Large Fierce Mammal

No Beethovens were harmed during the making of this Dark Sentiment.

“We all know what rotting meat smells like, and hence the term, “What died?” has entered the popular lexicon. Just words though, Goode Reader, for there is a quantum leap in the experience that lies between pulling the lid off something found forgotten at the back of the fridge, and the full flower of meaning inherent in those singular smells that truly cannot ever be unsmelled.” ~ Dark Sentiments 2015 – Day 10: What Died?

There’s an old joke about some grave robbers who decide to exhume none other than Ludwig van Beethoven shortly after his death in 1827.  Needless to say they are shocked to find him busily erasing sheets of music instead of lying in sweet repose. Asked what he is doing, he replies, “Decomposing.”

In Dark Sentiments 2013 – Day 13: Whither Thou Goest?, I introduced the incomparable Caitlin Doughty, whose spirit matches her surname. Today we will yield the floor to her once again in company with hard core embalmer, Monica Torres. The subject — Preparing Severely Decomposed Bodies for a Viewing.

Tomorrow night’s Dark Sentiment being of a culinary bent, what could be better? Consider this an appetizer.

Pour a nice black ale for this, and save some for tomorrow.