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In a message dated 11/24/03 10:27:48 AM, Jack in Massachusetts sends us:
Ten most underpaid jobs in the U.S. - Commentary: Most require skill, courage and heart Funeral Home Attendants ($19,200) and Morgue Attendants ($26,167):
In a message dated 11/23/03 1:45:40 PM, anonymous writes:
WASHINGTON, DC Nov 21 - The Bush administration won a Capitol Hill battle on Friday over proposed changes to U.S. overtime work rules that are supported by business and opposed by labor, congressional aides said.
They said Sen. Arlen Specter, a Pennsylvania Republican, had lifted his objections, clearing the way for passage of a huge year-end spending bill without a provision that would have blocked the new regulations.
Specter, who could have kept the bill bottled up in committee by one vote, made the about-face a day after he floated a possible compromise that was shot down, and hours after he told a news conference he was still seeking a deal. He conceded he had been "boxed in" with no certain way out.
The administration, which has refused to back down from its proposal despite majority votes against it in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, contends the regulations would clarify and update often confusing and antiquated work rules
It also says the changes in the rules would guarantee overtime protection for an estimated 1.3 million more low-income, white-collar workers.
But foes warn that the regulations, which the administration intends to put into effect in a few months, could cost more than 8 million Americans their overtime pay and result in companies forcing employees to work longer hours without compensation.
Specter and other lawmakers have vowed to challenge the proposed work rules next year under an act that allows congressional review of new regulations, and labor groups promise to test them in court.
Sen. Tom Harkin, an Iowa Democrat who had teamed up with Specter to try to block the regulations, issued a statement expressing his regrets.
"I understand that the Republican leadership, at the behest of the White House, has killed the overtime pay protections in the omnibus appropriations bill," Harkin said. "This is hugely disappointing to me, and a real blow to the working men and women of this country who depend on overtime pay."
The White House had no immediate comment.
William Samuel, legislative director for the 13-million member AFL-CIO, the nation's largest labor group, said: "We know Specter was under enormous pressure and that the White House was willing to provoke a fiscal crisis to gets its way."
"We will make sure that the American people know the length that this administration went to cut overtime for 8 million Americans," Samuel said.
A majority of the Republican-led Senate and House had defied a White House veto threat by voting in favor of a Harkin provision that would have blocked a proposed expansion of overtime exemptions for white-collar workers under the 1938 Fair Labor Standards Act.
Specter sought to keep the provision in a massive catch-all spending bill for a number of federal agencies, but the White House got him to back down and allow the measure to move without it, aides said.
Specter's sudden reversal seemed to catch even some members of his own staff by surprise. "This is news to me," said a spokesman for the senator, adding Specter had left town.
Specter recommended on Thursday that a commission be created to review the proposed work rules and that Congress then vote on them. But the recommendation, like a similar suggestion Specter offered earlier, was turned down.
In a message dated 11/25/03 1:25:12 PM, jfitch@nfda.org writes:
New Cargo Inspection and Security Rules Adopted by Customs and TSA
The Department of Homeland Security and the Transportation Security Administration have issued the following statements on their new rules for cargo inspections. NFDA is in contact with DHS to determine whether or not the shipment of human remians will be included; however, in the meantime, we suggest that you contact the cargo officials at the airlines or other transportation companies you use to ship human remains for details on how they will be implementing these new rules.
** Department of Homeland Security Announces Cargo Security Initiative **
On November 20, 2003, the Department of Homeland Security released final rules that allow U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to collect cargo information necessary to identify high-risk shipments, which could threaten the safety and security of the United States. The final rules for cargo security address the timeline of presentation for electronic advance manifest information.
CBP will process advance cargo information into an automated targeting system linked to various law enforcement and commercial databases. This initial step will enable CBP to efficiently identify shipments that pose a potential risk. Previously most non-maritime inbound shipments entered into the U.S. without being screened by an automated targeting system. As a result, most cargo shipments could not be assessed for risk prior to arrival. The Trade Act provides the Department of Homeland Security with the authority to eliminate antiquated, paper-driven processes for cargo crossing our borders.
The following are the timelines for all modes of transportation:
Inbound:
· Air & Courier - 4 hours prior to arrival in U.S., or "wheels up" from certain nearby areas
· Rail - 2 hours prior to arrival at a U.S. port of entry
· Vessel - 24 hours prior to lading at foreign port
· Truck - Free And Secure Trade (FAST): 30 minutes prior to arrival in U.S.; non-FAST: 1 hour prior to arrival in the U.S.
Outbound:
· Air & Courier - 2 hours prior to scheduled departure from the U.S.
· Rail - 2 hours prior to the arrival of the train at the border
· Vessel - 24 hours prior to departure from U.S. port where cargo is laden
· Truck - 1 hour prior to the arrival of the truck at the border
More information, along with a summary of the final rules, is available on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection web site at www.cbp.gov.
** TSA to Begin Random Inspection of Air Cargo **
Based on a security directive issued this week by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), air cargo carriers are now required to begin random inspections of air cargo. Foreign all-cargo airlines must meet the same cargo security procedures followed by U.S. air carriers.
Passenger aircraft that transport cargo and all-cargo aircraft, foreign and domestic, that plan to fly in to, out of, and within the United States will be subject to inspection. TSA standards also require air carriers to follow pre-approved security plans. Carriers must also verify the identities of all persons with access to their aircraft.
These new requirements are the first step in TSA's Air Cargo Strategic Plan, which is a layered approach to securing the entire air cargo supply chain. The plan calls for a threat-based risk management approach similar to that used by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), to ensure that all "higher risk" cargo is inspected.
The Strategic Plan calls for augmenting the TSA's Known Shipper Program, which prohibits air carriers from accepting cargo that does not originate from shippers who meet TSA's known shipper requirements. The program's Known Shipper Automated Database and Indirect Air Carrier Database will allow TSA to have faster access and more comprehensive data on applicants for Known Shipper status.
The Known Shipper Program will use a cargo pre-screening system that includes terrorist watch lists and federal and commercial databases, in order to identify higher-risk cargo shipments. TSA is working alongside CBP to build on existing pre-screening technology for use in the maritime border environment.
TSA will continue research and development of additional solutions to enhance air cargo inspection.
MORE
In a message dated 11/25/03 5:40:23 PM, fspano@nfda.org writes:
http://www.nfda.org/files/bulletin/issues/Nov19_2003.htm
Six National Cemeteries Authorized Following NFDA Lobbying Efforts
Addendum to the Military Family Tax Relief Act
FTC Includes Funeral Rule in Report to Senate Special Committee on Aging
Richard Aaron Helps Members Focus on Today's Families
Embalming Proves to be Hot Topic at NFDA Convention
Funeral Profession Takes Center Stage in New Book, Movie
Editor's Note
FUNERAL FACT
According to a recent staff report issued by the FTC, 88 percent of funeral homes are complying with the Federal Trade Commission's Funeral Rule.
