Lost in translation
From yesterday’s Guardian newspaper: Everyone in Israel is talking about the British-American BBC comedy Episodes. Not that it is airing there, but the show has recently become famous for its disastrous use of freebie online translation. In episode three, Merc Lapidus, one of the lead characters, attends the funeral of his father. The episode was shown in the […]
Quote of the day
“Am I dying or is this my birthday?” Lady Nancy Astor, d. 1964 When she woke briefly during her last illness and found all her family around her bedside.
The first f***
Posted by Vale A favourite – even hackneyed – funeral song. The words really work though – and it’s the only possible accompaniment to this short video of some of the tributes at Graham Chapman’s memorial service. Was this – as John Cleese claims – really the first f*** at a memorial service? Some things […]
All things bright and beautiful?
Posted by Belinda Forbes The sun is shining again here in leafy Berkshire. The mourners no longer need to huddle for warmth in the crematorium waiting room. The cruel winter wind that has been whipping across the chapel entrance is now a gentle breeze. Unfortunately, I’m allergic to tree pollen so it’s not all good news. Although I […]
Put me out with the rubbish!
Posted by Vale We’ve all heard people say it, but now an extensive survey carried out by a major national chain has confirmed it: 61.5% of adult males over the age of 60 really do want to be put into a black plastic bag and thrown on the rubbish heap. In response to what they […]
Last Will and Testament
Posted by Vale The late, very great and much lamented Jake Thackray with his Last Will and Testament. By the way, isn’t You Tube a marvel? This version is awfully close to the black and white On the Braden Beat Saturday night image that flickers in my memory. Astonishing to find it preserved here: I, […]
Joke of the day – RIP Frank Carson
Posted by Vale “Fella said, ‘Your mother-in-law has just died. Do you want her embalmed, buried or cremated?’ He said: ‘Take no chances: give her the lot.’” It was the way he told them.
Quote of the day
“It’s a bit tragic though, isn’t it, when the only social life you have is going to funerals? They’re not quite as joyful as a wedding. But look on the bright side. At least you don’t need an invite and you don’t have to bring a present.” Ask Agnes, agony aunt, Horsham Australia — here
Publishing event of the year!
The Natural Death Handbook, Fifth Edition A thoroughly updated and revised edition of the Natural Death Centre‘s celebrated handbook. Now presented alongside a new collection of essays on death, dying and funeral practices by doctors, historians, authors, poets, theologians and artists including Richard Barnett, David Jay Brown, Dr Sheila Cassidy, Charles Cowling, Bill Drummond, Stephen Grasso, […]
Blues dispersal initiative
We’ve just read in the Guardian that today is reckoned to be the most depressing of the year. Gosh. If you are sitting in a puddle of seasonal misery and wretchedness, this may cheer you up: I recently changed primary care physician. After a comprehensive history and physical exam and a bunch of lab tests, […]
