Study debunks myths on organic farms

Well this is a little surprising: Study debunks myths on organic farms

Like many others, I bought into the whole conventional farming was better than organic farming. This 30 year study claims that this assertion is false, and organic farming is not only more profitable for the farmer, but the yields are higher and the practices are more environmentally sustainable. I guess the brainwashing by biotechnology companies like Monsanto have been quite complete, and extremely effective.

So like any good scientifically-minded individual, I’m going to look a littler deeper into the details of this study and see if the claims are trustworthy. If they turn out to be reliable, like any good scientifically-minded individual I’ll have to change my perspective on organic farming and be on the look-out for more organic food. Though one should still be wary, producers can sometimes slap the words: ‘organic’, ‘green’, ‘environmentally friendly’ or ‘sustainable’ on their products without any verification and hope to ride the wave of environmentally conscience consumers.

Medieval No More: Mead Enjoys A Renaissance

Often associated with the Middle Ages — Mead — is making a comeback.

Medieval No More: Mead Enjoys A Renaissance : NPR

Jugs of mead at Brothers Drake meadery in Columbus, Ohio.

With a new meadery opening every year across North America, there is a growing interest in mead. I would like to make my mead making activities into a business such as Brothers Drake meadery featured in this article, but I know it will not be easy.

Furthermore if I want to continue on my present career path, it will be quite difficult to balance my time between both activities. So I have been thinking of restricting any mead making business to be very small, e.g. less than 60 cases of mead a year.

In that sense, this would be more of a craft that I might be able to make enough money to pay for the hobby.

Though the rise in interest in mead appears to coincide with the general rise in interest in craft beers. Perhaps if I am able to tap into the craft or artisan beverage market, however local, I might be able to perpetuate my mead making endeavour!

A Bootlegger With A Cause

Terry Mulligan wants to challenge a ban on the interprovincial transportation of liquor.

I read this article, and I sincerely support what he is doing.

A former video jockey turned wine journalist is making a run for the border on Friday in order to challenge the Prohibition-era law banning the transportation or sale of wine and other liquors across provincial borders.

via Former VJ Mulligan defies cross-border wine ban – British Columbia – CBC News

We need to revise our liquor laws in Canada, and hopefully this story will spread.

I like this story on a personal note, not just because I recall watching Terry Mulligan during his days as a VJ at MuchMusic, but also because the sooner we get rid of these archaic liquor laws than it will be easier for producers and customers to buy their favourite wine, mead, spirit or beer from across the country.

We need to make more noise, share this article if you support repealing Canada’s prohibition-era liquor laws.

Do Movie Producers Dream of Electric Sheep?

Blade Runner (Harrison Ford)

Blade Runner Sequel (or Prequel) in Development Now.

I am really torn about this news.

I remember being excited about hearing the news about the Hitchhiker’s Guide movie, but I was somewhat disappointed with the movie itself.

About a year ago, I heard the news that there are plans to make a single movie based on Asimov’s original Foundation Trilogy *** cringes uncontrollably ***

Continue reading →

ROM Sudden Bee Death

I just read this article which reports on the sudden death of the 20,000 bees within two days at the Royal Ontario Museum’s biodiversity exhibit, even though they had appeared healthy.

They think poor ventilation, disease or the lack if worker bees could be the culprit.

I don’t raise bees myself, so I don’t know how common such problems are with bees.  I would appreciate any feedback from experts.