Zefrank’s True Facts: The Dreaded Fungi That Control the Insects They Eat

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merch: https://ze-true-store.myshopify.com/
patreon: https://www.patreon.com/truefacts
classical music: SoundCloud
sponsor music: https://incompetech.com/

Thanks to:
Dr Carolyn Elya, Harvard Univ.
Dr Charissa de Bekker, Utrecht Univ.
Dr Maridel Fredericksen, Univ. of Basel
Dr David Hughes, Pennsylvania State Univ.
Dr John Cooley, Univ. of Connecticut
Dr João Araújo, New York Botanical Garden
Dr Michael Winding, Univ. of Cambridge
Dr Henrik H. De Fine Licht, Univ. of Copenhagen
Dr. Michael J. Raupp, Bug of the Week on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsnaXI7WF9wipPzOLy4OByg
Dan Keck, YouTube
Dr DeWei Li

Citations:

Click to Reveal

Araújo JPM et al. Zombie-ant fungi cross continents: II. Myrmecophilous hymenostilboid species and a novel zombie lineage. Mycologia. 2020 Nov-Dec;112(6):1138-1170. doi: 10.1080/00275514.2020.1822093.

Araújo JPM et al. Zombie-ant fungi across continents: 15 new species and new combinations within Ophiocordyceps. I. Myrmecophilous hirsutelloid species. Stud Mycol. 2018 Jun;90:119-160. doi: 10.1016/j.simyco.2017.12.002.

Beckerson, WC. et al. 28 Minutes Later: A behavioural and transcriptomic investigation into the potential role of aflatrem-like compounds in establishing Ophiocordyceps extended phenotypes in zombie ants, bioRxiv - Animal Behavior and Cognition  2023-02-17 , DOI:10.1101/2022.09.08.507134

Cooley, J.R. et al, A specialized fungal parasite (Massospora cicadina) hijacks the sexual signals of periodical cicadas (Hemiptera: Cicadidae: Magicicada). Sci Rep 8, 1432 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-018-19813-0

de Bekker C et al, 2021. Mechanisms behind the madness: how do zombie-making fungal entomopathogens affect host behavior to increase transmission? mBio 12:e01872-21, Mastodon

De Fine Licht, HH et al. Evolutionary ecology of an obligate and behaviorally manipulating insect- pathogenic fungus, Entomophthora muscae. Authorea. March 02, 2023.
DOI: 10.22541/au.167778641.14505987/v1

de Ruiter J et al.. Fungal artillery of zombie flies: infectious spore dispersal using a soft water cannon. J R Soc Interface. 2019 Oct 31;16(159):20190448. doi: 10.1098/rsif.2019.0448. 

Elya C et al. Robust manipulation of the behavior of Drosophila melanogaster by a fungal pathogen in the laboratory. Elife. 2018 Jul 26;7:e34414. doi: 10.7554/eLife.34414.

Fredericksen M.A et al. Three-dimensional visualization and a deep-learning model reveal complex fungal parasite networks in behaviorally manipulated ants, PNAS, November 7, 2017, 114 (47) 12590-12595, https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1711673114

Hou Z, et al. Sexual pair-formation in a cicada mediated by acoustic behaviour of females and positive phonotaxis of males. Sci Rep. 2017 Jul 25;7(1):6453. doi: 10.1038/s41598-017-06825-5.

Hu, T. et al, AntVis: A web-based visual analytics tool for exploring ant movement data, Visual Informatics, Volume 4, Issue 1, 2020, Pages 58-70, ISSN 2468-502X, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.visinf.2020.02.001.

Hughes DP et al. Behavioral mechanisms and morphological symptoms of zombie ants dying from fungal infection. BMC Ecol. 2011 May 9;11:13. doi: 10.1186/1472-6785-11-13. 

Hughes DP, Libersat F. Neuroparasitology of Parasite-Insect Associations. Annu Rev Entomol. 2018 Jan 7;63:471-487. doi: 10.1146/annurev-ento-020117-043234.

Libersat F et al (2018) Mind Control: How Parasites Manipulate Cognitive Functions in Their Insect Hosts. Front. Psychol. 9:572. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00572

Loreto RG et al. Evidence for convergent evolution of host parasitic manipulation in response to environmental conditions. Evolution. 2018 Oct;72(10):2144-2155. doi: 10.1111/evo.13489. 

Macias, Angie et al. (2020). Evolutionary relationships among Massospora spp. (Entomophthorales), obligate pathogens of cicadas. Mycologia. 112. 1-15. 10.1080/00275514.2020.1742033.

Mangold CA, Hughes DP. Insect Behavioral Change and the Potential Contributions of Neuroinflammation-A Call for Future Research. Genes (Basel). 2021 Mar 24;12(4):465. doi: 10.3390/genes12040465. 

Mangold CA, et al. Zombie ant death grip due to hypercontracted mandibular muscles. J Exp Biol. 2019 Jul 17;222(Pt 14):jeb200683. doi: 10.1242/jeb.200683. 

Naundrup A et al, Pathogenic fungus uses volatiles to entice male flies into fatal matings with infected female cadavers. ISME J. 2022 Oct;16(10):2388-2397. doi: 10.1038/s41396-022-01284-x.

Scheffer, Louis Ket et al (2020) A connectome and analysis of the adult Drosophila central brain eLife 9:e57443, https://doi.org/10.7554/eLife.57443

Trinh, T et al, Getting lost: the fungal hijacking of ant foraging behaviour in space and time, Animal Behaviour, Volume 181, 2021, Pages 165-184, ISSN 0003-3472, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anbehav.2021.09.003.

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182 comments
1
gocart mozart  Apr 29, 2023 • 9:41:23am
2
Captain Ron  Apr 29, 2023 • 9:45:04am
3
gocart mozart  Apr 29, 2023 • 9:45:47am
4
jaunte  Apr 29, 2023 • 9:46:47am
5
A Cranky One  Apr 29, 2023 • 9:46:50am

6
Captain Ron  Apr 29, 2023 • 9:47:42am
7
Nerdy Fish  Apr 29, 2023 • 9:48:23am

re: #6 Captain Ron

That’s the great part; the Fairness Doctrine doesn’t apply to cable networks. It’s how Faux News gets away with their shit. Sauce for the goose, sauce for the gander, asshole!

