Category Archives: Literature

Living With Insect Media

Posted on May 11, 2013 by

Jussi Parikka has written a thought provoking and compelling book, Insect Media that explores the relationships between insects and technology. The idea of using nature as a model for human machines has a long standing history. As technology has advanced … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, by jjneal, Insect Inspired, Literature | Leave a comment

The Grumbling Hive

Posted on May 9, 2013 by

Insects are often used as examples to teach virtue and morality, although insect behavior is not governed (as far as we can tell) by either virtue or morality. Social insects are frequently used to comment on human societies and encourage … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, by jjneal, Literature, Policy | Leave a comment

Friday Cat-erpillar Blogging: More Jokes

Posted on February 8, 2013 by

By Popular Demand Q. Why was the clothes moth caterpillar unpopular? A. It picked holes in everything. Q. What’s green and dangerous? A. A Caterpillar with a bad temper. Q. Why was the caterpillar crying? A. It wanted its Moth-er. … Continue reading →

Posted in by jjneal, Caterpillar Blogging, jokes, Literature | 7 Comments

Friday Cat-erpillar Blogging: Insulting Caterpillars

Posted on January 18, 2013 by

In last week’s Cat-erpillar blogging, I noted the use of the Shakespeare insult, “Caterpillars of the Commonwealth”. The insult does not get much modern use, because too few understand the metaphor. In literature, it is possible to insults one’s characters … Continue reading →

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Friday Cat-erpillar Blogging: Caterpillar Insults

Posted on January 11, 2013 by

Of all insect insults, caterpillar is one of the least used. Many people have favorable views of caterpillars. Caterpillars turn into butterflies. Caterpillars are the subject of children’s books. However, caterpillars include some of the most destructive insect pests that … Continue reading →

Posted in by jjneal, Caterpillar Blogging, Literature | 1 Comment

Bad Insect Metaphors

Posted on July 30, 2012 by

Economists often talk in metaphors. Good metaphors can be useful communications tools- compare a new concept to a familiar concept. Bad metaphors do not help communications. Instead they misinform and are sometimes used to change the subject or dismiss awkward … Continue reading →

Posted in by jjneal, Literature, News, Policy | 6 Comments

Sendak and the Bee-Man

Posted on May 10, 2012 by

Maurice Sendak, illustrator and author died this May 8, 2012 and many have taken time to reflect on his work and the joy he brought with his books and illustrations. Although best known for his fanciful Wild Things drawings, Sendak … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, by jjneal, Literature | Leave a comment