Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Inside a Kangaroo Pouch




Did you know... kangaroos have nipples INSIDE their pouches!

While many people think of Kangaroos as the cute little Aussie jumpers (who quickly grow into intimidating Aussie kickers!), most don't typically take the time to consider what makes the creatures so special. Aside from the way they adorably carry around their babies (called a "joey"), their hopping and antics have been enjoyed the world over. But, did you know those cozy joey-holders hide more than just that little bundle of joy? It's true! The inside of a kangaroos' pouch is a den of mysteries containing little-to-no hair, soft, warm skin and... you guessed it... nipples!

Ok, ok, so it's not really that mysterious when you think about it. Joeys spend up to 10 months inside their mothers' wombs. They're born blind and can be as small as a grain of rice! These mini marsupials then drag themselves to their mother's teet, where he will stay for the next few weeks. Once the baby 'roo is strong enough, he'll venture out on his own for a bit of fun and folly. Eventually, though, he'll get thirsty or tire and right back to Mamma's sack he goes! As their primary caretaker, Mom even makes sure to keep little joey's coat clean and shiny- even if she's nursing more than one baby! Yes, kangaroo mothers have the amazing ability to disperse nutritionally-diverse milk from each separate nipple, thereby giving these lovely creatures the ability to continuously procreate... Imagine! Giving birth multiple times in a row! I think this is one aspect of being a marsupial we mammals are quite happy to pass up.

Whether they're busy hopping around joyfully or straight-up drop-kicking fools to the ground, our favorite marsupials still seem to hold a few secrets up their... pouches? Care to take a guess at what goes on 'behind the scenes' of a joey's life (yes, that's what a baby kangaroo is called)? Here's a hint... it's not as pretty as one might hope. Between concurring births and incredibly demanding obligations, here’s why these moms are some of the best in the animal kingdom!


While some people are master manipulators, others just can't seem to hide their feelings. Whether a friend or frenemy, being able to read and understand the signs that someone may not be 'down' with you might come in handy one day. Wondering why your coworker hardly ever makes eye contact? Or maybe you've noticed your 'friend' handing out fake smiles everytime you hang out. These signs and more could be indications these people are simply not that interested.

Hope for Honey Bees!


Over many long years, research into honey bees has grown exponentially and has resulted in many innovative enhancements in colony management processes. Over time, a considerable measure of information has been collected. The information gained was written in books so it may be shared among beekeepers, and, furthermore, recorded for future beekeepers to come.

The pivotal process of shielding honey bee provinces from parasites, infections, and other destructive diseases lies in the aptitude of distinguishing and taking care of the issues early. In this comprehensive guide, you will take in information about the astonishing honey bee and what scrumptious treats they make for themselves, and, fortunately, us as well.

Bumblebees are significantly critical pollinators for natural products, vegetables, and blossoms. That implies that they help with plants developing. Honey bees move dust among the male and female parts, helping plants to develop foods grown from the ground.

Beekeeping data accessible on the web is detailed and intensive. Essentially, anything you would wish to find out about beekeeping is out there, on some website or another. In any case, a significant number of us maintain pleasure in the tangible turning of pages when perusing a decent book.

So, what books emerge as the best of paper-based alternatives to the many online beekeeping advocacies? We will investigate a portion of the better books here; these tomes range impressively in their profundity and their intended interest group at the same time. Having seen them, we can state they are, for the most part, brilliant books.

Some of the most comprehensive books on the market today are as follows:

The Practical Beekeeper by Michael Bush
Honeybee Democracy by Thomas D. Seeley
The Beekeeper's Bible: Bees, Honey, Recipes and Other Home Uses by Richard Jones, Sharon Sweeney-Lynch
The Backyard Beekeeper by Kim Flottum
Beekeeping for Dummies by Howland Blackiston

Why You Need a Beekeeping Book...

Today, all the detailed data is generally accessible on the web. Be that as it may, many still appreciate perusing the printed version of a book. Having the capacity to reference a book is a particularly favorable position if your apiary doesn't have power.

