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Skulls Unlimited International hopes you and your family had a wonderful holiday season. Beginning with this issue, the Skulls Unlimited monthly newsletter will be changing to a quarterly delivery. It has been a daunting and sometimes impossible task to keep up with our regular duties and still get this newsletter out at the scheduled time. This change will allow our staff a much-needed chance to breathe. Best wishes in the new year and please enjoy this issue of the Skulls Unlimited quarterly newsletter.
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NEW CATALOG |
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The 2008 Skulls Unlimited Catalog is almost finished. This ever-popular catalog features over 500 hundred real bone and replica skulls and skeletons as well as dental formulas, dietary information, species origins and average skull lengths. Loaded with many new products, be sure to order your copy today. To order the 2008 Skulls Unlimited Catalog, call; 800-659-7585 or click here to order online.
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MUSEUM OF OSTEOLOGY UPDATE |
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On November 26th, the Museum of Osteology received a huge gift, compliments of the Smithsonian Institution National Museum of Natural History in the form of 120 museum specimen storage cases. The acquisition of these used, but perfectly usable cases first presented itself back in October of 2004 when Jay Villemarette and Joey Williams visited the Smithsonian to photograph several whale specimens for Jay's upcoming book. Smithsonian Marine Mammal Collection Manager, Charley Potter, informed Jay that the Smithsonian was going to have a surplus of used cases available for donation. Jay and Joey eagerly jumped at the thought of outfitting the Museum of Osteology with these cases. Jay says; "New museum specimen cases usually cost between $1000 and $2000 each, so this donation has really helped our museum get up and running when it comes to storage. Now begins the long task of cataloging and organizing the collections." The Museum of Osteology would again like to thank Charley Potter and everyone at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History who made the donation of these cases a reality. In addition to the storage cases, the final stages of construction of the museum are nearing completion. Despite continued delays due to contractors scheduling, the oak railings and glass have been installed in the mezzanine balcony. With an elevator and display cases being installed in the next few months, Jay has set a target opening for fall of 2008.
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SKULLS UNLIMITED IS STILL DIRTY |
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As previously reported, Skulls Unlimited has once again been featured on Discovery Channel's Dirty Jobs. In this re-edited episode, entitled "Creepy, Slimy and Just Plain Weird", Mike Rowe revisits the Skulls Unlimited boil pot, bug room and maceration tote. Between the original episode, "Skull Cleaner", and this new version, you can be sure to catch a re-run soon.
 Dirty Jobs host, Mike Rowe, at Skulls Unlimited's cleaning facility |
T-SHIRT CONTEST WINNER |
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This issue's winner is James T. Collins and Dick Sowers. James and Dick will receive a $50 Skulls Unlimited gift certificate. To enter the Skulls Unlimited T-shirt Contest simply send us a color photograph, or digital image showing you or someone you know wearing one of our T-shirts. Originality will count, so choose a pose in front of a well known landmark, at your job, exotic regions of the world, in the classroom or just lounging around. Each entry will receive a gift certificate for $9.95. We will choose a new winner each issue. To learn more about the t-shirt contest or to see previous entries, visit,
http://www.skullsunlimited.com/t-shirt_contest.html.
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James T Collins and Dick Sowers
Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
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SKULLS UNLIMITED‘S FEATURED EMPLOYEES |
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Skulls Unlimited would like to take time to recognize three of our valued employees. Thanks to Allyson, Dee and Clark for helping make Skulls Unlimited what it is today. To read about Allyson, Dee, Clark and the rest of the Skulls Unlimited crew, go to; http://www.skullsunlimited.com/employees.htm
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MUSEUM OF OSTEOLOGY CHALLENGE |
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The Museum of Osteology Challenge is a chance for all of you skull enthusiasts to show off the size of your craniums. The Museum of Osteology, although not yet open to the public, houses a large collection of rare and unique skull specimens. Each issue, this newsletter will feature a new photograph of a specimen. The first three individuals that can correctly identify the pictured specimen will win one of our new Skulls Unlimited Est. in 1986 T-Shirts and have their names posted in the next newsletter. Winners will be the envy of all their skull collecting friends! This contest is open to all ages. Only one guess per individual, per issue will be accepted. Guesses must include the animal's common, genus and species names. (Example: Human, Homo sapiens) Entries lacking any of these will not be accepted. Email your answers to: education@skullsunlimited.com
Congratulations to David Whiting of Tampa Fl. for being the only person to correctly identifying last issue's mystery skull as a South American Short Eared Dog, Atelocynus microtis.
This issue's mystery skull measures 6 ¼ inches (15.9cm) long.
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NEW ITEM |
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Bull Terrier Skull
Replica
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Bull Terrier Skull
Canis familiaris
Bull terriers are a muscular, stalky breed originally used for fighting in the late 1800‘s. This breed‘s most recognizable feature is its "egg-shaped" head and sloping Roman muzzle, giving it a unique canid skull. One of the more popular stars of this breed was Spuds MacKenzie from the late 1980's beer commercials.
Order Online with our secure shopping cart at www.skullsunlimited.com/bull-terrier-skull.html
Order by phone at 1800-659-SKULL or 405-794-9300
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NEW ITEM |
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Bat-eared Fox Skull
Otocyon megalotis
The bat-eared fox, native to the African savanna, is named for its large bat-like ears. The teeth of this largely insectivorous species are much smaller than teeth of other canid species. In addition, the bat-eared fox is unique in having extra premolar and molar teeth giving them a dental count higher than all other canids. Bat-eared foxes are nocturnal and live in small groups consisting of breeding pairs and their offspring.
