I went to the first Body Worlds in Los Angeles and it was amazing. Yes it was both creepy yet fascinating to see a human sliced the way bologna is yet it offered us a view of the human body we would've never seen before. It's back again this year and I plan to go. I personally would not donate my body though. I don't like the idea of my shell being around forever.

I also keep saying I'm going to make it down to see the Bodies Exhibit, but haven't yet. Here in NY, Cuomo and the owners reached a settlement because the owners could not prove that the cadavers weren't Chinese prisoners that were tortured and executed. If you google "Bodies exhibit" and "Gothamist" you should get the article from May 29th.

Lorie Ann, Buellton, Calif.

If you think the Body Worlds thing is "different" you should read about the "Body Farm" at the University of Tennessee, started by forensic anthropologist Dr. William Bass. Bodies that are donated are used outdoors under different types of conditions to record how they decompose and then this information is available to medical examiners who are trying to determine cause of death, etc. in cases where foul play is suspected or someone needs identified.

Its a little startling and macabre to come across this facility in the rolling hills of East Tennessee with the Smoky Mountains in the background and all these bodies around, but its fascinating what they learn there.

Annie Kate
Birmingham AL

I have to say it was one of the best exhibits I have seen and if by chance the folks were homeless and without families I have to say the educational component was done in a dignified way.

If you go, look at the lungs, arteries and veins. Most of the bodies on exhibit were "smoker's bodies." The lungs are black and the veins and arteries are discolored. It confirmed my belief that I will never, ever smoke a cigarette.

A must see and two thumbs up next time it comes back to NYC.

I love all the outrage over Iraq. In 200 years, it will simply be another war blip on the map of history. It's easy to go back and say shoulda, woulda, coulda. No one could have known what was going to happen after Saddam was ousted. Changes were made based on the assessments after things didn't go so well. Things are improving. If you think you can do a better job, join the military, become an officer, and sit over doing their jobs. If not, stop whining and let the military do what it needs to in order to get the job done.

I have a cell phone. I let voice mail pick up the call while driving. No phone call is worth a human life. As for texting, I don't remember the last time I texted anyone. It all should be banned when people are on the road. No one or thing is that important. How did we function before our cell phones? A lot easier.

Texting while driving? I rarely answer my phone while driving. There are no calls that require me to risk my life or my fellow drivers lives. None.

I'm all for donating body parts but not my body for observation. I think it could be a very enlightening exhibit though. I would never go see it out of respect for the dead and the person's family members.

I remember when I was in pre-Medical school (80's) that there were two cadaver's from Indonesian heritage who's family members never claimed their bodies. They ended up in the Anatomy studies for 30 years by the time I was doing practicum on them. They were preserved with formaldehyde (you don't want to inhale that).

No!, I would not willingly donate my bodies so others can pinch and poke on it. Creepy thought!

Besides Hindu beliefs cremates the body so the soul can move on to another life or be forever liberated from earthly bound life.

However, some people recycle cremated ashes into compost to give back to planet earth. THis idea is much more comforting to me. Others opt for environmentally friendly "Green" burial.

Glad to see you posted. Always enjoyable to see what interesting topics you have to cover in your news notes. I've been to something similar to the Body Worlds thing you mentioned. Was interesting, really. A bit disgustign, but all the same, interesting. I recall having seen different displays of things like the blood vessels by themselves without being in the body, the spinal system, and more fascinating displays. Personally, I'm not sure I would donate my body to science. I am not quite decided on that one.: )

It doesn't surprise me about the Army and their report.

I suppose 'W' thought this was going to be easy like his father's war.

What a legacy he has created, the country is going to hell in a handbasket.

Being Greek Orthodox, the body should be respected with great care.

If I were to donate my body to science, I would be compelled to informed my priest of my decision, so there would be no surprises. To promote the health of other people in anyway is a great gift.

However, at this time I'm not sure...I should check with the DMV because know I think about it... I think I'm a donor???

Thanks Erica!