Duda's Epic Quest To Epicness

Medical Topic of the day:
Today's Topic:  Due to the frequency of cannibalism in the news recently, my friend Margaux would like me to discuss cannibalism and the various legalities of eating people.  I guess that is sort of a medical topic.  Let's see if the DSM-IV has a code for this.

Off the top of my head:  Quite simply cannibalism is eating your own species whether that be human or otherwise.  It is quite common in marine and insect life and does exist for some species of mammals including humans.  Let's look at reasons and causes for cannibalism in humans and find out more about this generally taboo subject.

My research today:  Human cannibalism is the practice of humans eating the flesh of other humans.  It is also called "anthropophagy."  The term cannibalism is derived from the Spanish name for a West Indies tribe called the Carib people who were well known for their practice of cannibalism.

Very few tribes or cultures still engage in cannibalistic rituals or practice, the Korowai tribe in New Guinea is a rare exception.  Some tribes still hold the belief that consuming all or parts of slain enemies or even friends/family will give you the power and or knowledge of that person.  Which is actually why I have dibs on Stephen Hawking's brain.

I just need that part Steve, no worries.

Cannibalistic behavior can result from extreme famine like in the case of the infamous Donner Party or can also be related to mental or psycho-sexual disorders.  If you don't want to sleep tonight do a Google search for the term "Vore."  Seriously though, you won't sleep for a couple days at least.  You're gonna do it anyways aren't you?  Well, I did warn you.

Cannibalism among humans is generally considered taboo and detestable in most cultures today and for the most part is considered grotesque at best.  It wasn't always that way though. Archaeologists have discovered strong evidence that early hominids and humans practiced cannibalism regularly both as a source of food and also for ritualistic purposes.

"ERNIE!  First cookies and now this?  You're getting brain crumbs everywhere!"
"Sorry Bert."

Cannibalism does not have an official psychologically recognized pathology listed in the DSM-IV although I would suspect that many psychological disorders contribute to those with fantasies or practices of cannibalism for perverse gratification.  There isn't any DSM IV codes for necrophilia or people who think they are vampires either.

Humans seem to have a unique morbid curiosity about cannibalism.  It is so taboo and horrifying that it makes imaginations run wild.  Both the Greeks and Romans had stories of gods that ate other gods or humans.  Examples of cannibalism in some form of another can be found in almost all mythologies.

Well that is all for today.  Feel free to hit me up with another topic for tomorrow.

Quest to 180:
Current Weight:  227
Activity Today:  Maybe I will force myself to do that EA trainer thing again.
Diet today:  Not too bad.

Comments: That EA Active Trainer makes my legs hurt so bad.

The MAN:
Confidence Level:  Better
Social Engineering Tactics:  Confidence
Comments:  Toughest thing to develop right there.  I will be working on this for a long time.


Random:
Listening to:  Nothing today.
Watching:  New Tricks again. I'm a glutton for punishment.
Reading:  A secret book I can't tell you about.
Something fun: Felcia Day's Youtube Channel - Watch it cause it's awesome and that is what all the cool peeps do.

Egyptians developed beer making skills as a way to preserve grains longer.  It was not like the beer we have today and more like a liquid bread.

Questions or comments can be submitted to dudaday@gmail.com

Disclaimer:  I am not a health care provider, any information presented in this blog should not be considered advice it is mearly an outlet to slake my curiosity.  You should always consult your primary medical provider for any concerns or illness.  Unlike Tylenol, I am not approved by the FDA or American Medical Association to treat or provide relief for any ailment.