Order Online with our secure shopping cart at www.skullsunlimited.com/bat-eared-fox.html
Order by phone at 1800-659-SKULL or 405-794-9300
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Bat-eared Fox Skull
Replica
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NEW ITEM |
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Pale Sand Fox Skull
Replica
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Pale Sand Fox
Vulpes pallida
The pale sand fox is native to regions of Africa including Senegal, Sudan and Somalia. This species is predominately nocturnal and gregarious, living in small packs usually consisting of three individuals. The pale sand fox feeds on small vertebrates, eggs, insects and some fruits.
Order Online with our secure shopping cart at www.skullsunlimited.com/pale-sand-fox.html
Order by phone at 1800-659-SKULL or 405-794-9300
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NEW ITEM |
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African Cape Fox Skull
Vulpes chama
The African Cape fox is native to the arid savannas and semi-desert scrub of sub-Saharan Africa. This nocturnal species is primarily solitary but sometimes den communally. The cape fox will cache food to eat later. Their diet consists of small vertebrates, insects and carrion.
Order Online with our secure shopping cart at www.skullsunlimited.com/african-cape-fox.html
Order by phone at 1800-659-SKULL or 405-794-9300
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African Cape Fox Skull
Replica
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NEW ITEM |
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Striped White-naped Weasel Skull
Replica
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Striped White-naped Weasel Skull
Poecilogale albinucha
The African striped, or white-naped, weasel is the sole member of genus Poecilogale. Native to sub-Saharan Africa, this species resembles a striped polecat, but it is much thinner and has shorter hair. This nocturnal species inhabits forests, wetlands, and grasslands and feeds on small vertebrates. As a form of defense, this weasel can emit a noxious odor from its anal glands.
Order Online with our secure shopping cart at www.skullsunlimited.com/striped-white-naped-weasel-skull.html
Order by phone at 1800-659-SKULL or 405-794-9300
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NEW ITEM |
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Black Spider Monkey
Ateles paniscus
Spider monkeys inhabit tropical forests from southern Mexico to Brazil. Although an omnivore, a spider monkey's diet consists primarily of fruits and nuts. Named for their extremely long limbs and tail, this species resembles a spider when moving through the canopy. Due to habitat destruction from South American agriculture, spider monkey populations are declining.
Order Online with our secure shopping cart at www.skullsunlimited.com/spider-monkey-skull.html
Order by phone at 1800-659-SKULL or 405-794-9300
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Black Spider Monkey Skull
Replica
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NEW ITEM |
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Slender Loris Skull
Replica
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Slender Loris
Loris tardigradus
The slender loris is a small, nocturnal primate native to the tropical rainforests of Southern India and Sri Lanka. This species is arboreal, spending most of its life in trees. The slender loris is primarily insectivorous, but will also eat slugs, leaves, flowers, eggs and nestlings. Due to habitat destruction and supposed traditional medicinal use, slender loris populations have greatly declined.
Order Online with our secure shopping cart at www.skullsunlimited.com/slender-loris-skull.html
Order by phone at 1800-659-SKULL or 405-794-9300
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NEW ITEM |
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Musk ox Skull
Ovibos moschatus
The Musk ox, named for the musky odor emitted by the males of this species, once ranged over much of Asia and North America. Now this prehistoric left-over is mainly inhabits regions of the arctic within Canada and Greenland. Historically, and before being hunted to extirpation, Alaska also supported populations of Musk ox.
Order Online with our secure shopping cart at www.skullsunlimited.com/musk-ox-skull.html
Order by phone at 1800-659-SKULL or 405-794-9300
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Musk ox Skull
Replica
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NEW ITEM |
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Baird's Beaked Whale
Replica
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Baird's Beaked Whale
Berardius bairdii
The Baird's beaked whale is found in the northern Pacific Ocean, the Sea of Japan and the southern part of the Sea of Okhotsk. Specimens have been recorded as far north as the Bering Sea and as far south as the Baja California peninsula.
| WTQ-442 | Replica: $3,500.00 |
Order Online with our secure shopping cart at www.skullsunlimited.com/bairds-beaked-whale.html
Order by phone at 1800-659-SKULL or 405-794-9300
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NEW ITEM |
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Great White Shark
Carcharodon carcharias
Despite the false reputation given this species by Hollywood, the great white shark is the largest predatory fish in the world reaching a length of up to 20 feet and weighing as much as 4,000 pounds. This species name refers to its white belly.
Order Online with our secure shopping cart at www.skullsunlimited.com/great-white-shark-jaw.html
Order by phone at 1800-659-SKULL or 405-794-9300
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Great White Jaw
Replica
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NEW ITEM |
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Port Jackson Shark Jaw
Replica
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Port Jackson Shark Jaw
Heterodontus portusjacksoni
The Port Jackson shark, a species of bullhead shark, inhabits coastal regions of southern Australia. This migratory species has a large head with unique teeth for crushing their diet of hard-shelled mollusks, crustaceans and sea urchins.
| WBC-250 Jaw | Replica: $140.00 |
Order Online with our secure shopping cart at www.skullsunlimited.com/port-jackson-shark-jaw.html
Order by phone at 1800-659-SKULL or 405-794-9300
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NEW ITEM |
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Giant Squid Beak
Architeuthis sp.
Giant squid inhabit the deep waters of the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific Oceans. Like most squid, they possess a parrot-like beak that is used to cut its prey into small pieces before swallowing.
Order Online with our secure shopping cart at www.skullsunlimited.com/giant-squid-beak.html
Order by phone at 1800-659-SKULL or 405-794-9300
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Giant Squid Beak
Replica
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