8
Captain Ron  Apr 29, 2023 • 9:50:41am

re: #7 Nerdy Fish

That’s the great part; the Fairness Doctrine doesn’t apply to cable networks. It’s how Faux News gets away with their shit. Sauce for the goose, sauce for the gander, asshole!

Reagan got rid of it.

9
PhillyPretzel  Apr 29, 2023 • 9:51:55am

WaPo ping: Federal regulators are likely to seize First Republic Bank.

10
sizzzzlerz  Apr 29, 2023 • 9:53:09am

I, for one, welcome our new mind-controlling fungi overlords. Can’t be worse than Faux news.

11
Captain Ron  Apr 29, 2023 • 9:53:39am
12
jaunte  Apr 29, 2023 • 9:55:30am
13
sizzzzlerz  Apr 29, 2023 • 9:56:24am

re: #9 PhillyPretzel

WaPo ping: Federal regulators are likely to seize First Republic Bank.

What was the scheme they used that bankrupted them, forcing the government to cover their depositors accounts while allowing the bank execs to pocket millions in bonuses?

14
Eclectic Cyborg  Apr 29, 2023 • 10:03:37am

re: #13 sizzzzlerz

First Republic is a regional bank that has focused on high net worth individuals and their businesses, including offering mortgages at low interest rates to those customers.

Those mortgages, as well as other long-term assets on the bank’s balance sheet, have fallen in market value since the Fed began hiking rates last year making investors worried that the bank would have to book a sizeable loss if forced to sell those assets to raise cash.

The bank’s massive deposit outflows came after the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank in March. The nation’s largest banks, including JPMorgan Chase, have already helped out First Republic since then with $30 billion in time deposits.

15
Charles Johnson  Apr 29, 2023 • 10:06:50am

Mastodon

16
PhillyPretzel  Apr 29, 2023 • 10:08:52am

re: #15 Charles Johnson

Those pigeons will give a whole new meaning to dive bombing a car.

17
Yeah Sure WhatEVs  Apr 29, 2023 • 10:10:52am

My friend just published his first book: Secrets of the Rabbi’s Mafia. It’s a murder mystery.

If anyone is interested…
amazon.com

18
Backwoods_Sleuth  Apr 29, 2023 • 10:11:01am

Mastodon

19
Yeah Sure WhatEVs  Apr 29, 2023 • 10:15:21am

re: #6 Captain Ron

I fukkin hate raw story.

Without pointing out what exactly the comedian and gadfly said about him late Friday night, the former president called out Maher as “boring” and insisted HBO should be forced to run “counter programing [sic]”

They didn’t point it out either. Thanks for that highly informative article, raw story. Well done.

20
darthstar  Apr 29, 2023 • 10:17:19am

Merle showing off for the girls with his body surfing skills.

Mastodon

21
darthstar  Apr 29, 2023 • 10:20:24am

Mastodon

22
darthstar  Apr 29, 2023 • 10:22:43am

re: #19 Yeah Sure WhatEVs

I fukkin hate raw story.

They didn’t point it out either. Thanks for that highly informative article, raw story. Well done.

Trump’s such a worn out punchline that there’s no point in talking about what Maher says about him. What’s interesting is that he actually watches the show…maybe because he wanted to see Musk and know what a billionaire looks like.

23
darthstar  Apr 29, 2023 • 10:24:46am

re: #1 gocart mozart

Musk thinks Babylon Bee is funny? Well, he did reinstate them after they were banned for being racist fucks.

24
darthstar  Apr 29, 2023 • 10:26:05am

Mastodon

25
Dr Lizardo  Apr 29, 2023 • 10:29:55am

LOL this would be great if it were real:

Star Wars by Wes Anderson Trailer | The Galactic Menagerie

26
Colère Tueur de Lapin  Apr 29, 2023 • 10:32:06am

re: #239 Dr. Matt

“An armed society is a polite society”
-NRA

Not to be snarky (and you probably know it) — but Heinlein said it first, and he was being facetious to the extreme.

27
Captain Ron  Apr 29, 2023 • 10:34:58am
28
BigPapa  Apr 29, 2023 • 10:36:40am

re: #26 Colère Tueur de Lapin

Not to be snarky (and you probably knots it) — but Heinlein said it first, and he was being facetious to the extreme.

Back when I was a Glibertarian, Lee Rodgers from AM560 KSFO said it all the time. Even on radio I could tell he was smirking. He was being serious.

I realize now he meant ‘an armed society of rich white people is a polite society of everybody else knowing their place.’ Maybe I’m jaded but I see 2A fanatacism as imbued with white supremacy.

29
Belafon  Apr 29, 2023 • 10:40:10am

re: #1 gocart mozart

[Embedded content]

Musk’s thread is a great place to find people to block.

30
Dangerman  Apr 29, 2023 • 10:40:36am

re: #208 Wendell Zurkowitz ((slave to the waffle light))

They just say shit because it seems to make sense to them at the tie.

31
Joe Bacon  Apr 29, 2023 • 10:43:25am

Kansas lawmaker to non-Christian constituents: I’ll “try and convert you”

State Sen. Mark Steffen was asked how he’d incorporate non-Christian views into his decision-making process

open.substack.com

Faced with one of the simplest questions a politician ever hears—how will you represent me in the legislature?—a conservative Kansas lawmaker told a coalition of religiously diverse people that he would “try and convert” them to Christianity so they would see things his way.

Last month, a Kansas-based non-profit group called Loud Light, which “engages, educates, and empowers individuals from underrepresented populations to build community power,” held a lobbying event at the state capitol, where members could meet with their elected officials.

One of those meetings was with State Sen. Mark Steffen, a Republican from Hutchinson who took office in 2021. Steffen is a Christian Nationalist who said in a 2020 Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey that one of his key messages to constituents was “God! We are a Christian nation, State, and Counties. Our rule of law is built on Christian values. Our successes are a result of these realities.”

32
Dangerman  Apr 29, 2023 • 10:43:42am

re: #215 No Malarkey!

Women’s bodies have a way of shutting that down.//

According to tfg’s lawyer, only if they scream

33
PhillyPretzel  Apr 29, 2023 • 10:44:36am

re: #31 Joe Bacon

I would really hate to remind him where his religion came from.

