On the off chance you live in Jersey (I feel like I have a sense of where most Undismayed readers are, but you never really know people's secrets), here is your chance to get started with bees on the state dime:

NJ officials trying to create a buzz about beekeeping (phillyBurbs.com) | New Jersey News: "TRENTON, N.J. - New Jersey officials are trying to create some buzz about beekeeping.

The state Agriculture Department offering $300 worth of gear to the first 50 to register for and then complete a beekeeping class that's scheduled for Mansfield next month.

The goal is to raise the number of bees in the Garden State.

It's not just about honey. Bees are important in pollinating the state's fruit and vegetable crops.

Nationally, the number of bees has been on the decline, though."