The great success in Bavaria, Germany, of the referendum "Save the bees!" shows that the saving of the bees and nature is a big concern for many citizens. Populations of flying insects have declined shockingly by 75 to 80 percent since 1989. The goal of the bill is to counter the loss of species, especially the decline of bees, bumblebees and butterflies, by adjusting … [Read more...]
Book Review: Mila’s Meals
It’s not often that you have the luxury of stumbling upon a wholesome, nourishing cookbook for ‘littlies’, that covers everything from weaning to toddler-hood. Perhaps if you’ve been hanging around all the right places most of the time, a little surprise like this ends up on your lap that leaves a delightful sparkle in your eyes. Having read this well researched book from … [Read more...]
Bee attacks raise concerns about city beekeeping
The recent dramatic bee attacks in the Western Cape have raised fresh concerns about the growing trend of urban beekeeping in South Africa. The recent incident saw more than thirty cyclists participating in a race being attacked by bees from a nearby hive – some riders had as many as 100 stings removed and others who were allergic had to be airlifted to hospital. Urban … [Read more...]
If you can’t beat them, buy them
Monsanto, the genetically modified food giant, has recently purchased Beeologics, a leading bee research firm. Borrowing a move from the tobacco companies’ playbook, Monsanto appears to have decided that if you do not like the scientific reports coming out about you, then you should just buy the labs. Beginning in 2007, Beeologics has researched two critical bee issues: … [Read more...]
Beekeeping for dummies
Every house should have a beehive, it has been said. But how do we get started? It is advisable, but not essential, to have two hives. While you're busy with one, taking away honeycomb or just checking, the other one can be left alone to get on with its work. Here is a breakdown of your initial needs: Top Bar Hive: According to the fundis, this simple type of hive is best … [Read more...]
Beekeeping in the Western Cape
We in Southern Africa have had our honeybees since time immemorial. Among the !Kung clans, an old and well-managed hive was cared for as a family treasure and passed down to the next generation, and theft of honey was considered a capital crime. The San of the Outeniquas (a KhoiSan word meaning 'honey mountains') were well known as honey traders, bringing down buckskin bags of … [Read more...]
Beauty secrets from the victorian era
Looking back at the Victorian era it's striking how beautifully smooth these ladies and gentlemen's skin were. Notice the glowing hair? Perhaps less toxins were present in the air and water at that time, but they definitely also had a recipe for success when it comes to skin and hair products. Lindsay Salthouse, founder of The Victorian Garden, had literally found that … [Read more...]
