36 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}
36 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}

WHAT IS HAPPENING TO OUR BEES?

by highhopes
30 replies
  • OFF TOPIC
    • |
I have a friend who has taken up the call from BBC news to encourage bee keepers around the UK, due to the dwindling numbers.

It seems to be getting worse, they call it Colony collapse disorder.
How can we save the bees and just as important save US?

If the trend continues what is our future?
  • Profile picture of the author waterotter
    These threads may shed some light on this:

    http://www.warriorforum.com/off-topi...save-bees.html

    http://www.warriorforum.com/off-topi...e-decline.html
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6325820].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author ThomM
      Originally Posted by waterotter View Post

      Here's a good one for ya Jody.
      Poland Bans Monsanto's Genetically Modified Maize Crop/
      Signature

      Life: Nature's way of keeping meat fresh
      Getting old ain't for sissy's
      As you are I was, as I am you will be
      You can't fix stupid, but you can always out smart it.

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6326143].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author waterotter
        Originally Posted by ThomM View Post

        There needs to be an international ban on that $hit.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6326283].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author WhiteShoePrincess
          Originally Posted by waterotter View Post

          There needs to be an international ban on that .
          No kidding, we need to tell Monsanto they aren't gods and they're killing mother nature.
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6399959].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author ThomM
            Originally Posted by WhiteShoePrincess View Post

            No kidding, we need to tell Monsanto they aren't gods and they're killing mother nature.
            They know, but being responsible messes with their profits.
            The bigger problem is they are so entrenched in our govt. that doing anything to curtail them is next to impossible. They run the USDA, EPA, and the food division of the FDA. Plus thanks to Bush 1.0 and Obama there are at least two judges on the supreme court who are Monsanto supporters.
            Signature

            Life: Nature's way of keeping meat fresh
            Getting old ain't for sissy's
            As you are I was, as I am you will be
            You can't fix stupid, but you can always out smart it.

            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6399992].message }}
            • Profile picture of the author MissTerraK
              Originally Posted by ThomM View Post

              They know, but being responsible messes with their profits.
              The bigger problem is they are so entrenched in our govt. that doing anything to curtail them is next to impossible. They run the USDA, EPA, and the food division of the FDA. Plus thanks to Bush 1.0 and Obama there are at least two judges on the supreme court who are Monsanto supporters.
              And that right there is only one reason why the two words dirty and politics are so often found together.

              Terra
              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6400302].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author computermesh
    Has anyone seen the projections for whats going to happen if bees cease to exist?
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6326271].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author HeySal
    That company has been manufacturing poisons since 1901. We stop one, they make another. The whole company should be shut down. Our gov isn't going to do that. Too many MONSANTO execs have been infiltrated into government seats. We could do that - it would take full cooperation to get people to stop working for them and stop buying from them, but the only way to shut it down is to completely boycott that company and its subsidiaries. People won't do that, though - because they think they need a job worse than we need to save this planet from that monster.

    Want more fun? You think Monsanto is dangerous? Wait til the new DOW corn and pesticides get loosed on us. This whole country is gonna end up looking like Chernobyl without nukes being involved at all.
    Signature

    Sal
    When the Roads and Paths end, learn to guide yourself through the wilderness
    Beyond the Path

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6326329].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author MoneyMagnetMagnate
    Bees are one of the most intricately important, yet seemingly somehow, taken for granted parts of our food chain and the entire ecosystem. What seems like little research in just how important they have been affected by altered strains of crops has been either withheld from the public, or is unknown as of yet.

    (imo) Co-operative worldwide research teams need to work to determine why Colonies are dying with research funding that is independent and without corporate backing and influence. If it is determined that GMO influences and associated pesticides are destructive and cannot be adapted to bee populations, the GMO needs to be eradicated like any other destructive alien organism, and the associated corporations need to be responsible for their actions.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6326345].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Katherine Wheel
    Habitat loss is another factor. You can make your garden bee-friendly, and I even saw something on TV about people keeping bees on balconies and roofs in NY city. Bumble bees nest in dry, undisturbed ground, so be careful when re-shaping and tidying. I have solitary bees making little dugouts in my lawn right now (UK) where they lay their eggs. You can provide bee habitat and food flowers in even a small garden, and there's an awful big acreage of garden so do what you can. A little ivy is good - flowers very late and feeds them before they slow down for winter.
    Signature
    Getting it together - finding the balance between family and working for myself
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6326889].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author HeySal
    There's been sufficient research, 3M. It's just that every time the results point to Monsanto, the research is immediately suppressed.

