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Morgan Freeman Converts His 124-Acre Ranch into a Giant Bee Sanctuary

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Re: Morgan Freeman Converts His 124-Acre Ranch into a Giant Bee Sanctuary

#31

Post by ethagknight »

weego wrote: post #7
sdrothrock wrote: post #2

I've seen people calling him out the use of the word "sanctuary" and suggesting that this is really just sanctuary for taxes, not bees. As a pre-emptive counterargument, there's nothing saying that all 124 acres of his ranch can or should host bees. There are tons of arguments for not wanting the hives near the house, other outbuildings, or anywhere animals are kept, for example. It may be that only 26 acres or so (a…

I've yet to see an argument for why using tax incentives to coerce good outcomes from people is even a bad thing

Maybe, in this scenario, if there were a tax on the insecticides that are killing off the bees in the first place, I would be more excited. Instead we have insecticides being made for profit killing bees, and I’m paying for the privilege as a spectator.

Re: Morgan Freeman Converts His 124-Acre Ranch into a Giant Bee Sanctuary

#32

Post by RickJWagner »

sdrothrock wrote: post #2

I've seen people calling him out the use of the word "sanctuary" and suggesting that this is really just sanctuary for taxes, not bees. As a pre-emptive counterargument, there's nothing saying that all 124 acres of his ranch can or should host bees. There are tons of arguments for not wanting the hives near the house, other outbuildings, or anywhere animals are kept, for example. It may be that only 26 acres or so (a…

I remember a similar item about Bruce Springsteen calling his mansion a farm (to get lower tax rates.)

The stories about Springsteen seemed credible. I hope Morgan Freeman is on the level, though.

Re: Morgan Freeman Converts His 124-Acre Ranch into a Giant Bee Sanctuary

#35

Post by sagebird »

This article is a bit superficial. CCD is more than just pesticides killing bees. The invasive varroa mite is likely a big factor. It’s a good thing that he is taking care of bees. The solution might be more complex than sanctuaries though— IE how can we reduce the mite population?

Potential CCD Causes According to EPA:

... researchers who are leading the effort to find out why are now focused on these factors: Increased losses due to the invasive varroa mite (a pest of honey bees). New or emerging diseases such as Israeli Acute Paralysis virus and the gut parasite Nosema. Pesticide poisoning through exposure to pesticides applied to crops or for in-hive insect or mite control. Stress bees experience due to management practices such as transportation to multiple locations across the country for providing pollination services. Changes to the habitat where bees forage. Inadequate forage/poor nutrition. Potential immune-suppressing stress on bees caused by one or a combination of factors identified above.

Re: Morgan Freeman Converts His 124-Acre Ranch into a Giant Bee Sanctuary

#36

Post by rob74 »

sagebird wrote: post #35

This article is a bit superficial. CCD is more than just pesticides killing bees. The invasive varroa mite is likely a big factor. It’s a good thing that he is taking care of bees. The solution might be more complex than sanctuaries though— IE how can we reduce the mite population? Potential CCD Causes According to EPA: ... researchers who are leading the effort to find out why are now focused on these factors: Incre…

Well, one of the theories is that pesticides weaken bees and make them more vulnerable to varroa mites and other parasites, diseases etc. (the "potential immune-suppressing stress" in your quote).

Re: Morgan Freeman Converts His 124-Acre Ranch into a Giant Bee Sanctuary

#37

Post by folkrav »

jamisteven wrote: post #25
mikekchar wrote: post #17

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Be careful of your city bylaws. I grew a wildflower garden in my backyard in Canada and got a complaint once. Given that the neighbour to one side asked be to do it makes me think it might have been the neighbour on the other side :-) I actually didn't mind cutting it down because I was moving that year anyway, but it pays to talk with your neighbours and find out what the city requires. It is especially important to…

Sounds like you live in a HOA

HOAs are exceedingly rare in Canada, outside condo associations.

Re: Morgan Freeman Converts His 124-Acre Ranch into a Giant Bee Sanctuary

#40

Post by ada1981 »

🇺🇸 I met Morgan Freeman at a screening of Bucket List in DC.

I asked him if we could play Rock Paper Scissors.

He said he didn’t know how. So I taught him.

He then told me what he was going to throw. I told him he shouldn’t do that.

Then I beat him.

So I both taught and beat Morgan Freeman at Rock Paper Sissors.

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