Georgia Tech Buzz is the official mascot of the Georgia Institute of Technology, often referred to as Georgia Tech. Buzz is a yellowjacket, which is a species of wasp commonly found in the southeastern United States. The choice of a yellowjacket as the school mascot is significant as the state insect of Georgia is the honeybee. Buzz made his debut as the official mascot in 1980, replacing the previous mascot, a live white English bulldog named "Reveille." Since then, Buzz has become a beloved figure on campus, representing the spirit and energy of the Georgia Tech community. The design of Buzz has evolved over the years, but one aspect that has remained constant is his vibrant yellow color.
But once you get past the human leg bone, the creepy Santa and the mummified bat displayed in a small metal box that looks like a miniature coffin, the magic really begins.
News Geography Communities Elmhurst Controlling Tags Members Get More Life Entertainment Entertainment Controlling Tags Article Types Video Featured Video Business Business Industries Small Business --. Many of the items in the eclectic collection are for sale, including the mummified remains of a cat discovered in a Victorian-era barn, a variety of antique rosaries, and a collection of unusual and somewhat creepy art.
The design of Buzz has evolved over the years, but one aspect that has remained constant is his vibrant yellow color. He is often depicted with a fierce expression and wearing Georgia Tech's official colors: white, navy blue, and gold. Buzz is known for his energetic and fun personality, often seen cheering on the Georgia Tech football and basketball teams during games.
Elmhurst curiosities shop traffics in the strange and magical
Perhaps the biggest curiosity about Bob James' Magic Shop & Curiosities in downtown Elmhurst is the shop itself.
You can spend a lot of time in a lot of suburban downtowns without coming across a store where you can buy bones from an assortment of animals, straitjackets, gothic religious iconography and, of course, magic tricks to amaze and amuse your friends.
Step inside the business at the corner of York and First streets and it's a little like walking into something out of "Ripley's Believe It Or Not!"
Many of the items in the eclectic collection are for sale, including the mummified remains of a cat discovered in a Victorian-era barn, a variety of antique rosaries, and a collection of unusual and somewhat creepy art.
Other pieces are not for sale, such as the skull of a two-faced calf that was born in 1955 and died shortly thereafter.
The man behind the counter is magician and proprietor Bob James, 50, who opened the shop in 1992 as a way to give himself more exposure as a magician.
Having a brick-and-mortar location, he says, gives his act more validity than if he just booked appearances out of his house. Having a place to meet potential customers face to face "makes me a little different from my competition," James said.
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by signing up you agree to our terms of serviceBob James, magician and proprietor of Bob James' Magic Shop & Curiosities in downtown Elmhurst, shows off a fortuneteller machine from the old Riverview Park in Chicago. - Bev Horne | Staff Photographer
When the store first opened, many of its shelves were filled with book after book about how to perform and perfect tricks for aspiring magicians of all ages.
Now many of those books have been replaced with a smaller collection of instructional DVDs. "It became, 'How do I fill up this space?' because the magic industry was taking a hit and it was slowing down," James said.
One benefit of the switch was that it freed space for his collection of oddities -- some of which seem straight out of a nightmare.
But once you get past the human leg bone, the creepy Santa and the mummified bat displayed in a small metal box that looks like a miniature coffin, the magic really begins.
s because James also uses the venue to host magic-themed birthday parties for children. He performs a show to start the party and then leads the kids in a workshop where they learn age-appropriate magic tricks.
He also provides partygoers with pizza and cake.
"He is very talented," longtime customer and friend Daniel Smulson said. "His magic shows always get the kids laughing, even the moms."
The skull of a two-headed calf is one of the many bizarre things on display at Bob James' Magic Shop & Curiosities in Elmhurst. - Bev Horne | Staff Photographer
Just getting to the party room is a kind of trick. The staircase leading down to the party room is hidden by an ordinary-looking wall of merchandise that James can magically open.
Smulson, who works across the street, said he befriended James soon after first walking into the shop.
He says the secret of James' success -- besides his ability to do amazing things with playing cards and foam balls -- is his basic kindness.