Six National Cemeteries Authorized Following NFDA Lobbying Efforts
Six national cemeteries will be established during the next four years, due in part to the hard work of NFDA lobbyists in Washington, D.C. After Congress passed the "National Cemetery Expansion Act of 2003" (Pub.L. No. 109-109) on November 11, 2003, President George W. Bush signed it into law. The cemeteries will be located in the following areas:
1. Southeastern Pennsylvania.
2. The Birmingham, Alabama area.
3. The Jacksonville, Florida area.
4. The Bakersfield, California area.
5. The Greenville/Columbia, South Carolina area.
6. The Sarasota County, Florida area.
Addendum to the Military Family Tax Relief Act
Last week, NFDA sent out a Special NFDA Bulletin reporting the passage of the Military Tax Relief Act. For those families who received the Death Gratuity Benefit of $6,000 prior to the passage of this act on November 11, 2003, but after its effective date of September 11, 2001, the Veterans Administration will automatically issue checks for the balance of $6,000. The act increased the Death Gratuity Benefit from $6,000 to $12,000 to eligible families retroactive to September 11, 2001. Families need not apply for the balance. Also, the entire amount is now tax exempt so adjustments in prior tax returns may be necessary.
FTC Includes Funeral Rule in Report to Senate Special Committee on Aging
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has submitted its most recent staff report titled Activities Affecting Older Americans, to the Senate Special Committee on Aging. The report addresses practices or industries that are of particular interest to older consumers. It also lists the Funeral Rule and the purpose it serves protecting consumers, relating to goods and services offered and prices charged. The commission's consumer education program from September 2001, to August 2003, is also highlighted. The FTC staff prepared the report at the request of the committee, and is available by visiting http://www.ftc.gov/os/2003/11/agingreport.pdf (PDF document). Information on their enforcement of the Funeral Rule is on page 7.
The FTC report referred to above titled Activities Affecting Older Americans is in Adobe Acrobat PDF format. If you don't already have the Acrobat Reader Utility installed on your system, you can download it from Adobe Systems at no charge. Click the button below and follow the onscreen instructions to install. Then, you will be able to open this and other Adobe Acrobat PDF files.
Richard Aaron Helps Members Focus on Today's Families
Event planning is something that funeral directors have always done. Whether finding a caterer that fits a family's needs or discovering new trends, funeral directors should have a plan to offer new options at the request of today's families. NFDA consumer research in 2001 showed that families want to create a more meaningful celebration of life. They want to personalize their funerals, commemorate through gathering and celebrate their loved ones - everything funerals have always provided. They're just looking for a more modern approach. At the 2003 NFDA Convention, NFDA's seminar Exceptional Events: A New Frontier for Funeral Service was one of the highest attended, adding to two regional sellouts. Richard Aaron presented initial details like developing goals and forming a vision, then tackled theme tributes and how to form partnerships with those involved in the process. Here are some tips from the seminar regarding the new mix of event-related services in the funeral process.
1. Change creates new opportunities that embrace ideas shaping modern services to your families. Become a student of the many new ideas surfacing to shape tomorrow's business practices today.
2. Expand your comfort level by placing seed questions in the arrangement process. This allows for more opportunities to bring personalized ideas into memorial planning. Highlighting favorite hobbies or activities opens the door for positive discussion and creative thinking in organizing the final celebration of a life.
3. Keep an active set of templates of event-related services and pricing as resources regarding catering, rentals and video development for a more complex memorial service presentation.
4. Stay focused on the role of risk management planning when service delivery incorporates food and beverage, or more complex staging elements outside of your regular location.
If you weren't able to attend Exceptional Events: A New Frontier for Funeral Service, you can purchase it on audio tape through NFDA at 800-228-6332. This seminar will also be offered February 23-25, 2004 in Las Vegas, Nevada and April 26-28, 2004 in St. Petersburg, Florida. Call NFDA if you'd like to receive more information or sign up for one of these dates. To view a list of all the 2003 NFDA convention workshops, most of which are available on audio tape, visit http://www.nfda.org/page.php?pID=456.
Embalming Proves to be Hot Topic at NFDA Convention
One of the most significant parts of a funeral, embalming continues to be an issue some take too lightly. But funeral directors are making it a priority. At the 2003 NFDA convention, members purchased embalming books, videos as well as the workshop, Embalming, Gross vs. Microscopic Conditions, placing them atop the most popular resources.
In her article titled The Nature and Purpose of Embalming in the October, 2003 issue of The Director magazine, Melissa Johnson Williams comments on the importance of embalming: "Special cards and register books, photo tributes, videotaping of the service and all that 'fancy schmancy' funeral stuff does not mean a hill of beans if the casket ends up closed because of poor embalming resultsÉWhat makes funeral directors and embalmers unique is that we can make the remains viewable for a family. We must never forget that the funeral really is only about one thing - or person, rather: the remains. There is nothing more personal than that."
NFDA is working to arrange more embalming events in 2004 for you! Look for Exceptional Embalming coming in March, 2004 to the New England Institute in Boston, Massachusetts and in August, 2004 to Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. More information will be coming on these two seminars in future issues of the NFDA Bulletin.
Funeral Profession Takes Center Stage in New Book, Movie
While the popularity of the award-winning HBO series Six Feet Under is now coming to a bookstore near you, a new movie aims to look at the humorous side of funeral service.
Six Feet Under: Better Living Through Death has recently been produced by Melcher Media and released by Pocket Books. The book traces the fictitious life of the Fisher family and the Fisher & Sons Funeral Home. This 208 page one-of-kind companion is filled with never before seen photographs and relics from the Fisher family. The publisher of the book contacted NFDA months ago for historical information on the funeral service profession, for which NFDA has received credit in the book. The book is available from the publisher at: http://www.simonsays.com/book/default_book.cfm?isbn=0743480651&areaid=33.
A new comedy about competing funeral homes titled Plots With a View is set to be released in 2004. Set in a small town in Wales, a traditional funeral director named Boris admits he's fallen for a woman while preparing her aunt's funeral. But as a new, upscale American funeral home comes into town (funeral director played by Christopher Walken), Boris begins losing business and must stand up to new challenges. The official Website and movie trailer can be viewed at http://www.plotswithaview.com.
Editor's Note
In the Elections Present Board Members, New Future for NFDA section of the previous NFDA Bulletin, we failed to mention that Dwayne R. Spence, CFSP will serve on NFDA's Executive Board as the Immediate Past President from 2003-2004. Our apologies Dwayne. To view the current Executive Board, visit http://www.nfda.org/executiveboard.php.
NFDA Bulletin
PERMISSION TO REPRINT. NFDA encourages publications to reprint the material included in this or any issue of the NFDA Bulletin (unless otherwise indicated) in their publications with source attributed to NFDA. For more information on any item included in this issue of the NFDA Bulletin, please send an email to bulletin@nfda.org or call 262-789-1880.
Have a comment or suggestion for the NFDA Bulletin? Tell us what you think by visiting NFDA's Discussion Forum at http://www.nfda.org/discussionboard.php?replyto=192&mId=193 (NFDA Members Only)
If you no longer wish to receive the NFDA Bulletin, please click here to unsubscribe.
