Author Archives: MaryFrances Knapp (Blog Writer, SevenPonds)

He did What? Barack Obama’s Funeral Selfie

A recent image has us wondering: did Obama really take a selfie at the funeral of Nelson Mandela?

Last Thursday, we said a bittersweet farewell to anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela. The South African leader’s funeral was packed to the brim with admirers and friends from all corners of the globe, including our own President Obama. And as a … Continue reading

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A Love That Transcends Death : The Letters of Eung-tae

Archeologists discover ancient love letters in a tomb in South Korea

We cherish the death-fated love stories of Romeo & Juliet and Tristan and Isolde — but what about the story of Eung-tae and his beloved, to this day nameless wife? About a decade ago, a 16th century mummy was uncovered in … Continue reading

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23andMe Says Ancestral and Genetic Knowledge Can Prevent Death

Why the startup that claims to “save your life” is in trouble with the FDA

We’re no strangers to marketing techniques with ambitious promises in America. Every day, we’re seduced by packaging that assures us we’ll be happier, thinner, healthier, etc., if only we buy or consume a company’s service or product. But just how … Continue reading

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“Will You Miss Me when I’m Gone?” by The Carter Family

A country music memorial song about missing a loved one who has passed

1927 was the year country music first reared its honest, whisky-worn head from the mountains of Appalachia. Radio was already in the process of transforming the way Americans connected to the rest of their country; suddenly lyrical, empathetic voices that … Continue reading

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Marc Chagall: “The Death”

With Hanukkah upon us, we look to a painting by the celebrated Jewish artist Marc Chagall

In the spirit of Hannukah (and Thanksgivukkah, because that was pretty neat), we look to the painting The Death (1908) by Jewish artist Marc Chagall. Chagall was born Moishe Segal in the small town of Liozna, Russia in 1887. Life … Continue reading

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Wampanoag Burial Traditions

We revisit the end-of-life practices of one of the most famous Native American tribes

With Thanksgiving underway, we look to the funeral traditions of perhaps the most famous of the Native American peoples: the Wampanoag. It is estimated that these Native Americans lived in the New England region for over 10,000 years, with over … Continue reading

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