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“P” is for Pelzer, Francis Joseph (1826-1916). Entrepreneur, textile manufacturer.

We know from our storm water experts, that when water flows over soil, many of the pollutants can be removed and microbes in the ground can safely decompose them. In the case of the Los Angeles River, everything goes right into the Pacific Ocean.

Hemaris thysbe, the hummingbird clearwing, is a moth of the family Sphingidae (hawkmoths). Coloration varies between individuals, but typically the moth is olive green and burgundy on its back, and white or yellow and burgundy on the underside. Its wings are transparent with a reddish-brown border. It has light-colored legs, which combined with the lack of striping on the underside is diagnostic. Beating its wings rapidly, H. thysbe hovers to collect nectar from a variety of flowers. The combination of its appearance and its behavior commonly leads to it being confused with a hummingbird or bumblebee. It is found in a large portion of North America, with a range extending from Alaska to Oregon in the west and from Newfoundland to Florida in the east.

Foxfire, also called fairy fire and chimpanzee fire, is the bioluminescence created by some species of fungi present in decaying wood. The bluish-green glow is attributed to a luciferase, an oxidative enzyme, which emits light as it reacts with a luciferin. The phenomenon has been known since ancient times, with its source determined in 1823.

“J” is for Johnson, William, Jr. (1771-1834). U.S. Supreme Court justice.

A long time bird watcher reports a white-crowned sparrow sighting, but not in a region of South Carolina where one might usually find it.

Rudy shares a list of birds that he sighted in his backyard during the Christmas cold snap.

Not too long ago, most companies wanted a mobile app for their business. But today, the mobile app vs web app choice is not always a clear decision. If you survey startup founders, you will hear strong opinions on either side. The reason for the disparity is that the answer really depends on your business and the nature of your app. Joining us today to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of both choices is Katie Iannace, a business analyst with Designli in Greenville, SC.

Timber is big business in our state and, in fact, is our largest cash crop. But as most people are aware, trees are also a big part of the climate change equation. Which is why our next guest is leading an effort to create a climate smart lumber industry. Mike Switzer interviews Rob Baldwin, a professor and the Margaret H. Lloyd Endowed Chair of Conservation in the Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation at Clemson University.

If you are worried about a tree used by sapsuckers, you can wrap small gauge chicken wire or such around the trunk.