Fay Spano
Public Relations Director
National Funeral Directors Association
13625 Bishop's Drive
Brookfield, WI 53005
262-814-1549
262-789-6977 Fax
fspano@nfda.org
***********************************************************
ICFA WIRELESS November 25, 2003 Vol. 4 No. 27
***********************************************************
ICFA WIRELESS is a biweekly electronic newsletter bringing members of the
International Cemetery and Funeral Association the latest government and
legal, industry and association news. It is available to all ICFA members
current on their dues. Comments, questions and "hot news tips" are welcome.
Write to: wireless@icfa.org.
SPECIAL NOTICE: Please note that the ICFA offices will be closed November
27-28. We wish our members and their families a safe and happy Thanksgiving
holiday!
IN THIS EDITION:
INDUSTRY NEWS
Ergonomics Coalition Successful Against 'National Consensus' Proposal
New Medicare Prescription Plan Raises Questions of 'Assets' Testing
Congress Approves New National Cemeteries
ICFA NEWS
Register for ICFA Convention Before 12/2 & Save Additional $65!
2003 KIP Awards Deadline: December 6
Sales Managers: 'Do Lunch' with Your Colleagues in Vegas
November Product of the Month: Sales Manager Training Videos
---------------------------
INDUSTRY NEWS
---------------------------
ERGONOMICS COALITION SUCCESSFUL AGAINST 'NATIONAL CONSENSUS' PROPOSAL
The National Coalition on Ergonomics, of which the ICFA is a member,
announced yesterday the successful conclusion of its efforts to persuade the
National Safety Council to abandon its 13-year role as overseer to impose a
"national consensus" standard for complicated ergonomics regulations.
According to NCE, the proposed draft of the consensus standard would have
cost employers "billions of dollars of expenses to come into compliance,
despite the absence of sound science establishing health and safety
benefits." By law, OSHA is required to adopt any national consensus standard
unless it finds during rulemaking that another approach is better. Had the
National Safety Council standard been published, businesses would have faced
an uphill battle to prevent OSHA from adopting it.
The ICFA testified against costly new ergonomic regulations that were
approved during the closing days of the Clinton Administration in early 2001.
Subsequently, the Bush Administration rejected these regulations and decided
to develop "guidelines" based on scientific research of work-related
injuries. The Coalition participates in the OSHA guidelines project and will
be holding a major symposium on the issues in February 2004. ICFA members
will be kept updated.
---------------------------------------------------
NEW MEDICARE PRESCRIPTION PLAN RAISES QUESTIONS OF 'ASSETS' TESTIN
The U.S. Senate today approved a massive and controversial overhaul of
Medicare, including the addition of a new prescription drug benefit plan. The
complex legislation already has been passed by the House of Representatives,
and President Bush is expected to sign it into law following Senate approval.
Though the new drug program will not become effective until 2006, some
legislators are already questioning the "assets testing" used to determine
eligibility. Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV), who initially supported the bill and now
opposes it, stated that "the bill contains an unfair and confusing assets
test, many low income seniors would be denied assistance with out-of-pocket
costs simply because they own modest assets -- a burial plot, a car, maybe a
few pieces of heirloom furniture."
The program will be administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services, which will initiate rulemaking proceedings in an effort to clarify
the numerous vague provisions in the legislation. The ICFA anticipates
testifying in order to preserve the historic exclusion of burial property
from assets testing in determining eligibility for government assistance.
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CONGRESS APPROVES NEW NATIONAL CEMETERIES
Anticipating the need for additional national cemeteries primarily for World
War II-era veterans, H.R. 1516, the National Cemetery Expansion Act of 2003,
was signed into law by President Bush on November 11, Veterans Day. A total
of six new cemeteries have been authorized that are to be located in the
following areas: southeastern Pennsylvania; Birmingham, Alabama;
Jacksonville, Florida; Bakersfield, California; Greenville/Columbia, South
Carolina; and Sarasota County, Florida.
According to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs data, the death rate of
World War II-era veterans is expected to peak by 2006 and decline thereafter.
Typically, it takes from four to five years for a new national cemetery to be
planned, developed and opened for burials following its authorization. As a
result, the new cemeteries may become active only after the veterans' death
rate is in decline. More information on the cemeteries can be obtained at the
VA Web page at http://www.va.gov.
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ICFA NEWS
-------------------
REGISTER FOR ICFA CONVENTION BEFORE 12/ 2 & SAVE ADDITIONAL $65!
The deadline to receive the early, early registration discount for the ICFA
2004 Convention & Exposition, March 10-13 in Nashville, Tennessee, is fast
approaching! If you have not already sent in your registration form, do so by
December 2 to receive up to $65 off the normal early registration fee and up
to $115 off the regular registration fee.
This year's Convention program will focus on "The Business of Innovation:
Building the Future One Success at a Time," with an educational program
emphasizing creative solutions and business management models used by today's
most successful, progressive cemeteries and funeral homes. Additional
highlights of the Convention will include an Exposition hosting 150+ supplier
booths, numerous networking receptions, a St. Patrick's Day Ball, a Hall of
Fame Reception, election of the ICFA Board of Directors and more!
For more information on the Convention and to obtain an Early, Early Discount
Registration form, visit http://www.icfa.org/ac04_earlyreg.htm or call
1-800-645-7700.
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2003 KIP AWARDS DEADLINE: DECEMBER 6
It's not too late to enter the ICFA KIP (Keeping It Personal) Awards
recognizing the most creative, meaningful personalization products, practices
and services in the cemetery and funeral service profession. Entries will be
accepted until December 6.
Created by the ICFA Personalization Committee, the KIP Awards honor winners
in five categories: Product that Personalizes, Most Personalized Service,
Special Events, "Magic Moments" and Innovative Personalized Product (for
suppliers only). Winners are publicized in International Cemetery & Funeral
Management magazine and on the ICFA Web site and are provided press releases
for use in their local media. The grand prize winner will receive a free
registration to the ICFA 2004 Convention & Exposition, March 10-13 in
Nashville, Tennessee.
For complete details and an entry form, visit http://www.icfa.org/kip.htm or
call 1-800-645-7700.
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SALES MANAGERS: 'DO LUNCH' WITH YOUR COLLEAGUES IN VEGAS
The ICFA Sales Management & Marketing Conference is the only place in our
profession where preneed sales managers can find 300 of their peers gathered
in one place at one time. And now they can "do lunch" with a small group of
them to discuss common challenges and solutions.
New this year, "Tuning In To Sales Success," January 15-16 at Treasure Island
in Las Vegas, Nevada, will offer a Roundtable Luncheon session where
attendees can network and informally discuss topics such as affinity
marketing, lead generation, group presentations, family service, hiring
counselors and more. The roundtables are designed to complement the
conference educational sessions and offer attendees an opportunity to meet
and share ideas with their colleagues. Table leaders will be on hand to guide
the discussions and offer expertise in specific areas.
In addition to the luncheon, the conference offers sales managers a full
two-day educational program, including: two keynote presentations from
leading sales, marketing and management experts; more than 20 "how to"
sessions from leaders within our profession; a free binder filled with
handouts; and a networking Welcome Reception.
