DUers in the mortuary industry........

[TheDebbieDee]

Is it true that the embalming process will one day soon be banned in several US states because these substances are contaminating the ground water after burial?

I was discussing with my Aunt the fact that I had told my adult children that I wanted to be cremated if something happens to me, and my Aunt mentioned that, due to environmental concerns, if a person couldn't be buried within 24 hours of dying that cremation was going to be required in some states.

Has anyone heard anything about this?

[WheelWalker]

1. That's a burn.

[ColbertWatcher]

2. I went to...

...the http://remblogs.typepad.com/afm_articles/natural_burial_focus/index.html">Alternative Fyuneral Monitor and found a link to:

the http://www.ethicalburial.org/">Green Burial Council

Maybe they would be able to point you in the right direction?

[papapi]

3. You've open a can of worms. Embalming isn't even necessary in most cases. . .

You might want to check out this site.

http://www.finalpassages.org/

Funerals are big business. I want cremation. No funeral. Have a party!

[NYC_SKP]

4. "if" something happens to you?

Good luck with that immortality thing you've got going.

Kidding!

:hi:

[TahitiNut]

5. (lol!) Nice catch.

:P

[TheDebbieDee]

6. I'm not a "rapturist" - I just didn't want to sound overly gloomy!

:)

[NYC_SKP]

9. Well, here's hoping you can put it off as long as possible!

:toast:

[Robb]

7. Viking funeral. I'm quite specific.

Put me in a boat, set it on fire and push it out to sea.

Now, there is the matter that I don't own a boat. But I've left behind a list of complete bastards that do. :D

[TheDebbieDee]

8. Lol !

[Adsos Letter]

11. And on that day (or evening, as the case may be)...

CNN will be reporting "Breaking News:"

"Word is coming in to the CNN Center that what appears to be a Viking funerary vessel has struck a cruise ship of French tourists in waters off the Western (?) coast of the United States. Distraught witnesses reported the flaming vessel appeared to be of the "longship" variety, and struck the cruise liner amidships."

"No injuries have been reported, although both vessels are dead in the water at this time. Witnesses report that the longship appeared oblivious to verbal warnings, as well as collision alarms from the bridge."

"Witnesses also report that, immediately prior to impact, the liner's captain was heard shouting 'Dingbat, Dingbat!!!' into a megaphone from the bridge, but to no avail; further protestations were masked by the smoke and flame of the collision."

"The liner's crew and passengers are being airlifted to the mainland at this time. Curiously, some passengers report what appeared to be a jaunty whistleing tune emenating from the longship wreckage; some likened it to the traditional ditty "99 Bottles of Beer on the Wall" but this has been disputed by others. CNN will keep you updated on this unfolding story."

:D

[SidneyCarton]

16. LOL. Reminds me of the 13th Warrior

"This is the old way, you will not see it again."

[Warpy]

10. Not as long as refrigeration holds up

Bodies can be refrigerated safely for several days. Bodies that are to be cremated are often kept for a week or so until the crematorium is fired up for multiple body disposal.

Embalming is done when the body needs to be at room temperature for several days for viewing.

[Cleita]

12. You really need to read

"The Loved One", by Evelyn Waugh. It's all about the mortuary business in Hollywood back in the forties. It's a hoot and does give you a lot of the back ground information you want.

[TheDebbieDee]

13. Thanks! I'll check it out.......

[Buzz Clik]

14. The movie was awesome.

[WritersBlock]

15. I've always wondered if they really cremate the coffin with the deceased.

I mean, what's the point of paying hundreds for a coffin if it's only gonna be burned? And if it's not burned, then if I paid for the damn thing, I want it back after the funeral.

Y'know?