Beekeepers ought to have a respectable amount of knowledge regarding honey bees and dealing with them and their hive. We become more educated by doing pragmatic stuff, however, beekeeping requires a ton of arrangements and diligent work to be effective. As a result, some beginning beekeepers may have a few issues which they probably won't realize how to address themselves. In such circumstances, it is valuable to have some convenient books about beekeeping which could help with settling every one of the issues presented.


Always Seek to Learn...

We have referenced numerous extraordinary books that may enable you to begin with beekeeping or even simply enlarge your insight. A great deal of work and learning is required to begin beekeeping. This may leave a few feeling overwhelmed, however, don't be disheartened! Everybody was, at one time, a student, and the main distinction between a novice and a veteran beekeeper is information picked up, either through books, the web, or by hands-on experimentation.

On the off chance that you don't know whether or not you want to be a beekeeper, perusing a book about it may enable you to definitively choose. The books we referenced are focused on various groups of onlookers, extending from total beginners to the most experienced of beekeepers. There is something here for everybody. Try not to give preventable issues a chance to crush your beehive colony and decrease the potential nectar yield by attempting to learn as much as possible in regards to bees and beekeeping.



Hive Hacks:


Lifehacks are inventive methods and tips which make regular daily existence less demanding. They typically repurpose normal items to take care of issues in straightforward ways, and their convenience can extend from illogical to splendid. They appeal the crafty inventor in every last one of us on the grounds that, with a little web seeking, you can discover a clever little solution for nearly anything. Look at all the approaches to utilize zip ties and plastic wrap!

However, for reasons unknown, nobody (or at least so it may seem) has expounded on beekeeping lifehacks! A thriving group overflowing with designers and creators, beekeepers are thinking up ingenious solutions each day, and it's about time that we get them out there! Before we jump into the Top 5 Beekeeping Books of 2018, it may be beneficial to peruse our list of beekeeping hacks.



Listed below are 15 quick beekeeping hacks to help beginner and advanced beekeepers, alike!


1. Accelerate Honey bee Evacuations with Two Regular Items
Amid swarm catches and evacuations, you can draw honey bees into another crate with common items like swarm lures. On the other hand, you can speed up getting honey bees out by utilizing your preferred brand of Honeybee repellant. Honey bees will attempt to remove themselves from the marzipan smell these characteristic items create, which implies you can group honey bees out of the desired area, prevent them from instantly returning, and defensively splash hard-to-achieve spots they may have hurried to amid an evacuation.



2. Make a DIY Push Confine for Queen Honeybee Establishment
All you require is #8 material and two or three strong elastic groups for additional steadiness.



3. Use Spare Egg Containers to Consume as Smoker Fuel:
Try using egg containers as smoker fuel. They typically will burn sweeter and last longer.



4. Utilize Nitrile Gloves Over Honey bee Gloves for Tight Spots
Keep your gloves nectar free amid honey bee expulsions or chaotic nectar collection processes by wearing nitrile gloves over your honey bee gloves.



5. Make A Perfect Water Fountain for Honey bees (Especially Useful for Pool Owners)
Honey bees require water to keep the hive sound and to direct temperatures inside the hive. It is anything but difficult to make protected, supporting water hotspots for them, and there are huge amounts of plans on google. Many include just a wine barrel, mosquito fish, water, and duckweed! On the off chance that you possess a pool, giving an additional and healthier water source can shield honey bees from drinking where you swim.



6. Make Pizza Significantly More Delightful with Nectar
Nectar sprinkled over hot pizza is a thought some may find unappealing. However, it is one of few ways to make a good-tasting 'sweet' pizza. You may even want to try imbuing the nectar with red pepper chips and/or other spices for additional flavor.



7. Go through Less with a DIY Nectar Extractor
Look at how imaginative beekeepers are setting aside extra cash by making nectar extractors with many random items, including drills and paint buckets!



8. Get Incredible Full scale Shots of Honey bees with an iPhone and a Loupe
Purchase a cheap arrangement of gem dealer's loupes (10x and 30x work incredible.). Just set the loupe against your cell phone's focal point and explore different avenues regarding the space between the camera and item to be photographed. The camera will center through the loupe and take an extraordinary close up.



9. Create a Queen Excluder for a Top Bar Hive
On the off chance that your top bar honey bees put brood on each bar, have a go at making a ruler excluder. Craft a wooden edge which will fit in your top bar hive, and slice an ordinary Queen excluder to fit inside that outline.



