Canning history: How canned food revolutionized society - Royal Examiner (2024)

You might not realize it, but the humble cans of soup gathering dust in your pantry helped revolutionize the world. And believe it or not, canned food started as a war weapon.

Canning was invented in 1809 by Nicolas Appert in response to a request by the French army to create a method for preserving foods for a long period of time. Large armies require lots of food, especially if they are deployed for extended periods. And if armies are operating far from their home territory, securing supplies and food, in particular, can be difficult. Canning made it far easier to preserve food. This, in turn, made it easier to supply armies, explorers, and others who had to rely on preserved foods.

While Appert invented the canning process, he didn’t actually understand why it worked. It would take another half a century for Louis Pasteur to unwind the mysteries of canning. When food is canned, it is placed in a can or similar container, such as a glass jar. The container is then sealed, which prevents outside organisms from getting in. Next, the canned food is heated to kill off any germs still alive inside. Pasteur was the first to prove that microbes caused food to spoil.

Ultimately, canned foods made it easier for explorers to travel through the American West and cross oceans the world over. For better or worse, canned foods made it easier to deploy large armies for longer periods. This may have made the American Civil War and Crimean War in Europe, among other conflicts, bloodier as armies were able to march farther and stay in the field longer.

By the early 1900s, canning food was a popular home technology, adopted by women worldwide after the invention of new sealable jars by Charles Ball and Alexander Kerr.
Canned foods also help make food in general cheaper. Up until the 20th century, food took up a much larger portion of the average family’s budget.

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A diamond is forever, or so the saying goes. However, recently, some are beginning to wonder if diamonds might be losing their sparkle. In the world of jewelry, the Big Four precious stones—diamonds, emeralds, rubies, and sapphires—have long been the most desirable. However, spinel gemstones are gaining popularity, and lab-grown gems may soon give natural stones a run for their money.

Similar to rubies, spinels were commonly mistaken for precious stones until the 18th century. Recently, they have been gaining attention, especially after the Bonhams auction house sold the 50-carat Hope Spinel for a stunning $1.2 million. Despite this impressive sale, diamonds of similar size can fetch up to $9.5 million, showcasing their enduring value.

Rising prices across the jewelry market, partly due to elevated inflation, have led many shoppers to seek cheaper alternatives. With household budgets already stretched thin, the Big Four gemstones are being overlooked in favor of more affordable options. Spinels, in particular, are seen as less ethically complex. The demand for gemstones has fueled violence in Africa and other regions, with the jewelry industry becoming intertwined in these contentious conflicts. In contrast, spinels and many other gemstones have generally been less ethically problematic.

Spinels are not the only stones challenging the dominance of the Big Four. Lab-grown diamonds, which many purists believe aren’t real diamonds, have exploded in popularity. In 2016, less than a billion dollars worth of lab-grown diamonds were sold. By 2022, consumers spent nearly $12 billion on lab-grown diamonds, with the market expanding nearly 40 percent from 2021 to 2022.

Interestingly, this sharp increase in lab-grown diamond sales coincided with historical inflation. In response, De Beers, the world’s largest player in the natural diamond market, has had to cut prices, sometimes by as much as 40 percent, according to Forbes. For a long time, lab-grown diamonds carried a stigma, but with inflation-strapped shoppers, many are now willing to overlook that. Cheaper gemstones like spinels are becoming increasingly attractive.

The shift towards alternative gemstones and lab-grown diamonds reflects a broader trend in consumer preferences. Shoppers today are more informed and concerned about the ethical implications of their purchases. They are also more budget-conscious, seeking high-quality, beautiful gemstones without the hefty price tag. This shift can potentially reshape the jewelry industry, challenging the traditional dominance of the Big Four gemstones.

As consumer preferences evolve, seeing how the market adapts will be interesting. Will diamonds and the other Big Four gemstones reclaim their former glory, or will spinels and lab-grown diamonds continue to rise in popularity? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the jewelry market is sparkling with new possibilities.

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Effective time management is crucial for enhancing productivity and achieving success in the workplace. Here are five techniques to help you make the most of your workday:

1. Prioritize Tasks

Start your day by identifying the most critical tasks that need to be accomplished. Prioritize your tasks based on urgency and importance, and focus on completing high-priority items first. This approach ensures that the most important work gets done and helps prevent last-minute rushes.

2. Use Time Blocking

Allocate specific blocks of time for different tasks or activities throughout your day. Schedule dedicated time for focused work, meetings, breaks, and personal tasks. Time blocking helps you stay organized and ensures that each aspect of your workday receives the attention it needs.

3. Set SMART Goals

Set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals for your day or week. Breaking larger goals into smaller, actionable tasks with clear deadlines keeps you accountable. SMART goals provide clarity and direction, making it easier to stay on track and manage your time effectively.

