Sunny with a chance of cicada
You knew this was coming
Friends,
It’s time to unpack cicadas.
If you live anywhere in the eastern half of the United States, odds are, you’ve heard the cicadas are coming. These crafty insects emerge when the surface of the ground reaches 64 degrees Fahrenheit for about a full day. Or as we like to call it, mid to late May.
Last week we shared How to Eat Cincinnati Cicadas, which was likely helpful for only a small and adventurous portion of our readers. Here are a few other facts you can use to impress your friends at a dinner party, insect-based or otherwise:
“The last time they [cicadas] emerged, George W. Bush was the US president, Facebook had just been created and Athens was getting ready to host the Summer Olympics.” (Phys.org)
The lifespan of cicadas, every 13 or 17 years, are prime numbers. This has scientists and mathematicians flummoxed. One theory: cicadas are waiting to outlive their predators, who are largely on composite, numbered life cycles (ABC News).
Seventeen years ago also marked the year Gmail was invented, and just a few years before the first iPhone was on sale. In other words, this cicada storm will be the most digitally documented one by a long haul.
Why are we so fascinated with cicadas? Part of it we think is rooted in a preparation instinct, which has likely been exacerbated by the pandemic. Are they DANGEROUS? No. Do I need to BUY anything to prepare, such as a mosquito net or spray or hat or fly swatter? We don’t think so?
But the larger reason for our shared obsession, we think, is that cicadas remind us that we’re all just a part of the same natural world. We can be going about our days online, holding meetings and taking calls, and then BAM — cicada storm! Just like that, whatever we have accomplished or not accomplished during that day is now surrounded by billions of shiny, winged insects, reminding us that they just pulled off a 17-year-in-the-making feat. It adds some much-needed perspective.
We try to control our lives, control our ecosystem and create structures that bring us comfort, but nature brings uncertainty and disruption. Of course, we have much more of this in store.
Water Cooler Conversation
Emily: In case you haven’t had enough of the natural world, Carrie, might I recommend this article about people marvelling at a strange flower that can grow 15 feet tall?
Carrie: That IS a marvel. Also, its name is the corpse flower.
Carrie: Emily, remember our “digital body language” newsletter from last week? We got great reader feedback about lots of things, but in particular, the sign-off. Meet readers Renae and India.
Renae: “I'm a big fan of signing off with ‘best’ (it's just so easy and vaguely well-wishing!).”
Emily: I KNOW Renae! Hi Renae. I also use “best,” out of habit.
India: “I like the British sounding ‘Cheers’ but I appreciate ‘Warmly’ or ‘Warm regards’ even though I'd never use it.”
Carrie: I feel on the fence about “best” — best WHAT? But I am with you, India, on “cheers” because it feels like we’re chatting at a pub.
Carrie: Alright, Emily Roseman, heading into your weekend, I have the Saturday morning + coffee read for you: Burnout: Modern Affliction or Human Condition?
Emily: I am the burnt match.
Carrie: And on that note, no newsletter next week. Happy early Memorial Day!
Readers, any thoughts on cicadas or being a small part of the universe? If so, just reply to this email.
Your pals,
Carrie & Emily
P.S. Fun fact: We reach out to our readers for their approval on publishing their replies (and first names) before we publish our next edition. So have no fear! Answer away and we’ll get your green light before we make anything public.
I remember the last time Cicada storm came when I lived in Ohio and the trees were vibrating and they briefly closed King’s Island because too many cicadas flew into mouths. Certainly a good reminder we can’t control nature!