The deadline to receive the conference early registration discount is
December 8. To view the complete program and to register, visit
http://www.icfa.org/sales04.htm or call 1-800-645-7700.
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ICFA WIRELESS December 9, 2003 Vol. 4 No. 28
***********************************************************
ICFA WIRELESS is a biweekly electronic newsletter bringing members of the
International Cemetery and Funeral Association the latest government and
legal, industry and association news. It is available to all ICFA members
current on their dues. Comments, questions and "hot news tips" are welcome.
Write to: wireless@icfa.org.
*** SPECIAL NOTICE: Please note that the ICFA offices will be closed December
22-26 and January 1. Staff will, however, monitor the general voice mailbox
during that week for emergency requests. There will be no WIRELESS on
December 23; the next edition will be issued January 5. Happy Holidays from
the ICFA staff! ***
IN THIS EDITION:
INDUSTRY NEWS
U.S. Rep. Foley to Introduce Federal Legislation in January
CCSC Releases Annual Consumer Cemetery Complaint Activity for 2002
FAMIC to Discuss New Wirthlin Survey of Consumer Attitudes
ICFA NEWS
ICFA Sales Conference: Huge Number of Early Registrations; Hotel Block
Selling Out
ICFA Offers New Sales Training CDs from Gary O'Sullivan
'E-Myth' Strategist to Address ICFA Convention
December Product of the Month: Buyer's Guide & Membership Directory
---------------------------
INDUSTRY NEWS
---------------------------
U.S. REP. FOLEY TO INTRODUCE FEDERAL LEGISLATION IN JANUARY
According to the December 5 edition of the Palm Beach Post, Rep. Mark Foley
(R-FL) stated that he plans to submit Congressional legislation into the
House of Representatives in January "that would authorize stronger federal
regulation of the funeral industry." The federal bill that Foley referred to
is the "Dodd bill," a 33-page proposal developed by Sen. Chris Dodd (D-CT).
The newspaper story claimed that Dodd would also introduce his bill on the
Senate side.
Foley's statement was part of his comments regarding the Menorah Gardens
settlement announced last week. According to Foley, "The settlement is
clearly an indication that the parties had a grievance. It's just not Menorah
Gardens. It's been around the country." Similar to a statement reported in
the September 30, 2003, edition of ICFA WIRELESS where Foley claimed that
grave desecration had become "a national epidemic," the Congressman gave no
details nor did he explain what he was referring to.
---------------------------------------------------
CCSC RELEASES ANNUAL CONSUMER CEMETERY COMPLAINT ACTIVITY FOR 2002
Preliminary statistics developed by the Cemetery Consumer Service Council
from a survey of its state representatives indicates that for the year 2002,
a total of 172 complaints and inquiries were received, of which 143 were
resolved. Forty-one complaints were pending at the beginning of the year,
while another 29 remained at year's end. Of the various complaints and
inquiries received, 40 dealt with improper maintenance, 30 with questionable
sales practices, 11 with Truth in Lending matters, 18 with cemetery rules and
regulations, and another 53 with a variety of other issues including simple
inquiries into cemetery practices.
CCSC is an industry-sponsored consumer assistance organization. Industry
members volunteer their time and experience to answer questions and to
informally resolve disputes, and there is no charge for assistance. The ICFA
administers the program, which is also sponsored by the Cremation Association
of North America, the Central States Cemetery Association and the Southern
Cemetery Association. During 2002, new sponsors included the Western Cemetery
Alliance, the Illinois Cemetery and Funeral Home Association and the
Interment Association of California. The activity report will be published
next week and is sent to the Federal Trade Commission, state consumer
protection agencies and the Better Business Bureau.
---------------------------------------------------
FAMIC TO DISCUSS NEW WIRTHIN SURVEY OF CONSUMER ATTITUDES
The Funeral and Memorialization Information Council agreed to discuss
commissioning a new Wirthlin survey of consumer attitudes toward the funeral
services profession in 2004. FAMIC, which is an umbrella group of most of the
national trade associations in the industry, has commissioned three surveys
from Wirthlin Worldwide in 1991, 1995 and 1999. The survey results help to
track the perceptions and changing attitudes of consumers toward funerals,
cremation, burial and memorialization.
At this point, each FAMIC member organization is assessing its own views
toward a possible new survey. The ICFA leadership is especially interested in
learning how much value its members have placed in the earlier Wirthlin
surveys and whether the survey data were useful in ICFA members' business
operations. Comments can be e-mailed to Bob Fells at rfells@icfa.org.
-------------------
ICFA NEWS
-------------------
ICFA SALES CONFERENCE:
HUGE NUMBER OF EARLY REGISTRATIONS; HOTEL BLOCK SELLING OUT
With 246 attendees already registered for the ICFA's 2004 Sales Management &
Marketing Conference, January 15-16 at Treasure Island in Las Vegas, Nevada,
the ICFA room block at Treasure Island is at or near a sell out level.
Conference attendance will be limited to the first 340 paid registrants.
To accommodate the unusually high number of early registrants, the ICFA has
compiled a list of nearby alternate hotels, with choices to fit every budget.
Attendees are encouraged to call Treasure Island at (888) 503-8999 for
reservations. If no rooms are available, the list of alternate hotels can be
found on the ICFA Web site at http://www.icfa.org/sales04_hotels.htm
In addition, the ICFA has extended its early registration discount offer to
December 15. Those who register within the next week will save $45 off the
regular registration fee of $420. Companies registering two or more attendees
save even more.
"Tuning In To Sales Success" offers two full days of educational programming
with two keynote addresses; 20+ practical, "how-to" sessions; a roundtable
luncheon; a free "recipe book" of preneed sales and marketing ideas; and a
networking Welcome Reception. For more information and to register, visit
http://www.icfa.org/sales04.htm or call 1-800-645-7700.
---------------------------------------------------
ICFA OFFERS NEW SALES TRAINING CDs FROM GARY O'SULLIVAN
The ICFA and Gary O'Sullivan, CCE, have released two new CDs addressing the
basics and the heart of selling in the prearrangement profession. With these
CDs, sales counselors and managers will feel as though they are sitting
one-on-one with one of the profession's most recognized and sought-after
speakers, trainers and motivators.
"The Fundamentals of the Sales Process" is a must-have for any sales library,
offering important lessons on the eight fundamentals of the sales process.
For the veteran and novice alike, staying brilliant at the basics is critical
to consistent sales performance. On its 11 tracks, the listener's "personal
trainer" examines topics such as prospecting, objections, closing, referrals,
handling rejection and more.
The "Selling on Purpose" CD will help counselors and sales managers define
the greatest motivational force of all-their purpose. Having a clearly
defined purpose can make or break a sales career. Topics include
understanding the difference between selling as just a job and as a career,
ethical challenges, the relationship between service and sales and more. The
price per CD is $20 for ICFA members and $25 for non-members. To order, call
1-800-645-7700.
---------------------------------------------------
'E-MYTH' STRATEGIST TO ADDRESS ICFA CONVENTION
Michael Gerber, author of the best-selling E-Myth (Entrepreneurial-Myth)
series of books and leader of the "Small Business Revolution," will bring his
innovative business-transforming ideas to the ICFA 2004 Convention &
Exposition, March 10-13 in Nashville, Tennessee.
