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Saturday, February 9, 2002

Saturday afternoon after the ACT was over, everyone re-gathered in room 225 for the "Main Event" -- unwrapping part of Butch's covering and exploring his body cavity with an endoscope. This was in hopes of finding some salvageable body tissue or a tooth which could be used for DNA and carbon dating tests. What an amazing experience!

(Click on any image to see a full screen version.)

	Larry & Faraz set up cameras.		Butch has a hole in his shoulder through which the endoscope will go.
	Time to check x-rays and adjust room light.		Ron explains what he will do with the endoscope.
	Ron & Jerry examine more x-rays.		More explanations for the screen.
	Discussing where to begin.		What did you say?
	Alert listeners and pupils.		Ron and Laura discuss what the viewer is showing -- is that really lung tissue?
	Cameras need lots of closeups.		TV viewer of body cavity.
	Avid learners include teachers too!		Student helper has to monitor the scope - "Hold it just so!"
	Camera work on the x-rays.		Ron and Laura lean in for a better angle.
	Jerry explains details to an eager student - Tom Kayes.		Close up of the close up.
	Laura D'Alessandro sets up to "unwrap" Butch for his examination.		Everyone is holding their breath as the endoscope closes in on tissue.
	Laura repaired Butch ten years ago when he was in really bad shape.		It's not easy to recognize what you are seeing.
	On your mark, pull on your gloves.		Is that wrapping or tissue?
	The first step is to remove the cartonnage.		Another closeup of ta closeup.
	The cartonnage was set aside for later examination.		Tissue sample destined for carbon dating and or  DNA tests.
	Ok, time for another closeup.		Tom takes a closer look at the sample.
	And another.  Can't have too many!		Ron & Laura go into the side of Butch's face coverings to find a tooth.
	The first cut - to remove Butch's outer wrappings.		Close camera work as the teeth are exposed.
	It's a better angle for the camera from the other side!		Getting a tooth was hard work!  Where's a dentist when you need one?
	Laura continues to carefully clip the wrappings.		Tissue samples ready and labeled.
	Some of her tools - scissors, scalpel, etc.		John had to do research and scan materials while the mummy operations were going on.
	Patient watchers from the side...most of them holding their breath!		The Saturday Crew -- at least most of them!

Starting at 1 p.m. and working straight through to 6 p.m., students and staff watched in awe as Ron, Jerry, and Mummy Conservationist Laura D'Allesandro explored Butch for future generations.  It was exhausting and wonderful and humbling.  Afterwards, the NGC crew headed for the NCHS gym to film students entering the school for the Winter Dance.  (They wanted a bit of "color" for their special.)  Everyone else packed up and went home to recover...and to wait for the fall premier of The Mummy Road Show presents "A most unusual student body"!