Yo, Ho, Ho Ye Scurvy Dawg!

It's 'Talk Like a Pirate Day'. Pretty inane, but fun day - definately better than some holidays out there. I always have so love the nomiker 'Scurvy Dawg' - Scurvy as a disease has always fascinated me as well. I don't eat much citrus myself, but have yet to contract scurvy, no matter how hard I try.

Scurvy (N.Lat. scorbutus) is a disease that results from insufficient intake of vitamin C, which is required for correct collagen synthesis in humans. The scientific name of vitamin C, ascorbic acid, is derived from the latin name of scurvy, scorbutus. Scurvy leads to the formation of livid spots on the skin, spongy gums, and bleeding from almost all mucous membranes. The spots are most abundant on the thighs and legs, and a person with the ailment looks pale, feels depressed, and is partially immobilized.

Thank goodness for modern medicine- just give that wench some orange juice!