Gerber will share his insights as leader of a company that has helped 25,000+
small business clients jump start their operations in areas such as
management, customer service, sales, expansion and many others. According to
E-Myth Worldwide, "Michael Gerber's efforts, his message -- his very life's
work has been to empower business owners to gain more freedom, more money,
more time and more life."
With Gerber as the anchor keynote speaker, the Convention educational program
will focus on "The Business of Innovation: Building the Future One Success at
a Time." Sessions will emphasize creative solutions and business management
models in use at successful, progressive cemeteries and funeral homes from
throughout the industry.
For a preview of the Convention program and to register, visit
http://www.icfa.org/ac04_earlyreg.htm or call 1-800-645-7700.
---------------------------------------------------
DECEMBER PRODUCT OF THE MONTH: BUYER'S GUIDE & MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY
The ICFA 2003-2004 Buyer's Guide & Membership Directory is the only
publication of its kind within the industry, offering contact information not
only for ICFA-member cemeteries, funeral homes, allied businesses and
suppliers, but also comprehensive listings for local, state, regional,
national and international industry trade associations; state regulatory
agencies; mortuary science schools; and more. It contains the most
comprehensive index of individuals working in the industry available anywhere.
In addition, the publication includes a "yellow pages" of cemetery and
funeral service suppliers, with companies broken down into more than 130
product and service categories. Additional sections include
industry-developed guidelines for cremation and monument installation, as
well as information such as the ICFA Mission Statement and bylaws, benefits
of membership and more.
A copy of the 280-page directory has been sent free to all ICFA members
current on their dues; additional copies are available for purchase. The
regular purchase price for this valuable resource is $25 for ICFA members and
$45 for non-members. Order during the month of December and pay just $15!
To order, call 1-800-645-7700.
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AND MORE . . .
The ICFA has created a set of four brochures offering "Straight Answers to
Real Questions" for consumers. Cemeteries and funeral homes will find the
brochures an effective way to reach out to potential customers and educate
them about the importance of ceremony, memorialization and prearrangement.
The brochures cover "Cremation," "Cemeteries & Burial," "Funerals" and
"Advance Planning." The brochures are adapted from the Consumer Resources
section of the ICFA Web site at http://www.icfa.org/consumer.html . For
pricing information and to order, call 1-800-645-7700.
The ICFA and The Transaction Group of Chicago, Illinois, offer members a
credit card processing program with a special low discount rate of just 1.57
percent. This new benefit makes it less expensive for cemeteries, funeral
homes, memorial designers and related businesses to accommodate customers who
wish to pay via credit card. For more information, visit
http://www.thetransactiongroup.com/partners/icfa/ or call The Transaction
Group at 1-800-622-7705.
The ICFA News Page at http://www.icfa.org/newspage.htm takes you to sources
throughout the world for industry news and updates. It brings you the most
comprehensive selection of funeral service and cemetery news available
anywhere, along with frequently updated general news items related to
national and world events. The News Page reports the news before anyone else
and is the second most visited page on the ICFA Web site. Stop in each day
and you'll see why.
The ICFA Internet Expo at http://www.icfa.org/expo/index.html is the largest
online exposition in the cemetery and funeral service industry. Cemetery and
funeral home owners and operators will find more than 300 providers in over
100 product and service categories at the Expo. Exhibit space is provided as
a free, exclusive benefit to all ICFA supplier and professional members.
Check it out today!
Need a labor relations and employment law attorney? Check out ICFA's benefit
program offering free telephone legal consultations at
http://www.icfa.org/pepperman.htm .
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In a message dated 12/3/03 3:35:28 PM, Jack in Massachusetts sends us:
http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/news/local/states/florida/counties/broward_county/7401027.htm
MORE
In a message dated 12/3/03 9:07:19 PM, Paul in Texas sends us:
HOUSTON, Texas, Dec. 2, 2003 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Service Corporation International (NYSE: SRV), the world's largest funeral and cemetery company, today announced it has entered into an agreement in principle to settle the class action lawsuit and all individual related lawsuits pending against the Company involving Florida's Menorah Gardens and Funeral Chapels (Florida litigation), with the exception of one lawsuit pending in Palm Beach County, Florida styled: Sol Guralnick, et. al. vs. SCI Funeral Services of Florida, Inc., et. al. All claims under the Florida litigation would be dismissed following final court approval of the settlement.
Commenting on the Company's Florida litigation settlement, SCI Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, R. L. Waltrip, said: "We are pleased to have this matter resolved so that we can devote more of our attention and resources to serving our client families and focusing on achieving our strategic objectives."
The terms of the proposed settlement call for the Company to make payments totaling approximately $100 million in settlement of these claims. The Company has substantial face amount of insurance coverage related to such claims, although there are various unresolved insurance coverage disputes.
As of September 30, 2003, the Company had recognized reserves of approximately $23 million relating to the Florida litigation. As a result of this settlement, the Company expects to recognize additional litigation related expenses of approximately $77 million on a pretax basis in the fourth quarter of 2003. Due to the unresolved insurance coverage disputes, the Company will not recognize an estimated receivable for insurance recoveries at this present time.
Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Statements
The statements in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements made in reliance on the "safe harbor" protections provided under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements may be accompanied by words such as "believe," "estimate," "project," "expect," "anticipate" or "predict," that convey the uncertainty of future events or outcomes. These statements are based on assumptions that the Company believes are reasonable; however, many important factors could cause the Company's actual results in the future to differ materially from the forward-looking statements made herein and in any other documents or oral presentations made by, or on behalf of, the Company. Important factors which could cause actual results of the Company to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include, among others, the Company's ability to consummate the settlement as described in the agreement in principle, the Company's ability to recover amounts under insurance policies and the outcomes of pending lawsuits against the Company involving alleged violations of securities laws as described in the Company's previous filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
For further information on these and other risks and uncertainties, see the Company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including the Company's 2002 Annual Report on Form 10-K. The Company assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements made herein or any other forward-looking statements made by the Company, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
As of September 30, 2003, the Company and its affiliates operated 2,236 funeral service locations, 429 cemeteries and 190 crematoria in 8 countries. For more information about Service Corporation International, please visit our website at www.sci-corp.com.
For additional information contact:
Investors: Debbie E. Young - Director of Investor Relations (713) 525-9088
Media: Terry Hemeyer - Managing Director / Corporate Communications (713) 525-5497
SOURCE Service Corporation International
MORE
In a message dated 12/3/03 3:07:20 PM, Mike Flynn in Boston Massachusetts sends us:
12/03/2003
Cemetery Owner Agrees To $100 Million Settlement
FORT LAUDERDALE -- The world's largest funeral services firm has agreed to settle a class action lawsuit by paying 100 (m) million to Jewish families in South Florida.
The proposal will be submitted to Fort Lauderdale Circuit Judge Leonard Fleet tomorrow for his approval. Menorah Gardens, which is owned by Houston-based Service Corporation International, had been accused of digging up relatives' remains and throwing them out to make room for new bodies.
