Author Archives: MaryFrances Knapp (Blog Writer, SevenPonds)

A Community of Cremation Vessels: Cloud of Stars by Zhufei Zhufei

Chinese architecture blends technology with tradition in this columbarium

Today, social media technologies pervade our culture, setting the tone for the way we choose to experience life. So why not tailor technology to accommodate the ways we choose to experience death? Design for Death finalist Zhufei Zhufei is one … Continue reading

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Healing Touches: Planning a Memorial or Funeral

Comforting, creative touches to add to your memorial planning checklist

1) Celebrate Color The traditional funeral color scheme may be black on black (maybe grey), but your loved one experienced a unique and vibrant life – so why not bring some color into their service? Why not plan a memorial … Continue reading

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Friedhof for All: Austria’s Modern Islamic Cemetery

Bernardo Bader Architects integrates traditional Islamic motifs that speak to life and death in their cemetery design

Though Islam may not be one of the most predominant religions in Austria, the presence of the Muslim community holds a special cultural presence in the country. In 2012, a striking Islamischer Friedhof (Islamic cemetery) came to life through the … Continue reading

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Flower Power: Oils for Loss and the Stages of Grief

Oils to aid the stages of grief both during and after a memorial

5 Tips to Heal from a Loss with Floral Oils: Overlooking the effects a loss can have on our emotional and physical well-being is not an uncommon scenario. But in the middle of the flurry that is prepping for a … Continue reading

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In Living Color: India’s Holi Festival

The "Festival of Colors" in India teaches us about life, death and letting go.

When the moon waxes full in the first days of March, it’s an sign for Indians that Springtime is coming. And the days following this first full moon mark the arrival of one the India’s most colorful festivals: Holi. Otherwise … Continue reading

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‘Exploding’ Cells? Swedish Scientists Discover Potential Cancer Treatment for Glioblastoma Multiforme

The Karolinska Institute in Stockholm reverses cancerous cell growth with Vacquinol-1.

Swedish scientists at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm have been conducting explosive cancer treatment with a new substance called Vacquinol-1. The research team published their findings in Cell last Thursday, which focused specifically on combatting one of the most common … Continue reading

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