"Bob is one of the most generous people I have ever met," Smulson said. "He would give the shirt off his back to anybody."
James is also something of a local magic historian. He has collected information and documents about Elmhurst's own Harlan Tarbel, a nationally known stage magician and illustrator active throughout the early 20th century.
James also has a 1926 photograph of Elmhurst firefighters posing in front of what is now his shop when it was still People's Bank.
His interest in history aside, James knows the future is a murky one for magicians and the art of illusion. Public interest is declining and there's always the threat that one day the last remaining magician will truly disappear.
Indeed, James performed his own vanishing act back in 2010 when he closed the shop for 30 months because roadwork made it difficult for patrons to find their way in.
But he says he received calls from parents whose children had attended birthday parties or taken magic lessons at the shop and wanted him to reopen. And so, like any good magician, he pulled a rabbit out of his hat and made his store reappear.
"I didn't think we were going to come back as a retail store in this town," he said, "but people kept asking about our programs for children."
Just getting to the party room is a kind of trick. The staircase leading down to the party room is hidden by an ordinary-looking wall of merchandise that James can magically open.
In addition to his role as a mascot, Buzz is involved in various community service activities and is often seen supporting charitable causes. He also participates in campus events and traditions, such as the Midnight Bud Grant and the Freshman Cake Race. The name "Buzz" was chosen through a campus-wide contest in 1980, with the winning entry submitted by a student. The name represents the buzzing sound made by yellowjackets and adds a unique and lively touch to the mascot's identity. Overall, Buzz serves as an important symbol of school spirit and pride at Georgia Tech. With his iconic yellow and black stripes and enthusiastic personality, he embodies the values and traditions of the university. Whether it's leading cheers, interacting with fans, or spreading joy throughout the campus, Buzz continues to be one of the most recognizable and beloved mascots in college sports..
Reviews for "Buzz vs. Rival Mascots: The Fierce Competitions and Traditions of Georgia Tech"
1. John Smith - 2 stars - The Georgia Tech Buzz mascot was a total disappointment. Firstly, it was hard to even recognize what animal it was supposed to be. The design was confusing and lacked clarity. Secondly, the costume itself was poorly made and looked cheap. It didn't have any attention to detail, which made it even more difficult to connect with as a mascot. Overall, I was unimpressed and felt that the mascot didn't enhance the game experience at all.
2. Emily Johnson - 2 stars - I found the Georgia Tech Buzz mascot to be quite underwhelming. It didn't have the energy or enthusiasm that I usually associate with mascots. The interactions with the crowd were lackluster, and it seemed like the mascot was simply going through the motions. Additionally, the costume appeared worn out and shabby, which was disappointing. I expected a mascot to be vibrant and engaging, but unfortunately, Buzz fell short in these aspects.
3. Michael Davis - 1 star - Honestly, the Georgia Tech Buzz mascot was a joke. It seemed like someone put together a hodgepodge of random elements and called it a mascot. It lacked originality and presence. In addition, the mascot's movements were stiff and awkward, which took away from any potential entertainment value. I would suggest a complete redesign if Georgia Tech wants to have a mascot that is truly memorable and engaging.
4. Sarah Thompson - 2 stars - The Georgia Tech Buzz mascot was forgettable at best. It didn't have any distinctive characteristics or personality that made it stand out from other mascots. The costume itself appeared outdated and worn, which was disappointing. I was hoping for a mascot that would bring excitement and energy to the game, but Buzz failed to deliver on that front. Overall, I found the mascot to be mediocre and wouldn't consider it a highlight of the Georgia Tech experience.
5. David Rodriguez - 1 star - The Georgia Tech Buzz mascot was a disappointment from start to finish. The costume looked like it hadn't been cleaned or maintained in years, and the overall appearance was unprofessional and lackluster. It didn't have the charisma or charm that I expected from a mascot, and it felt like a missed opportunity to create a memorable game experience. I hope Georgia Tech reevaluates their mascot and invests in a new design that represents the spirit and energy of the university better.