A random thread of absolute randomness...

[LeolaRootStew]

2 hours ago, dljbsp said:

Oleander: The Flower That Symbolizes Hiroshima’s Resilience

 

Hiroshima, Japan—In the wake of the atomic bombing on August 6, 1945, Hiroshima was reduced to ashes, with widespread belief that the city would remain barren for decades due to the intense heat and radiation. Yet, amid the devastation, a symbol of hope emerged: the oleander (Nerium), the first flower to bloom in the city after the attack.

 

The oleander’s unexpected resurgence became a powerful emblem of Hiroshima’s resilience and recovery. In 1973, the oleander was officially designated as the city’s flower, a tribute to its role as a natural survivor and a source of inspiration for a city rising from the ashes.

 

The oleander is well-suited to thrive under difficult conditions, requiring minimal water and adapting to various soil types. These qualities may explain its rapid growth following the bombing. A typhoon that struck the area on September 17, 1945, brought fresh soil and may have further aided the plant’s regrowth, according to Grunge.

 

As Hiroshima Mayor Kazumi Matsui observed during a 2020 peace ceremony, “The oleander reminds us that even in the most extreme adversity, life finds a way forward. Its blossoms encourage us to hope and to persevere.”

 

Today, the oleander is more than a flower; it is a symbol of Hiroshima’s enduring spirit and commitment to peace. The city incorporates the flower into memorial events and public spaces, ensuring its legacy as a reminder of the strength that emerged from tragedy.

 

Contributors:

• Grunge.com, for insights into the scientific resilience of the oleander and historical context.

• City of Hiroshima Official Website, for background on the designation of the oleander as the city’s flower and its role in memorial events.

[dljbsp]

The Sweet Journey of Honey: A Testament to Intelligent Design and Ethical Stewardship

 

Honey, nature’s golden gift, is not only a sweet treat but a marvel of precision and purpose. Its production by honeybees reflects an extraordinary system of cooperation and efficiency, showcasing a design that points to intentionality in nature. Yet, as humans enjoy this natural treasure, questions arise about the impact on the bees themselves. Fortunately, when managed responsibly, honey harvesting can benefit both humans and bees.

 

To create just one pound (0.45 kilograms) of honey, bees collectively fly about 55,000 miles (88,514 kilometers)—more than twice the Earth’s circumference—visiting approximately 2 million flowers. This process involves a series of carefully orchestrated steps that highlight the intricate abilities of these remarkable insects.

 

A Process of Purpose

 

Worker bees, specially equipped with a honey stomach, gather nectar from flowers. This unique organ, separate from their digestive system, allows them to transport nectar without contamination. Upon returning to the hive, bees pass the nectar among themselves, mixing it with enzymes that transform it into honey. The bees then spread the processed nectar across the honeycomb, where they fan their wings to reduce moisture content. Finally, they seal the cells with wax caps, preserving the honey for long-term storage.

 

While this process ensures the survival of the hive, ethical beekeeping practices also ensure that honey harvesting doesn’t harm the bees.

 

Does Harvesting Honey Harm Bees?

 

When done responsibly, honey harvesting does not harm the colony. Beekeepers understand that honey is the bees’ primary food source, especially during winter, and take measures to protect their hives:

• Leaving Enough Honey: Ethical beekeepers leave adequate honey stores—typically 40–60 pounds (18–27 kilograms)—to sustain the bees.

• Providing Alternatives: If more honey is taken than usual, a sugar-water substitute is provided to support the colony.

• Harvest Timing: Honey is harvested at the end of the season, after the bees have built up sufficient reserves.

 

However, overharvesting or neglectful practices can harm the hive, causing stress, starvation, and increased vulnerability to disease. Ethical beekeepers prioritize the health of their bees, ensuring a sustainable relationship.

 

A Design Worth Considering

 

The complex process of honey production—requiring specialized anatomy, cooperative behavior, and precise environmental conditions—seems far more than a product of random chance. For many, it’s a testament to a purposeful Designer, a Creator who imbued even the smallest creatures with remarkable abilities.

 

A Sweet Reminder

 

Honey, enjoyed by humans for thousands of years, serves as more than a sweetener or remedy—it’s a tangible reminder of the intelligent systems within nature. Responsible honey harvesting ensures the well-being of bees, highlights the interconnectedness of life, and preserves this natural gift for generations to come.

 

With every spoonful, we honor not only the dedication of the bees but also the care and wisdom evident in their design—a reflection of the order and purpose woven into the world around us.

[LeolaRootStew]

2 hours ago, dljbsp said:

The Sweet Journey of Honey: A Testament to Intelligent Design and Ethical Stewardship

 

Honey, nature’s golden gift, is not only a sweet treat but a marvel of precision and purpose. Its production by honeybees reflects an extraordinary system of cooperation and efficiency, showcasing a design that points to intentionality in nature. Yet, as humans enjoy this natural treasure, questions arise about the impact on the bees themselves. Fortunately, when managed responsibly, honey harvesting can benefit both humans and bees.

 

To create just one pound (0.45 kilograms) of honey, bees collectively fly about 55,000 miles (88,514 kilometers)—more than twice the Earth’s circumference—visiting approximately 2 million flowers. This process involves a series of carefully orchestrated steps that highlight the intricate abilities of these remarkable insects.

 

A Process of Purpose

 

Worker bees, specially equipped with a honey stomach, gather nectar from flowers. This unique organ, separate from their digestive system, allows them to transport nectar without contamination. Upon returning to the hive, bees pass the nectar among themselves, mixing it with enzymes that transform it into honey. The bees then spread the processed nectar across the honeycomb, where they fan their wings to reduce moisture content. Finally, they seal the cells with wax caps, preserving the honey for long-term storage.

