Chicagology 101 - #37: Where did all the Cicada go? Long Time Passing.
Written & Conceptualized by:
ASK: Adrienne Sioux Koopersmith
Koopersmith's Global Communications
"People read what ASK writes about..."
Chicago, Illinois USA
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Part 1: The Explanation of a Repetitive Cycle as applied to Tourism in Mid-America.
The Statistics have just been released. Chicago is losing an estimated 17,000 visitors each day (now since May 22ND) when the first Infestation of Cicada were to come flying in, mate, date and cause havoc to all People and Pets, of all sizes and categories. This Chicagology 101 ® - #37 for Friday, June 8, 2007 is to truthfully inform our beloved Visitors, Conventioneers and Tourists that this is not at all like the Biblical Plague where Locusts swarmed down for 40 days and 40 nights, going ballistic with each screech. Rest assured, a few, non-threatening Cicada are mating and dating in our wooded park preserves and in suburban districts (only). They are not festering on One Mag Mile (aka: Michigan Avenue), State Street, ‘That Great Street' or any other of our major commercially-inclined ‘arteries of Chicago Proper.' They won't land in your hair and long tresses, breed and lay eggs. Then voila: 17 years later, suddenly produce Cicada that look exactly like you do! That's not the way Cicadadom works, Folks. The following is an in-depth, but comical Look and Study done of THE CICADA compared to Chicago's First Green Mascot, GORF, The Frog. The similarities in their 'Nature,' you will find are truly amazing.
Part 2: Examining CICADA "In the High Tree T ops"
Lessons Learned Every 17 Years
Their Chicagoland, USA Arrival Signals...
The Finale or "high, High Pitched Note' of a nice, long Rest & Relaxation Period.
GORF, Chicago's First Green Mascot & CICADA both have big ruby red eyes. All good fairy tales would cite: "The better to see you with, My Dear." It's more Biology, the DNA Factor and Kevin Bacon's 6 Degrees of Separation at work here, Folks. CICADAS mate every 17 years,not as often as Soap Opera Stars and most of Hollywood's Glamour Set. That's one viable Solution to Global Over-Population, but an awfully long Time to wait for 'his Call.'
17 years ago in the Spring of 1990, no overt Terrorist Groups, Killer Cyclones, Huricanes, Tornadoes, States-on-Fire, Draughts, exorbitant Property Taxes, sky-high Coffee and/or Gas Pump Prices, Congestion, Age Discrimination or Global Warming (as We now know and have it) worried People. Back t hen, there was only Fear itself to Fear. Such was the Case and Scenario. As part of our Pop(ular) Culture Weave, CICADA Pattern Wallpaper, Mouse Pads and Ringtones will mark their brief and ephemeral Stay here with us in Chicago in 2007.
For those who even detest Bugs today here in Chicago, there's a warm spot for CICADA in our hearts. T-shirts have been printed. Count-The-Cicada Contests aer held and C-Jewelry is taking over our designer run-ways.
The Lucky Number 17 has become "The Politically Correct Number of the Day." 17 is now:
- the Best Lotto Number to play and bet;
- the Number of Pearls to wear when going out-and-about;
- the Number of Calories to eliminate every Day while dieting;
- The Number of Laps and Miles one should add for a proper weekly workout.
Simplifying 17. 17 Years equate to:
17 Birthdays & Anniversaries according to Modern Calendars
884 Hump Days
6209 Days (including the 4 Leap Years)
149,016 Hours
372,540 Minutes and
22,352,440 Seconds
till the next Round of CICADA make and break The News. Don't hold your breath.
To hibernate or not to hibernate: That's your Option while the CICADA are in town. You can't tell Mother Nature what to do. As for FROGS in Illinois in the Winter. Many vacation in Miami till the thaw arrives in mid-April, sometimes earlier if Global Warming is in full-bloom.
The Reasons stated above truly and undoubtedly define:
WHY CICADA ARE COOL!
You read it here first! Our next CICADA Reading is slated for: May, 2024.
Time will tell as it always has. Stay tuned...
CLOSING NOTE: For all Bug & Amphibian Fans and Enthusiasts, there is a collectible, one-of-a-kind:
GORF's Transformation & Impersonation CICADA Poster available for $30 (including Postage & Handling throughout the continental USA). Its title reads as :
"When Species Meet & Mingle. How a Mania infests Pop Culture."
Own one (or more) today by emailing me at: askoopersmith@hotmail.com for particulars. Bulk Rates do apply. Just 'ask' ASK.
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