I started this year with two beehives. I ordered 2 packages of Italian honey bees that have to this point been going strong.
One hive is quite strong, I have a good queen and the population is robust. These bees are putting away honey for the winter and have a regular population of workers.
The second hive is weak to say the least. The hive swarmed a couple weeks ago and the queen that was raised doesn't seem to be laying any eggs. This hive had issues from the beginning with a lot of drones being raised. I have yet to check the hive into which the swarm was moved, but all indications are that the hive is healthy.
As a matter of management, I need to functionally requeen the weak hive today. I will find the non-laying queen and kill her. Tomorrow, I will move several bars of eggs, brood, honey and bees from my strong hive into the weak hive hoping that the bees will raise one of the eggs into a queen who will then re-populate the hive. I just hope that it is not too late. A strong fall nectar flow may be required to save this hive, but time and good management are required to put the hive in a position to be successful.
Monday, July 09, 2012
Wednesday, July 04, 2012
Democracy vs Independence
On the door of a shop, I saw the following note yesterday: "We will be closed on July 4th in honor of our democracy."
Where to start with this?
On July 4th 1776, the First Continental Congress in Philadelphia ratified a declaration of independence of the American Colonies from the rule of the King George and the English Parliament. The United States of America celebrates this occasion as Independence Day.
However, the Declaration of Independence is not a governing document, does not imply a governmental structure and certainly does nothing to enshrine democratic principles as the basis for an American nation. The Constitution of the United States of America signed on September 17, 1787 and effective on March 4th, 1789 established the American Nation as a democracy.
The use of "our democracy" could be extended to honor each and every day- thus why would the shop ever open- as democracy is a concept. If the author had used "Our Democracy" an argument could be made that making proper nouns out of the words would strongly imply the United States of America, given the location of the shop.
I urge any readers to reflect on the meaning of freedom, the men and women who put their lives and fortunes at risk to create and maintain our freedom. Ask how our daily actions contribute to the well-being of all Americans. Take action on this the anniversary of American independence to celebrate our freedoms and liberties, just be aware that this day is just one step in an ongoing American Experiment, or, Our Democracy.
Where to start with this?
On July 4th 1776, the First Continental Congress in Philadelphia ratified a declaration of independence of the American Colonies from the rule of the King George and the English Parliament. The United States of America celebrates this occasion as Independence Day.
However, the Declaration of Independence is not a governing document, does not imply a governmental structure and certainly does nothing to enshrine democratic principles as the basis for an American nation. The Constitution of the United States of America signed on September 17, 1787 and effective on March 4th, 1789 established the American Nation as a democracy.
The use of "our democracy" could be extended to honor each and every day- thus why would the shop ever open- as democracy is a concept. If the author had used "Our Democracy" an argument could be made that making proper nouns out of the words would strongly imply the United States of America, given the location of the shop.
I urge any readers to reflect on the meaning of freedom, the men and women who put their lives and fortunes at risk to create and maintain our freedom. Ask how our daily actions contribute to the well-being of all Americans. Take action on this the anniversary of American independence to celebrate our freedoms and liberties, just be aware that this day is just one step in an ongoing American Experiment, or, Our Democracy.
Tuesday, July 03, 2012
Lessons from the Past: Gettysburg to Occupy
149 years ago today, the high water mark of the Confederacy was set and the tide of the American Civil War turned as Union soldiers repulsed Pickett's Charge at the Battle of Gettysburg. Ostensibly the war was fought over slavery, however the economic systems of the North and South were at the root of the causes of the war.
149 years later we are facing a new division in our country, a division of economic prosperity. The Occupy movement has brought this to light with the 99% slogan. We, as citizens, allow ourselves to be governed by an elite group who exploit our lives and inhibit our personal advancement, generally to their economic advantage.
Let us not forget that in death we are all equal. In life, our success or failure, our happiness and legacy is not the money we make, the profits we generate, but in the lives we touch. If business leaders put people before profits, took a long-term view of their success and took the opportunity to reaffirm the lives of all people, our American Experiment will continue and American society will continue to flourish.
149 years later we are facing a new division in our country, a division of economic prosperity. The Occupy movement has brought this to light with the 99% slogan. We, as citizens, allow ourselves to be governed by an elite group who exploit our lives and inhibit our personal advancement, generally to their economic advantage.
Let us not forget that in death we are all equal. In life, our success or failure, our happiness and legacy is not the money we make, the profits we generate, but in the lives we touch. If business leaders put people before profits, took a long-term view of their success and took the opportunity to reaffirm the lives of all people, our American Experiment will continue and American society will continue to flourish.
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