10. Parched in a honey bee suit? Drink through your cover!
Truly, it's that simple! Rehydrate on a break during an evacuation or other chore by drinking directly through the veil.



11. Utilize Your Cell Phone to Take Hive Notes
It's difficult to take notes directly after a hive investigation when you're sweat-soaked in your honey bee suit and wearing bulky, uncomfortable gloves. Along these lines, directing notes into your cell phone before leaving your apiary utilizing voice or video and other data-tracking applications can help to keep your information accurate and efficiently recorded. Listen later and decipher your perceptions into your honey bee diary.



12. Utilize Tightening Ties to Move Bee Sanctuaries
Regardless of whether you are moving a hive a couple of feet or across town, make it simple by lashing every one of the bits of a hive together with a solitary ratcheting tie.



13. Requeen with Swarm Cells to Combat Cost
Do you have a hive without a Queen? Is it swarm season? With the correct planning, you can expel capped swarm cells and requeen the hive with them.



14. Get a good deal on Honey bee Plants through Cultivation
Give more real estate to your honey bees, cost-free, by spreading certain plants, akin to basils.



15. Overlooked Your Hive Instrument? Here are Some Convenient Options
After all other options have been exhausted, some have utilized a screwdriver, and, when one overlooks their device, they may attempt utilizing pruners, a house key, and even a fork.



Book Buzz!
Beekeepers are always looking for better and less demanding methods for doing beekeeping work, which results in enhancements of techniques and gear utilized. Consequently, even veteran beekeepers shouldn't simply dispose of the writing and accept they know everything as they may locate another notion or come across new advice to make their work less demanding.

We will investigate some beekeeping books which are a fantastic wellspring of data, for both amateur and veteran beekeepers.



Here are the ones we're buzzing about:


#1 The Practical Beekeeper by Michael Bush
The Practical Beekeeper is an informative book to add to beekeeper's munitions stockpile of reference writings. The writer who gave the data has quite an extensive background with honey bees. Thus, this book may answer many queries which you may have. The book is isolated into three volumes: Beginning. Halfway and Advanced.

The book shows a characteristic way to deal with beekeeping in which minimally invasive methods are utilized, so as to not bother the honey bees excessively. As per this book, the best thing that a beekeeper can do is to focus on the hive and track their movements and actions. However, it ought to be managed without pestering the honey bees, abstaining from opening the hive regularly.

The methods exhibited in the book are incredibly reliable and effective, having been developed through numerous long periods of investigations, clarifications, and modifications. Practices instructed in this book may help to decrease the beekeeper's work through straightforward, commonsense beekeeping.



#2 Honeybee Democracy by Thomas D. Seeley
Honeybee Democracy is luxuriously delineated book, depicting bumble bees as egalitarian in basic leadership functions.

Each choice a Honeybee colony makes is made through a procedure which incorporates probing and research, detailed discourse, and agreement development. The creator, Mr. Thomas Seeley, is a widely acclaimed animal behavior specialist and, in his book, he demonstrates to us the deeper connection between honeybees and people.

We, as humans, can truly learn a considerable measure about successful basic leadership and aggregated insight. The writer infers that any and every basic leadership team ought to pursue the methods used within a honeybee settlement. Every team working together should comprise of people with shared interests, and a common regard for the others, the superiors' impact ought to be limited, and the choice ought to reflect upon the preponderant side's desires (majority rules!).

Regardless of whether you have no enthusiasm for honeybees, their biota, or science in general, it is exceptionally intriguing to peruse, despite any potential disinterest in the underlying subjects covered within.



#3 The Beekeeper's Bible: Bees, Honey, Recipes and Other Home Uses by Richard Jones, Sharon Sweeney-Lynch
The Beekeeper's Bible is a chronicling of our interactions with bees, a knowledgeable instruction manual, and a recipe book at the same time! This book is delightful all around. The cover is brilliantly designed in an antiquated style, and its pages are loaded up with beautiful photographs and representations. The name itself, The Beekeeper's Bible, lets the reader know it will offer invaluable information in regards to the subject to which it pertains.

