Rants

Moldy Taxidermy Tips

Monday, December 22nd, 2008

Mike B. sent us information and advice on tackling “moldy taxidermy,” the bane of wildlife exhibits and museums everywhere: “Mold on taxidermy mounts is a result of excessive humidity/moisture. Taxidermy mounts are, in essence, leather. Leather is prone to mold. A top quality moldicide can manage this. Do not try cleaning with bleach. Wiping mold [...]

Reluctant Pals of the Presidents

Sunday, October 26th, 2008

Mindful of the upcoming election, we decided it was timely to revisit the National Presidential Wax Museum.

Liquid Fate Reveals The Peril Of Chilled Attractions

Monday, September 29th, 2008

Life-size sculptures made of butter have become status symbols during State Fair season. They’ve grown increasingly sophisticated since the days when only one or two Midwestern states would hire someone to carve a half-ton cow. Now states ranging from Massachusetts to Texas vie to display the most elaborate dairy-derived art, whose subjects can range from [...]

When Muffler Men Sailed the Seas

Tuesday, September 16th, 2008

We originally planned to use our complimentary Time Machine tickets to travel back and warn Pearl Harbor or New Orleans. But now those temporal passes may have to be expended to get to April 26, 1964, to witness the Opening Day Yacht Parade in San Francisco Bay… …and see a Muffler Man riding in a [...]

Bone Pit Gawking Enjoys Mammoth Resurgence

Thursday, September 11th, 2008

People have stared at bones in pits ever since there have been bone pits old enough for detached viewing. Yet in recent years it has become an uncertain, even discouraged, activity. Indian burial pits that had been attractions in places such as Salina, Kansas, and at the Fountain of Youth in Florida were reburied under [...]

For Those Who Labor

Monday, September 1st, 2008

On a day when most of us are on vacation, it might be nice to reflect on — or, even better, to visit — places that remind us of people who aren’t. America is dotted like an office bingo card with monuments to jobs that you probably don’t want, and wouldn’t be qualified to perform [...]

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