Saturday night’s mass shooting at a gay nightclub in Orlando by a man claiming allegiance to ISIS terrorists has rocked our world. Not only did 49 mostly young people die, once again, the religion of Islam and its adherents are also victims of the violence.
Here in New Mexico, hundreds have gathered to publicly mourn. Abdur’Rauf R. Campos-Marquetti, made a statement on behalf of the Islamic Center of New Mexico. He noted that America and the world had just come together in celebration of the life and contributions of Muhammad Ali, a Muslim who promoted peace, justice and tolerance. Indeed, his funeral and burial was an opportunity to learn more about Islamic funeral traditions.
“In times like these it is more important for us to come together as an American community – a World community of all faiths in peace and understanding, remembering and sharing our brotherhood and sisterhood so that we can progress forward into the future as faithful citizens of this world we share,” wrote Campos-Marquetti.
In other news, a majority of the episodes of A Good Goodbye TV are now available on YouTube, with just a few more to come. Use this link to access the series. Links to other recent blog posts and upcoming events follow. Please call if I can be of assistance – 505.265.7215.
Live long and prosper,
Gail Rubin, CT, The Doyenne of Death®
The Family Plot Blog Highlights
Click on the titles to read the blog post and see the associated videos. Review all posts on The Family Plot Blog or view just the Death Cartoons posted on the blog! You’ll find interesting stories from the International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association’s convention and expo, including the jazz funeral that opened the expo, through this link to The Family Plot Blog.
Denise Corliss and her dog Bretagne
We tread dogs better than people for a peaceful end-of-life Some thoughts as California begins allowing physician aid in dying.
Before I Die Festival Starts End-of-Life Conversations Cemetery and crematorium visits, a chalk wall to write what you’d like to do before you die, films, book discussions and death-related art were all a part of Indianapolis’ Before I Die Festival.
Facts About Mausoleums, Entombment and Decomposition The Doyenne of Death® gets some pretty interesting emails.
Upcoming Events and a Humorous Quote
See the Calendar page for a full listing of events.
June 19-22 — Alabama Funeral Directors Association Convention. Presenting “Grief and Mourning in the Movies” and “Jewish Funeral Traditions on Film,” and the evening entertainment, “Funny Funeral Film Extravaganza” in Point Clear, Alabama.
Friday, July 8, noon — Presenting “A Good Goodbye: Funeral Planning for Those Who Don’t Plan to Die” to the Meals on Wheels organization at Presbyterian Northside, 5901 Harper NE, Albuquerque.
July 22-27 — Attending the International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association’s summer University in Memphis, Tennessee. Enrolled in the International Studies program, covering religious and cultural influences on funeral observations.
July 29, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. — Osher Lifelong Learning class, “Laughing and Learning: A Practical End-of-Life Workshop.” Sign up for Course 19865, only $20, through Osher’s website.
August 2, 10:00 a.m. to noon — Something new and different! Check out this Osher Lifelong Learning class, “Entertainment Media and Its Influence on Twentieth Century Elections.” The 1976 film Network predicted the rise of reality television and the populist chant, “I’m mad as hell and I’m not going to take this anymore!” This film clip-illustrated talk explores how art imitates life and vice versa regarding the media and the 2016 presidential election. Class fee $20. Register for course 19294, lecture SUD-PE at Osher’s website.
Gail Rubin majored in TV & Film at the University of Maryland and was a producer at C-SPAN for five years before becoming an accomplished public relations professional and a pioneering death educator.
“God sneezed. What could I say to Him?” — Henny Youngman