BillibusMaximus

joined 11 months ago
[–] BillibusMaximus 4 points 4 days ago (1 children)

When I was first starting out, I spent a lot of time at the BeeSource forums. I haven't been there in a while, so I don't know how it currently is, but I found it a good resource initially. FWIW, I always found the beekeeping-related subreddits to be pretty hit and miss.

There are tons of books available, possibly from your local library, but some are better than others. Wicwas press has a lot of good books, but I think they skew more towards advanced beginner and later, rather than the basic beginner.

But most importantly, there's a saying that "all beekeeping is local". While the basics are generally the same everywhere, the specifics vary depending on location. Not only things like temperature, humidity, and rainfall, but also what kinds of plants bloom, when and how often.

So regardless of any reading or other research you do, one of the best things you can do to learn is join a local beekeeping club. There will surely be members that have been there for a while, and you can learn from them what really works in your area.

Also, if you're in the US, check with your local Ag Extension office. They may have resources or info to help you get started. Possibly even classes.

[–] BillibusMaximus 6 points 4 days ago

I'd start with local apiaries and/or small/mid scale beekeepers.

The trick will be finding one that will let you buy a smaller quantity (relatively speaking - you probably don't want multiple 55 gallon drums of honey) at near-wholesale prices.

This might be tough, because small scale (hobbyist or side-gig) beekeepers often charge a premium because they're not producing a lot, and value the hard work they put into what they did get.

On the flip side, larger outfits will likely already have contracts with a reseller, and may not want to bother with selling a mere 50-100 lbs as a one-off.

A good place to ask around might be a local beekeeping club/meetup. It would at least let you meet some of your local beeks, and maybe determine which are retail-only and which do wholesale.

[–] BillibusMaximus 31 points 5 days ago (1 children)

Unfortunately, I've really scaled back my number of hives and now only get enough honey to keep my immediate family supplied.

But I appreciate the sentiment.

[–] BillibusMaximus 200 points 5 days ago (13 children)

Beekeeper here. I won't comment on whether or not you should. But since I know a little about storing honey, here are some things to consider:

If you do this, you need to make sure it's sealed in airtight containers.

Part of what gives honey its antimicrobial properties (and long shelf life) is its low moisture content. But it's hygroscopic and will pull moisture directly from the air if exposed. After it pulls enough moisture, it can ferment, grow bacteria, or otherwise not be fit for normal consumption.

Also, honey can crystallize over time. This doesn't mean it's bad, but in order to re-liquify it, you'll need to heat it. So consider your storage container size and material carefully.

That said, 52 lbs is less than a 5 gallon bucket full (at roughly 12 lbs / gallon), so it shouldn't take an incredible amount of space if you choose to do it. Or, in smaller portions, a quart mason jar will hold about 3 lbs. So 2 cases (12 jars each) would exceed your quantity requirements, and be more manageable than a 60lb bucket.

Also if you can buy it in bulk at wholesale prices, it will be cheaper. Retail can be anywhere from $5-$20 per pound (depending on what/where) whereas the last I checked, wholesale prices were more like $1.50 - $3.50 per pound, depending on quantity.

Hope that helps.

[–] BillibusMaximus 5 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago) (1 children)

I have an Anova, and I like it, but I wouldn't consider it BIFL. After a few years, the manual controls are getting dodgy and it's getting difficult to use without the app, which they've started charging for:

https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2024/08/smart-sous-vide-cooker-to-start-charging-2-month-for-10-year-old-companion-app/

But I think you're spot on with your other general recommendations.

[–] BillibusMaximus 28 points 2 months ago (4 children)

There was a series of TV commercials in the 70s for a laundry detergent that focused on "ring around the collar". So I suspect it's a spoof of one of those.

[–] BillibusMaximus 7 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago)

Then you'll love this new product that's guaranteed* to reduce the amount of advertising you're exposed to!

*Warning: may cause blindness, loss of hearing, and inability to leave your room.

But in all seriousness... I hate it, too. It's fucking everywhere.

[–] BillibusMaximus 9 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago) (4 children)

*sad brrrrrtttt noises*

[–] BillibusMaximus 3 points 2 months ago

With the caveat that I've done some, but very little, kernel development -

NDISwrapper allows(allowed? Not sure if it's still used) Linux to use network drivers written for Windows.

So that kind of thing is certainly possible.

You would likely need to implement the relevant parts of the Linux kernel API as part of your translation layer, then map it (with additional translation code for compatibility) to your OS's native functions.

But it would certainly be a big undertaking.

[–] BillibusMaximus 8 points 2 months ago (2 children)

Back in the 90s, Windows NT had a POSIX compatibility layer that you could enable (it wasn't enabled by default).

[–] BillibusMaximus 2 points 2 months ago

The issue is that there are numerous posts instigating and encouraging everyone to defederate.

Why do you think that is?

Hint: It's not because people are against federation with new instances.

Anyone who has an issue can reach out to me and I can address their concerns.

Is that reasonable?

No. People have told you repeatedly what the main issues are. If you want people to stop criticizing, then perhaps you should actually listen to them.

[–] BillibusMaximus 4 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago) (1 children)

It goes without saying that the Emus will retake Australia.

Since they're flightless, the rest of the world will be safe for a while. But when they form a navy or invent air travel, the rest of the world better watch out!

Edit: LOL, I just noticed your instance. You know what I'm talking about. 😛

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