34
Dangerman  Apr 29, 2023 • 10:46:55am

re: #229 Wendell Zurkowitz ((slave to the waffle light))

Guns have more rights than people

People with guns have more rights than people who dont

35
Joe Bacon  Apr 29, 2023 • 10:49:08am

re: #2 Captain Ron

Nice to see Darling Nikki posting that gun humping tweet the day that the Tree Of Liberty got even more blood to feed on.

Seeing pandering shit like that makes me just toss up my hands and give up because the NRA has won.

36
Nerdy Fish  Apr 29, 2023 • 10:49:59am

re: #31 Joe Bacon

I’m all well and good with trying to convert people; I am a believer in Christ, after all. (I am probably going to stop calling myself a “Christian,” since the fascist assholes have pretty much co-opted that term.) However, even if you converted everybody in your district, there would still be differences of opinion, because no two people are identical, and even in the evangelical churches, there are different theologies among them. As a politician, your job is not to make everyone see it your way, but to do what you can to represent everyone, regardless of what they believe. But Christofascists gonna Christofascist.

37
teleskiguy  Apr 29, 2023 • 10:50:42am

VIDEO: Gigantic avalanche at Crystal Mountain, WA | Instagram

Intentionally triggered using a Gazex remote avalanche control system. Snaped mature evergreen trees like toothpicks. Unsurvivable is you’re caught in it.

38
Dangerman  Apr 29, 2023 • 10:52:49am

re: #240 Shiplord Kirel: Fan of Big Bird, Bert, and Ernie

[Embedded content]

Conservatives are targeting tiny and mostly harmless minorities, Drag and Trans, to divert attention from the proven mass of pedophiles and rapists they harbor within their own houses of superstition.

re-amplifiying

39
teleskiguy  Apr 29, 2023 • 10:54:16am

Heh.

40
Eclectic Cyborg  Apr 29, 2023 • 10:57:59am

re: #31 Joe Bacon

I was thinking the other day that the Theocracy Christian Nationalists want is not one actually driven by the teachings of Jesus, but a society controlled by powerful white men with the freedom to subjugate and abuse those who do not see things as they do.

41
BigPapa  Apr 29, 2023 • 10:58:21am

re: #39 teleskiguy

2016: Please Clap
2023: Don’t Laugh

Same energy.

42
Nerdy Fish  Apr 29, 2023 • 10:59:15am

In addition to running down to the auto parts store this morning, once the engine had cooled off, I changed the oil in Mrs. Fish’s vehicle, so it is ready to go. I also fueled it for the upcoming week’s operations.

43
BigPapa  Apr 29, 2023 • 10:59:56am

re: #37 teleskiguy

That looks well done. Lots of material and energy but it never barrelled all the way down the mountain. Looks like they robbed if of a future greater avalanche. Maybe catching somebody off guard.

44
Nerdy Fish  Apr 29, 2023 • 11:00:40am

re: #40 Eclectic Cyborg

I was thinking the other that the Theocracy Christian Nationalists want is not one actually driven by the teachings of Jesus, but a society controlled by powerful white men with the freedom to subjugate and abuse those who do not see things as they do.

The theocracy they want is the theocracy where they are the high priests, the arbiters of what is “Godly” and what isn’t. As you say, they want nothing to do with the actual teachings of Jesus, but with the views they have carefully curated over decades that let them live the way they want and feel justified about it.

45
William Lewis  Apr 29, 2023 • 11:00:45am

re: #25 Dr Lizardo

LOL this would be great if it were real:

[Embedded content]

Video

That’s terrifying. I’d actually pay to see that… O_O

46
Florida Panhandler  Apr 29, 2023 • 11:01:18am

re: #39 teleskiguy

Heh.

Elon doesn’t like “left wing” humor because in general it snarks at the powerful and wealthy and attempts to take them down a peg.

On the other hand, right wing humor usually attempts to grab the weaker in society, the powerless and the underrepresented and crush them with a heel further down into the ground.

Elon loves this.

47
BigPapa  Apr 29, 2023 • 11:04:43am

re: #44 Nerdy Fish

Bingo and Bingo. Today’s culture wars are blowback and retribution for the Civil Rights Era, a black president, and almost a woman president. They’re going all in to Make America Great Again (when rich white men held all the power).

Sounds pretty crazy to say it out loud but all factors point to this simplistic assessment.

48
Romantic Heretic  Apr 29, 2023 • 11:07:07am

Watched the video.

Mother Nature is a child abuser.

49
William Lewis  Apr 29, 2023 • 11:07:55am

re: #28 BigPapa

Back when I was a Glibertarian, Lee Rodgers from AM560 KSFO said it all the time. Even on radio I could tell he was smirking. He was being serious.

I realize now he meant ‘an armed society of rich white people is a polite society of everybody else knowing their place.’ Maybe I’m jaded but I see 2A fanatacism as imbued with white supremacy.

That _is_ who has taken it over as with much of Heinlein’s ideas that, truth be told, were often difficult to separate from what he believed vs what he was holding up as a thought experiment or as something to be ridiculed or something to be, honestly, fetishized. Especially some the sex in the books from “I Will Fear No Evil” onward. The last time I reread a book of his without massive annoyance was “Have Spacesuit, Will Travel” and even it had bits that didn’t age terribly well though may well have been social commentary by the Author.

Got a lot of enjoyment out of him when I was younger though I am reminded more than a bit of the LOTR vs Ayn Rand shtick.

50
Romantic Heretic  Apr 29, 2023 • 11:13:36am

re: #34 Dangerman

People with guns have more rights power than people who dont

It’s always about power.

51
jaunte  Apr 29, 2023 • 11:20:08am
52
Belafon  Apr 29, 2023 • 11:24:39am

re: #51 jaunte

Read the thread, he got the fact that it’s a belt fed gun wrong so his argument is entirely invalid. //

53
TarHellion  Apr 29, 2023 • 11:27:42am

MrsTarH health update: She had an ultrasound on her carotid arteries. Based on the notes, it appears she has little to no blood flow in her right carotid. Recommendation is a follow[up CT scan with contrast. This would explain the mini-strokes she had at some point last year. Going to follow up with the neurologist on Monday (and certainly the cardiologist). She’s been through so much in the past 5 years.

