Skeletons in the Closet at the Coroner's Office

Last weekend was the Japanese Buddhist Day of the Dead celebration, which got me thinking that every day is the day of the dead at the Coroner's office. I've been to the Coroner's whimsical Skeletons in the Closet gift shop before and decided it was time for another visit. If you haven't been, they sell wacky things like a suit bag marked "body bag," a crime scene kit with the yellow tape and body-outlining chalk, a variety of plastic skeletons and skulls, plus t-shirts, mugs and beach towels printed with their logo of a chalk-outlined body.

Skeletons in the Closet, which uses the delightful tag line "We're dying for your business" and posts signs that say "Shoplifters' next-of-kin will be notified" and "Checks accepted with two forms of ID or dental records," takes their business very seriously. Proceeds go to the Coroner's Youthful Drunk Driver Visitation Program, an anti-drinking and driving program that includes a visit to the morgue for the participants.

Good to know that purchasing my favorite pen with the famous chalk-outlined body (shown here in white, blue, yellow, red, green and black versions) goes to preventing drinking and driving deaths, because there is no celebrating at the Coroner's office.

Click here to go to their Web site.