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I’ve been thinking about lycanthropy–maybe because we’re just that much closer to Halloween, maybe because the “Back to the Future” ride is closing down (I just can’t choose between McFly and Teen Wolf), or maybe it’s because of all the traction that Sea Wolf song is getting (though my friends Hang the Lights romanced the topic quite beautifully first). It’s been conjectured that the ergot in people’s rye bread was responsible for episodes of clinical lycanthropy, which continues to be treated today, right along other body dysmorphic disorders (like BIID). A Wisconsin man acted out under this delusion earlier this year. And plucked from the annals of feral children tales: a boy sheltered by the wild dogs of Transylvania, an Uzbeki boy living in the wild for eight years, and of course “The Wolf Girls of Midnapore.” I have to say, if I were banished to the wild, I’d absolutely prefer to be raised by wolves. Or at least huskies. Or even–after viewing this clip–water buffalo. Anybody else?
Comments (6)
Comment
Wow; that water buffalo thing was amazing. The full-length, unedited version is called Battle at Kruger; search youtube for LU8DDYz68kM
Speaking of messy nature videos, how about a catch-and-release between a python and a hippo? Ugh. Search youtube for VryQDsx5Ad8
posted by Dave on 9-7-2007 at 7:55 pm
Ready? Okay!
Go! Go! Buff-a-lo! Block that Lion from the goal! DEFENSE!!
Not a good idea to invite a crocodile to provide the diversion at half-time.
posted by Allison on 9-8-2007 at 10:02 am
The buffalo were awesome, I saw that on TV a while back.
I think I’d prefer to be raised by wolves though, nothing tries to eat them!
posted by Korin on 9-8-2007 at 12:41 pm
Many, MANY years ago (think it was’67) I dated and was briefly engaged to a girl who came from a much ‘higher’ social group than mine.
When our engagement was announced, her folks, of course, had to throw a party. I was not uncomfortable in the company, but found the majority of them to be self-absored twits - still do, there’s plenty of them here in Aiken County. They’re called “horse people”.
When people would ask what I “did” I’d tell them I was a lycanthropist. With few exceptions, they’d ask, “Oh! Is that a good field? My son/nephew/daughter/neice is looking for a good career path.”
Only person who caught me was a psychologist. He walked away laughing his a$$ off after comlimenting me on my education and wit.
I still giggle about that evening.
She and I did not marry. Just as well. She ended up hooked with an “artist”, bloomed to 300 pounds, and produced a baby every year…
posted by Doc on 9-8-2007 at 12:44 pm
@Allison Lovin the football references! Go Seahawks!
posted by Johnny Cat on 9-8-2007 at 10:45 pm
I would absolutely be raised by wolves. I’ve been around wolves and half wolves (I know a lot of Indians) and they are the most loyal creatures. And very protective of their own. If you get in good with a pack, you’re set.
posted by Katie on 9-9-2007 at 8:27 pm