Game On?

At least 82 youths have died from the so-called "choking game," according to the first government count of fatalities from what they call a tragic fad. Or a plan to fill Darwin's waiting room.

In the game, children use dog leashes or bungee cords wrapped around their necks or other means to temporarily cut blood flow to their head. The goal is a dreamlike, floating-in-space feeling when blood rushes back into the brain. The game is also known by names that include "blackout," "space monkey" and "pass out". As many as 20% of teens and preteens play the game, sometimes in groups, according to estimates based on a few local studies - which sounds like a very questionable extrapolation. And naturally, nearly all the deaths were youths who played alone, according to the count compiled by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Is there some virus causing teens to accidentally kill themselves? Otherwise I'm not sure why the CDC is involved. Maybe the thought that it's a epidemic is fueling them.

The 82 deaths were spread across 31 states. Nearly 90% were boys, at an average age of about 13, the CDC found. The report is being published this week in a CDC publication, Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. Man that sounds cool...how can I get a subscription?

CDC officials urged parents to be aware the fad exists, and to watch for possible warning signs like bloodshot eyes, marks on the neck, frequent and severe headaches, disorientation after spending time alone, and ropes, scarves or belts tied to bedroom furniture or doorknobs or found knotted on the floor. If scarves alone are found, check for hidden frankincense and lutes - your child may be hanging out with gypsies.