News for the Week of Nov. 2, 2007 »

This is the news wrapup for the week ending Friday, November 2, 2007. It includes notes on a beach house fire in Ocean Isle, N.C., the anniversary of the NYC Subway system, A story about a couple both being arrested for drunk driving, and a story about a man being shot by his hunting dog. In Ohio, a gay person is appointed to a judgeship.

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Frontline-The Undertaking »

I watched most of an excellent and touching Frontline episode last night on PBS. It was called The Undertaking. Thomas Lynch is a writer and poet in a small town in Michigan, and he’s also a funeral director. His family has been caring for the dead in his hometown for three generations. Given my background, this certainly caught my attention. I was not disappointed.

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Home Funerals »

I read an article on MSNBC a few days back about a small but growing practice of “home funerals.” It’s touted as a way for people to reclaim their death rituals. Having been a funeral director in the past, the title certainly caught my eye.

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Can One Literally Die From Laughter? »

It’s certainly possible to die while laughing — probably by choking on something. But I was unable to find any documented evidence of someone literally “laughing to death.”

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You Had To See This One Coming (Pun Intended) »

Well, this should come as no surprise to anyone. Pat Robertson is now suggesting that the recent rash of natural disasters could be a signal of end times. Its always amazed me that the return of Christ to begin his thousand year reign of love and heavan on earth would be heralded by the death and destruction of millions of innocent individuals.

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That 80s Show »

Ronald Reagan’s funeral is a time of reflection for all. While many disagree with his policies and agenda, there is no doubt he left a long lasting legacy.

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