We’ve all been there: you open the fridge, pull out a package of deli meat, and hesitate. It doesn’t look quite right, but your mother-in-law insists it’s wasteful not to use it. This common household dilemma raises important questions about food safety, waste, and how to make the best decision for your family’s health. In this article, we’ll explore the factors to consider when faced with questionable deli meat and provide guidance on how to handle the situation responsibly.

Understanding the Shelf Life of Deli Meat

Deli meats, whether pre-packaged or freshly sliced, have a limited shelf life. Generally, pre-packaged deli meats last about 7 to 10 days after opening, while freshly sliced meats from the deli counter should be consumed within 3 to 5 days. These timeframes can vary depending on the type of meat, preservatives used, and storage conditions. Understanding these guidelines is crucial for making informed decisions about whether your deli meat is still safe to eat.

Signs That Deli Meat Has Gone Bad

There are several telltale signs that deli meat has gone bad. These include a sour or off smell, a slimy or sticky texture, discoloration, and mold growth. If the meat has any of these characteristics, it’s best to err on the side of caution and avoid consuming it. Trust your senses; if something seems off, it probably is.
The Risks of Consuming Spoiled Deli Meat

Eating spoiled deli meat can lead to foodborne illnesses, which can cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, it can lead to more serious health issues, especially for vulnerable populations such as young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. Understanding these risks highlights the importance of making safe choices when it comes to questionable deli meat.

How to Properly Store Deli Meat to Extend Freshness

To maximize the freshness and safety of deli meat, proper storage is key. Keep deli meats in the coldest part of the refrigerator, ideally at temperatures below 40°F (4°C). Store them in airtight containers or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent exposure to air and moisture. Additionally, consider labeling packages with the date they were opened to keep track of their shelf life.

Alternatives to Throwing Away Questionable Deli Meat

If you’re hesitant to throw away deli meat that appears questionable but not definitively spoiled, consider alternative uses. Cooking the meat thoroughly can kill bacteria, making it safer to consume in dishes like casseroles or soups. Alternatively, you can compost the meat if you have a composting system that can handle it, reducing waste while still being cautious about food safety.

Conclusion: Making the Safe and Smart Choice

When it comes to questionable deli meat, it’s important to balance the desire to avoid waste with the need to prioritize health and safety. By understanding the signs of spoilage, the risks involved, and proper storage techniques, you can make informed decisions. When in doubt, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Trust your instincts and prioritize the well-being of your family.

Rescuing animals can be both difficult and extremely stressful.

Sometimes the animal in question can be stuck in an awkward place. Often it can be a tree, sometimes it’s a thorny bush – in the very worst cases, baby animals have somehow gotten away from their mothers and ended up in extremely tight spaces.

In these awkward situations, persistent, precise and careful people are needed.

Perhaps that’s often why firefighters do so well when it comes to helping trapped animals …

In 2018, fire captain Brian Vaughan received an alarm call and immediately understood the need for urgency.

Eight tiny, black-coloured dog pups had been found stuck in a drain well. Those who made the call believed that a litter of black Labrador pups had been abandoned in the pipe by their owners.

20 minutes after the fire brigade arrived, all of the animals had been successfully pulled from the drain. They appeared unharmed and were subsequently taken to the Humane Rescue Organisation in the Pikes Peak Region.

It was only then that people realised they hadn’t saved any dog puppies at all. In actual fact, the black pups had become a bundle of red.

“One of the vets at the place said: ‘No, these are not labradors, they’re foxes,’” Vaughan explained to CBS in Denver.

Foxes are extremely common in the areas surrounding the Rocky Mountains, which is exactly where this litter was found.

Travis Sauder, Colorado Parks and Wildlife District Manager, told CBS4 that he’s not surprised that the call was placed to the firemen. Nor that the foxes were found in the first place.

“This time of year there are a lot of animals that are starting to have their young, and they have them in small dens that are places that we can encounter when we’re recreating in the outdoors like we like to do,” Sauder said.

These firefighters in rescued what they thought were puppies from a storm drain… but it turns out they’re red foxes!
What to do now?

