as you, the chef, see fit. It may seem simple to someone who knows what they are doing, but to someone like me who has little experience in the kitchen; it is a disaster waiting happen. Preparing the lasagna involves boiling the pasta, cooking the meat, and gathering the various cheeses and/or vegetables you wish to include it. It is this preparation process that leaves me bewildered.

As I begin to ponder lasagna's preparation process I am forced to recall my many failed attempts at boiling spaghetti, macaroni, ziti and several types of pasta that, in the end, all had similar results. The pasta was either soggy and unsalted, or it was chewy and oversalted. Thankfully the only people who tasted my pasta where my younger cousins who weren't too harsh with their critique. Although, their facial expressions said otherwise since their facial expression while eating my pasta resembled that of a someone has just taken a big bite out of a lemon, "sour face". As I watched them throw out the rest of the pasta I couldn't help feeling ashamed and disappointed.

When it comes to the meat that is to be included I prefer ground beef, but whenever I prepare it seems to be over seasoned. No matter how hard I try to limit the number of seasonings there is always a surplus of one season that is overwhelming to one's flavor palette. One occasion that haunts me till this day occurred when my aunt called me and asked me start cooking ground beef that she left to thaw out. When she arrived home and tasted the meat she became furious. The ground beef was very salty because I was unaware that all the seasonings I was adding contained salt. My aunt was outraged and attempted to salvage the meat by adding in vegetables, but it was no use. She was forced to throw it out, and hated the fact that food was being wasted. For the following weeks my mistake is was what was discussed with guests, and I was embarrassed to have to explain what occurred every time.

One might ask why am I so intent on making lasagna on my own. My response would be that I want to successfully prepare a dish that was taught to me by my mother, and share the same feeling that we once shared, the joy of accomplishment and satisfaction, with everyone one who tastes it. This feeling can only be accomplished when I can successfully master lasagna's components, and only then will I be able to put my failed attempts behind me.

Although, I don't  remember very well my first time making lasagna with my mother. I do remember it was an exciting and interesting experience. She was very patient with me and understanding. When I was having difficulty placing the boiled pasta in the tray she aided me by giving me a few pointers. Although, she is no longer with me I hope to successfully make lasagna, so that I too may share a similar experience with my children someday.

These are some of thoughts/memories that come to mind when lasagna is put in a conversation or on my plate. Lasagna is my "food for thought" and the memories I have of lasagna will be introduced to new ones in the near future as I continue to attempt to make lasagna on my own. What is a food that incites memories from your past? And what are those memories about?

Acupuncture: Pain to Cure Greater Pain?

     When you hear the word acupuncture the typical image that comes to mind is that of someone being pricked by needles, and questions like “Why would anyone do that?” and “Isn't that painful? ” often arise. Acupuncture is often done to relieve pain and cure alignments that one may have, and the pain that one may experience during acupuncture, well that, is often dull to none. Now, this is where it gets interesting because you begin to think that this is great, wonder why more people haven't done it, and ask yourself why isn't it being promoted more if it really is this great. Acupuncture should be seen as the holy grail of medicine; Wrong! There are also many risk factors that go along with acupuncture. Some of these risks include, but are not limited to, internal bleeding, infections, and soreness. It is up to you as consumer to decide whether or not you wish to take part in this method of healing as oppose to/or with medication. Taking medication prescribed by your physician is the most common way to cure pain and/or an alignment you may be suffering from, but even these have risks as well. In the end it is your decision that decides how to deal with the issues you may be facing. Acupuncture is just one possible solution out of many, so it is advised that you do not rush into it.
     There are many angles that can be taken to examine acupuncture. Many see acupuncture as ancient and efficient method that has been used for ages that can still be used today, while others view it as an outdated practice that has no relevant purpose. Those who appreciate what acupuncture has to offer will often tell you that it is a magnificent way to relieve pain, emotional stress and that the risks factors attached are because of those who practice acupuncture improperly. Those who believe that acupuncture is irrelevant and outdated will often tell you that those who practice acupuncture are just out to make a quick buck by putting needles in you, and will go on to say that those who undergo acupuncture and feel better are actually feeling a pseudo/temporary relief. As mentioned earlier the choice is up to you as a consumer/patient to decide if you want to partake in this method of pain relief, since acupuncture is not for everybody. The choice is yours; you decide.

P.S. This was initial written as an attempt by me to become a freelance write. I failed; Oh well, lol.