54
Dangerman  Apr 29, 2023 • 11:35:11am

re: #50 Romantic Heretic

It’s always about power.

Agreed
We see it as power
They think of it as “rights”

55
teleskiguy  Apr 29, 2023 • 11:36:01am

Governor Wheels has responded to the massacre in his state last night.

56
teleskiguy  Apr 29, 2023 • 11:39:15am

This is the best honey pot of blue check chud replies I have encountered yet. Block party!

[Can’t find this tweet right now: twitter.com ]

57
teleskiguy  Apr 29, 2023 • 11:40:37am

Huh.

I think Twitter’s entropy in accelerating.

58
Hecuba's daughter  Apr 29, 2023 • 11:42:30am

re: #46 Florida Panhandler

Elon doesn’t like “left wing” humor because in general it snarks at the powerful and wealthy and attempts to take them down a peg.

On the other hand, right wing humor usually attempts to grab the weaker in society, the powerless and the underrepresented and crush them with a heel further down into the ground.

Elon loves this.

Standard GOP humor.

59
Belafon  Apr 29, 2023 • 11:42:59am
60
Nerdy Fish  Apr 29, 2023 • 11:43:41am

re: #59 Belafon

They really haven’t thought this through the whole way, have they? They just hate. No brains, no comprehension, just hate.

61
Belafon  Apr 29, 2023 • 11:45:47am

re: #56 teleskiguy

This is the best honey pot of blue check chud replies I have encountered yet. Block party!

[Can’t find this tweet right now: twitter.com ]

I can see it if I click on it. Sometimes that’s caused when the source restricts who can see it, but I don’t think the Onion does that.

62
William Lewis  Apr 29, 2023 • 11:47:34am

re: #60 Nerdy Fish

They really haven’t thought this through the whole way, have they? They just hate. No brains, no comprehension, just hate.

Of course. I am getting ready to leave for work but I leave you with this reminder of the reality of right wing politics:

63
Jay C  Apr 29, 2023 • 11:49:02am

re: #60 Nerdy Fish

They really haven’t thought this through the whole way, have they? They just hate. No brains, no comprehension, just hate.

These are Republican State legislators- brains and comprehension are likely considered disqualifications for the job…

64
sizzzzlerz  Apr 29, 2023 • 11:50:13am

re: #55 teleskiguy

Governor Wheels has responded to the massacre in his state last night.

It isn’t that he can’t express sympathy, it’s just that he doesn’t care.

65
teleskiguy  Apr 29, 2023 • 11:52:20am
66
BigPapa  Apr 29, 2023 • 11:54:23am

Geez I loved TLD Show

67
Belafon  Apr 29, 2023 • 12:05:03pm

re: #59 Belafon

I think places should include a single-stalled room marked “homophobes and transphobes only.”

68
Teukka  Apr 29, 2023 • 12:05:54pm

re: #67 Belafon

I think places should include a single-stalled room marked “homophobes and transphobes only.”

I approve of this idea.

69
Eclectic Cyborg  Apr 29, 2023 • 12:08:33pm

re: #60 Nerdy Fish

They really haven’t thought this through the whole way, have they? They just hate. No brains, no comprehension, just hate.

That is usually how they roll.

70
Joe Bacon  Apr 29, 2023 • 12:10:00pm

re: #60 Nerdy Fish

They really haven’t thought this through the whole way, have they? They just hate. No brains, no comprehension, just hate.

Yeah.

They forgot to include the applicable Bible verse.

71
Michele: Out of the closet, Into the fire  Apr 29, 2023 • 12:11:03pm

UjFIbE1OZ2hSL2NCcy8zam1TUWJCRS9saWtyTjIzMU42WHNXRFl0UXNhcGNsdjFOT1AweWRjQzRpTFdmazZwaWp0NGgrSm5pb3Q3aXU3QVZINWFod0lHcllKVFliemRqeGthZkl6VmJHdC9XVjBVWjNaWS9uazB3b3FlVjNuM0U6OhWbvbiRFadHoWQ0EaAOyVg=

72
Romantic Heretic  Apr 29, 2023 • 12:13:58pm

re: #62 William Lewis

One of my favourite quotes from one of my favourite books.

73
Dr Lizardo  Apr 29, 2023 • 12:21:38pm

For your viewing pleasure this weekend, I give you an episode of The Name of the Game, from 1971, the episode “L.A. 2017”, starring Gene Barry.

For Those Who Missed It — Great LOST 70s Sci-Fi Film About 21st Century Los Angeles!

This episode is notable as being an early work from Steven Spielberg, who was 24 when he directed this, his first movie-length television episode. He went on to note that this “opened a lot of doors” for him, and the rest is history. Indeed, later that year, he went on to direct the made-for-TV film Duel, which earned him critical praise and put him on the road to becoming the directing legend that he became.

74
JC1  Apr 29, 2023 • 12:21:59pm

re: #13 sizzzzlerz

What was the scheme they used that bankrupted them, forcing the government to cover their depositors accounts while allowing the bank execs to pocket millions in bonuses?

No scheme. Poor risk management and a run on the bank. No evidence of any fraud or shadyness that I’ve yet seen. They catered to wealthy clients. They’ve given out a lot of loans at low interest rates. Those loans are not in danger of default or anything. But they’re worth less on paper since interest rates went up. If there was no bank run they would have been fine.

75
Hecuba's daughter  Apr 29, 2023 • 12:23:21pm

re: #59 Belafon

[Embedded content]

The thread includes what appears to be the actual definition which has different flaws (menopause and hysterectomy wouldn’t affect a woman’s status):

It would seem to require that we all carry around an MRI(or would it be ultrasound?) of our internal organs. Otherwise I don’t see how it could possibly work at all — and it would still not cover a few situations.

ETA: It’s a ridiculous and offensive piece of legislation.

76
JC1  Apr 29, 2023 • 12:23:46pm

re: #14 Eclectic Cyborg

First Republic is a regional bank that has focused on high net worth individuals and their businesses, including offering mortgages at low interest rates to those customers.

Those mortgages, as well as other long-term assets on the bank’s balance sheet, have fallen in market value since the Fed began hiking rates last year making investors worried that the bank would have to book a sizeable loss if forced to sell those assets to raise cash.

