– – I, for one, don’t like being stung by insects, and have gotten more than enough of that while mowing the lawn. There are those who think, however, that being stung by bees is good for what ails you, including conditions such as arthritis, tendonitis, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, and even depression. – -Hey, let’s go out and get stung!- -That ought to give us a lift!
Now believers in apitherapy don’t wait for random insect attacks, but rather tend to use groups of up to 100 honey bees raised for the purpose. Self-treatment seems to be common, while more formal treatments are offered in the orient for the equivalent of about $18.
Does it work?- – Persuasive personal testimonials are out there, but so are sightings of aliens and Bigfoot. Supportive research studies are few and far between. Studies in Greece and South Korea have shown anti-arthritic effects in mice, which of course we like to see lively and flexible. Most results are not conclusive, and while the benefits of such therapy are uncertain, the dangers are clear with about 2% of the population susceptible to allergic reactions from the stings of bees and wasps. Those considering a full bee barrage should also consider the fact that your body tolerated the first 99 stings doesn’t guarantee it can handle the 100th…
– – A rare vegetarian spider has been found in Central America! Most spiders are strictly predators, living on insects and other animals. Bagheera kiplingi is about the size of a person’s pinky nail, and is a jumping spider who lives on acacia shrubs.
— Is it an omen?– – A large arachnid appeared on Pope Benedict XVI’s white robes as he addressed politicians and diplomats in Prague on Saturday afternoon (see speck on shoulder)! The Pope didn’t seem to notice at first, but the not so itsy-bitsy spider made journalists flinch as the arachnid inched towards Benedict’s neck!
– – A swarm of bees recently trapped workers inside a game store in Union Square in New York City for hours! A good samaritan outside the store without protective gear managed to lure many of the bees inside a box, and a specially-dressed expert arrived later to capture the rest of the swarm, with the bees successfully re-located unharmed.
FOXSYLVANIA 
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