The Green One

Finding my feet

Mon, 2 Nov 2009 16:37:12 -0500

For all the blogging I do I more often than not need to play about with the format, the tempo and the content before I find the passion that drove me to make the blog to start with.

With this topic, for example, I am deeply in love with the dream to found an eco village. I am deeply moved by our need to be more ethical in our dealings with the planet. I am profoundly moved by the blindness we all exhibit.

I think the problem is that being green is a doing thing not a talking thing and I need to find some way to talk about the doing. While I am doing that please forgive me if I do not update all that often.

Gordon Brown - defender of the earth?

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 18:50:08 -0400

Gordon Brown (the UK PM) has told some of the worlds leading nations Once the damage from unchecked emissions growth is done, no retrospective global agreement, in some future period, can undo that choice he added that The costs of failing to tackle the issue would be greater than the impact of both world wars and the Great Depression combined (source).

So why is the head guy in the UK choosing now to stand up for the planet?

Pipe?

Sat, 10 Oct 2009 18:55:00 -0400

Pipe smoking in the great out doors - what do you think?I found this video a while back and combined with the fact that a number of my friends have taken up the pipe I thought I'd hit you with the question of pipe smoking.

Twisted thinking in the pub game

Wed, 7 Oct 2009 11:39:24 -0400

n the county of Kent is a small family run brewer Shepherd Neame. After what they called "a hard year" they have profits of �6.9 million.

Apparently this is not good enough because last year they managed to scoop �8.7 million and in the insane world of big business infinite and unlimited growth is required or you are considered to be "failing".

Failing?

That amount of money could keep a family comfortably well of for over 170 years. But for Shepherd Neame this is not good enough so they are selling the lower performing pubs to help the balance sheet look better.

Forget having a healthy portfolio of pubs offering maximum potential reach, forget brand equity, forget customer satisfaction and forget distribution figures. No the only metric Shepherd Neame seem to care about is earning more this year than last year.

The twisted thinking that says only growth is stability is madness. That's like saying war is peace.

How can we have unlimited growth forever in a finite system? Stability is not growth it is evening an out such that the net present value of last year, this year and next are roughly equal within a reasonable set of tolerances.

When I dream this is what I dream

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 11:18:26 -0400

I imagine myself, sometimes, just sitting outside to the edge of a communal area under the shelter. I watching the children playing chase around the open centre as they diver under the high drying poles where recently harvested herbs hang.

The centre is a large open circle where the most aspects of village life take place. It is crafted from timber and cuttings harvested from the woods and is an artistic blending of natural beauty an functional elegance. There is a harmony in this arrangement and it is here that our more expert permaculturists will start the teaching of visitors and children alike or sit in the evening and talk or debate with each other.

To my right a smiling pair of women are watching the children and preparing food in the centre's permanent cooking area. Around them are plants selected for their utility to the task at hand. A young man is fussing with the fire safly tucked into the stone oven.

Behind the women is a woven round house that contains all the village stores and resources. It was built with just six of us in only a few days and is still has the original solar panel. Inside I can just see one of the wood carvings that forms the start of the shelfs by the door. I remember fondly the day our artest started work on that. An elderly woman appears in the door way. She smiles to me and I wave back.

The smell of cooking blows on the breeze which mixes it with the scent of lavender which is prominent around the centre. Here in the shaded dinning space I lean on the table that is behind me and breath deep. It is good.

To my left I can see my house built not of cement and mortar so much as wood and clay. My door is open to let in the air and I am not worried. I can not see the flowers I planted to decorate the front of the house because from here my view is obstructed by the ornamental herb garden that serves the centre for cooking and first aid.

Under the archway dripping with still ripening fruit comes one of the other members of the village carrying a guitar. He finds himself a comfortable place to sit and then he begins to play. The children run over and sit near him and he sings to them.

Soon some of the young men will return from the woods on our land. They have been coppicing hard all day and will be tired. It is a good excuse to crack open a casket of ale and this batch promises to be most tasty.

