Ethel Cogen, who works for the City in the Community Development Planning Department, stands with her bubble umbrella, which she will use when the cicadas arrive as a shield from the pesky bugs. (Steven M. Herppich/The Cincinnati Enquirer)

Ethel Cogen is prepared for the cicadas. So are all her friends, thanks to a bit of help shopping the cyber mall. They're all buying clear plastic "bubble umbrellas," the kind that come way down over the head and end about mid-chest. They were popular in the '70s.

Cogan, who works in Cincinnati's Community Development Department, remembers 1987 only too well:

"I had never experienced such a thing. I thought I was living out a scene from The Birds or something. I got that clear plastic umbrella and carried it with me day and night. People laughed at me, but then they'd say, 'That's a really good idea.'

She discovered www.giftwagon.com is still selling the clear plastic bubble umbrellas ($18.95).

"I forwarded the link all over City Hall, even to the city manager. There are already about 10 of us who have ordered one.

"Those people at GiftWagon have to be wondering what the heck is going on here."

Jim Knippenberg