Why Vacuum Sealing Raw Meat Matters for Food Safety

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Vacuum Sealing Raw Meat: Your Shield Against the Invisible Enemies

When it comes to preserving the integrity and safety of raw meat, vacuum sealing plays the role of a culinary knight, valiantly fighting off foodborne illness and protecting against the dulling of your meats' vibrant fare. This advanced form of food preservation is more than just a barrier; it's an airtight embrace that halts bacterial growth and wards off the oxidative forces that threaten the very essence of your sustenance. Scientific wisdom celebrates vacuum sealing's capacity to maintain the full spectrum of your meat's nutritional integrity.

Our journey now takes us into the heart of vacuum sealing where the removing of oxygen plays the central role, ensuring the meat's taste and texture are preserved as if locked in time. Food safety sages teach us that this method, coupled with vigilant temperature control, can prolong your meat's good standing in your pantry from the typical few days to an era that spans 3-5 times longer.

Distinguished Advantages of Vacuum Sealing

• Limits bacterial conquests
• Shields against cross-contamination skirmishes
• Preserves the kingdom of nutrients
• Defends against freezer burn, the bitter frost
• Guards against invisible environmental adversaries

Embracing technology endorsed by the annals of food science, vacuum sealing transcends traditional storage to bestow upon you the capability of royal food preservation within your own castle.

The Triad of Vacuum Sealing Triumphs

Firstly, allow me to unveil the marvel that is the extension of shelf life! Rejoice in the knowledge that vacuum sealing bestows an additional fortnight of freshness within your fridge, and between six to a full year's worth of preservation under the icy watch of your freezer. In times of abundant harvests or market discounts, this translates to a veritable strategy of sustenance within one's cuisine.

The secret lies within its alchemy of air expulsion – for air is a ruthless foe to freshness. Creating an airtight sanctuary within the bag, it halts the onslaught of oxidation and the microbial invaders responsible for spoilage.

And behold! The meat remains succulent, infused with flavor, and brimming with nourishment, just as it was upon the moment of acquisition.

What warms my heart is the barrier vacuum sealing provides against freezer burn, the wretched destroyer of both taste and texture. The added fortification against contamination is a boon of safety, with a sanctioned decree by Vacuum Sealer Center itself.

Deploying the skill of adept vacuum sealing signifies not simply a means of extending edibility, but an enduring commitment to excellence and frugality by increasing sustenance and decreasing waste.

A Code for Cool: The Temperature Scroll

The custodian of food safety in the domain of vacuum-sealed raw meat is none other than the vigilant sentinel of your home: the refrigerator. Tirelessly it must keep watch, maintaining the sacred chill between 32°F and 40°F.

As a keeper of meats, I, too, swear to uphold this temperature range, frequently consulting my chiller's gauge to ensure my vigil is true.

It is the cornerstone that underpins the vast extension of meat's virtue when under vacuum's seal. Where traditional methods falter in a span of days, this technology empowers us to command freshness for nearly half a month!

Take heed, intrepid keeper, for consistency in this temperature is paramount. Arm yourself with a thermometer for the chill, and guard against fluctuations that may wreak havoc upon your cache.

Be wary of sinister, anaerobic bacteria, which find sanctuary in the oxygen-starved environments that vacuum sealing provides, flourishing if your methods lack diligence. In defense, if your intention to partake in your vacuum-sealed offering extends beyond the fortnight, entrust it to your freezer's embrace promptly, where it may reside up to a year without forfeiture of its esteemed condition.

And let us not be forsaken by leaving raw meat within the danger zone (40°F-140°F) for over two hours, lest we fall prey to spoilage and the scourges of foodborne illness.

Gear of the Vacuum Sealing Artisans

Now let us turn our attention to the armory that makes possible the craft of vacuum sealing.

Your guide, I shall be, in the selection of a worthy vacuum sealer and essential accoutrements for the safeguarding of raw meat.

Seek first a trustworthy vacuum sealer, which boasts the boon of adjustable pressure. The quest is for subtlety as much as strength, for we wish not to crush our tender viands yet require sufficient might to secure the airtight seal.

Wisdom dictates a machine graced with lucid indicators of pressure and surfaces that yield easily to cleaning.