    I'm no Christian - but I have to say that looking at Monsanto's history, I firmly believe they fit the bill of the Anti-Christ. Lying, murdering, causing havoc, mayhem, and destruction worldwide. It's almost like the 4 horsemen are riding forth from the front gates of that company.
    Signature

    Sal
    When the Roads and Paths end, learn to guide yourself through the wilderness
    Beyond the Path

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6329623].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author highhopes
      Originally Posted by HeySal View Post

      That company has been manufacturing poisons since 1901. We stop one, they make another. The whole company should be shut down. Our gov isn't going to do that. Too many MONSANTO execs have been infiltrated into government seats. We could do that - it would take full cooperation to get people to stop working for them and stop buying from them, but the only way to shut it down is to completely boycott that company and its subsidiaries. People won't do that, though - because they think they need a job worse than we need to save this planet from that monster.

      Want more fun? You think Monsanto is dangerous? Wait til the new DOW corn and pesticides get loosed on us. This whole country is gonna end up looking like Chernobyl without nukes being involved at all.
      Why dont we all revolt big time...they know they are feeding us poison. no wonder our bees are depleting.

      Originally Posted by MoneyMagnetMagnate View Post

      Bees are one of the most intricately important, yet seemingly somehow, taken for granted parts of our food chain and the entire ecosystem. What seems like little research in just how important they have been affected by altered strains of crops has been either withheld from the public, or is unknown as of yet.

      (imo) Co-operative worldwide research teams need to work to determine why Colonies are dying with research funding that is independent and without corporate backing and influence. If it is determined that GMO influences and associated pesticides are destructive and cannot be adapted to bee populations, the GMO needs to be eradicated like any other destructive alien organism, and the associated corporations need to be responsible for their actions.
      With all the hundreds of pesticides they use on food products, i read smomewhere they have only tested a cocktail of around 12 to see the effects. that gives them credence when they find the results are minimal to say no danger to humans or animals.
      Signature

      Ways to grow your online business. Earning online tips for the home worker and essential steps to take to earn money online.
      http://wwwtheearninghub.com

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6340062].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author ThomM
        Originally Posted by highhopes View Post

        Why dont we all revolt big time...they know they are feeding us poison. no wonder our bees are depleting.



        With all the hundreds of pesticides they use on food products, i read smomewhere they have only tested a cocktail of around 12 to see the effects. that gives them credence when they find the results are minimal to say no danger to humans or animals.
        That reminded me of when I was in college. In the weed Id. and control course the instructor talked about exposure safety levels.
        He'd say something like exposure to chemical x showed no ill effects after 10 years. So I'd say, how about 11?
        Signature

        Life: Nature's way of keeping meat fresh
        Getting old ain't for sissy's
        As you are I was, as I am you will be
        You can't fix stupid, but you can always out smart it.

        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6340530].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author highhopes
          Originally Posted by ThomM View Post

          That reminded me of when I was in college. In the weed Id. and control course the instructor talked about exposure safety levels.
          He'd say something like exposure to chemical x showed no ill effects after 10 years. So I'd say, how about 11?
          Good point Thom...They can`t hide the facts that anything that kills living things, just might kill us?
          Signature

          Ways to grow your online business. Earning online tips for the home worker and essential steps to take to earn money online.
          http://wwwtheearninghub.com

          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6343301].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author dagnyjbarber
    I agree with ThomM
    Signature

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6343458].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author HeySal
    The AMA is finally speaking up. That should help in the war against that company.
    http://www.nongmoproject.org/2012/05...gineered-food/

    HighHopes - I have waged war against them. I won't eat anything that even has a possibility of containing GMO's and I don't use their poisons. If I see someone using them, I educate them about what they are doing. And I spread every article that is written that gives testimony against them as far as I can get it. If everyone else would do that - people would KNOW that they are committing suicide using that crap.

    BTW - ecosystem research has shown insects of ALL sorts are much more important for their ecosystems than ever realized before. For example - the African Savannahs would probably not even exist without termites.
    Signature

    Sal
    When the Roads and Paths end, learn to guide yourself through the wilderness
    Beyond the Path

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6346234].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author waterotter
      [QUOTE=HeySal;6346234]The AMA is finally speaking up. That should help in the war against that company.
      http://www.nongmoproject.org/2012/05...gineered-food/


      Sal, any chance you can locate that article - the one posted has been moved?
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6346328].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author highhopes
      Originally Posted by HeySal View Post

      The AMA is finally speaking up. That should help in the war against that company.
      http://www.nongmoproject.org/2012/05...gineered-food/

      HighHopes - I have waged war against them. I won't eat anything that even has a possibility of containing GMO's and I don't use their poisons. If I see someone using them, I educate them about what they are doing. And I spread every article that is written that gives testimony against them as far as I can get it. If everyone else would do that - people would KNOW that they are committing suicide using that crap.