The bank’s massive deposit outflows came after the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank in March. The nation’s largest banks, including JPMorgan Chase, have already helped out First Republic since then with $30 billion in time deposits.

Essentially a run on the bank because many of their depositors had well over 250k with them and they got spooked by SVB.

77
gocart mozart  Apr 29, 2023 • 12:27:36pm
78
William Lewis  Apr 29, 2023 • 12:32:03pm

Heard on the hard rock radio on the drive to work; new Foo Fighters

Foo Fighters - Rescued (Visualizer)

79
Captain Magic  Apr 29, 2023 • 12:35:08pm

…

80
darthstar  Apr 29, 2023 • 12:43:31pm

re: #76 JC1

Essentially a run on the bank because many of their depositors had well over 250k with them and they got spooked by SVB.

Looking forward to going to work on Monday.

81
jaunte  Apr 29, 2023 • 12:43:38pm
82
Belafon  Apr 29, 2023 • 12:45:50pm

re: #77 gocart mozart

[Embedded content]

Bill Burr’s wife, Nia Renee Hill:

I guess Maher doesn’t research his guests.

83
Crush White Nationalism  Apr 29, 2023 • 12:45:53pm

re: #81 jaunte

The QElon cult.

84
teleskiguy  Apr 29, 2023 • 12:46:00pm

CW: dirty bobber

Click to Reveal
85
jaunte  Apr 29, 2023 • 12:47:08pm

re: #83 Crush White Nationalism

Weird that such a Jesus like figure needs to wear camo.

86
darthstar  Apr 29, 2023 • 12:48:36pm

Having neighbors over for dinner tonight. Asked if everyone ate lamb.
One said so long as it doesn’t have a cute name.
BBQ leg of Daffodil it is, I said.

87
Joe Bacon  Apr 29, 2023 • 12:51:46pm

Owning a Gun Does Something to a Person

link.esquire.com

Obscured by school shootings and workplace massacres, there has been a spasm of gunplay among our ordinary citizens for the reasons almost as outre as the one that prompted the philosopher’s shootout in Russia. This is a gun-happy nation. We no longer need a reason to ventilate a stranger but, if we do, almost everything qualifies. Back in the 1980s, when the crack epidemic was at high tide, there was a constant stream of angry rhetoric about how awful it was that kids in the cities were being killed because of the shoes they wore, or the gear they sported. Now that a lot of this violence is coming from scared white people in the suburbs, we’re all mystified by this sudden “outbreak” of gunplay. It is to weep. It’s the guns, stupid.

88
wrenchwench  Apr 29, 2023 • 12:52:20pm

Mastodon

89
jaunte  Apr 29, 2023 • 12:59:17pm

re: #88 wrenchwench

“Everyone I talk to agrees with me that this is how we should do it.”

90
wrenchwench  Apr 29, 2023 • 1:00:38pm

re: #89 jaunte

“Everyone I talk to agrees with me that this is how we should do it.”

Takes the credit and shares the blame.

91
TedStriker  Apr 29, 2023 • 1:02:53pm

re: #65 teleskiguy

“Oh, no…”

BANG

92
Joe Bacon  Apr 29, 2023 • 1:02:53pm

Giuliani admits using ‘dirty trick’ to suppress Hispanic vote in mayoral race

Former New York City mayor reveals voter suppression tactics from 1993 election to Steve Bannon and Kari Lake

theguardian.com

Giuliani explained that he spent $2m to set up a so-called Voter Integrity Committee which was headed by Randy Levine, current president of the New York Yankees baseball team, and John Sweeney, a former New York Republican congressman.

“So they went through East Harlem, which is all Hispanic, and they gave out little cards, and the card said: ‘If you come to vote, make sure you have your green card because INS are picking up illegals.’ So they spread it all over the Hispanic …” said Giuliani, referring to the now defunct US Immigration and Naturalization Service before trailing off.

“Oh my gosh,” Lake replied as she raised her eyebrows.

Following its closure in 2003, the INS transferred its immigration enforcement functions to other agencies within the Department of Homeland Security, including US Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Giuliani went on to reveal that following the election, which he won against then incumbent mayor David Dinkins by around 53,000 votes, then president Bill Clinton’s justice department launched an investigation into him.

“[Then-attorney general] Janet Reno is coming after us, we violated civil rights,” Giuliani recalled his lawyer Dennison Young telling him. Giuliani then reassured Young, saying: “What civil rights did we violate? They don’t have civil rights! All we did was prevent people who can’t vote from voting. Maybe we tricked them, but tricking is not a crime.”

May Screwdy G get the full Karmic retribution that he deserves.

93
jaunte  Apr 29, 2023 • 1:09:28pm
94
Joe Bacon  Apr 29, 2023 • 1:09:31pm

FloriDUMB Again…

95
sagehen  Apr 29, 2023 • 1:12:31pm

re: #74 JC1

No scheme. Poor risk management and a run on the bank. No evidence of any fraud or shadyness that I’ve yet seen. They catered to wealthy clients. They’ve given out a lot of loans at low interest rates. Those loans are not in danger of default or anything. But they’re worth less on paper since interest rates went up. If there was no bank run they would have been fine.

68% of their deposits were above the FDIC-insured threshold. So after SVB and Signature went under a couple of months ago, some $100B of FRB’s deposits were withdrawn (probably put into Citi or one of the other giants). Morgan and some others tried to help by depositing $30B of their money, but it wasn’t enough.

Worth noting that SVB had about 80% uninsured, and yet FDIC/Treasury stepped up to guarantee them 100% coverage. I guess they have better lobbyists than FRB.(“oooh, my payroll, my small business, all my employees who’ll suffer…”)

96
Captain Ron  Apr 29, 2023 • 1:22:44pm
97
steve_davis  Apr 29, 2023 • 1:24:25pm

re: #53 TarHellion

MrsTarH health update: She had an ultrasound on her carotid arteries. Based on the notes, it appears she has little to no blood flow in her right carotid. Recommendation is a follow[up CT scan with contrast. This would explain the mini-strokes she had at some point last year. Going to follow up with the neurologist on Monday (and certainly the cardiologist). She’s been through so much in the past 5 years.

my grandfather had that and they basically just sewed that artery shut so it would not send little clots to the brain anymore. He made it to 99, with the last 15 years or so operating on just the one artery heading up there, so don’t despair, by any means.

