December 22, 2006: Ambergris

Katkeeper sends along this item which was highlighted in a NY Times story. What the lady there is holding is, apparently, ambergris -- a waxy substance whales will occasionally puke up or crap out, or which is found in their gut when they're killed.

Ms. Ferreira, shown above, was given this chunk by her sister. They are not sure that it is actually Ambergris. If it is, the blob will be worth $18,000, the story suggests. It's valuable because it's used in some of the most expensive product on the earth by weight: perfume. Apparently it can "fix" the scent of a perfume, allowing it to linger longer instead of evaporating.

Scientists think whales produce this stuff when they swallow sharp objects. They coat the objects with it so their insides aren't hurt. Like grit to an oyster's pearl, I suppose.

So, somewhere, evil perfume scientists are feeding razor blades to caged whales?

Her sister hates her. It's years of hardened pickings from the underside of her couch.

Blech SG. Seriously, ugh.

I can envision an expensive game of Fear Factor.

I think the aliens came early.

That's just snot. Hey, Waitaminnit ... IT'S FRIDAY. Although an animal may be peripherally involved, that is neither cute, nor furry, nor both.

Aw crap! The holiday season threw me off.

Ick. Further proof that being royalty will make you whacky.

I wanna' lick it.

More like:

i think i remember this stuff being described in detail in moby dick, a book i had to suffer through for summer reading

I have read it, about, five times and it gets better every time.
I almost had a second ed. but it was purchased out from under me a day before I could get it.