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.