No-see-um

No-see-um : You Sure Can Feel-um! You probably have heard of this pesky little bug as a sandfly, sandflea, no-see-em, noseeum, sand gnats, chitras, punkie, or punky.

No-see-um ... yep, you sure can feel-um even if you can't see-um! Hey ... I live in Florida, you don't need to ask me about how pesky these little creatures can be! I remember when I wore my hair very short and gelled it spiky, rather like the performer Pink.

Do you know that is the worst hair style with regard to no-see-ums? They get into your hair and will eat up your scalp! At least that's what I remember one vacation while visiting in the Florida Keys. Yes indeed! The no-see-um has truly earned the distinction to be called by so many names ... a sandfly, sandflea, no-see-em, noseeum, sand gnats, chitras, punkie, or punky! That no-see-um, by whatever name, can be quite annoying ... bite bite bite ... scratch scratch!!

Oh, BTW ... there surely must have been a comedian who was first bitten by a no-see-um who named this little pesky critter!

Photo Credit: The incomparable no-see-um as spotted on Wikimedia Commons.

Cast your vote about the no-see-um!

1. Pound for pound, the most annoying insect
2. They don't bite me
3. Love 'em

Scientific Classication of the no-see-um

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Arthropoda

Class: Insecta

Order: Diptera

Suborder: Nematocera

Infraorder: Culicomorpha

Superfamily: Chironomoidea

Family: Ceratopogonidae 

Biting Midge

A closer look at that biting midge ... It's the name for any of numerous minute, fragile flies in several families. The family Chironomidae consists of about 2,000 species, most of which are widely distributed. The herbivorous larvae are found in all freshwaters; the larvae of some species live in saltwater. Midge larvae are an important source of food for larger aquatic insects and fish. The larvae of some species of the genus Chironomus, which are called freshwater bloodworms, are unusual in that they contain the protein hemoglobin. The pupae are active and aquatic.

The adults, which look like slender mosquitoes, are often seen swarming over or near water, and large courting and mating swarms may contain millions of insects. The larvae and pupae of the net-wing midges, family Blepharoceridae, live in fast-flowing freshwater; they attach to rocks by suction disks and feed mainly on algae.

The biting midges belong to the genus Culicoides of the family Ceratopogonidae; they are the smallest of the bloodsucking insects and are common pests in the NE United States, where they are called punkies, sand flies, and no-see-ums.

The adults have mouthparts that pierce and suck and inflict irritating bites on humans; some species ride the wings of dragonflies and lacewings, sucking the blood of their hosts. Gall midges, family Cecidomyiidae, damage many plants by causing formation of plant galls in which the larvae live. --www.bartleby.com.

More about the no-see-um

• No-See-ums (Family eratopogonidae)
  No-see-ums are tiny biting flies that often live near water. You often see many of themswarming together in a cloud. Keep your mouth shut or you might breathe some in or swallow them! It won't hurt you, but it will probably make you cough.
• University of Florida
  Biting midges (no-see-ums) can be a nuisance to campers, fishermen, hunters, hikers, gardeners, and others who spend time outdoors during early morning and evenings, and even during the daytime on still, cloudy days. They will readily bite humans.
• What is a No See Um?
  You might not know what a no see um looks like because of its tiny size, but if one bites, you won't miss it! The no see um is a bloodsucker many times smaller than a mosquito, but with a bite inversely more painful.

Help!!!
If you are annoyed by flying insects that bite, try the The Executioner Fly Swat Wasp Bug Mosquito Swatter Zapper.

Some other helpful products:

• No No-See-Um Insect Repellent
• Ultimate Survival Technologies No-See-Um Jacket
• Ultimate Survival Technologies No-See-Um Pants
• Equinox Pkgd No-see-um Mosquito Net

Thanks for visiting!
I hope you haven't been too bugged by no-see-ums like I was. There's nothing worse that little bugs that you really can't see that bite.

History: No-see-um : You Sure Can Feel-um was originally created on Squidoo by JaguarJulie on January 18, 2008. Highest lensrank ever achieved: #1,398 overall. Lens #253 in the quest for Giant Squid 300 Club.

Jacksonville Cities

Jacksonville Named Cities in USA. How many Jacksonville-named cities in the USA? Welcome to the Jacksonville Cities Fan Club!