Reporter @AbeytaCBS4 shares the story: https://t.co/ubpMJjjj8h
(: Colorado Springs Fire Department) pic.twitter.com/Mksg0A0IJH

— CBSColorado (@CBSNewsColorado) March 16, 2018

According to Sauder, the foxes will be taken back to the pipe, in the hope that their mother will return to take care of them.

“These animals are going to be put back where we found them hoping that the mother is still in the area and can pick up the normal duties like she would. If the mom’s not around anymore we can take them to a licensed re-hab,” Sauder said.

Misunderstandings involving wildlife like this are not uncommon, so it’s always better to call an expert to identify the animal in question before trying to act yourself. Sadly, good intentions can sometimes make things worse for wild animals in cases such as this one.

Hopefully these fox cubs will be reunited with their mother before too long. Like and SHARE if you love animals of all kinds!

What Is Prediabetes?

Prediabetes occurs when your blood sugar levels are slightly elevated but not high enough to be classied as type 2 diabetes. It usually happens due to insulin resistance, when your body doesn’t use insulin effectively, causing sugar to build up in your bloodstream.

The tricky part? Most people don’t notice any symptoms.

1. Increased Thirst and Urination

Feeling thirsty all the time and needing to pee often are common signs of prediabetes. This happens because your kidneys can’t handle the extra sugar in your blood. Instead, the sugar goes into your urine, pulling uids from your body. As a result, you pee more and get dehydrated. To make up for the lost uids, you drink more, which leads to even more trips to the bathroom.

Most people urinate about 6-7 times a day. Anywhere from four to ten times daily is normal, as long as it’s
consistent and doesn’t increase suddenly.

2. Blurred Vision

Blurry vision can be an early sign of prediabetes, not just an eye problem. High blood sugar causes uid shifts that make the lens of your eye swell and change shape. This affects your focus, making things look fuzzy or out of focus.
With treatment, your blood sugar levels can stabilize, and your vision usually returns to normal. But if diabetes goes untreated, these changes can get worse and may lead to blindness.

3. Fatigue

Constant fatigue is another common sign of prediabetes. Like with hunger, your cells can’t get enough glucose for energy. Plus, frequent urination leads to dehydration, which makes you feel even more tired.
Fatigue can happen for many reasons, like a carb-heavy diet, too much caffeine, or aging. But if you’re also thirsty, hungry, or urinating often, it might be a sign of diabetes.

4. Tingling or Numbness in Hands or Feet

Numbness, tingling, or pain in your hands, feet, ngers, or toes is another common sign of prediabetes. High blood sugar affects blood ow, leading to nerve damage. Since hands and feet are farthest from the heart, they’re usually affected rst.
Keeping your blood sugar under control can improve circulation and ease these symptoms.

5. Slow-Healing Wounds

Slow-healing cuts and wounds can be a sign of prediabetes. High blood sugar causes inammation and poor
blood ow, making it harder for your body to repair damaged skin.
This is especially common in the feet, where sores can lead to serious complications. If your cuts and wounds take longer to heal than usual, talk to your doctor.

6. Increased Hunger

Constant hunger, along with thirst and frequent urination, is one of the three main signs of prediabetes. When your body doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t use it properly, it can’t turn food into glucose for energy. This leaves your cells starving, causing hunger that doesn’t go away after eating. In fact, eating more can raise your blood sugar even higher.
If you feel hungry all the time, even after meals, consider seeing your doctor. This is important, even if you don’t have other diabetes symptoms.

7. Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Flatulence, Constipation and Bloating

Digestive issues like constipation, bloating, and gas can be signs of prediabetes. High blood sugar can affect the
nerves that control your digestive system, slowing down digestion and causing constipation. Poor digestion mayalso lead to bloating and excess gas.
Keeping your blood sugar levels stable can help improve digestion. If these symptoms persist, talk to your doctor,
especially if combined with other signs of diabetes.

8. Bad Breath and Dry Mouth

Prediabetes increases the risk of gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, which is why you get bad
breath. Dry mouth from high blood sugar reduces saliva and gives bacteria a breeding ground. The consequence? That dry-mouth feeling.