Frailty is not an option when it comes to the vessels – your vacuum seal bags. Seek those of unparalleled quality, crafted for the very purpose of meat preservation, resilient against puncture and assured in their sealing obligations.

By incorporating these methods, you shall forge a path that drastically diminishes waste, aligning with the virtues of sagacious consumptive planning and protection of comestibles from decay.

Equip oneself also with ancillary tools such as canisters for the brining of meats and a set for the maintenance of your apparatus.

Decrees of Safe Meat Handling

One must undertake with gravity the task of handling raw meat, for it is the very bulwark against foodborne illness that we bolster through the rite of vacuum sealing. My fervor lies not just in extending the meat's term of edibility but in staunchly warding off contamination, thereby yielding triumph over the potential spoilage of our harvest.

With solemn resolve, let us embark upon the ritual:

1. Maintain spotless hands, workspaces, and utensils – this is the foundation upon which we erect our stronghold against the scourge of cross-contamination.
2. Enshrine your meat within the cool confines of 32-40°F until the sealing ritual begins, and act swiftly to lessen its exposure to the perils of the danger zone.
3. Entrust your bounties only to the sanctum of bags befitting their status, made for the express purpose of furnishing your meats a secure and lasting residence.
4. Emblazon your packages with details of date and species – a record-keeping gesture that has proven its mettle time and again in the wise management of storages.

Further, mind the very process of vacuum sealing, for it may unwittingly become the arena in which harmful bacteria breed if the rites are improper.

Vigilant examination of the vacuumed reliquaries is essential for ensuring unyielding seals. To discover a rift or witness spoilage is a clarion call to reject the meat, lest we submit to sickness.

The Perils and Protocols of Preservation

While the arts of vacuum sealing elevate the stature of preservation, they birth certain perils that one must recognize and thwart with vigilance. Of pressing concern is Clostridium botulinum, the covert antagonist that thrives in the lands bereft of oxygen. When we embark on the sealing of raw meat, we manifest realms ideal for such adversaries, absent the shield of meticulous precautions.

Menace	Grim Consequence	Stratagem of Aversion
Temperatures Unguarded	Spawn of Bacteria	Vigilance of the 32-40°F Realm
Tools Tainted	Plague of Foodborne Ills	Purification of Equipment
Realm Devoid of Air	Menace of Botulism	Observance of Storage Limits

Let me impart crucial stratagems for your protection. Shun the union of raw meat with garlic or onions within the vacuum's seal, for they may be couriers of vile spores. In the thawing of sealed fish, cast aside the packaging to ensure it breathes oxygen once more. The unwavering observation of temperatures stands as your bulwark against bacterial invasion. Furthermore, steadfast adherence to the tenets of proper sealing shall magnify your armaments against microbial siege. By these doctrines, you shall vanquish threats to well-being, even as you draw upon the advancements of vacuum sealing.

Chronicles of Shelf Life Prolongation

Elevated upon the ramparts of safety, we gaze upon the horizon and bear witness to the scope by which vacuum sealing enhances the shelf life of our precious meats. I am elated to herald how this ingenious craft reshapes our consumable treasures, ensuring they remain impeccable guardians of their inherent value over vast stretches of time.

1. Fresh meat, once resigned to ephemeral chill, now thrives refrigerated for up to a fortnight – a grand boon for those who plan with foresight.
2. Meat once frozen remains unblemished in character for six twelfths of a year, considerably enriching its historical bounds of usefulness.
3. An absence of the oxidizing airs ensures flavors stand unmarred and textures and life-essence within are upheld.
4. The dreaded freezer burn, once a cruel despoiler, is now relegated to the annals of the obsolete.

As landholders of wares, we ascertain that vacuum sealing heralds triumph not solely in the realm of convenience but stands a fortress of food safety. Meat, by seal protected, forestalls oxidation's advances and imparts reprieve from bacterial sorties.

Canons of Packaging Mastery

The moment you commence the envelopment of raw meat within the vacuum's seal, adherence to the highest packaging codes becomes paramount for ensuring triumph over food safety.

Manifest in the employment of high-grade, nourishment-specific bags is the surety that spoilage and unwelcome intrusion are forestalled. In the handling of raw creatures, it is imperative that their state remains steadfastly cool, nestled within the temperature spectrum of 32°F to 40°F prior to their ensconcement.

