Barnidge: They make cremation sound like something to die for
Everybody loves a chance to win a prize, so you can imagine my excitement the other day at receiving a mailer bearing news of a giveaway: "Free Pre-Paid Cremation! Details Inside."
It's not a Starbucks gift card, but free is free.
The offer came from the Trident Society, which is not the same company that makes the gum. The only requirement to enter the drawing was to mail in a card requesting more information, but plenty of that was already packed inside.
A promotional brochure said cremation makes sense because:
It allows families to conduct simple personal services at their own convenience.
It is much less expensive.
It has less effect on the environment.
It allows families to plan for a dignified resting place to memorialize their loved ones and provide closure.
I felt guilty for even thinking of kicking off without making afterlife plans.
A few days later, as if a reminder were needed, I received a mailer from Smart Cremation. A response card and prepaid envelope were inside. I was encouraged to check the box saying "Yes, I would like more information on a Smart Plan." The "Yes" was in bold type, suggesting some urgency.
I wondered if the cremation people knew something I didn't. It's a little off-putting to have people keep inquiring about your funeral plans.
I've since come to understand that death is big business, and competition is intense. Promotion is the name of the undertaking game.
The Cremation Association of North America -- yes, it really exists -- reports that about 45 percent of the approximately 2.5 million Americans who will die this year will be cremated. That's a lot of business up for grabs.
Crematoriums that fail to market their services will be left in the dust-to-dust, so to speak. Everyone needs a sales pitch.
The Neptune Society, with five friendly locations stretching from San Jose to Costa Mesa and two convenient payment plans, advertises "state-of-the-art equipment" that customers are invited to inspect (that sounds like fun) and guarantees it will "cremate only one person at a time."
You can't help but wonder how most places do it.
Oceanview Cremations, with Bay Area and Central Valley offices, offers a pricing plan for every pocketbook, from a $769 no-frills farewell to a $3,695 Cadillac send-off, including embalming, cosmetics, casket, visitation and cremation. This is the choice for those who can't decide between simple and elaborate.
Wooden Keepsake Box - News
Bryan Wood Urns are each individually created with the departed in mind. When clients first come to the website they can choose from a wide variety of urn shapes and styles. There are two major categories of urn shapes including “Box Urns” (which
The chic Boheme keepsake box contains five magnificent toiletry items - pearl essence foam bath, toning body wash, body creme, a luxury soap bar and a scented pillow. A wonderful gift idea, this decadent and feminine box set makes bath time that extra
Urns can be made of pewter, bronze, marble, granite, brass, glass or ceramic, then put on display (presentation urns) or secured privately (keepsake urns). The prospect of death makes you stop and think, as I was reminded recently when the 8-year-old
The sweet keepsake, which I've saved in an Ikea box, along with childhood photos, feels thoroughly modern to me. It looks like something a young, proud -- and dare I say -- hip couple might order from an Etsy vendor. But to family and friends at the
Lester reveals that lots of programmes from that legendary game had to be reprinted in the wake of Northern Ireland's victory, as overjoyed fans were desperate to get their hands on a keepsake from that magical night - something, Lester admits,
Painted Keepsake Box: I love keepsake boxes. I have several. This instructable shows how to
make a plain wooden ... 
Painted Keepsake Box: I love keepsake boxes. I have several. This instructable shows how to
make a plain wooden ... 
Pic unrelated:
I've been painting!! I got this rather cheap wooden keepsake box, just plain wood grain, boring as... 
Vintage Wooden Keepsake Box with Removeable by thisthatotherthings via @
Cervical Cancer Awareness Teal & White Ribbon hand painted wooden keepsake box. Wooden Keepsake Box - Bookshelf
Making Memory Boxes, Box Projects to Make, Give, and Keep
Step-by-step instructions for making several different types of keepsake boxes.Wood magazine's making great boxes
A KEEPSAKE BOX If you need a great example of a handsome box that you can create with veneer, you've found it! Use quartersaum oak veneer for the sides and ...Creating Wooden Boxes on the Scroll Saw, Patterns and Instructions for Jewelry, Music, and Other Keepsake Boxes
Donna Dewberry's One Stroke Painting Course
Ivy Keepsake Box Pictured on page 34 GATHER THESE SUPPLIES Painting Surface: Wooden rectangular box with lid, 9" x З'А" x 314" Paints, Stains & Finishes: ...400 wood boxes, the fine art of containment & concealment
Featuring 400 outstanding works that range from traditional to wildly contemporary, this superb gallery celebrates the art of the wooden box.Casual News Directory
Wooden keepsake box | Shop wooden keepsake box sales & prices ...
Wooden keepsake box - Find the largest selection of wooden keepsake box on sale. Shop by price, color, locally and more. Get the best sales, coupons, and deals at TheFind.
Wooden Keepsakes - Personalised gifts
Wooden Keepsakes offers a unique selection of personalised wooden gifts engraved with names, dates and special messages to make your special occasion gifts memorable.
Wooden Keepsake Boxes | Handmade Boxes
Wooden Keepsake Boxes are a lovely way to store precious jewelry or special keepsakes. We have a great selection at the best prices!
Memory & Keepsake Boxes - UniqueBoxShop.com
Memory Keepsake Boxes - Wooden memory keepsake boxes from Unique Box Shop are handcrafted around the world. Many of these boxes are destined to become ...
Wooden Keepsake Box - Compare Prices, Reviews and Buy at ...
Personalized Wooden Keepsake Box, Personalized Photo Frame Jewelry Box, Love is Valentine Keepsake Box, Mother of Pearl Asian Lacquer Wooden Jewelry ...