9. Skin Issues Like Rashes, Dark Spots, and Itchiness

High blood sugar can cause rash, dry, itchy skin. When excess sugar leaves your body through urine, it pulls uids from tissues, including your skin, the body’s largest organ. Scratching dry patches can break the skin, increasing the risk of infection.

Acanthosis nigricans is another skin condition linked to prediabetes. It causes dark, velvety patches that usually appear where skin folds, like the neck, armpits, groin, elbows, knees, and knuckles. While it can affect healthy people, it’s often a sign of prediabetes or diabetes.

10. Headaches, Mood Swings and Trouble Concentrating

Headaches, mood swings, and trouble concentrating can be signs of prediabetes. High or low blood sugar levels affect brain function, leading to headaches and difculty focusing. Blood sugar uctuations can also impact mood, causing irritability or anxiety.
Managing blood sugar levels can help reduce these symptoms. If they persist, especially with other diabetes signs, consult your doctor.

11. Yeast Infections

Yeast survives on sugar. So high blood sugar creates optimal conditionsfor ongoing yeast infections, especially in hot, damp areas like the mouth, genitals, and skin creases.

How to Stop Prediabetes

Having prediabetes doesn’t mean you’ll get diabetes. But it’s a wake-up call. The good news? Simple changes can help you turn things around.
Eat healthier. Choose foods low in fat and calories. Go for fruits, veggies, lean meats, whole grains, and healthy fats like avocado and sh. Skip processed foods and limit red meat.
Exercise regularly. Moving your body helps you use insulin better. Aim for 30-60 minutes of moderate activity—like walking, biking, or swimming—at least ve days a week. Start slow. Build up as you go.

Lose extra weight. Dropping just 5-10% of your weight can lower blood sugar. Healthy eating and exercise are key. A gym membership, trainer, or workout buddy can help you stay motivated.
Quit smoking. Smoking increases insulin resistance. Need help? Try nicotine patches, gum, or prescription
meds.

Cut back on carbs. Focus on complex carbs like veggies, whole grains, and beans. Avoid simple carbs like
candy, fruit juice, and white bread.
Treat sleep apnea. Keep in mind, too, that sleep apnea has been associated with insulin resistance. A doctor
can check for sleep apnea and recommend treatments like a CPAP machine or oral appliance.
Drink more water. Water helps control blood sugar and keeps you hydrated. Swap out sugary drinks for water.
Get help from a dietitian. A registered dietitian can create a meal plan that works for you.
Consider medication. Lifestyle changes work for most people. But if blood sugar stays high, your doctor may
prescribe metformin.

George Lopez Quits TV and Leaves the U.S. — “I Can’t Live Here for the Next Four Years”

Fans are stunned. Comedy icon George Lopez has just made a bombshell announcement: he’s officially quitting television and leaving the United States.

The legendary comedian, known for his no-holds-barred humor and hit sitcoms, shared the news in a deeply personal post that’s shaking up the entertainment world.

“I can’t live here for the next four years,” Lopez wrote, alluding to the country’s political climate. “I’ve spent my life making people laugh — now it’s time I prioritize my peace.”

While he didn’t mention specific names, fans quickly connected the dots — especially following a tense and polarizing election season. Known for his outspoken views and social commentary, Lopez has never shied away from hard truths. But this time, he’s not just talking — he’s walking.

From Stand-Up to Stand Down

Lopez’s career has spanned decades: from groundbreaking stand-up sets to his own sitcoms and voice roles in blockbuster films. For many, he’s more than just a comedian — he’s a cultural voice.

That voice is now going silent, at least in the U.S.

“This isn’t about running away,” he added. “It’s about choosing sanity. Choosing self-respect.”

Fans React: Shock, Support, and Sadness

The response was immediate. Comments poured in by the thousands — some in disbelief, others applauding his bravery.

“You’ve given us so much laughter. You deserve peace.”

“Please tell me this is just a break, not goodbye forever.”

“Heartbroken, but I get it. Thank you for everything, George.”

What’s Next for Lopez?

Lopez hasn’t revealed his next destination, only hinting that he’s “going somewhere that feels lighter.” Whether it’s a quiet beach town or a bustling European city, one thing is clear — he’s stepping away from the spotlight for now, and stepping into a new chapter.