Amongst the multitude of vacuum sealing's offerings is the esteemed extension of shelf life, a prize you shall claim only with the observance of critical procedures. The patting dry of your intended goods ensures no rogue moisture dares usurp your seal's effectiveness, and averts the assembly of bacterial legions. Moreover, the sealing of deli meat can usher in halcyon periods of preservation surpassing by many moons the longevity of non-sealed storage.

A sage tip: brand every parcel with chronicle and kingdom. By such practice, the storage times remain known—whether one seeks a brief or year-long recess in the larder or the frigid dungeon of the freezer.

Dismiss not the ritual of inspecting your packages diligently, for any harbingers of breach or decay signal the necessity to forsake its contents, lest adversity visit your table.

The wellbeing of your house demands such meticulous guardianship!

The Edicts of Vacuum Sealing Vigilance

Vacuum Sealing Safety Edicts

Verily, the safety standards of vacuum sealing raw flesh are the scriptures that transcend the mere act of packaging. My fervent wish is to impart knowledge of the pivotal statutes necessary to avert foodborne maladies within the realm of this innovative form of preservation.

Herein lie the essential tenets of safety one must heed:

1. Conduct a zealous and unwavering observance of your refrigeration domain, ensuring temperatures fall betwixt 32°F and 40°F to stave off bacterial conquest.
2. Examine the integrity of your vacuum seals with rigor to eschew compromised defenses that may invite contamination.
3. Adhere with solemnity to the Holy Grail of safeguards: HACCP protocols, particularly in the Queen's realm of California where their invocation is law.
4. Be ever vigilant for omens of spoilage and malevolent moisture prior to sealing, as these are the conditions in which anaerobic foes lay their wicked plots.

Let it be known: vacuum sealing doth not slay bacteria but provides a sanctuary that can harbor them should our defenses lapse. Moreover, the meticulous art of sealing assists in the fortification of your meat, safeguarding it against time's cruel attrition.

Epilogue: The Merit of the Vacuum Seal

Vacuum sealing of raw flesh is not merely a pageant of modern convenience but stands as a

Sous Vide Pork Chops With Apple Cider Glaze

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Embark on a culinary quest to achieve the juiciest, most succulent pork chops you've ever tasted with the magic of sous vide cooking. This method isn't just a trendy kitchen buzzword—it's the secret to infusing your meat with impeccable moisture and flavor, all while keeping that dreaded dryness at bay. Picture your pork chops basking in the most sumptuous apple cider glaze, a concoction so marvelous it dances a waltz of sweetness and acidity right on your taste buds.

But worry not, for the art of sous vide is less of a battle and more of an elegant affair. With just a few essential ingredients, achieving that tender bite becomes less of a dream and more of a delightful reality. Allow me to guide you through a recipe that epitomizes elegance with minimal effort, creating a dish your guests will reminisce about for years to come.

Succulent Sous Vide Pork Chops with Apple Cider Glaze

Our Sous Vide Pork Chops with Apple Cider Glaze recipe is a true game-changer, simplifying the cooking experience without compromising on moisture-packed flavor. By employing the sous vide strategy, we ensure that those pork chops achieve a tender and juicy existence. The glaze? Just a few simple ingredients, yet it lifts the pork to new heights of sweet and tangy majesty.

Embrace this fuss-free approach. Although sous vide cooking is a patient journey, the actual hands-on effort is surprisingly low. Imagine plating up perfectly seasoned pork chops adorned with that glistening glaze—it's a surefire way to become the herald of all hosts. And the secret weapon? Vacuum sealing for ultimate heat intimacy, guaranteeing a flawless sous vide serenade.

Ingredients:

• 6 boneless center-cut pork chops
• Apple cider
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic

Anoint your pork chops with salt'n'pepper's divine blessing, then swaddle them in a vacuum-sealed cocoon alongside apple cider and minced garlic's aromatic embrace. Set forth your sous vide vessel for a comforting soak between 140°F and 145°F, and let your pork embark on its transformative 1.5 to 3-hour voyage.

Upon their return, liberate the pork chops from their sachets, ready them with a quick, fiery sear in a skillet's scorching clasp for that heavenly golden crust, and voila—dinner is served.

Extra Tips: Accurate heat in your sous vide crusade is paramount. And during that sear? Bring forth a skillet that radiates the fire of a thousand suns for a crust worth singing sonnets about.

