Author Archives: Ellary Allis (Blog Writer, SevenPonds)

A Giant Porcelain Prozac Pill For Carrie Fisher’s Ashes

One last laugh for the beloved actress, writer, legendary wit and mental health advocate

The acting career of Carrie Fisher, who died last month after suffering a heart attack, is impressive enough to solidify her status as an icon. She will be remembered for her portrayal of Princess Leia Organa in the original “Star … Continue reading

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”Nana Upstairs and Nana Downstairs” by Tomie dePaola

A touching children's book about the love between grandparents and grandchildren and what happens when grandparents pass away

  Tomie dePaola wrote and illustrated the classic children’s book “Strega Nona,” the tale of an Italian witch doctor who made so much magical pasta that it flooded the town where she lived. He also wrote and illustrated one of … Continue reading

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New, Greener Alternatives to Cremation and Burial

A Swedish biologist has invented a process she calls "Promession", in which bodies are freeze-dried rather than burned

As interest in sustainable disposition grows, enterprising individuals are creating new, greener alternatives to cremation and traditional burial. These innovative solutions dispose of dead bodies efficiently, without chemicals or materials that take up space and don’t biodegrade. Among them is … Continue reading

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The Spirit of The Dead According To Ojibwe Beliefs

Lee Staples, Ojibwe spiritual leader, facilitates traditional funerals on the Mille Lacs and Fond du Lac Reservations

Lee Staples, a spiritual leader for the Mille Lacs Indian Reservation in Central Minnesota, says that one must understand Ojibwe beliefs about life in order to understand Ojibwe beliefs about death. “We have within us Anishinaabe spirit, and we just … Continue reading

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“When I die I want to donate my body for research, but more specifically to a scientist who is working on bringing dead bodies back to life.”

-Nikhil Saluja
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Cremation Rates Exploding In The United States

More Americans are choosing cremation over burial for its environmental and economic benefits

In 1960, about 3.6 percent of the population opted for cremation. However, that number has risen steadily ever since. The Cremation Association of North America reports that in 2014, the national cremation rate reached 46.7 percent. That’s an astounding 1211.80 percent … Continue reading

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