2020 Disasters just keep on coming

Rose Karuna · Nov 24, 2020

When recalling turkey disasters I can only think of WKRP in Cincinnati "As God is my witness, I thought Turkeys could fly".

Rose Karuna · Nov 24, 2020

Oh, we should not exclude toxic worms from 2020 disasters just because they're invertebrates.

An invasive, snake-like hammerhead worm is popping up in Georgia | CNN

Step aside “murder hornets,” sightings of an invasive species of a snake-like worm are being reported in Georgia.

www.cnn.com

The worms are carnivorous and feed primarily on earthworms, according to Murphy. However, they are also known to "prey on other soil dwelling invertebrates," Murphy said.
The worms produce tetrodotoxin, the same deadly neurotoxin produced by pufferfish, according to a study from Utah State University.
Murphy says there is not enough research on the function of the toxin within the worm's biology, but it is speculated that the toxin may help the worms to catch prey or to avoid being eaten themselves.
While the worms do not appear to secrete enough of the toxin through the skin to be considered dangerous, Murphy says to exercise caution, as tetrodotoxin is very dangerous.

CronoCloud Creeggan · Nov 24, 2020

Rose Karuna said:
Oh, we should not exclude toxic worms from 2020 disasters just because they're invertebrates.

An invasive, snake-like hammerhead worm is popping up in Georgia | CNN

Step aside “murder hornets,” sightings of an invasive species of a snake-like worm are being reported in Georgia.

www.cnn.com

Varying species of those things have been invasive for over a century, though I imagine climate change is increasing their spread and chance to see them. They eat earthworms but aren't really a problem for agriculture. They eat each other too, apparently.

Asian Lady Beetles on the other hand, can go to hell. They're assholes.

danielravennest · Nov 24, 2020

Rose Karuna said:
Oh, we should not exclude toxic worms from 2020 disasters just because they're invertebrates.

An invasive, snake-like hammerhead worm is popping up in Georgia | CNN

Step aside “murder hornets,” sightings of an invasive species of a snake-like worm are being reported in Georgia.

www.cnn.com

"If you have to dispatch the worms, he adds, use hot water or place them in dry paper towels to desiccate them."

I find the edge of a shovel works pretty well to dispatch snakes and giant worms, if swung overhead like an axe.

Innula Zenovka · Nov 25, 2020

danielravennest said:
"If you have to dispatch the worms, he adds, use hot water or place them in dry paper towels to desiccate them."

I find the edge of a shovel works pretty well to dispatch snakes and giant worms, if swung overhead like an axe.

According to the CNN report,

[University of Georgia agriculture extension agent James Murphy ] does not advise people to touch the worms with their hands. If you have to dispatch the worms, he adds, use hot water or place them in dry paper towels to desiccate them.

He says they can reproduce from cut body sections, and that would not be an advisable way to kill them.

danielravennest · Nov 25, 2020

Innula Zenovka said:
According to the CNN report,

Alright, then fire it is.

Sredni Eel · Nov 25, 2020

With just over a month left in Annus Horribulus (hey, I learned a thing from Queen Elizabeth!), why wouldn't it have a sense of humor about the way it's ending, and who better to enjoy its hijinks?

I have a question, however: If he got bitten on the schlong by a flea, was he storing the squirrels in his pants?

Johnny Rotten gets flea bites on groin after keeping squirrels in home

Iconic punk singer Johnny Rotten was shrieking a different tune after discovering flea bites on his penis and inner thigh after letting squirrels inside his Los Angeles home, a report said. “I look…

nypost.com