Lacking a vacuum sealer? Fear not, for a humble resealable bag, air banished, shall suffice. Grant your pork chops a brief repose post-sear, a hallowed moment for juices to meander back through the fibers, ensuring a bite of unparalleled succulence.

Dare to dance with different spices or herbs if you wish for a new whirlwind of flavor. And remember the resting—a sacred pause for the juices to settle into harmonious balance before the feast begins.

Bask in the glory of your perfectly executed sous vide pork chops, a testament to your culinary prowess.

A Culinary Conclusion

The journey of crafting sous vide pork chops smothered in an enchanting apple cider glaze is an epicurean quest, worthy of legend. With no more than a select few ingredients, you wield the power to conjure up a dish of stunning grandeur and satisfying grace. Envision that first, rapturous bite: succulent pork so tender, so full-bodied, it's as if it's declaring its love for your palate with every fiber of its being, crowned with the spirited zing of apple cider glaze. This, my fellow gastronomes, is a recipe that will redefine your dining table and etch itself into your guests' memories.

The key to this delicious saga lies in the mastery of sous vide, wherein you immerse your meat in a gentle water bath that whispers promises of evenly cooked, irresistibly juicy perfection. The final flourish of the apple cider glaze is a siren's song, luring you into a world of complex flavors that perfectly complement your masterpiece. So seize your sous vide machine, and set sail towards an audacious gastronomy adventure!

Ingredients:

4 bone-in pork chops	1 cup apple cider
2 tablespoons brown sugar	1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper

Cooking Instructions:

Initiate your quest by awakening your sous vide machine to the gentle warmth of 140°F (60°C). Bestow your pork chops with a generous shower of salt and pepper, then entomb them in a vacuum-seal bag's embrace. Submerge your precious bundle into the water's steady cradle, allowing 1.5 to 2 hours for tenderness to take hold. In the interlude, coax your apple cider and brown sugar into a merry dance over heat, slowly reducing to a glaze of ambrosial thickness (around 10-15 minutes worth of anticipation). Upon the chops' triumphant exit from their watery sanctuary, dry them with a gentle pat, then commit them to a skillet's scalding caress, each side basking for but a minute, until a crust of pure delight forms. Crown your masterpiece with the glaze and serve forth with pride.

Extra Tips:

Searing post-sous vide isn't merely a step; it's an art, crafting a textured contrast that sings in harmony with tender meat. Yearn for more zest? Imbue the pork chops with your favorite herbs (rosemary, thyme) prior to their vacuum-sealed repose, and adjust the glaze's sweetness to your heart's content, tailoring the flavor symphony to your taste preference. Your sous vide odyssey awaits!

The post Sous Vide Pork Chops With Apple Cider Glaze first appeared on the Vacuum Sealer Center symposium of culinary marvels.

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3 types of Content Guaranteed To Power Your Marketing



The most effective way that businesses can increase sales and customer engagement is by providing amazing content. Content is information from your business that serves your target audience. A target audience is the group of people that you want to appeal or market to. As Dave Simpson from Azzurro Blu explains, the online world is a huge networking space that allows users to promote information to different people all over the world. Business owners must take advantage of this to create enticing content that attracts potential customers and clients. But before your team starts generating ideas, remember this golden rule for your content strategy: Create content that makes your target audience’s lives easier. Because in order for businesses’s to gain customers they must create brand messages that show that their target market, not themselves, are their priority. Here is three different types of content that every business should try at least once to build their target audience:

1. Blogs

Blogs are online platforms that publish information that can be easily read. The best ways to take advantage of this content is by writing blog posts about your industry that can benefit your audience.

Business example: Panera Bread is a bakery-cafe restaurant chain that sells baked goods, sandwiches, and salads. They have their own blog called “stories” that display interesting information related to their industry.  There are posts that about nutrition, lifestyle management, recipes, and records of their charity efforts. This blog is helpful to the restaurant chain because it increases brand awareness and audience engagement. When a visitor lands on their page they will see more information that will improve their life than product promotion from Panera. This shows visitors that their needs are Panera’s top priority.

2. Videos

Videos are visual content that has proven to successfully increase more brand and customer engagement than boring text.  You can create a YouTube or Vimeo account to publicly produce amazing videos to your target viewers.