This book goes into an extensive variety of subjects and is accompanied by lovely illustrations. From a point by point history of beekeeping to bee sanctuary handling, nectar gathering, and a bevy of other matters, to the nectar artworks and formulas, this book covers it all!. Those inspired by beekeeping can locate the fundamental data with which they will be able to begin with beekeeping or to enhance their work.

Some beekeeping methods are duly notable and customarily done by numerous beekeepers, despite the fact that a significant number of them they don't have the foggiest idea about the science behind it. Perusing this book can, at long last, provide the answers to a few inquiries which you may have had, and can offer you a superior viewpoint on the practices utilized. Be that as it may, this book would likewise be fascinating to the individuals who have never kept honey bees and don't plan on doing so. It is composed well, and numerous representations and photographs are a draw for many.

Regardless of whether or not you are intrigued by beekeeping, you can discover many fascinating, tasty recipes utilizing nectar. The advantages of nectar and honey are well-documented. This book can offer you a fun method to incorporate it into your eating regimen and enjoy the boons therefrom.



#4 The Backyard Beekeeper by Kim Flottum
The Backyard Beekeeper covers numerous beekeeping subjects in literary style, trailed by delightful delineations. It is exceptionally spurring, instructive, and comprehensive. Many think of it as a fundamental book for fledgling beekeepers.

Definite clarifications, fascinating narratives, and numerous photos enable you to envision the demonstration of beekeeping. You can discover data on "greening" your beekeeping with reasonable practices, and urban and rural beekeeping. Additionally, this book will also assist in picking the best place for your honey bee settlements, and best non-dangerous and natural approaches to handle honey bees.

The book strolls through pretty much every circumstance which may emerge in beekeeping situations. From buying the gear, medical problems among honey bees, hive trespassers, which missteps can occur and how to maintain a strategic distance from them, and considerably more, the book additionally incorporates nitty-gritty data on what should be done each period of the year for ideal outcomes.

Utilizing this book as a guide, you can gather the wax and nectar from the hives. Furthermore, after you can remunerate yourself for all the diligent work by setting up some scrumptious nectar treats. The book also incorporates directions on the best way to make candles from nectar alongside recipes for making homemade wax, different medicines, creams, and kinds of margarine.



#5 Beekeeping for Dummies by Howland Blackiston
Beekeeping for Dummies is elegantly composed and straightforward. The writer, Howland Blackiston, is an accomplished beekeeper and a decent educator. On the off chance that you are keen on beginning beekeeping, you may discover a considerable measure of valuable and very much clarified data in this book.

The practices clarified in the book utilizes a well-ordered way to deal with effectively receiving you into the universe of lawn beekeeping. The points canvassed in the book extend from the nuts and bolts about honey bee anatomical construct and their conduct, to keeping up your apiary and gathering nectar.

The book likewise offers answers for most normal, and many numerous unprecedented, issues you are probably going to face at some point or another. Its straightforwardness and well-clarified points of interest of all parts of beekeeping offers an extraordinary wellspring of data for any beginner or professional beekeeper.



BEEKEEPING FOR DUMMIES - Author's Choice
This beekeeping book is fantastic for urban beekeepers. It has data in regards to beginning with your first settlement, and it will additionally direct you on apiary construction and support. The Beekeeping for Dummies fourth Edition empowers you to effortlessly and easily finish the different phases of nectar creation. Also, don't fret the 'Dummies' in the title as it is only the distributor's calling card. This book is suited for all expertise levels.

This fourth Edition of Beekeeping for Dummies utilizes both content and pictures. It is satisfactorily illustrative as a guide for beekeepers. While fledglings are particularly suited by this book, it provides a decent reference for experts as well. It is a veritable wellspring of data which will enable you to settle on more educated choices in beekeeping.



Bee the Best!
Beekeeping can be a significant riddle for tenderfoots. Indeed, even experts will undoubtedly overlook some things now and again. A beekeeping book proves to be useful for both of these groups. While there are sites, for example, BeeKeepClub which are a decent wellspring of data, books go unquestionably more into the detailed information one will need. With numerous writers and distributors in the beekeeping business, you may not know for certain which book you should purchase. That is the reason we have chose to present a rundown of our conclusion of the best beekeeping books.