If approved, the settlement would close a class-action suit filed by two-thousand families in Broward County. S-C-I owns two Menorah Gardens cemeteries accused of mishandling remains in Palm Beach and Broward counties.
The settlement will spell out how the 100 (m) million dollars will be divided and outline a process for deciding individual damages. S-C-I is already spending several (m) million dollars more to reorganize the cemeteries and fix up grave markers under a previous agreement with the state.
MORE
In a message dated 12/2/03 11:12:53 PM, Eric in Pennsylvania writes:
http://ir.thomsonfn.com/InvestorRelations/PubNewsStory.aspx?partner=5619&product=IR&storyid=99211
In a message dated 12/11/03 10:46:17 AM, chris@theoutlookgroup.com writes:
ACADEMY Of ADVANCE FUNERAL PLANNING
2004 CLASS DATES
APRIL 18TH
OCTOBER 10TH
This four-day class runs Sunday through Wednesday
Class times are 10 A.M. on Sunday and 8 A.M. the remaining days
Classes end 5 P.M. each day
All training materials are provided
Lunch is provided daily
Tuition is $600.00
The program is presented in a fun, relaxed atmosphere that covers the basics, including FTC and how to present Caskets, Vaults and Urns effectively, through Prospecting, Appointment Setting and Presenting material to the consumer in a results oriented method. This program is designed for both those who are new to the industry as well as those with experience. In this interactive setting the new people learn from the stories of those with experience and the experienced students are reminded of items they have forgotten as well as being renewed with the insights of those new to the industry.
Located in Franklin, Ohio.
Franklin is located 20 miles south of Dayton, Ohio
- Special class dates and locations can be arranged -
For additional information please contact either
Don Dixon, Director of The Academy Of Advance Funeral Planning
Or
Temeika Love, Academy Coordinator
(800) 331-6270
Temeika@theoutlookgroup.co
Presenting The Consumer With The General Price List, The Casket Price List And The Outer Burial Container Price List Does Not Have To Be Awkward
In a message dated 12/11/03 10:12:39 AM, chris@theoutlookgroup.com writes:
Written By
Donald M. Dixon
Director of The Academy Of Advance Funeral Planning
Giving the consumer a copy of your General Price List should be easy. While the GPL does not have to be given to the consumer as they walk in the door, it must be given to the consumer once the discussion turns to services, merchandise or prices. To be sure that you do not overlook placing this into the hands of the consumer you may want to give this to them shortly after they enter your building. The GPL can be given to the consumer while walking toward the Arrangement Room, upon having a seat in the Arrangement Room or while standing in the Foyer. You could be in the middle of a conversation that has nothing to do with making funeral arrangements or they could be telling you why they want, or need to talk with you. Most people do a good job with this, however some find it awkward.
When presenting the GPL to the consumer making statements such as, "According to the Federal Trade Commission I have to give you thisÉ" changes the tone and the direction of the conversation. You can present the GPL by simply saying, "Before I forget" or "While I am thinking about this, I would like you to have a copy of our General Price List which gives you the prices of our services and merchandise. I will be referring to this in a few moments; but you were sayingÉ" This places the form in their hands as you address what it is, while at the same time allowing them and you to continue with your conversation. This phrasing also makes it sound as if you really want them to have a copy and not because there is a law forcing you to do so. If you are already seated you may need to give them a little more direction to keep them from starting to peruse the GPL prior to that point in your discussion where they should review this document. This can be accomplish easily as you continue by saying, "If you will set this to the side for right now I will refer back to it in a few moments." At this same time you may give them a visual reinforcement to place their copy of the GPL onto the table, by simply patting the table, on their side of the table, and just off to the side from being directly in front of them. They will understand that you are asking them to place this down for the time being. Now, you can easily move back into your conversation, "You were sayingÉ" or "Éas, I was sayingÉ" When the time comes that you are discussing their service options, merchandise or prices you can say, "The General Price List I gave you a few minutes ago lists your options and prices. Let's look at itÉ" This helps you to avoid possibly not being in compliance should you overlook giving them your GPL if the conversation touches upon a comment or a statement that would initiate the requirement that the GPL be given to the consumer. Actually, more funeral homes overlook the requirement of making sure the Casket and the Outer Burial Container Price Lists are in the hands of their consumers.
I believe this mistake is due to the fact that these documents do not have to be given to the consumer for them to retain. When it comes to the Casket and Outer Burial Price List the FTC Funeral Rule states:
You must show the Casket/OBC Price List to all persons who ask in person about the caskets/obc or alternative containers that you offer, or who inquire about their prices. You must offer the C/OBC Price List when you begin discussing casket/obc or alternative containers - but before showing these items. Consumers must be able to look at your price lists before discussing their options or seeing the actual caskets, outer burial containers or alternative containers. If you use a book of pictures in lieu of the selection room you must incorporate all the information required for the CPL and the OBC Price List in your book. You must also show your current CPL and/or OBC Price List to anyone who wishes to modify a particular casket or outer burial container that was already purchased under a pre-need contract.
Simply having a price list in the selection room and pointing it out to those present is not enough, nor is having the prices listed on a card placed with the items.
Another common error I hear in relation to the Casket and Outer Burial Price Lists is, "The GPL lists the prices of the Casket and the Outer Burial Containers." This is fine - if it does that, however the majority of GPLs that I have seen do not list Casket and Outer Burial Container Prices. Usually the GPL shows the price ranges. The requirement is that you show the price ranges or the actual prices of the individual items on the GPL. So, if your GPL only gives price ranges you must show your Casket and/or the OBC Price List your consumers prior to discussing or showing these items. You do not have to give the consumer a copy of your Casket or your Outer Burial Container Price List for them to keep. One way of getting these back is to say, "I'll just put this back here where it belongs, for the next family."
Often, it is making a simple statement while at the same time completing an action that makes the entire situation seem normal. If your statement draws attention to the act or your action seems abrupt you draw undue attention to the situation. By practicing with the wording and the action you will soon make this an asy part of your routine.
Donald Dixon is a Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer in Ohio. He worked for twelve (12) years as an at-need Director and for eight (years) in pre-need. During his time in pre-need Don was nationally recognized several times for his achievements. For the last two (2) years he has been the Director of The Academy Of Advance Funeral Planning for The Outlook Group, Inc. He can be reached by calling (800) 331-6270 or by E-mail don@theoutlookgroup.com.
It's the most wonderful time of the year, if your looking for a gift for your funeral service professional, you may see what you are looking for here http://www.pushinDaisies.com
WYOMING PA AREA SCHOOL BOARD
Board elects new officers
WYOMING AREA SCHOOL BOARD - The board elected new officers Tuesday night at its reorganization meeting.
Bob Orlando was elected president; Marilyn Gubbiotti, vice president; Thomas Vaxmonsky, secretary; and Nick DeAngelo, treasurer. Members also re-elected Raymond Hassey as solicitor.
In the upcoming year, the School Board must decide the direction of a $10.5 million building expansion and how to handle the all-day kindergarten issue. New teachers and support staff contracts also are on the agenda.
