Over the past month, the periodical cicadas of Brood XIII, native to the area, have crawled up roots, through the earth's surface and onto tree trunks everywhere, to moult and spread wings.

ECONOMIST: Cicadas in Illinois

Over 700 boys and men, and one woman, crossed swords over eight games, including Counter Strike: Source, Warhammer and StarCraft Brood War.

ECONOMIST: Geeks gather for the world gaming championships