      BTW - ecosystem research has shown insects of ALL sorts are much more important for their ecosystems than ever realized before. For example - the African Savannahs would probably not even exist without termites.
      Absolutely with you 100% Gm food or pesticides.....I will read your link later too thanks. Good stuff
      Signature

      Ways to grow your online business. Earning online tips for the home worker and essential steps to take to earn money online.
      http://wwwtheearninghub.com

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6346377].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author HeySal
    Absolutely no clue why it disappeared off that site. But here it is from another site:

    American Medical Association Considers Labels on Genetically Engineered Food | Health Impact News
    Signature

    Sal
    When the Roads and Paths end, learn to guide yourself through the wilderness
    Beyond the Path

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6346364].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author lcombs
    Signature
    https://www.facebook.com/pages/Fresh...55326481208883
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6348336].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author highhopes
      Stop press! News today it was revealed that a parasitic mite has been discovered that helps a virus that is slowly wiping out honey bees around the globe.

      The Varroa mite helped spread the nasty strain of disease called `deformed wing virus`.
      It is the most wide spread and contagious insect virus on the planet.

      Keep monitoring this as it may mean ultimately food shortages globally.
      Signature

      Ways to grow your online business. Earning online tips for the home worker and essential steps to take to earn money online.
      http://wwwtheearninghub.com

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6389934].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author kenmichaels
        Originally Posted by highhopes View Post

        Stop press! News today it was revealed that a parasitic mite has been discovered that helps a virus that is slowly wiping out honey bees around the globe.

        The Varroa mite helped spread the nasty strain of disease called `deformed wing virus`.
        It is the most wide spread and contagious insect virus on the planet.

        Keep monitoring this as it may mean ultimately food shortages globally.
        here is a link, but i think a good question would be is this "news" just a diversion from the truth?

        Honeybee decline linked to killer virus | Environment | guardian.co.uk
        Signature

        Selling Ain't for Sissies!
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6390022].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author ThomM
          Originally Posted by kenmichaels View Post

          here is a link, but i think a good question would be is this "news" just a diversion from the truth?

          Honeybee decline linked to killer virus | Environment | guardian.co.uk
          Well lets see Ken. Beeologics discovered a link between Monsantos GM crops (Bt corn) and the pesticides used on them and the bee die offs, the results of which are Beeologics - Dedicated to Restoring Bee Health
          Poland figured it out and kicked Monsantos Bt corn out of their country to save their bees Poland beekeepers kick Monsanto out of the hive, successfully ban bee-killing GM corn
          Signature

          Life: Nature's way of keeping meat fresh
          Getting old ain't for sissy's
          As you are I was, as I am you will be
          You can't fix stupid, but you can always out smart it.

          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6391792].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author highhopes
            Originally Posted by kenmichaels View Post

            here is a link, but i think a good question would be is this "news" just a diversion from the truth?

            Honeybee decline linked to killer virus | Environment | guardian.co.uk
            Originally Posted by ThomM View Post

            Well lets see Ken. Beeologics discovered a link between Monsantos GM crops (Bt corn) and the pesticides used on them and the bee die offs, the results of which are Beeologics - Dedicated to Restoring Bee Health
            Poland figured it out and kicked Monsantos Bt corn out of their country to save their bees Poland beekeepers kick Monsanto out of the hive, successfully ban bee-killing GM corn
            I think you guys are right, this just adds to the destruction. Sal posted info on this and it has a lot of weight. Maybe the pesticides has lowered the bees natural immune systems and made the situation irreversible?
            Signature

            Ways to grow your online business. Earning online tips for the home worker and essential steps to take to earn money online.
            http://wwwtheearninghub.com

            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6396444].message }}
            • Profile picture of the author ThomM
              Originally Posted by highhopes View Post

              I think you guys are right, this just adds to the destruction. Sal posted info on this and it has a lot of weight. Maybe the pesticides has lowered the bees natural immune systems and made the situation irreversible?
              The main problem is the Bt(Bacillus thuringiensis) corn. Every cell of the corn has bt in it which to put it simply explodes an insects stomach after it eats it. A bee will bring back pollen to the hive that has bt in it, the whole hive ends up eating it and 'pop goes the bee guts'.
              Signature

              Life: Nature's way of keeping meat fresh
              Getting old ain't for sissy's
              As you are I was, as I am you will be
              You can't fix stupid, but you can always out smart it.

