That's a really insightful article. I don't think his Ottoman Empire example is accurate, though -- as far as I know, sitters reign across the whole of Asia. Also, the borders are both fuzzy and subject to change -- the pooping habits of Eastern Europe have shifted decisively to Sitting in the last couple of decades. But that is globalism in action -- the spread of capitalism and American values has been accompanied by the spread of Sitters.

Nevertheless: very interesting article. And good analysis by Logjam -- although I think Americans would live healthier lives if we both squatted and washed.

Hmmm...I'm writing a story that involves a fictional province in what is now Romania. For authenticity, perhaps I should have a scene where my characters are squatting to take Ye Olde Crappe? And what would they have cleaned up with afterwards? Rags, I suppose. Perhaps I must do further research!
Have a crappy day!
La Petomaine

Fantastic idea. The world needs more understanding of how everyone poops. Check out my blog, I've got some good poop/toilet stories there. http://summit-fever.blogspot.com/

Very good, and informative article Logjam.

There are so many different styles to toilets and methods of how excrete is treated, along with a myraid of pooping habits in different cultures.
_______
"If December be changeable and mild, the whole winter will remain a child."

The term 'squatter's rights' has its origins in the American West when certain territories that were not yet states offered free parcels of land to settlers if they would live on and develop them.

It was pretty much a first come, first-served proposition, and many of the settlers who moved into these territories to claim land literally 'squatted' there to outlast other settlers. No doubt, facilities were crude in the beginning once a homestead was established. But even before an outhouse could be built, these settlers needed to 'squat.'

So in this instance 'squatting' has some relevance to the Western World, as opposed to Third World countries.
_______
Pulling My Pants Down For Peace, Plop and Posterity!