98
Joe Bacon  Apr 29, 2023 • 1:24:35pm

Only in Hollywood would you have Cecil B DeMille refereeing a Living Chess Game between Chess Champion Jose Capablanca and American master Herman Steiner.

99
sagehen  Apr 29, 2023 • 1:28:49pm

re: #96 Captain Ron

Is she even conscious to make a decision or sign a document? How do we know she’s not in hospice care with only a couple of months (or weeks) left?

100
wrenchwench  Apr 29, 2023 • 1:29:56pm

re: #98 Joe Bacon

Only in Hollywood would you have Cecil B DeMille refereeing a Living Chess Game between Chess Champion Jose Capablanca and American master Herman Steiner.

[Embedded content]

The pawns made me think Las Vegas.

101
Joe Bacon  Apr 29, 2023 • 1:35:04pm
102
Teukka  Apr 29, 2023 • 1:42:01pm

103
William Lewis  Apr 29, 2023 • 1:44:49pm

re: #86 darthstar

Having neighbors over for dinner tonight. Asked if everyone ate lamb.
One said so long as it doesn’t have a cute name.
BBQ leg of Daffodil it is, I said.

Sharri Lewis used to like to order lamb chops in NYC restaurants just to see the look on the waitstaff’s faces ;)

104
William Lewis  Apr 29, 2023 • 1:47:41pm

re: #87 Joe Bacon

I’d say it brings out what is already there rather than changing anything. Someone who knows how to use it appropriately as a tool will continue to do so. An idiot will be able to be a murderous idiot.

105
wrenchwench  Apr 29, 2023 • 1:53:14pm

Moms Demand Action has their first ever (it’s 10 yrs. old) Executive Director.

106
Charles Johnson  Apr 29, 2023 • 1:55:20pm

R2JPbzc1cUNWUUh2TzkzeGJqb1RGalhZNzNhVGhnVHFXUVhmWlN6emEreVU3MzhaVmRYTEV5eXE1aE4xNjU0ZWNkeUpBUWtiMEpxMmZOb3hYYUFrdm8zYkdTdEZpTDBaN3Y2aFdFMnJTVHRiM2NnaXdocWordzJ6U0pLeDIzWG5TMFhkem83QmJRMUxBNkNFNkF6MGhMVDVBcHZlM3NzVHpmK2RXVHA2QzlrWTM3Q3lWRmVGOHl4K3dlWDVvU1NrOjrqjhgVRYZwYLe+dDBHoDyR

107
Dangerman  Apr 29, 2023 • 1:56:07pm

re: #93 jaunte

i think they want to be at drag events
i think they’ve been looking for an acceptable cover so they could attend

108
Michele: Out of the closet, Into the fire  Apr 29, 2023 • 1:58:36pm

re: #106 Charles Johnson

[Embedded content]

ZzdMbFRHOUk1SG14L1Qxd2diZHBKUEZtRUNQQ3JBM2dsR25oaTVsU01RUT06Omn/ctHuukudjSu/72FA+BA=

109
DodgerFan1988  Apr 29, 2023 • 2:07:56pm
110
7-y (Expectation of Great Things in Due Course)  Apr 29, 2023 • 2:12:53pm

re: #65 teleskiguy

Given Disney’s creative staff I bet there is a cartoon character based on DeSantis coming up in something soon.

111
Charles Johnson  Apr 29, 2023 • 2:13:44pm

Mastodon

112
jaunte  Apr 29, 2023 • 2:18:26pm

re: #110 7-y (Expectation of Great Things in Due Course)

LOTR has already got the MeatBallrog.

113
JC1  Apr 29, 2023 • 2:19:48pm

re: #110 7-y (Expectation of Great Things in Due Course)

Given Disney’s creative staff I bet there is a cartoon character based on DeSantis coming up in something soon.

They have Goofy already.

114
ckkatz  Apr 29, 2023 • 2:24:52pm
115
retired cynic  Apr 29, 2023 • 2:25:25pm

He blew the whistle on Trump’s Truth Social. Now he works at Starbucks.
The former high-ranking executive of Trump’s media company says he’s shared 150,000 internal documents with federal investigators. Many of his new strip-mall coworkers have no idea who he is.
wapo.st (gift link)

ANOTHER Trump failure/bankruptcy/fraud? I hadn’t known about this one!

After the Guardian’s report that federal prosecutors in New York were examining $8 million in Trump Media investments, CEO Nunes sued Wilkerson, the Guardian and a Florida journalist who had covered the story, saying Wilkerson’s goal had been “defaming Nunes” and that the report made Nunes “appear odious, ridiculous and contemptible.”

Oh. Surely not?

116
GlutenFreeJesus  Apr 29, 2023 • 2:26:18pm

re: #110 7-y (Expectation of Great Things in Due Course)

Ursulasantis.

117
Dangerman  Apr 29, 2023 • 2:30:42pm

tonight:

tuna melts
hers over rye
mine over asparagus

carrot fries (garlic, turmeric, olive oil, almond flour)

crustless cheesecake (yogurt, ricotta, eggs, vanilla, honey)
topped with blueberries

and coppola’s claret

118
Michele: Out of the closet, Into the fire  Apr 29, 2023 • 2:33:48pm

Sloppy Joe’s and tots here.

119
Nerdy Fish  Apr 29, 2023 • 2:35:20pm

re: #118 Michele: Out of the closet, Into the fire

Sloppy Joe’s and tots here.

Taco Bell here, but with a twist: We had a massive snafu with the order. It got stuck in a really weird state, and Mrs. Fish wound up going and giving the store manager the third degree about it. We got our food eventually, but it was a mess.

120
Eclectic Cyborg  Apr 29, 2023 • 2:36:31pm

re: #119 Nerdy Fish

Taco Bell here, but with a twist: We had a massive snafu with the order. It got stuck in a really weird state, and Mrs. Fish wound up going and giving the store manager the third degree about it. We got our food eventually, but it was a mess.

Your food went to Florida?

