First of all, allow me to introduce myself. My name is A.J. Rappaport. Now, how I came to have that name is a story in its self. You see my Daddy’s name is Joshua, and his Daddy’s name is Joshua, so, they called me A.J.  - just ‘another Joshua.’ I am in the News Paper game. I was first sent to this fine Establishment on July the first in the Year of our Lord 1908.  I came here to write a report for the Herald Democrat. Only one of the most respected periodicals in Leadville, Colorado, if I do say so myself. You see, I’m a freelance writer whose interests include science and nature, so it would seem a most natural fit, which indeed it is. However, at this moment I find myself in another Time, and this place has changed quite a bit.  A reporter’s paradise, to be sure.

On my initial visit in 1908, the Exhibits were not as realistic –not as close to nature, perhaps you might say - as they seem to be in your more modern time.  One could examine a Particular Species by looking at it perched on a stand and reading a plaque. Now as I gaze upon the fauna and flora in the dioramas it is more like being at a very particular spot in our great State, a true depiction of nature. The visitors are treated to a sight one can only see if one is able to sit quietly, and for longer than I am capable, for certain. And how the art of Taxidermy has advanced! In my day the animals looked much starker, impressive, no doubt, but perhaps a little… dry.  But today, it is as if they stand ready to pounce or to retreat, as the case may be for the individual.

I have enjoyed many conversations with the people of Modern Day Denver, as well as other parts of this Wonderful Country of ours. What a World you live in!  I am forever amazed at the Technology of the modern time. I understand that the flying contraption of the Wright brothers is a common form of transportation - will wonders never cease? It also has been brought to my attention that most families have at least one horseless carriage with the rather swift name of “cars.” Want is more, I understand the people of today are able to talk on the telephone while they drive in that very same car, my my! Cars and airplanes, and even ships to space! I learn something new most every day, and jot it down, for posterity, you understand.

I look forward to using this most unique and heretofore unknown form of communication as a means to report to all of you about my continued education in matters of Scientific Advancement, as well as some of my more interesting conversations with the visitors of your time. If there is one thing that has not changed over the century, it is this: folk are as strange and curious as ever.  So until the next time, I shall bid you all a fond farewell.

A.J.