Committee chairs were appointed for six out of eight School Board committees, with the technology and policy chairs remaining vacant. "All Directors were asked to take up a committee," Orlando said.
Orlando also announced that after the board completes its first two meetings, it will begin having work sessions and regular meetings in area elementary schools.
The nine School Board members are: Orlando, Gubbiotti, Vaxmonsky, Mary Lou Pisano, Thomas, Toni Valenti, DeAngleo, Gilbert Dominick and Anthony "Jake" Sobieski.
The next work session and regular meeting will be Dec. 17 at the Wyoming Area Secondary Center.
- John Michael Vore
In a message dated 11/25/03 12:01:32 AM, Mike Flynn in Boston Massachusetts Sends us:
Knoxville, Tenn. - Under different circumstances, it would have been an unforgettable crime scene. The warm autumn sunshine filtering through a red- and orange-hued maple. The quiet wooded site by the Tennessee River. The forty or so bodies in various stages of decay.
But as a small group of slightly anxious journalists would soon discover, the donated human corpses had been purposefully placed here after deaths attributable to accidents, to cancer, to old age. Hidden from public view by a 9-foot wooden privacy fence ringed by a razor wire-topped chain-link fence, they would not, however, rest in peace.
Even in death, they still had work to do.
Over days, weeks and months, the bodies would succumb to the inevitable process of nature reclaiming her own, with a progression of assisting insects, bacteria and the occasional raccoon or opossum. And here, within the University of Tennessee's Anthropology Research Facility, scientists would record the unsavory details in an effort to answer the crucial questions faced by crime scene investigators hoping to bring a measure of justice to bodies felled by more sinister motives.
Here on what they call the Body Farm.
"If you think about it, this is how nature disposes of bodies, and we're not different from anything else," said Richard Jantz, director of the university's Forensic Anthropology Center, during a tour of its two-acre, one-of-a-kind research compound.
Founder and former director Bill Bass oversaw the facility's creation more than 20 years ago in response to a host of unanswered questions. How, he and other researchers wondered, could they more accurately estimate time since death? How many identifying details could be extracted from decomposing remains? How could investigators find hidden graves, a question that has since found international relevance in places like Bosnia, Rwanda and Iraq?
A growing number of answers have emanated from the burgeoning discipline of forensic science, which has figured prominently in television shows such as "CSI," in novels such as "The Body Farm" by mystery writer Patricia Cornwell, and in a new historical account of the research facility by Bass and co-author Jon Jefferson, titled "Death's Acre."
Some of the 30 to 50 cadavers arriving at the Body Farm each year come courtesy of local medical examiners donating unclaimed bodies. But much more frequently, the arrivals are prearranged by consenting donors who have expressed an active interest in the facility's research and who have completed a biological questionnaire detailing their medical histories.
The facility has amassed hundreds of these completed questionnaires by its future donors.
During their talks at a conference held by the Council for the Advancement of Science Writing, Jantz and fellow researcher Arpad Vass detailed the clues to be gleaned from nature's disposal process - a process that begins about four minutes after death.
Each stage includes its own march of the macabre. Flies begin laying their eggs in available crevices during the fresh stage, said Vass, a forensic scientist at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The gaseous by-products of bacteria lead to bloating during the second stage. In the third, called active decay, the body's soft tissue liquefies and insect holes proliferate. And in the fourth, or dry, stage, the body becomes little more than bones.
The pace of this post-mortem march depends chiefly on temperature, according to Vass, since heat fuels biochemical reactions within the body. But water content, pH levels, and oxygen availability also can influence decay rates and confound scientific estimates.
In "Death's Acre," for example, Bass and Jefferson recount the bizarre Tennessee case of a body that had been partially disinterred in 1977. Bass initially characterized the corpse as being that of a recently deceased man. The time of death estimate, however, was off by nearly 113 years - a blunder that would later spur him to found the Body Farm. (Researchers later discovered that the corpse was that of a Civil War soldier, which had been embalmed and well-preserved within an airtight cast-iron casket.)
As forensic anthropologists are finding, however, the natural processes of decay leave distinctive and surprisingly reliable calling cards.
Even after death, a few of the body's biochemical cycles continue their futile progressions, churning out selected products and by-products as long as the necessary nutrients are available. The Krebs cycle, a cascade of biological reactions long dreaded by any college student forced to memorize it, offers one such deathless progression. The rate of a specific reaction varies from organ to organ, however, leading to measurable differences in the product - glycolic acid - accumulating throughout a decaying body.
In a study published last year, Vass and colleagues measured the abundance of glycolic acid within the liver, kidney, heart, brain and muscle of 18 donated cadavers as they decayed at the Body Farm - just a few of the hundreds of bodies that have been donated over its two-decade history. In combination with other biological markers examined within the first three weeks of body decay, the measured levels of glycolic acid formed a biochemical tick-tock that can estimate time since death to within 12 hours.
To produce estimates of longer than three weeks, Vass turned to other compounds, known as volatile fatty acids, which are formed by the breakdown of fat and protein. Again, he discovered that the compounds produce separate signatures over the course of decomposition. By plotting five of them over time, his team created a timetable that can estimate time since death with an accuracy of plus or minus two days for every month of decay.
The relative abundance of inorganic elements released by a body for up to several years helped the team create a third time-since-death template that is accurate to within three weeks per year.
The new timetables haven't yet been widely used at crime scenes. But Dr. Vincent Stefan, a professor of forensic anthropology at Lehman College in Manhattan, said a better understanding of human remains over the past few decades has refined the available set of forensic tools. Stefan, who consults for the Nassau, Suffolk and Westchester county medical examiner's offices, has put such tools to use in an estimated 30 to 50 forensic cases in the New York metropolitan area, including his recent examination of a decomposing body discovered near Manorville.
Although he declined to discuss details of the investigation, Stefan said in a telephone interview that a main goal in forensic cases is to develop a biological profile of the victim using available bones and tissue.
"If you're talking about sex, the pelvis is the most important," he said. "If you're talking about things like race, then the skull would be the most important. If you're talking about stature, you'd like to have the bones of the leg."
Examinations suggest that the Manorville body is intact, but Stefan said investigators don't always have that advantage in establishing identity, uncovering signs of injury, or estimating time since death. "You make do with whatever happens to be found and brought in," he said.
Sometimes, the most important details emerge from the least pleasant aspects of animal and insect activity. At the Body Farm, Walter Klippel led his visitors to the far side of the compound, where he said researchers were studying something euphemistically called animal taphonomy.
"Things that go bump in the night," said Klippel, a zooarchaeologist who normally specializes in studying animal remains.
The full meaning of his unusual research project became evident as he paused before a human corpse, its right arm and leg extending from beneath a black tarp buzzing with flies. Klippel lifted the tarp and pointed out an obvious and odiferous example of raccoon damage to the newly exposed left foot.
More signs of recent animal activity were apparent in the nearby soil, where raccoons had foraged for a fresh meal of maggots. Muddy paw prints trailed across a body bag further up the hill.
Klippel said researchers at the Body Farm were keen to capture such nocturnal disturbances with an infrared camera outfitted with a motion detector. On a warm, damp night, he said, the detector may get tripped as many as 100 times.