/

121
7-y (Expectation of Great Things in Due Course)  Apr 29, 2023 • 2:36:33pm

re: #119 Nerdy Fish

Taco Bell here, but with a twist: We had a massive snafu with the order. It got stuck in a really weird state, and Mrs. Fish wound up going and giving the store manager the third degree about it. We got our food eventually, but it was a mess.

Tuna steaks!

122
Nerdy Fish  Apr 29, 2023 • 2:38:31pm

re: #120 Eclectic Cyborg

Your food went to Florida?

/

No, but funny story about that: On one order Mrs. Fish put in last year sometime, it wound up getting routed to a store in like Illinois or something. They had clearly been dealing with it for a while by the time we came along, because as soon as she called the store, the manager said, “Lemme guess. You placed an online order and you need to cancel it.”

123
gwangung  Apr 29, 2023 • 2:41:13pm

re: #110 7-y (Expectation of Great Things in Due Course)

Given Disney’s creative staff I bet there is a cartoon character based on DeSantis coming up in something soon.

Ought to be gender-swapped, dontya think?

124
William Lewis  Apr 29, 2023 • 2:43:33pm

My ham and cheese on French bread from last night with an orange. I had intended to get a side salad from the restaurant here but ordered an entree sized house salad instead. Oops! Ate the salad and saved the sammy.

125
William Lewis  Apr 29, 2023 • 2:45:10pm

re: #123 gwangung

Ought to be gender-swapped, dontya think?

Nah, but a sequence requiring drag to escape from the good guys ala the myth of Jeff Davis would be good ;)

126
PhillyPretzel  Apr 29, 2023 • 2:45:51pm

Since everyone else is sharing what they are eating for dinner here is mine: mac and cheese and some leftover corn in butter sauce.

127
7-y (Expectation of Great Things in Due Course)  Apr 29, 2023 • 2:46:25pm

re: #123 gwangung

Ought to be gender-swapped, dontya think?

I know a budtender trans man who resembles him. Hmm.

128
Dangerman  Apr 29, 2023 • 2:47:37pm

tfg planning a ‘big rally’ in iowa
also NH
that’s how he campaigns

it’s clear he wont meet with people up close and personal

go to a fair?
eat all manner of local strange food? (even a gimmie - that time he ate pizza with a fork)
not a chance

129
BigPapa  Apr 29, 2023 • 2:47:42pm

I can state unequivocally that I don’t know what I’m having for dinner. We’re going to Hilo to see kiddos run and we’ll go to dinner after.

130
sagehen  Apr 29, 2023 • 2:49:17pm

I just ate leftover pizza and a pop tart… I have several things in the fridge I’d thought about cooking, but suddenly I’m not hungry anymore.

131
Joe Bacon  Apr 29, 2023 • 2:49:30pm

Dr. put me on Victroza last Wednesday. Have to inject every morning and it has dulled my appetite. Lately for dinner have just had some soup, cereal, cottage cheese or yogurt. Just don’t feel like eating at night. The goal is to get the a1c back under control. If that fails then I will be forced to go on insulin.

132
ckkatz  Apr 29, 2023 • 2:50:11pm

I’m not even sure what to say anymore. Leaving in both tweets to provide context.

133
Romantic Heretic  Apr 29, 2023 • 2:51:00pm

re: #87 Joe Bacon

When all you have is a hammer etc.

134
Michele: Out of the closet, Into the fire  Apr 29, 2023 • 2:52:28pm

re: #123 gwangung

Ought to be gender-swapped, dontya think?

Goddess above, no. We have enough wack jobs in the Community as it is. (C. Jenner, I’m looking at you) we don’t need anymore. Cartoon character or not.

135
ckkatz  Apr 29, 2023 • 2:58:27pm

My dinner is the remains of yesterday’s ‘experiment’. I am not a fan of canned chicken. But bought an 8 pack from Costco for grins, a while ago. So, I am trying various combinations to see what might work.

This one is a packet Knorr’s chicken pasta, a can of peas and carrots, and a can of chicken. Not fine dining, but also not terrible. I really should have used two Knorr’s packets, though. I did add a salad to ensure that at least something I was eating had clearly been alive at some point.

136
ckkatz  Apr 29, 2023 • 3:02:16pm
137
ckkatz  Apr 29, 2023 • 3:04:29pm
138
gocart mozart  Apr 29, 2023 • 3:04:35pm

I love when Python members like my Python tweets

139
BlueSpotinAL  Apr 29, 2023 • 3:05:58pm

re: #126 PhillyPretzel

Since everyone else is sharing what they are eating for dinner here is mine: mac and cheese and some leftover corn in butter sauce.

Neighborhood potluck coming up, we are bringing cheese and fruit. Who knows what else there will be?

140
ckkatz  Apr 29, 2023 • 3:09:52pm

re: #115 retired cynic

Ouch!

141
ckkatz  Apr 29, 2023 • 3:14:17pm
142
Michele: Out of the closet, Into the fire  Apr 29, 2023 • 3:15:19pm

re: #135 ckkatz

My dinner is the remains of yesterday’s ‘experiment’. I am not a fan of canned chicken. But bought an 8 pack from Costco for grins, a while ago. So, I am trying various combinations to see what might work.

This one is a packet Knorr’s chicken pasta, a can of peas and carrots, and a can of chicken. Not fine dining, but also not terrible. I really should have used two Knorr’s packets, though. I did add a salad to ensure that at least something I was eating had clearly been alive at some point.

I use the Knorr Fettuccine Alfreda and a boneless chicken breast cut into strips and fried for a quick and dirty Chicken Alfredo.

143
ckkatz  Apr 29, 2023 • 3:17:12pm

re: #142 Michele: Out of the closet, Into the fire

I use the Knorr Fettuccine Alfreda and a boneless chicken breast cut into strips and fried for a quick and dirty Chicken Alfredo.

Thanks!

I’ll put that on the to-try list.

144
gocart mozart  Apr 29, 2023 • 3:21:26pm
145
DodgerFan1988  Apr 29, 2023 • 3:24:03pm

re: #141 ckkatz

[Embedded content]

146
ckkatz  Apr 29, 2023 • 3:31:05pm

When Crazy Town takes their band name far too seriously. Sounds like the Dorsey Brother’s Band

147
Joe Bacon  Apr 29, 2023 • 3:35:10pm
148
Belafon  Apr 29, 2023 • 3:36:55pm

re: #93 jaunte

I posted the left picture at Facebook with the line “Just so you know which side is which, the people in the picture are protesting against a drag event in Ohio.”