Business example: Sephora is a chain of cosmetic stores that provide women affordable high-quality makeup products that they can use for any occasion. On their YouTube channel, they display makeup, hair, and nail tutorials that can benefit their female audience. Sephora practices an interesting marketing strategy by not force selling their products but by showing their products in action. They use talented market artists to apply makeup on fresh-faced women with their own products with the hope that viewers will buy them in stores.

3. Podcasts

Podcasts have been in and out of style for a while, but it seems today that they are totally IN now. Podcasts are audio recordings of conversations and interviews about interesting topics. I don’t recommend this for every business because they might not have enough interesting topics to talk about, but if you have a business that provides counseling or services in an intriguing niche then I say go for it! Make sure you have engaging personalities to be the face of the podcast.

Business example: The Fizzle Show is a very popular podcast that  provides advice, videos, and exercises to entrepreneurs and startups on how they can build their online business. They provide online business training for $35 a month. To attract new members to their online community, they produce hilarious and informative audios answering their audiences’ questions. Because their content is so helpful, they have seen a growth in membership.

Producing interesting content that follows the golden rule of benefiting your audience will change how your brand or business is perceived and will increase sales.  Creating amazing blog posts, videos, or podcast episodes are a few amazing ways that businesses can take over the internet world and build a following that will always support them.

Do You Really Know How To Become A Millionaire?

In order to achieve Financial Freedom Online,There are fundamental habits that all millionaires share so that they can do more, have more, share more and be masters of their own destiny.

While there are a lot more than 10 habits that they need before coming successful millionaires, here are the top 10 according to a leading marketing consultant:
In order to acquire these habits like millionaires do, you have got to practice it for 21 days…! its scientifically proven that if you repeatedly practice it for 21 days, you will acquire the habit of religiously doing it subconsciously!
Habit number one: Goals
Goals give you a clear sense of direction and a blueprint for the future. This is where you take the dreams out of your head and put them down onto paper. This is where you plan to arrive at a well designed future destination rather than at an undesigned future destination.

Goals must be clear, precise and action oriented. A crucial part of goal setting is to ask yourself why.

For example:
Why do you want that house?
Why do you want that car?
Why do you want that position in the company?
Why do you want that salary?

Once you ask enough whys, the hows get easier!
Habit number two: Passion
Whatever you work at, be passionate about it. This is a fundamental secret for financial success.

What do you really love doing? What do you have a natural talent for? What are your hobbies and interests?

Once you have these answers, throw your heart and soul into doing it the best that you possibly can.

All millionaires love the work that they do.
Habit number three: Excellence
Commit yourself to excellence in everything that you do. Set a goal today to be in the top 10% of your professional field.

“Excellence can be obtained if you…care more than others think is wise;?…risk more than others think is safe;?…dream more than others think is practical;?…expect more than others think is possible.”
Habit number four: Education
Dedicate yourself to lifelong education. Learn as much as you possibly can about your business. Learn the latest news and trends.

Remember, the market pays excellent rewards for having excellent knowledge.

“Learning is the beginning of wealth. Learning is the beginning of health. Learning is the beginning of spirituality. Searching and learning is where the miracle process all begins”-Jim Rohn
Habit number five: Customer service
Dedicate yourself to always give excellent customer service, as the rewards are in direct proportion to the service that you give to people.

Ask yourself these questions:
What do my customers want?
What do my customers need?
What do my customers value?
What service can I give my customers better than everyone else?
What are my customers buying from others today? What do I need to do to get them to buy from me?Habit number six: Don’t believe in failure
Be prepared for the ups and downs along the way. Millionaires do not believe in failure; they just think of it as not the desired result yet, and that a different plan or strategy is needed. Millionaires are not afraid to dust themselves off and to try again.

Remember the Thomas Edison story of when he was asked how many times did he fail to make a light bulb?

He responded: “I have not failed 1,000 times. I have successfully discovered a 1,000 ways NOT to make a light bulb.”Habit number seven: Imagination
Use your imagination. You have more creative ability than you think.

We are at a point in time when everything is automated for us.

Start using a journal, and start writing down all of your ideas, notes, and to-do lists that you have during your day!

Remember to always think on paper! You never know when you could have that eureka moment that could be lost forever to memory, if you do not commit it to paper.

