Is it alive . . . ?

Duane Hanson, George LeChat (aka Traveller), 1988

You know, the more I think about this taxidermy for people thing, the more I like it. I mean, why bury or cremate your loved ones when you can keep them with you? Right where they are today. On the couch! In the bathroom! And think of the testamentary opportunities. You could bequeath yourself to your favorite bar, and there you would be, night and day, as witty and fun as ever. Forever.

Of course, some skepticism remains to be overcome. For example, when I asked my girlfriend what she thought, she actually asked how this new situation would be any different from the present one. Really. I considered telling her to stuff it, but, you know, maybe I'll just put it in my will instead.