Over the sound of the singing I hear laughter and shouts. I know that one of the school groups have returned from their walk and will be joining us. The centre will start to fill with the folks that have join us living our more simple life.

For a moment a loud engine on the distant road can be heard. It reminds us that modern life continues apace outside but here in our village next to nature it is peaceful and we know contentment.

The creation of a sacred space

Sun, 20 Sep 2009 16:07:22 -0400

Sacred space - how vital is it?This past week I have been looking at the need for a sacred space at the heart of a community. I journeyed to Chelmsford Hundred where the local Sure Start Children's Centre has been built with a church transparently at the centre. I got to stay in the Vicarage with the vicar and his wife who both have a strong interest in conservation and ethical trade.

There I began to learn about the need to set aside a dedicated spiritual space for reflection, worship and prayer. This is, as Rev Gowing-Cumber points out (see the videos in the link) an often over looked need that sits at the very heart of a community.

What are your thoughts and feelings on this subject?

Keeping Honey Bees - The Top 5 Mistakes Made by Beginners

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 19:02:00 -0400

A guest post by Jane Vaughan

Keeping honey bees isn't a difficult hobby to get started with, however a bit of organized research before you start can go a long way to making your hive a success. It is said that people learn best from making mistakes - all well and good but this can be costly. It is so much better to learn from other people's mistakes - the top 5 are listed below.

Buying second hand equipment - This sounds like a cost effective way to get started, but should be done with caution. When you buy hive equipment from someone else, you could be inheriting a whole raft of problems from them - disease and pests are the biggest risk, whilst poorly maintained equipment will hinder even the most experienced of beekeeper.
Start the wrong time of year - The best time of year to start keeping bees is in spring, when the flowers and trees are in full bloom, meaning lots of food for your bees. It is no good setting up a hive in the late autumn and expecting lots of lovely honey within a couple of months. If you are impatient like me and want to get started right away, you should buy a good book or two and get some good ground knowledge. You could also use this time to research equipment suppliers and also possibly offer to help local beekeepers with their hive chores.
Read outdated books - This might not sound serious but these days it could prove to be a big mistake. If you are reading a book that is more than about 20 years old it is unlikely that the book will discuss the problem of the varroa mite. This mite has destroyed most of the wild bee colonies in the world and is a serious threat to any hive. A well managed domestic hive can combat many of the threats and problems of the varroa mite, but you need up to date information first.
Skimp on protective clothing - Many people don't want to spend much money on protective clothing when they first start keeping honey bees. It is natural to want to put your investment into the hive first and think about clothing later. This is a big mistake - for example you need to know that dark clothing can make the bees feel threatened and turn them aggressive. Although all beekeepers get stung at some time, It is very important to give yourself as much as protection as possible and not undertake any unnecessary risks.
Try to go it alone - When you are starting any new hobby it helps to have the moral and practical support of someone who has walked the path before. They can offer you lots of tips on what to look for in equipment as well as offering advice specific to your locality. As mentioned above, spending some time with them first, helping them out is always a good way to get started.

These are the most common mistakes made by beginner beekeepers. If you follow the advice above and research the subject thoroughly you will already have a head start on someone who just dives into this fascinating hobby.

My name is Jane Vaughan and I enjoy researching how a natural lifestyle can make a big improvement to our quality of life. If you want to start keeping honey bees but don't know where to start, read my reviews of the best beekeeping books on the market at http://www.trustnature.info

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jane_Vaughan
http://EzineArticles.com/?Keeping-Honey-Bees---The-Top-5-Mistakes-Made-by-Beginners&id=2806214

Keeping Honey Bees - 5 Reasons to Start This Hobby

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 19:01:00 -0400

A guest post by Jane Vaughan

Governments around the world are starting to get nervous - bee populations are plummeting, threatening over 30% of food crops, as well as other vital crops such as cotton, and feed for farm animals. Domestic beekeepers are the only answer to the problem, and maybe you are thinking about doing your bit to help but are not too sure. This article gives you 5 specific reasons why this is a hobby you should seriously consider.