Guess what? Millionaires do not spend most of their free time watching soap operas and reality tv shows. Limit the amount of tv you watch to a minimum. At the end of a working day, pick up a book instead of the tv remote!

Brian Tracy said “The more you learn, the more you earn.”Habit number eight: Surround yourself with positivity
Surround yourself with like-minded people. 85% of your success in life is going to be determined by the quality of the relationships that you have in your business and personal life. If you want to be a wealthy person, associate with positive, wealthy people. Associate with people who are optimistic and happy and who are moving forward in their lives. At the same time, try to stay away from negative, critical, complaining people.Habit number nine: Back it all up!
Back-up everything that you do with the three qualities of perseverance, willpower and belief. These are the strongest traits that every millionaire has.

Have the courage to persevere in the face of adversity and disappointment, have the willpower and tenacity to stay at it longer than anyone else, and have total belief in everything that you do. These are the qualities that show the true measure of the belief that you have in yourself and your ability to succeed.
Habit number ten: Gratitude
Be grateful for everything that you have, everyday!

Your friends and family, your health and spirituality, your business and your social life. Without gratitude a millionaire can never really become wealthy.

Tips on determining fair market value in advertised used car prices

When you're in the market for a used car, it's important that you do a little research in order to make a fair determination of whether advertised used car prices are in line with the fair market value of the make and model of the vehicle you have in mind. The research involved doesn't take much effort or time and can help prevent you ending up with a lemon or paying too much for what you're getting.

One way to avoid the vagaries of the used car market though is to lease a car. Check out www.leasingexperts.co.uk  for some amazing deals.

No matter who you're buying from, you'll always want to consult the Kelly Blue Book(TM). If you don't have a copy on hand, it's easiest to go to the Kelly Blue Book(TM) website. Be prepared with a list of any options, such as power windows, air conditioning or leather seats that come with the vehicle in question. Also make note of the general condition and mileage. The Blue Book value chart takes all of these factors into consideration when establishing used car prices.

Another investigation you'll want to make online is to check out used car rating websites. While you may love the looks of a certain used car, looking at used car ratings by car magazines and individuals who have owned the model of the year you're looking at may reveal problems you aren't willing to take on when you purchase. Used car prices for such a vehicle may seem attractive, but there may be a good reason why. On the other hand, another vehicle may have great ratings on safety features. You'll want to weigh all of your priorities against what your budget allows and used car prices which satisfy your most important priorities.

If you'll be financing the car, your bank or credit union will base the loan amount on this dollar figure. Remember too, that banks don't loan on a vehicle that's too old. Check with your financial institution to establish both the age limit and percentage of the selling price on which they're willing to loan.

If you intend to pay cash, this gives you a powerful edge in negotiating the sales price, particularly with private parties.

Ascertaining fair used car prices depends on more than the price you can establish through the Kelly Blue Book(TM). There can always be hidden problems with a used vehicle that can only be discovered by a mechanical inspection. If you don't already have a reliable mechanic, ask a friend for a recommendation. Before you finalize any deal on a used car, be sure the seller is willing to allow your mechanic to look the car over – if the seller is unwilling, you should certainly think twice before parting with your money. You don't want to discover that you need a new transmission, or some other expensive repair, a month after your purchase.

Buying from a friend or through the classifieds is usually your best bet. In either of these cases, your ideal vehicle has been well maintained. If maintenance records are available, that sweetens the pot for you. The lower the mileage, the better. The one-owner vehicle completes the ideal situation. Private sellers also tend to price, represent the vehicle fairly and not balk at the mention of a mechanical inspection. They just want to sell the car and be done with it. However, you'll seldom find a private seller willing to give a guarantee, but if your mechanic gives a thumbs up, this factor shouldn't interfere with your decision to purchase.

You can see that establishing fair used car prices requires a bit of foot work on your part, but the steps involved are fairly straightforward. If you do your homework before you go shopping, chances are good that you'll find a vehicle that suits your purpose and wallet equally well.

Practical solutions to global warming.

Just as every human being is in one way or another responsible for the creation of factors contributing to global warming, we are also responsible, by default, to negate them and counter the adverse effects of global warming. Some of the little things we do have contributed to the accelerated global warming could in fact be used to create solutions to global warming. It is therefore evident that individual choices can have an impact on global warming.