4. Minimize Distractions

Identify common distractions in your work environment and take steps to minimize them. Turn off notifications, close unnecessary tabs or applications, and create a workspace without interruptions. Reducing distractions helps maintain focus and efficiency.

5. Practice the Pomodoro Technique

Break your workday into intervals of focused work followed by short breaks using the Pomodoro Technique. Set a timer for 25 minutes of uninterrupted work, followed by a five-minute break. After completing four work intervals, take a more extended break to recharge. This technique improves concentration and productivity by balancing work and rest.

Implementing these time management techniques can enhance productivity, reduce stress, and make your workday more efficient and fulfilling.

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Feeling like you can’t do anything right is tough. It can make you feel discouraged and frustrated. However, it’s important to remember that nobody is always perfect. We all have our struggles and shortcomings. If you want to start seeing better results in your life, you need to shift your focus from your faults to your strengths. Here are some powerful strategies to help improve your confidence and eliminate those nagging feelings of self-doubt.

Confidence is key to feeling good about yourself and your abilities. You might think you have a decent confidence level, but there’s always room for improvement. Even confident people have moments where they feel nervous or shy. Learning from these individuals can help you build your confidence.

Start by practicing small acts of confidence. Try saying hello to someone new or making small talk. These little steps can make a big difference over time. It’s easy to lose confidence when you’re in a bad mood or feeling down. This is especially true if you’re struggling with relationships or tasks.

To boost your confidence, examine your personal traits and identify what makes you unique and strong. Being positive and comfortable with yourself is crucial. Work on your communication skills, too. Expressing your thoughts clearly can greatly enhance your confidence and improve your relationships.

Self-doubt is normal, but it can be harmful if it spreads to other areas of life. When working towards a goal or project, it’s natural to feel nervous. However, excessive doubt can hinder your performance.

First, accept that doubt is part of the process. Don’t ignore it; try to understand why it’s happening. Sometimes, it’s a sign that you need to take a break and recharge. Remember, you don’t have to do everything alone. Reach out for support when needed.

Patience is another essential tool. Realize that you can’t achieve everything instantly. Accepting this can help you manage your expectations and reduce stress. Focus on the goals you’ve completed rather than stressing over what’s left to do. This mindset will help you see your progress and build confidence.

It’s easy to get caught up in your imperfections and lose sight of your accomplishments. Constantly dwelling on what you’re not good at can be discouraging. Instead, recognize how far you’ve come and celebrate your achievements.

You don’t have to be perfect. Acknowledge that you’re better than you were before and continue improving. This shift in focus can lead to an immediate positive change in your thoughts and actions.

When setting goals, it’s common to focus on weaknesses. However, this approach can be limiting. Instead, identify your strengths and build on them. Your goal isn’t to fix all your weaknesses but to highlight what you’re good at.

Showcasing your strengths doesn’t mean ignoring your weaknesses. It’s about balancing your abilities and being confident in what you do well. The more you focus on your strengths, the more confident you’ll become, and the better your chances of success.

Feeling like you can’t do anything right is a common experience. However, by shifting your perspective, you can overcome these feelings. Improve your confidence, eliminate self-doubt, stop focusing on your faults, and start working on your strengths. These strategies will help you feel more capable and ready to tackle life’s challenges.

Remember, it’s not about being perfect. It’s about recognizing your worth and building on what makes you unique. Embrace your journey, celebrate your progress, and keep moving forward. You’ve got this!

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Navigating office politics can be tricky, but you can be recognized and rewarded with finesse, strategic thinking, and effective communication. Here are six strategies to help you thrive despite the politics at play:

Build Strong Relationships

Cultivate positive relationships with colleagues at all levels of the organization. Establishing rapport and trust helps you understand complex office dynamics and garner support. The more connections you make, the better you’ll be at navigating the political landscape.

Stay Neutral and Diplomatic

Avoid taking sides in conflicts and maintain a neutral stance. Approach sensitive situations diplomatically by focusing on facts and finding common ground to resolve disputes. This will help you avoid unnecessary conflicts and be seen as a fair and reasonable person.

Communicate Effectively

Clear communication is key to avoiding misunderstandings and conflicts. Be assertive yet respectful in expressing your opinions and advocating for your interests. Good communication helps you convey your ideas clearly and build strong professional relationships.

Stay Informed

Keep up with organizational changes and understand the power structures within your workplace. Knowing the political landscape helps you anticipate challenges and navigate office politics more effectively. Being informed also allows you to make strategic decisions and stay ahead.

Focus on Results

Stay focused on achieving your goals and delivering results, regardless of interpersonal dynamics. Demonstrating competence and professionalism can earn you respect and credibility, irrespective of the politics at play. Your achievements will speak louder than any office politics.