A Goodbye — or a Wake-Up Call?

For some, Lopez’s departure feels symbolic — a reflection of growing exhaustion in a country grappling with division, intolerance, and noise.

But even as he steps away, his message lingers:

“Take care of yourselves. Don’t lose your joy for anyone.”

Thank you, George, for the laughs — and for reminding us that sometimes, stepping away is the bravest move of all.

Recently, a strange sea creature washed ashore on a California beach and raised some interesting questions. Keep reading to find out everything that happened…

There are countless creatures in the deep ocean that are yet to be discovered by human beings. Our limited knowledge of the ocean and the sea creatures that exist within it is because of the expanse of the oceans and their depth, which makes it nearly impossible for human beings to be able to explore the oceans in their entirety.

A deep sea creature that washed ashore in California last week was another reminder of how little we truly know about the ocean.

On October 13, a strange creature washed ashore at Crystal Cove State Park in Laguna Beach. It was identified in a Facebook statement by the California park as a Pacific footballfish. The fish typically dwells in the dark depths of the water and is rarely ever spotted by humans because of the harsh environment it is found in

The statement conveyed surprise at its discovery, “Guess who washed up just in time for Friday the 13th? It’s angler fish #2 at Crystal Cove State Park!” It continued, “In May of 2021, the same species of angler fish, Pacific Football Fish, was found onshore by a park visitor, creating quite the buzz. Two years later, the same species of fish washed up again last Friday, October 13th. What does it all mean?” they asked in a bone-chilling fashion, prompting thought on how this event could have occurred.

The eerie-looking creature has been taken by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife “for further research,” according to the statement.

There are over 200 species of anglerfish known to roam the oceans globally, the statement said. It also mentioned, “only females possess a long stalk on the head with bioluminescent tips used as a lure to entice prey in pitch-black water as deep as 3,000 feet!”

The Anglerfish have teeth that resemble “pointed shards of glass” and a massive mouth that allows them to swallow prey, which is “the size of their own body,” the statement shares.

As for how they reproduce, it is fascinating. Males of the species grow to only an inch as compared to females who can grow up to 24 inches. The statement mentioned how the reproduce, saying, the male “latch onto the female with their teeth and become ‘sexual parasites,’ eventually coalescing with the female until nothing is left of their form but their testes for reproduction.”

Spotting such a fish on the shore while it is completely intact is “very rare,” according to the park, the statement also noted “it is unknown how or why these fish ended up onshore.”

“Seeing this strange and fascinating fish is a testament to the curious diversity of marine life lurking below the water’s surface in California’s Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), and as scientists continue to learn more about these deep sea creatures, it’s important to reflect on how much is still to be learned from our wonderful and mysterious ocean!” Crystal Cove concluded in their post.

It is fascinating how a creature that dwells in the deep sea made its way to the shore. It raises a lot of questions about what could have prompted its migration to more shallow waters. All of this currently remains a mystery!

According to the park, there was a similar incident two years ago, and the fish found in May 2021 is being kept in the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles.

If you found this story interesting, check out the one below about a boy finding a fish with human teeth!

A viral post on Reddit showing something dangling from a ceiling sent the internet into a frenzy, leaving thousands of people cringing, laughing, and wildly speculating over the mysterious object that terrified netizens when it started to “wiggle and move.”Ceiling painting services

On April 15, a Reddit user shared a photo on the popular subreddit, “What is it?” in hope of getting some help in identifying a dark, stringy, hairless object that was poking through a narrow gap in the ceiling panel of his home.

Along with the image, the original poster (OP), who goes by the handle Takuraiii_, offered fellow Redditors the chillingly casual caption: “Noticed this sticking out from my ceiling – what is it?”

Within a few hours, the post racked up over 35,000 upvotes and thousands of comments. Reddit users from all walks of life, pest experts, and armchair comedians united for a round of sh0cked identification, wacky theories, and plenty of jokes.

Ceiling invader

The thread quickly took on a life of its own.

After the original poster (OP) explained that “It moves so it’s probably not d-ead,” people examined the details – texture, color, the slight taper – and offered their thoughts on the unsettling image of the cheeky ceiling invader.

