Bees in your trees? Better save up your simoleons

Today’s question:

A couple of days ago I noticed bees flying in and out of a place on a tree in our yard where we had a branch removed.

I was wondering if having bees build a hive inside a tree hurts the tree. Probably not.

The real question is whether you want a hive of bees living in a tree in your yard. They could get to be a problem.

It is possible the bees are just passing through while looking for a new place for a hive.

If it looks like they’re moving in for good you’ll have to decide if you want them around or else hire a beekeeper to remove them.

From time to time I hear old-timers refer to money as “simoleons.” Where did that word originate? I don’t know, but then nobody else does, either, so I don’t especially feel bad about it.

I can tell it you it is a piece of American slang that first came into use around 1895.

It is possible it is a play on “napoleon,’’ which was a French gold coin in circulation in the late 19th century, but as I said, nobody knows.

Why is it that propeller driven airplanes don’t have (or have very poor) mufflers? I don’t like airplane questions, probably because I don’t like airplanes.

But as long as you asked, there are a few reason prop planes are so noisy.

Mufflers reduce engine power. I could go into the details of why this is so, but to tell the truth they’re pretty boring.

Also, mufflers add weight, a key issue for any aircraft, and have a limited life before they need to be replaced.

One more thing: They pose a risk of fuel leaking on to a hot muffler, which would not be a good thing at all.

Have a question for Clay? Reach him at 602-444-8612 or clay.thompson@ari zonarepublic.com.