 

While this process ensures the survival of the hive, ethical beekeeping practices also ensure that honey harvesting doesn’t harm the bees.

 

Does Harvesting Honey Harm Bees?

 

When done responsibly, honey harvesting does not harm the colony. Beekeepers understand that honey is the bees’ primary food source, especially during winter, and take measures to protect their hives:

• Leaving Enough Honey: Ethical beekeepers leave adequate honey stores—typically 40–60 pounds (18–27 kilograms)—to sustain the bees.

• Providing Alternatives: If more honey is taken than usual, a sugar-water substitute is provided to support the colony.

• Harvest Timing: Honey is harvested at the end of the season, after the bees have built up sufficient reserves.

 

However, overharvesting or neglectful practices can harm the hive, causing stress, starvation, and increased vulnerability to disease. Ethical beekeepers prioritize the health of their bees, ensuring a sustainable relationship.

 

A Design Worth Considering

 

The complex process of honey production—requiring specialized anatomy, cooperative behavior, and precise environmental conditions—seems far more than a product of random chance. For many, it’s a testament to a purposeful Designer, a Creator who imbued even the smallest creatures with remarkable abilities.

 

A Sweet Reminder

 

Honey, enjoyed by humans for thousands of years, serves as more than a sweetener or remedy—it’s a tangible reminder of the intelligent systems within nature. Responsible honey harvesting ensures the well-being of bees, highlights the interconnectedness of life, and preserves this natural gift for generations to come.

 

With every spoonful, we honor not only the dedication of the bees but also the care and wisdom evident in their design—a reflection of the order and purpose woven into the world around us.

 

[dljbsp]

OK, there are other reasons than what I'm about to share. But it deserve a post of its own.

 

The cracking sound in the knees, often referred to as “knee crepitus,” can occur for various reasons. Here are some common explanations:

1. Gas Bubbles: Synovial fluid, which lubricates the knee joint, contains dissolved gases like oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide. When the joint moves, changes in pressure can cause these gases to form bubbles and then collapse or pop, creating a cracking or popping sound.

[just1-4all]

Success with my new 'humane' mouse traps. Sooo happy. Caught 3 in past three days since I started using them.

[dljbsp]

9 minutes ago, just1-4all said:

Success with my new 'humane' mouse traps. Sooo happy. Caught 3 in past three days since I started using them.

@just1-4all Great job on catching them! It’s awesome that you’re aiming for a humane solution. You might also want to check for how they’re sneaking into the house—sealing up cracks, gaps in windows or doors, or other entry points can help stop new ones from moving in.

 

Removing food sources like crumbs, pet food, or accessible trash is another way to make your home less inviting. And just a thought: releasing mice outside in the cold might not be as humane as it seems—maybe relocate them to a sheltered area where they can find food and warmth.

 

Or, you know, a friend’s house—they might love the company! 😄

 

Edited 10 hours ago by dljbsp

[just1-4all]

2 minutes ago, dljbsp said:

Great job on catching them! It’s awesome that you’re aiming for a humane solution. You might also want to check for how they’re sneaking into the house—sealing up cracks, gaps in windows or doors, or other entry points can help stop new ones from moving in.

 

Removing food sources like crumbs, pet food, or accessible trash is another way to make your home less inviting. And just a thought: releasing mice outside in the cold might not be as humane as it seems—maybe relocate them to a sheltered area where they can find food and warmth.

 

Or, you know, a friend’s house—they might love the company! 😄

 

Yeah ... I suppose you're correct on all the above. 🤔 I made sure to seal up all around the new humongous A/C unit we installed this past summer. It's so huge: instead of taking it out when summer passed, I decided to try leaving it in the window. I wrapped it plastic, tied with rope on the outside and taped up vents and any opening, etc. on the inside. But I don't think they were getting in that way. Perhaps through the garage when I leave the door open too long?  One was caught from a trap I put in the garage, two others from traps put in our workshop.

 

Where do they go in winter? I just figured they hole up in a dead tree or something, perhaps hibernate? 

 

They are cute and all ... however, it's those little black things, about the size of a grain of rice, which they inevitably leave behind that prompted action for removal. Seems they poop every couple of seconds—or pretty near continuously all their waking hours. 🙄🤨

[dljbsp]

1 hour ago, just1-4all said:

They are cute and all ... however, it's those little black things, about the size of a grain of rice, which they inevitably leave behind that prompted action for removal. Seems they poop every couple of seconds—or pretty near continuously all their waking hours. 🙄🤨

 

Mice generally urinate more frequently than they defecate, as urine plays a significant role in their communication and territorial marking. 

Get a black light and you'll see what I mean

[just1-4all]

2 hours ago, dljbsp said:

Gas Bubbles

I get gas bubbles whenever I have potato chips in combination with ice cream. But not in my knees. 😮🤓

[just1-4all]

1 minute ago, dljbsp said:

Get a black light and you'll see what I mean

Yikes!!

 

I think I'll just remain blissfully ignorant on that David. 🥴

[Ostria]

So, im lewrning Japanese, and in wanikani i learned the word for heaven, which is てんごく (tengoku). I doubt it, but i hope some people here are atleast knowldgeable in dragon ball z to understand my memorization of this word. I used AI so yeah its a bit janky. Ai didnt understand ten and kept making eight gokus, this was the closest it got before i gave up.

[LeolaRootStew]

4 hours ago, dljbsp said:

OK, there are other reasons than what I'm about to share. But it deserve a post of its own.

 

The cracking sound in the knees, often referred to as “knee crepitus,” can occur for various reasons. Here are some common explanations:

1. Gas Bubbles: Synovial fluid, which lubricates the knee joint, contains dissolved gases like oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide. When the joint moves, changes in pressure can cause these gases to form bubbles and then collapse or pop, creating a cracking or popping sound.