There was an article about a scam email that appears to come from a funeral home in Sunday’s Albuquerque Journal. The article, “Latest email scam preys on curiosity over purported death,” details a recent rash of emails that suggest a person may miss a funeral of a friend if they don’t click a link for more details. However, clicking that link can infect your computer with malware.
Assistant business editor Nick Pappas interviewed me, Tom Antram, CEO of FRENCH Funerals-Cremations, and two friends who received the email and contacted me about it. He also provided tips from the Better Business Bureau. Click here to read the read the article online (answer one survey question for access if you don’t have an account – really, it does go to the ABQ Journal website).
If you are interested in New Mexico’s new physician aid-in-dying ruling, I’m giving a free film clip talk “Exit Strategies” next Monday, February 24 at Central New Mexico Community College Montoya Campus. I was invited to present by the professor of a Death & Dying class. The talk is open to the public, staff and students on the entire campus (more information).
Tomorrow’s A Good Goodbye Radio program explores Buddhist funeral traditions. My guest is Rev. Harry Gyokyo Bridge, resident minister of the Buddhist Church of Oakland (more information). Tune in live online at 6:00 p.m. ET | 3:00 p.m. PT or download the podcast afterward.
Tips from last week’s show, other upcoming events and a funny quote follow. Please call me at 505.265.7215 if I can be of assistance!
Gail Rubin, The Doyenne of Death®
Top Tips from Last Week’s Show
Illustration by Robert G. Fresson for the New York Times
On last week’s A Good Goodbye Radio show, we had an incredible conversation with Dr. Jeffrey Piehler. He wrote an essay titled “Ashes to Ashes, but First a Nice Pine Box” that appeared in the Sunday New York Times on February 2. We discussed facing mortality when you have incurable advanced cancer – and it was an uplifting, life-affirming conversation. A few tips to consider:
- People talk about “the fight against cancer,” yet often patients resent that term. The idea of fighting is not a good one. You’re doing the best that you can.
- When you accept the fact that you’re going to die, you find new life in unexpected ways… and you don’t have to have terminal cancer to develop this appreciation.
- Mortality awareness provides perspective. You’re born pure, and issued a knapsack to carry through life. Unfortunately, many of us collect bricks, negative things we carry around with us. With perspective, we can drop the bad and treasure the good things in our lives.
- Get the most from every moment you have. Every day deserves your very best. Be grateful.
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Upcoming Events, Interviews and a Humorous Quote
Click on the date for more details about each event.
Carole Brody Fleet
February 26: A Good Goodbye Radio interview with Carole Brody Fleet, author of WIDOWS WEAR STILETTOS and her follow-up book, HAPPILY EVEN AFTER: A Guide to Getting Through (and Beyond) the Grief of Widowhood.
March 5: A Good Goodbye Radio interview about writing a good obituary and delivering a moving eulogy. The guests are Marsha Thole, who teaches a workshop called “Your 15 Seconds of Fame–How to Write Your Own Obituary,” and Rosalyn Kahn, a professional speaking coach.
March 6: In Longmont, Colorado – Laughing in the Face of Death film clip talk at Carroll-Lewellen Funeral Home, 503 Terry Street, Longmont at 6:00 p.m.
March 7-9: Frozen Dead Guy Days in Nederland, Colorado – Gail’s conducting The Newly-Dead Game® and showing the documentary “Grandpa’s in the TUFF SHED.”
“Bed is the most dangerous place in the world: 80% of people die there.” — Mark Twain