              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6397334].message }}
              • Profile picture of the author MissTerraK
                Originally Posted by ThomM View Post

                The main problem is the Bt(Bacillus thuringiensis) corn. Every cell of the corn has bt in it which to put it simply explodes an insects stomach after it eats it. A bee will bring back pollen to the hive that has bt in it, the whole hive ends up eating it and 'pop goes the bee guts'.
                OMG!

                That is utterly horrible!

                I cry out, "Off with their heads!

                I mean the creators of that crap, not the poor bees.

                Terra
                {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6399939].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author kenmichaels
    I have a question for anyone who thinks they can answer this.

    when i make a program i have to think of every single possibility,
    and then i make it, and test it, and debug it, and fix it if needed.

    when they genetically alter plants or anything, don't they do the same thing?

    I mean is it possible to even conceptualize altering a gene or splicing it, with out
    thinking of the possible ramifications , side effects, ect?

    And if that's the case, i would submit, any body altering genes for profit, would be culpable
    and would it not most likely be documented ... ahead of time, and then as its happening...

    and if its not, and they did not foresee these or any issues, well then aren't they culpable for negligence?

    Im only comparing it to what i know, ( low level programming ) .. i don't really think they are any where in the same league. ...

    but i know if i screw up and burn out a processor because i did not close a circuit...
    i am the one held responsible.

    i dunno, its just a thought / question
    Signature

    Selling Ain't for Sissies!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6400465].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author highhopes
      Originally Posted by ThomM View Post

      The main problem is the Bt(Bacillus thuringiensis) corn. Every cell of the corn has bt in it which to put it simply explodes an insects stomach after it eats it. A bee will bring back pollen to the hive that has bt in it, the whole hive ends up eating it and 'pop goes the bee guts'.
      that is interesting, it seems a complicated mix is at work on our bees.


      CBS News correspondent John Blackstone reports in each of the past four years about one-third of America's 2.5 million honeybee colonies have been wiped out. University of Montana researcher Jerry Bromenshenkhas been searching for the killer. After screening bees for 30,000 disease markers a group of scientists led by Bromenshenk say they have found a probable cause.

      "Out of the data, suddenly emerged a parasite and a virus," Bromenshenk said. "A very unique virus indeed."

      The kind of virus they discovered is common in other insects but very rarely seen in bees. The virus seems to kill only when the bees are also infected with a parasite, a type of fungus.

      Bromenshenk said, "It looks like is that the bees can tolerate either one alone." But, "When you combine the two - that tends to become lethal in a hurry."

      That combination may help beekeepers. While there is no way to treat the unusual, new virus, the parasite can be killed by a fungicide. Bromenshenk said beekeepers can "buy those treatments and apply them."
      Signature

      Ways to grow your online business. Earning online tips for the home worker and essential steps to take to earn money online.
      http://wwwtheearninghub.com

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6401098].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author ThomM
        Ken with Monsanto it's all about profit. They could care less about being responsible.

        HighHopes, I'd look into who is funding the research at that school.
        Not saying they're wrong, but with Monsanto you have to question everything.
        Signature

        Life: Nature's way of keeping meat fresh
        Getting old ain't for sissy's
        As you are I was, as I am you will be
        You can't fix stupid, but you can always out smart it.

        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6401497].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author adpulse
    I have a TON of honey bees and bumble bees in my "garden" (I say garden, its 2 acres worth).

    Lots of flowered bushes, shrubs, planted flowers etc, they love it! Same with butterflies too, get a lot of them in the garden too. Before I moved here, it was rare to see a butterfly these days, and I'd never seen a bunch of honey bees together before.

    Its quite fasinating watching them jump from flower to flower, and I've noticed there is certainly some communication going on, as within the group, no flower gets hit twice by the group...its as if one is saying to the rest "Yup, done this one!"

    There must be a hive near by, but I'm not going to try and find it, they are obviously perfectly happy as they are, so I'll leave them to it

    But yes, I agree with the call to action from various institutions, these creatures are very important for pollination (not the honey) and people that can, must do what they are able to help them out.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6401529].message }}

Trending Topics