By Helene Smith
Fleeing the coop.
(ENLARGE FOR PROPER VIEWING)
Posted on April 14, 2017
The Top 10 Wisconsin Insect Trends Of 2016
By PJ Liesch/WisContext
With the first green shoots of spring appearing across the state, Wisconsin’s insect populations are likewise emerging and preparing for the warmer months ahead. The top 10 insect trends of 2016 encountered by the UW Insect Diagnostic Lab offers insight on which bugs might make an impression in 2017. While most of the insects on the list are relatively benign, some might put a damper on an afternoon picnic while others could ruin an entire day.
10. Boxelder bugs
Many insects, including mosquitoes and fungus gnats, thrived in Wisconsin’s rainy conditions in 2016. However, heavy rains can also be a blessing in disguise when it comes to certain insect pests. Gypsy moth caterpillars, for example, can be killed off by the entomopathogenic fungus Entomophaga maimaiga under damp conditions. Heavy spring rains over the past few years likely encouraged this fungus, which helped keep gypsy moth numbers low in many parts of the state.
Rainy conditions can also encourage a fungal disease of boxelder bugs. With rainy conditions across much of Wisconsin, boxelder bug populations were expected to be low, but disease pressure from the fungus was likely limited in 2016. Much to the chagrin of homeowners hoping to avoid the tiny red-and-black home visitors in the fall, boxelder bug numbers were surprisingly high in many parts of the state. Rainfall will likely influence the boxelder bug situation in 2017.
Posted on April 11, 2017
Chicagoetry: Fresh Hell
By J.J. Tindall
Fresh Hell
Harried voices hurtle
Down my back walkway
Like dice tumbling
From a Yahtzee cup.
Between the bricks
Of this century-old multi-unit
Fortress
Posted on April 9, 2017
Beachwood Photo Booth: Gumball Express
By Helene Smith
At Family Fare in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where Helene Smith is temporarily in-residence.
(ENLARGE FOR PROPER VIEWING)
Posted on April 7, 2017
Beachwood Photo Booth: Handicapped Milk Jug Zone
(Beachwood Photo Booth: Descending Darkly
By Helene Smith
Something wicked this way comes.
(ENLARGE FOR PROPER VIEWING. Protip: Then click again.)
Posted on March 24, 2017
Chicagoetry: Ray Rayner & Friends
By J.J. Tindall
Ray Rayner & Friends
Somewhere in the back
Of my life
Is a small television studio-
Much smaller than it appears
On the air-
Where the infinite world
Of a children’s program
Runs continuously.
Posted on March 22, 2017
Beachwood Photo Booth: A Jukebox Is Not A Democracy
(Beachwood Photo Booth: House Sitting
Chicagoetry: Ballistics Exonerate The Furies
By J.J. Tindall
Ballistics Exonerate the Furies
Some balletic storm of wind
Has stayed the mind.
From dark silence
Comes the shadow-play
Of a short ballet.
Or is it just bullet spray
From a passing Chevrolet?
Posted on March 6, 2017