“Rat expert here (no official degree, but I’ve seen An American Tail at least six times),” starts one wisecracking user, referring to the 1986 animated film that features a family of mice. “This could be a tail, yes…but it could also be a decoy. Call in backup. Infrared. Night vision. I want eyes on every crumb. We’re not just dealing with any rodent. We’re dealing with a professional.”

Citing another animated film that stars a rodent, a second offered, “Sir…. that’s a rat’s tail. Not the Ratatouille cute Remy rat. That’s a NYC kinda rat that will fight you over dinner.”

“Lick it. If it looks like a rat, tastes like a rat…” suggests another. Responding to that message, one Redditor says, “Poke it with a stick and lick the stick instead.”

Not all people were convinced it was a rat.

“Opossum, or an armadillo,” writes another, or “a giant wall lizard.”

Push, pull or tickle

Other users offered more absurd guesses and solutions to discovering its identity.

“Just a shadow. Nothing to be alarmed by,” writes one, while another told OP to “Just push it up and forget about it.”

A third shares, “Have you tried tickling it. Maybe it’ll pull it back up and out of sight out of mind.

Some recommended the poster “should definitely pull it.”

“How could you not pull it?” one netizen asked, prompting the OP to answer, “It’s got those [little] hairs sticking out of it, no way I’m touching it with my bare hands.”

‘Burn the house down’
Others were, understandably, deeply disturbed. “I would simply burn the house down,” one user quipped – a sentiment echoed by more than a few.

“Hopefully you can now move out, list [and] sell the house before that stank arrives in force,” another said about the object potentially belonging to a dead rat, stuck in the ceiling.

However it wasn’t stuck – it started to “wiggle and move.” Shortly after, OP wrote: “It’s gone now.”

“OP, are you not freaking out?! I have the heebie jeebies for you,” adds one netizen of the unidentified tenant.

Another Reddit user warned, “It’s just out of sight, it’s definitely not gone.”

Mystery solved

Within 24 hours, the author shared an update, letting fellow Redditors know that by process of elimination, the tail-like object did not belong to a lizard, a possum, or an armadillo – nor was it a “tampon pull string.”

“After a heck-ton of comments saying that it’s a rat’s tail, I can now confirm that it is a rat’s tail…I’ll be calling an exterminator soon to properly deal with the situation. Thank you everyone!” the curious cyber fan wrote, adding, “Someone from the comments quoted ‘When there is one, there is a hundred you can’t see.’ God, I hope not.”

However, when there’s one, there’s likely more, as rats are very social creatures and “prefer living in groups,” according to PBS Nature.

Unwanted roommates

Though the post was good for a laugh, it also shined a spotlight on a very real issue: hidden rodent infestations in residential homes.

Rodents like mice and rats often inhabit crawlspaces, attic insulation, and wall voids – completely undetected until they leave behind clues, like droppings, scratches, or, in the case of the OP; a tail cameo.

And, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) warns that “Rodents can carry many diseases that can spread directly or indirectly to people.”

One of these diseases is hantavirus, the rare but potentially fa-tal disease that clai-med the life of Gene Hackman’s wife Betsy Arakawa in February 2025.

How to deal with an infestation

“You may never see a mouse or rat unless an infestation is severe,” explains the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). But, there are some clues to help recognize that your home is being shared with some rodents:

Rodent droppings
Nesting material
Signs of chewing on food packaging
Holes chewed through walls and floors
Stale smells

One tail is all it took to turn a regular ceiling into Reddit’s weirdest mystery of the week. From laughter to legitimate fear, this single image captivated the internet and reminded us to look up once in a while – because you never know what’s hanging above your head.

The Duchess of Sussex, 43, posted an Instagram photo yesterday of herself cradling her two children, Prince Archie, six, and Princess Lilibet, three.

The snapshot, thought to have been taken at the family’s Montecito home, was accompanied by a heartfelt text in which Meghan stated that becoming a mother was the “greatest privilege.”

She wrote: “Happy Mother’s Day! Cheers to juggling it all with joy! And to these two gems – who still attempt to climb “mama mountain”, smother me with kisses, and make every day the most memorable adventure….being your mom is the greatest privilege of my life. I, too, ‘love you more than all the stars in all the sky, all the raindrops, and all the salt on all the french fries in all the world’.”

