Heavenly bodies

Some seek immortality through art. Others through philanthropy. A few trust the as yet unperfected science of cryogenics. Now we learn of another way, more corporeal, more flesh-rendingly shocking, altogether more stunning. You can, at the appropriate moment, become a "model" for the Bodyworlds project, and be held for ever in some suitably dramatic pose, possibly on top of a horse or in mortal combat with another recently departed one, provided, that is, that the preservation techniques hold out.

Some seek immortality through art. Others through philanthropy. A few trust the as yet unperfected science of cryogenics. Now we learn of another way, more corporeal, more flesh-rendingly shocking, altogether more stunning. You can, at the appropriate moment, become a "model" for the Bodyworlds project, and be held for ever in some suitably dramatic pose, possibly on top of a horse or in mortal combat with another recently departed one, provided, that is, that the preservation techniques hold out.

But who'll get the chance? It is a strange business, choosing the right sort of models. No doubt the auditions will have a strange sort of quality to them; at their worst they could degenerate into a sort of Pop Idol-meets-chapel-of-rest experience. Fame is a wonderful thing, but perhaps the contestants should be reminded; as with other earthly chattels, you can't take it with you.