Did you know that there are a number of Jacksonville named cities throughout the entire United States of America. When searching for these cities on Google, your search result will usually direct you to Florida. Jacksonville, Florida is the home of the Jacksonville Jaguars.

As a long-time resident of a Jacksonville city, I'm naturally curious about Jacksonville-named cities! Celebrate these cities in U.S.A.!!! Folks, do you love old-time vintage postcards? I do! You can capture a bit of history with artsy postcards. Take our historical postcard in the spotlight. Did you know that there even was an Ostrich Farm in Jacksonville, Florida? I didn't. Now you know!

Fun Photo Credit: Ostrich Farm in Jacksonville, Florida.

What do you know about Jacksonville cities?
 Quick, cast your vote ... Did you know there were many of these?

1. Yes, I had such an idea
2. Nope -- just finding out!

Jacksonville Cities are in these States:

1. Alabama
2. Arkansas
3. Florida
4. Illinois
5. New York
6. North Carolina
7. Oregon
8. Texas

Are you a fan of a Jacksonville-named city or live in one? I’d surely love to hear from you.What state(s) did I miss? Can you name all the states that have Jacksonville named cities?

History: Jacksonville Named Cities in USA was originally created on Squidoo by JaguarJulie on January 13, 2008. Highest lensrank ever achieved: #13,802 overall. Lens #244 in the quest for Giant Squid 300 Club.

Cuisinart Grind Central Coffee Grinder

Blondes that DIY love to grind their own coffee beans! I know a lot about using my coffee grinder. This morning, I just ground some beans for my morning coffee. You know, for a couple of years, I gave up the stuff, but found I was really missing it.

This is a product review of my morning grind. Ever tried the Cuisinart DCG-12BC Grind Central Coffee Grinder? Well I have ... over and over again. It is my morning grind! I had to stop for a moment today, before I ground that next batch of coffee beans, to tell you about this great product. The first one that I used takes me back several years. The ex-husband got custody of that one! Luckily, the price is quite affordable, so I bought me another one.

THE SOUNDS OF LOVE

During our marriage, I got accustomed to hearing the whirring and grinding sounds of the Cuisinart DCG-12BC Grind Central Coffee Grinder many mornings. The husband was usually the first to arise. He loved his coffee and loved to make it with freshly-ground coffee beans. We were both particular in that we didn't like to buy our coffee already ground. Heck, you never knew when those bags were prepared, or for that matter, what went into them.

Once I got divorced and was setting up my new digs, I knew I had to buy another one of these grinders pronto! It was with no hesitation that I got the same model. Check out my photos below for the proof!

HOW TO USE

It is so simple to use! You simply pour your coffee beans into the silver cup. Be sure not to fill it to the top! Insert the cup back into the base and turn to lock into place. I think my ex-husband didn't always lock it! Place the plastic domed lid on top. Press the top downwards to engage. I generally listen until the sounds of grinding get smoother. I will release and then press downwards for a brief couple of seconds.

FRESH GROUND COFFEE BEANS

Once my coffee beans have been finely ground, I will usually leave them in the cup and cover them with the furnished brown plastic lid. If I am switching off between my two favorite coffees, Starbucks Dark French Roast, Ground Coffee, 12-Ounce Bags (Pack of 3) and Coffee Bean Direct Costa Rican Tarrazu, Whole Bean Coffee, 5-Pound Bag, I will put the ground beans into a plastic covered bowl.

I brew my coffee in a Bella 13782 One Scoop One Cup Coffee Maker, Turquoise! Check out my equipment in the product photos I have included. Can you smell something delicious brewing?

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CHECK OUT MY PRODUCT PHOTOS BELOW

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If you want to kick it up a notch, this would be the way to go! Maybe you don't have time to stop in the morning to start the pot. Set this up to automatically do your thing and wake you up to the aroma of freshly-brewed coffee!

Since I am a single gal, I don't have the need for a 12-cup. However, if you enjoy the aroma first thing in the morning, this is for you. Heck, it is better than an alarm clock!

Hello all you coffee lovers out there! Have you got one of these? Perhaps you use another brand?

Thanks for taking time to stop and smell the aroma. You know, it is important that you can depend upon something that really works when you want to grind it and produce something with really great fresh taste! I am a blonde that believes in doing it myself. No offense Starbucks; but I do bring your beans home!