Seek Allies

Identify supporters within the organization who can advocate for you and provide valuable insights. Building a solid support network helps you advance your career goals. Allies can offer advice, support your ideas, and help you navigate tricky political situations.

Implementing these strategies allows you to navigate office politics confidently, build positive relationships, and achieve career success. Remember, staying professional and focused on your goals will help you rise above politics and be recognized for your hard work.

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Social media is not just for fun and connecting with friends. It’s also a powerful tool to help your career. If used well, it can open up many opportunities. Here’s how you can leverage social media for your professional growth:

Build a Professional Presence

Start by creating a professional profile on LinkedIn. LinkedIn is like an online resume and a place to network with other professionals. Make sure your profile is complete and up-to-date. Highlight your skills, experiences, and accomplishments. A polished LinkedIn profile can attract job offers and professional connections.

Showcase Your Expertise

Share content related to your industry on platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook. Write articles, post insightful comments, or share relevant news and resources. This shows that you are knowledgeable and passionate about your field. People will start to see you as a thought leader in your niche.

Network with Peers and Industry Leaders

Use social media to connect with professionals in your industry. Follow peers, mentors, and influencers. Engage with their content by liking, commenting, and sharing. Join groups or forums related to your profession. These interactions can lead to valuable relationships and opportunities.

Stay Informed and Current

Follow industry-related accounts, organizations, and publications. This helps you stay updated on trends, developments, and job openings in your field. When you engage with this content and share your insights, you show that you are well-informed and passionate about your profession.

Promote Your Work and Achievements

Social media is a great place to showcase your professional accomplishments. Share updates about your work, projects, and successes. Highlight your achievements and milestones to show your value and expertise to your network. This builds your reputation and keeps your connections updated on your progress.

Maintain Professionalism

Always be professional and honest in your online posts. Thoughtful and respectful engagement with others is key. Remember, your social media presence reflects your brand. Use it strategically to support your career goals.

Following these steps can turn social media into a valuable tool for advancing your career. Happy networking!

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Do you spend hours worrying about what others think of you? Are you afraid that people judge you based on their perceptions? Do you feel inadequate because of your appearance, family, friends, or strangers? If so, you’re not alone. Everyone experiences self-doubt. But the question is, do you care about their opinions?

We all want to be accepted, liked, appreciated, and respected by others. We’ve all faced rejection and criticism at some point. Some of us can brush it off, while others feel it deeply. But what happens when you let others’ opinions affect you negatively?

It’s easy to get caught up in worrying about what others think, whether at school or in your professional life. You might feel like you’re not good enough because you lack experience or worry that you don’t fit in. The problem is that you should never let others’ opinions bother you. It’s not your responsibility to make others like you or to change their opinions.

If you’re worried that people won’t like you because you’re new, focus on your strengths and weaknesses. The key is to get comfortable with yourself and embrace your differences. Work on your weaknesses, but know your strengths first. Use those strengths to overcome your weaknesses. This process takes time, but gradually, people will notice and appreciate the changes in you.

If you’re worried about not fitting in at work, be brave and try to do things differently. Don’t let the fear of being laughed at or made fun of stop you. Put yourself out there and be your authentic self. Make mistakes, but push yourself. Successful people don’t let others control their actions. They stay true to themselves and what makes them happy.

Some successful people avoid others entirely to stay true to their beliefs. You won’t fear judgment if you believe in what you’re doing. To succeed, you must overcome any fears that keep you from pursuing your dreams. Some people think they’ll never be understood or good enough. They’re living in a fantasy. People have different opinions about successful individuals, but most will see you as just another human being.

The greatest obstacle to accomplishing your dreams is fear. Fear can stop you from even trying. You must realize there’s no right or wrong way to achieve your goals. Don’t let fear stop you from trying. If you don’t try, you’ll never know, and there’s no sense in waiting until you’re ready.

As humans, we’re naturally afraid of the unknown. But when it comes to your goals, let go of that fear. Many people fear failure because it can be terrifying, especially after putting in so much effort. You might be afraid that no matter how hard you work, you might still fail. That’s why you don’t pursue your dreams.

But what if there’s a way to overcome your fears and pursue your dreams? The answer is simple: start acting as though you’ve already succeeded. If you’re afraid of failure, act like you’re already succeeding. Instead of focusing on your fears, act like you’ve achieved everything you wanted.

You’d be surprised how quickly you’ll feel successful. The key is to do what you truly want and overcome your fears. You’re not controlling your future, but you might find peace and contentment as you live your dreams.

If you truly believe in yourself, you won’t care what others think. If you don’t, you’re the one living in a fantasy world. To be successful, you must stop caring about others’ opinions. You’re the only one who can control your actions, not anyone else.

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