Save the world! - The varroa mite is wiping out bee colonies all over the world. Wild bee populations are declining by 50% per annum meaning that domestic bee hives are essential to the continuation of our food chain.
Get a better garden - Honey beekeepers consistently report that within a year or two of starting their first hive, their garden is flourishing. Larger, healthier and more prolific flower, vegetable and fruit crops result from having a hive or two of honey bees.
The best honey - Nothing tastes quite like your own home grown honey. 100% pure honey varies in flavor based on the flowers being pollinated by the bees, and many beekeepers are able to use their knowledge and experience to produce specialist honey flavors. Enjoy the honey yourself, or start to sell it locally - this is a product that people will want to buy and you will build up a regular list of customers. Home grown honey also makes an original and much appreciated gift.
Stress relief - Many beekeepers claim that the practice of tending to their hives is almost meditative in nature. You become focussed on the bees and their fascinating behaviour and just forget about those bills or that stressful job (for a while at least!)
Educational - The moment you tell people that you are a beekeeper they will want to know more. Bees are a great way of teaching children about science, as well as prompting discussion about complex social structures. Don't be surprised if you get asked to talk to local school children or adult community groups.

Any experienced beekeeper could probably give you many more reasons than this, but they are a good starting point. Keeping honey bees really is an activity that benefits the environment, the economy and your own mental and physical health.

My name is Jane Vaughan and I am interested in how natural living benefits our health and wellbeing. If you want to start beekeeping but don't know how, read my reviews of the best beekeeping books on my website at http://www.trustnature.info

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jane_Vaughan
http://EzineArticles.com/?Keeping-Honey-Bees---5-Reasons-to-Start-This-Hobby&id=2797483

Keeping Honey Bees - How to Get Started

Sat, 12 Sep 2009 18:58:00 -0400

A guest article by Jane Vaughan

If you have decided that you want to start honey beekeeping you probably feel quite daunted to begin with. You might be surprised at how easy it is to get started - these are the first steps to take on this rewarding hobby.

Considerations before you start - There are a few things you should consider before you invest heavily in equipment and bees. Research the answers to the following questions: Are you allergic to bee stings? Can you afford the initial investment? Do you have space for the hives? Do you live in the right climate? How much time do you have available? Are you physically mobile?
Talk to your neighbors - If you live in close proximity to your neighbors let them know your intentions. It is natural that some people may have reservations, but point out to them that their gardens will benefit and offer them some of your home grown honey as a sweetener (pun intended!). If they or their child have an allergy to bee stings then you may have to rethink your idea if you can't find an alternative, less populated site.
Buy a good book - Ideally you should buy a step by step guide that will walk you through the whole process from setting up, to harvesting the honey. A few good illustrations will also help you to understand exactly what you should be doing.
Join a local beekeeping community group - There really is no substitute for talking to people who have been through the process. They will have knowledge that is unique to your local area and may also be able to offer second hand equipment.
Acquire the equipment - This includes clothing, hives, smoker and of course the bees. This article only offers an overview, but for specific advice on each of these items talk to local beekeepers and consult a good book.

Beekeeping is a great way of helping the environment as well as being a lot of fun. It really isn't as hard as you may think to get started, but as with most things a bit of well chosen research will help you to avoid costly mistakes whilst you get established.

My name is Jane Vaughan and I enjoy researching natural ways of living, and how this can benefit our health and wellbeing. If you want to start keeping honey bees take a look at my reviews of beginner's beekeeping books at http://www.trustnature.info

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jane_Vaughan
http://EzineArticles.com/?Keeping-Honey-Bees---How-to-Get-Started&id=2797745

The Tedious Honey Bees

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 18:57:17 -0400

Today's post is a guest article by Navodita Maurice it kicks of a series on the subject of bees. Enjoy.

Man is using the animal products since time immemorial. Honey is one such animal product used by mankind since histories. The diverse qualities of honey have been mentioned in the literature as well as by many eminent workers. Honey is obtained from the tiny, teeny weeny honey bees. Bees teach us the lesson of work, work and work with cooperation. It is fascinating to think that for only one pound of honey the bee travels about twice the distance of earth's circumference and pollinate twelve thousand flowers a day.