Since the photograph was released on Sunday, Meghan Markle’s fans have raced to social media to praise the “cute” image.

One fan wrote on X: “So so cute.”

Another said: “There is no love like a mother’s love, may these two children never let go of their mom just keep holding her a little bit tighter.”Best gifts for your loved ones

A third said: “Meghan Sussex’s post is the kind of soft strength we love to see.”

Best gifts for your loved ones

What is a Fisherman’s Ring?

The Fisherman’s Ring, known in Latin as the “Anulus Piscatoris,” is a ring that represents the Pope’s power as the successor to Saint Peter, the first pontiff. It is etched with an image of Saint Peter casting a net from a boat, as a reminder of Christ’s admonition to “be fishers of men.”

Secret Ritual for Ring Destruction

When a Pope dies or resigns, the ring is burned in a somber ceremony to commemorate the end of his pontificate. This centuries-old practice aims to prevent fraudulent use of the papal seal while also symbolizing the end of a leadership cycle in the Catholic Church.

What does the Ring of the New Pope Leo XIV signify?

Leo XIV decided to keep the Fisherman’s Ring’s basic design while adding additional characteristics that Vatican observers recognized. Some experts believe the etched symbols connect to old prophecies, such as fish and waves, which represent a new pastoral approach.

Mysteries Hidden in the Ring

Beyond the conventional design, some Vatican watchers believe the new ring may convey information about the future pontiff’s intentions.

What do the extra engravings represent? Why was a more austere yet symbolically significant design chosen? These questions are causing a lot of speculation in Christian circles.

A symbol of power and humility.

The Fisherman’s Ring, although representing papal power, also serves as a reminder of the Pope’s evangelistic vocation. In every gesture, Leo XIV reminds us that, despite being the head of the Catholic Church, he is still a humble fisherman in the service of Christ.

With each public appearance, the new Pope’s ring becomes the center of attention. What more mysteries does it conceal? What messages does Leo XIV want to convey to the world? Only time will tell.

Their love story began in 1952, when they met on a blind date, and their marriage in 1954 seemed like a dream come true. However, their differences soon led to conflict, especially with DiMaggio’s jealousy and difficulty handling Monroe’s rising fame. The famous subway grate scene from The Seven Year Itch marked the breaking point, leading to their divorce just months later, with Monroe citing “mental cruelty.”

Despite their separation, DiMaggio remained a constant in Monroe’s life, providing support during her personal struggles. After her death, DiMaggio took charge of her funeral, keeping it private and barring Hollywood figures, including Frank Sinatra and the Kennedys, from attending. His grief was profound, and he sent roses to her grave for years, deeply mourning the loss and feeling guilt for the failure of their marriage.

Joe DiMaggio never remarried and kept Marilyn’s memory alive. Before his death in 1999, he whispered that he would soon be reunited with her, reflecting his lasting love and regret.

Recently, Aniston revealed that Adam and his wife Jackie Sandler send her flowers every single Mother’s Day. It’s not for publicity. It’s not a Hollywood gesture. It’s a simple, powerful act of love rooted in empathy and understanding.

For years, Jennifer has spoken candidly about her struggles with infertility and the intense scrutiny she faced from the media — the whispers, the questions, the unfair assumptions. While the world speculated, she was grieving privately, navigating heartbreak with grace.

And Adam Sandler? He didn’t try to “fix” it. He simply showed up — with flowers, kindness, and the kind of quiet support that says “I see you.”

“It means the world to me,” Aniston shared. “He’s never forgotten.”

In a town known for big gestures, it’s these small, tender moments that reveal the truest kind of friendship. A reminder that motherhood isn’t always defined by children, and that love doesn’t need to be loud to be powerful.

So this Mother’s Day, here’s to the Jennifers of the world — the women whose hearts have held hope, heartbreak, and healing.

And here’s to the Adams — the ones who show up, even when the world isn’t watching.

#JenniferAniston #AdamSandler #TrueFriendship #MothersDayLove #SilentStruggles #UnseenMothers #KindnessMatters #InfertilityAwareness