Reducing your family's heat-trapping emissions does not mean forgoing modern conveniences; it means making smart choices and using energy-efficient products, which may require an additional investment up front, but often pay you back in energy savings within a couple of years.

Another factor that can be a solution to global warming is being conscious of what you use for your transportation needs. Do you walk the short distance to the shop or do you drive? Do you take a bus to work?  Do you insist on your own car? These choices, though seemingly trivial, determine the amount of fuel we burn hence controlling the amount of greenhouse effect gases in the atmosphere.

When you buy your next car, look for the one with the best fuel economy in its class. Each gallon of gas you use is responsible for twenty five pounds of heat-trapping gases in the atmosphere. Better gas mileage not only reduces global warming, but will also save you thousands of dollars at the pump over the life of the vehicle. Compare the fuel economy of the cars you are considering and look for new technologies like hybrid engines.

Apart from the car you buy, solutions to global warming also include using clean power. When you leave a light bulb burning, remember that even if you do not see the smoke it emits, a good percentage of electricity is generated by nuclear power, or fossil fuels which there and then generate the global warming gases.

Saving electricity will range from unplugging unused power appliances to buying electronics with the Energy star. Replace regular light bulbs with energy saving bulbs which will give as much light for less energy.

Consider the fact that our elected officials need to know that you are concerned. This will motivate them to be more eco-friendly oriented in any legislative steps they undertake. It is one of the easiest solutions to global warming.

Lastly, plant as many trees as you can. Get a group in your neighborhood together and contact your local arborist or urban forester about planting trees on private property and public land. In addition to storing carbon, trees planted in and around urban areas and residences can provide much needed shade in the summer, reducing energy bills and fossil fuel use.

The conflict in the Middle East: will it ever end?

For many decades, there has been continual conflict in the Middle East. When the State of Israel was formed, in 1948, partially in response to the Holocaust, it was hoped that peace would ensue. This has obviously not been the case.

The Palestinians who had lived on this land for centuries, were suddenly displaced. Some became refugees in neighboring countries, but weren't exactly welcomed with open arms by the various countries that granted refugee status. Some Arab countries refused them entirely. Many formerly prosperous Palestinians were cast into ghettos and instant poverty. It's no wonder that resentment and hatred flourished.

The Holocaust survivors now had sovereign land and many emigrated to Israel to begin a new life, free of the persecution they'd suffered for centuries, all over Europe and in Russia. For a while, many Israelis and Palestinians lived in a semi state of peaceable, but difficult harmony. The Israeli economy prospered and the society solidified, somewhat.

However, ever since 1948, there has been a variety of dissident points of view, some pushing for war and others for peace. However, the conflict in the Middle East has never truly subsided. In fact, over the years, more and more Arab countries have taken a role which has ultimately expanded this conflict in the Middle East. Today, almost every country in the Middle East has taken a hard line position in opposition to Israel.

Despite efforts by the United Nations and a panoply of so-called peace plans and road maps, the conflict in the Middle East continues, at great cost in lives, wounded on both sides and human misery. The United States has long been involved in diplomatic efforts towards a lasting resolution, without results. America has supplied weaponry to Israel for a very long time. As a legal point, when America supplies aid in the form of weapons and technology, it is only to be used in defense. Aggression is not allowed in these agreements. This has become a sticking point today, partially responsible for fueling this terrible conflict in the Middle East region.

Prisoner exchanges between Israel and certain Arab countries were the norm, for a period of time. This was standard operating procedure when each country wanted to regain a captured citizen. There was a radical departure from this peaceable practice when two Israeli soldiers were captured in Lebanon by Hamas. What ensued was the virtual destruction of Lebanon, which had only recently begun to achieve prosperity. It's notable that the U.S. essentially looked the other way, diplomatically speaking while this three week war continued. The destruction was massive.

Most recently, in response to rockets fired into Israel from Gaza, Israel launched a massive attack on Gaza, killing a thousand people to date.

It's not difficult to see why the hatred between the two factions continues to grow, perpetuating the long days of conflict in the Middle East. From an ordinary person's point of view, it's hard to understand why diplomacy seems to take a back seat to killing. Surely there are many gifted diplomats who might bring everyone to the table of peace. We can only hope for the future generations.