Beekeeping books have differing dimensions of data. The profundity of points of interest likewise differs starting with one book then onto the next. Our picks of the best beekeeping books are useful for the fledglings and experts alike. You may choose one for amateurs and one for experts, so you are prepared for when you will be more experienced. These books will enable you to keep healthy honey bees for the greatest potential nectar yields.

As should be obvious, there is a wide learning establishment on beekeeping, including numerous periodicals and phenomenal books. In spite of the fact that the straightforward science of bees is steady, there are incalculable factors, for example, hereditary qualities, infection profiles, nearby harvests, and climate and atmosphere variable which join to make beekeeping a multifaceted issue.

There are many variations and strategies for managing bee hives. Though many of those in the beekeepers' community tend to be more independent and, thus, can be found testing their very own techniques. On the off chance that you want to wind up being a beekeeper, the perfect way begin is to instruct yourself on everything necessary be, though not exclusively, fruitful, but to be sheltered also.

There is a considerable measure which people can gain from the bees on the off chance that we would just back off sufficiently long enough to acknowledge, without the bee, numerous things, in which many have underestimated the usefulness of bees, would not exist.

Such a large amount of what people take as a given is actually rooted in the crafty actions of the little honey bee. They are something beyond creators of nectar; they are uncommon animals that have characteristic impulses of security, creation, and structure.

Simply the possibility that one queen honey bee does everything she does in a whole settlement is entrancing alone. The unstoppable force of life is the educator and instructor to the bee. They obviously outperform human beings in self-creation and guidance.

Putting resources into bees is a sage decision. Ideally, through this article, you will now have the learning to do as such in a shrewd manner. The recommended procedure of turning into a beekeeper is to first peruse a few books regarding the matter. Maybe it would even be wise to take a few courses from an accomplished beekeeping educator who is located in your neighborhood district and zone.

Wednesday, January 30, 2019

The Great Space Strike of 1973!

What happens when you're being taken advantage of in the workplace? Many people have joined up with Unions to prevent against issues like this. But, what recourse does one have when unionizing is out of the question, and you find yourself facing ridiculous working conditions? This was the case for the SkyLab 4 crew in December of 1973.

While disgruntled employees across many industries have, at one time or another, taken to striking in hopes of forcing their companies to renegotiate terms, in 1973, three NASA astronauts took striking to new heights... quite literally.


img courtesy Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/en/astronaut-space-shuttle-discovery-11080/



Even while hovering miles above the Earth, three astronauts- Jerry Carr (mission commander), Ed Gibson (science), and William Pogue (pilot)- decided they'd had quite enough of NASA's rigorous work schedule. During their 84-day mission, these space cowboys decided to deliver the first ever 'Space Strike'. 

Even though experts on the ground agreed before launch the work schedule (comprised of 16-hour work-days on top of continuous monitoring of the Sun and other planets and space bodies) the terms of the missions were decidedly unrealistic, NASA went ahead with their strict agenda anyway.

After about a month in space, Astronaut Ed Gibson is known to have told mission control, "We would never work 16 hours a day for 84 straight days on the ground, and we should not be expected to do it here in space." 


Skylab 4, suited crew; left to right, astronaut Gerald P. Carr, commander; scientist-astronaut Edward G. Gibson, science pilot; and astronaut William R. Pogue, pilot. Image ID: Source


On December 28th, 1973, the crew went on strike. The mission commander shut down their radio connection with the ground crew and the three spent the next day relaxing and working on their own projects. Well... it worked! When they restored radio connection with NASA, the former was more than willing to work with them, creating a new schedule and routine. One which allowed for the men to complete the required tasks on their own time and allowed them breaks for meals and more rest.

“The lessons here are not just for manned space flight, but for any workplace environment that approximates its conditions, whether in space or on Earth.” says Samir Chopra. In the opinion of Eric Loomis, however, this situation may not be as 'game-changing' as one might think. “It’s hard to make new demands of employers when those employers are just going to move the jobs to Mexico, as was happening throughout the 1970s.” 

Regardless of any lasting ramifications, we've got to give kudos to these three men who simply refused to 'roll over' for the Man!