Honey bees belong to the class Insecta and order Hymenoptera. They are scientifically termed as Apis. Honey bees are highly organized social insects with well developed division of labour. They are active throughout the year but in winter do little work. In spring season, they build strong colony having honey rich combs that can be easily seen hanging down from the branches of trees, ceilings of houses etc. they communicate with each other by performing waggle dance as described by the eminent biologist Karl Von Frish.

Each honey bee colony bears forty to fifty thousand individuals encompassing three castes: Queen, drones and workers. The queen after fertilization lays both fertilized as well as unfertilized eggs. The unfertilized eggs develop into drones and the fertilized egg develops into a queen when fed on royal jelly and the larvae not fed on royal jelly develop into workers.

The Queen is a well developed fertile female with immensely developed ovaries and is present in each hive in a single number. She is the mother in the real sense and is guarded by a number of attendants and her sole function is to lay eggs only. It measures 15-20 mm in length and can be recognized by long tapering abdomen, short legs and wings. She is not able to produce honey and wax. She bears an ovipositor for egg laying and lays 1,500 to 2,000 eggs per day. The queen mates only once in her life span and stores the sperms of drone in her spermatheca. The life span of the queen is about five years and she lays about 1,500,000 eggs. She feeds on royal jelly throughout her life. When a queen becomes old or she dies a new queen is given all the responsibilities of the colony. A new queen is formed when a worker is fed on royal jelly. A queen takes 18 days to develop from egg to adult.

Workers are the smallest of the three castes of the colony and are actually the real machinery for the proper functioning of the colony. They also develop from the fertilized egg laid by the queen in the worker cell. They take 21 days to develop from egg to adult. their whole life span is about six weeks. The workers are sterile females that sacrifice their lives for the well being of the colony. The outdoor and indoor duties are performed by them only and for this they have some specially modified body parts: long proboscis for sucking nectar, strong wings for fanning, pollen basket for collection of pollen, powerful sting to defend the colony from the predators, wax glands for wax secretion. The bees that look after the young ones and the queen are termed as nursery bees, those who work for building and repairing of the comb are termed as builders and repairers. Honey storage and the ripening is also done by the workers.

The male members of the colony are termed as Drone of the King. They develop from the unfertilized eggs and take 24 days to develop into adult from the eggs. They lack wax glands and sting but have well developed reproductive organs. Their sole function is to fertilize the queen and are often seen begging the workers for the food. they live in special chambers called drone cells. A drone dies after copulation.

The first swarm is led by the old queen and the second swarm is led by the seven days old virgin queen which is followed by a number of drones is termed as marriage flight or nuptial flight. Only one male copulates with the queen and dies and drops to the ground. The fertilized queen then returns to the colony and starts laying eggs. She lays one egg in each cell. The eggs are pinkish, elongated and are attached to the bottom of the cell. The larvae after emergence are fed for five days by the worker bees and then the cell is sealed for pupation. After three weeks adults emerge out, in the form of workers and are sent for outdoor duties. Only one larva develops into queen that is fed on royal jelly. The drones develop from unfertilized eggs.

Honey is sweet in taste and its color varies from white to black with variable smell. The nectar, pollen and cane sugar are mixed by the saliva of the honey bees and undergo enzymatic action and is collected in the honey sac until it reaches the hive. As the bee reaches the hive this compound is regurgitated in the hive and is called the honey and is now concentrated by a strong current of air by rapid beating of the wings. Chemically honey is made up of levulose, dextrose, maltose, pigments, enzymes, ash and water. honey has both medicinal as well as the food value.

Honey bees are also the good source of bees wax. It is yellowish grey in color, insoluble in water but completely soluble in alcohols and ethers. it is natural secretion of worker bees poured out in thin delicate scales and is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons. It has a good commercial value. Honey bees and honey both are of good commercial value. The bee keeping and rearing for commercial production is termed as apiculture. This practice has been developed in many countries all over the world.

Navodita Maurice

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http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Tedious-Honey-Bees&id=2792887