149
ckkatz  Apr 29, 2023 • 3:40:14pm

re: #147 Joe Bacon

Love it!

A lady started to call out Youngkin when he tried to campaign in a Northern Virginia Wegmans. One of his goons got right up in her face , put his arm on her and started talking at her. Fortunately he hasn’t tried that crap again since then.

150
Joe Bacon  Apr 29, 2023 • 3:41:47pm

I still cannot comprehend just how stupid one has to be to actually say out loud that James Woods is impersonating Joe Biden.

151
ckkatz  Apr 29, 2023 • 3:45:05pm

re: #150 Joe Bacon

I still cannot comprehend just how stupid one has to be to actually say out loud that James Woods is impersonating Joe Biden.

I always wonder if these mooks are actually idiots or if they are just cosplaying one. In the end, I’m not sure it matters, though. Both alternatives are effectively in the same space.

152
GlutenFreeJesus  Apr 29, 2023 • 3:47:36pm

re: #150 Joe Bacon

This is why the republicans don’t actually want to do anything about mental illness in their country. It would decrease their voter base.

153
ckkatz  Apr 29, 2023 • 3:48:05pm

Speaking of mooks, idiots, and a former tv personality’s audience…

154
Joe Bacon  Apr 29, 2023 • 3:52:00pm

Who is she to determine whom The Big G blesses?

155
gocart mozart  Apr 29, 2023 • 3:54:02pm

Simon is back with the Yo Momma jokes. This victim is a fascist gun nut.

156
Backwoods_Sleuth  Apr 29, 2023 • 3:54:36pm
157
jaunte  Apr 29, 2023 • 3:54:47pm
158
teleskiguy  Apr 29, 2023 • 3:59:19pm

Mastodon

159
Jay C  Apr 29, 2023 • 4:00:23pm

re: #154 Joe Bacon

Who is she to determine whom The Big G blesses?

Also: “homeschool mom” and also a member of the School Board?

160
Backwoods_Sleuth  Apr 29, 2023 • 4:02:28pm

Mastodon

161
Backwoods_Sleuth  Apr 29, 2023 • 4:03:59pm
162
Eclectic Cyborg  Apr 29, 2023 • 4:04:24pm

Just got this message.

Totally legit, I’m sure.

//

163
Mattand  Apr 29, 2023 • 4:06:42pm

re: #19 Yeah Sure WhatEVs

I fukkin hate raw story.

They didn’t point it out either. Thanks for that highly informative article, raw story. Well done.

I stopped reading Raw Story years ago when they, along with Crooks & Liars, were in the throes of 9/11 trutherism. I forget which site it was, but I got called, unironically, a government plant spreading misinformation in one of the user forums.

Not sure if they ever got better, but I haven’t been bothered to find out.

164
Love-Child of Cassandra and Sisyphus  Apr 29, 2023 • 4:06:49pm

re: #153 ckkatz

Be careful of ratings during NBA playoffs.

165
teleskiguy  Apr 29, 2023 • 4:07:27pm

re: #162 Eclectic Cyborg

I’ve been getting a bunch of those. Once, twice a day now for a couple weeks. Mildly annoying, sure.

166
Backwoods_Sleuth  Apr 29, 2023 • 4:09:16pm

Mastodon

167
Romantic Heretic  Apr 29, 2023 • 4:09:28pm

re: #153 ckkatz

The addicts had to find a new dealer.

168
gocart mozart  Apr 29, 2023 • 4:10:18pm
169
William Lewis  Apr 29, 2023 • 4:11:32pm

re: #159 Jay C

Also: “homeschool mom” and also a member of the School Board?

How better to destroy public education and be able to steal that sweet sweet education money?

170
Love-Child of Cassandra and Sisyphus  Apr 29, 2023 • 4:12:01pm

re: #168 gocart mozart

Everybody’s favorite threaded interpreter.

171
Backwoods_Sleuth  Apr 29, 2023 • 4:14:15pm

Mastodon

172
ckkatz  Apr 29, 2023 • 4:17:38pm
173
Backwoods_Sleuth  Apr 29, 2023 • 4:22:56pm
174
Barefoot Grin  Apr 29, 2023 • 4:24:26pm

re: #145 DodgerFan1988

I may be wrong, but I feel like I remember that a large share of the “slaves” owned by free Black Americans were family members purchased out of bondage.

175
ckkatz  Apr 29, 2023 • 4:25:15pm

Not the NYT Pitchbot.
(When satire and reality are indistinguishable.).

176
Barefoot Grin  Apr 29, 2023 • 4:25:38pm

re: #173 Backwoods_Sleuth

“Why are liberals doing nearly a twice or more daily red flag mass shooting event these days?” //

177
Backwoods_Sleuth  Apr 29, 2023 • 4:30:12pm

Mastodon

178
Hecuba's daughter  Apr 29, 2023 • 4:35:34pm

re: #159 Jay C

Also: “homeschool mom” and also a member of the School Board?

AFAIK, anyone can be elected to the School Board, regardless of whether they have children in the public schools. They may have to live in the district but that is usually the only requirement.

179
ckkatz  Apr 29, 2023 • 4:37:44pm

re: #174 Barefoot Grin

I may be wrong, but I feel like I remember that a large share of the “slaves” owned by free Black Americans were family members purchased out of bondage.

I understand that it’s a very complicated and politically-loaded issue. One that has been debated for many years.

My understanding is yes. Some black slave owners were motivated as an act of exploitation. And in other cases were motivated by benevolence and philanthropy.

In any case, afaict, the number of black slave owners was very small compared to the number of white slave owners. And the number of slaves they owned was also very small.

Black Slave Owners

Did Black People Own Slaves?

180
Hecuba's daughter  Apr 29, 2023 • 4:38:50pm

re: #162 Eclectic Cyborg

[Embedded content]

Just got this message.

Totally legit, I’m sure.

//

Sounds like a lot of the texts I receive; usually though they have to do with Amazon or Netflix

181
Dangerman  Apr 29, 2023 • 4:45:25pm

182
Teukka  Apr 29, 2023 • 4:54:49pm

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