Well, This Is What I Think

Apparently, authorities in Venezuela have left it “too late” to embalm the body of Hugo Chavez so it can lie in state in perpetuity. Which is not a happy thought in a tropical country. According to Russian and German scientists who are experts in the field of embalming (what a job!), his body is now a bit too gross and decomposed. “They tell us it’s very difficult because the process should have started earlier,” said acting President Nicolas Maduro. “Maybe we can’t do it. We are in the middle of the process. It’s complicated — it’s my duty to inform you.”

Luckily, a variety of other leaders have taken the precaution of having themselves embalmed before death, thus ensuring a quick trip to the crystal coffin in the supulchre.

(With thanks to Shuan Micallef for the joke, which was too good not to steal.)