Understanding animal and insect activity can provide forensic sleuths with vital clues at a crime scene. Flies are invariably among the first to arrive and the subsequent emergence of their larvae and pupae can help scientists estimate time of death by using the fly's normal two-week life cycle as a clock of sorts. As related in "Death's Acre," this clock helped to convict a man of murdering his stepson's family in a Mississippi cabin.
And by understanding marks left by animals, researchers can separate post-mortem damage from injuries sustained during the murder itself.
"We're always interested in separating human action from animal action," Jantz said.
Graduate student Jennifer Synstelien showed some camera footage of the latter, an opportunistic raccoon pawing at the edges of a white body bag for maggots trapped in the plastic creases. She said animal taphonomy research had focused on damage from canids such as dogs, wolves and coyotes, but nothing had been reported about the effects of smaller scavengers like raccoons, opossums and rats.
On the other side of a leaf-strewn path, a woman's animal-ravaged body lay near an abandoned reddish trailer, as if the former occupant had perished within sight of home. Synstelien said the body was being used for an exploratory project to create a color guide for coroners.
Asked whether the sights ever bothered her, Synstelien merely shrugged, replying that she liked being in the quiet research lot, close to nature.
And the smell?
"I don't think a person ever gets used to the smell," she said.
Decaying human protein eventually yields the compounds cadaverine and putrescine, both of which are readily apparent to the human nose in high concentrations - and unpleasantly so, as their names suggest. In low concentrations, however, scientists believe the odors are perceptible only to flies and dogs.
Trained cadaver dogs, the gold standard in searching for corpses, have in rare cases discovered hidden graves up to 100 years old. But Vass said the reliance on dogs for forensic work is costly, time-consuming and imprecise, especially since researchers have yet to determine what odor combinations are required for canine detection.
The problem is further compounded by a scarcity of well-trained cadaver dogs in the United States, Vass said. "Five have been shown, to my knowledge, to be really good at it," he said.
Some of his emerging research hints at new solutions, or at least at new assistance for search dogs.
Historically, scientists believed that decaying bodies released only a few ephemeral compounds, apart from cadaverine and putrescine, such as methane, ammonia, carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide. But Vass and colleagues have pushed the number of known compounds to about 450. That discovery is enabling a soon-to-be-released database dryly called Decompositional Order Analysis, and wryly abbreviated D.O.A.
Vass said 42 of the chemicals are produced in significant quantities, and he hopes to define a subset that is released in most or all instances of decomposition - a step that could help standardize the training of cadaver dogs. But going further to develop an artificial sensor capable of detecting the chemical signature of decay would likely require years, he said.
Vass has several other potential assists in the works. One envisions a grave-detection system in which scientists would isolate bacteria that respond to grave-specific compounds. By engineering the bacteria to contain a jellyfish-derived protein, called green fluorescent protein, scientists could create a bacterial beacon that glows whenever the bacteria encounter the telltale grave compounds.
Researchers could use a sprayer or even a crop duster to apply bacteria to a suspected site, and return with a sensitive fluorescence detector a few days later. That's the idea, anyway. Although a usable field tool is doubtless years away, the team has completed a proof-of-principle experiment with a piece of buried meat.
The key to any criminal investigation, Vass said, is providing forensic sleuths with a variety of reliable and rapid tools.
"I want the crime scene investigator to go to the crime scene and solve that crime in real time," he said.
Many of the scenes have already been simulated within the Body Farm, where researchers have examined cadavers left in pools of water, on a cement slab, and even in the trunk of a junked car.
For his latest biochemical research, Vass buried four donated corpses in separate graves near the facility's entrance. A quick inspection of the first grave revealed little except for three small stainless steel tubes protruding through the soil.
As nature reclaims her own, these tubes will serve as conduits, collecting a host of chemical clues that might otherwise go unnoticed as they slowly wend their way through the red Tennessee clay.
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In a message dated 12/12/03 5:57:09 PM, Bill in Texas sends us:
http://www.ticz.com/homes/users/bob/On-A-Rock/On-A-Rock.htm
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In a message dated 11/25/03 12:06:36 AM, Mike Flynn in Boston Massachusetts sends us:
Enduring the tests of time at the Lima Funeral Home
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Got any Hot News for us. Issues that involve funeral service, in your community, it in, Everything you see here was send in by someone just like you. If there is a newspaper article in your area, send the link and we can all learn from it, even if it is your opinion we all learn from one another. Any HOT NEWS OR SCUTTLEBUTT WILL BE POSTED IN THE READER'S WRITE BACK SECTION.
Send your story or issue to FSPA just click here --->Lowellma@aol.com
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You are welcome, to write us with your comments, suggestions, complaints and especially stories about funeral service. Please remember only FSPA members will have information posted in the weekly update, it's easy click here ---> Mailto:Lowellma@aol.com Your participation is appreciated and essential.
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FUNERAL SERVICE PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION does not share membership info with anyone, no one will be given your information with out your permission or a court order.
To Join the Funeral Service Professional Association you must derive some of your income from the funeral industry, students and retirees from the funeral profession are welcome as well, please e-mail the following information.
If you skip answering one of the seven questions, you are wasting your time, the standards are the same for everyone, FSPA is open to everyone in funeral service, we are all equals here no exceptions, FSPA will not tell anyone who you are unless you request your identity be disclosed, FSPA is only open to any type of Funeral Service Professional, or Funeral Service Affiliate such as: Funeral Association employees, Mortuary School Students, Funeral Service product providers and Funeral Service Media.
Accountants will tell you FSPA is a write off ! Please check with your accountant. If s/he approves Go get yourself a nice laptop and possibly write off your hardware as well as AOL or other Internet service charge as an expense, the more your participate in FSPA the more proof you have.
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To make life easier on me
First and foremost, Send your info or story in to FSPA.
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However If you don't want the world to know your ideas and you want to remain anonymous, just put name withheld at the end. FSPA does not reveal who its members are nor does FSPA lend it's list of members to others. There is no need to identify yourself. If you are not proud of your response (like the air line lost a body on us) it is not recommended you identify yourself, since we can all learn from problems. We need your input! Your answers go all over the place, E-mail is so easy to forward. We are happy to learn from your problems and issues, there is no need to identify yourself if you don't want to, South Western United States if just fine.
If the article you want is from a commercial publisher YOU MUST get permission from the person or company who created the story.
Because e-mail can be altered electronically, the integrity of this communication cannot be guaranteed. Any of the items you read here, you are free to reuse, understand, the postings are just that, the items are for the most part cut and pasted from E-mail, others FAXed and of course from funeral publications and other media. What you see here is never checked, if you do decide to republish or quote any thing FSPA puts out, check it out, please do not name the individual who sent the article without their permission. If you see fit to use any information from FSPA please give us credit. Ages ago a state association news letter posted a quote using the senders name, she was not a happy camper nor was her company, please use caution in the future. We appreciate your understanding and we need your support.
Consider these steps for your life.
1. Work like you don't need the money.
2. Love like you've never been hurt.
3. Dance like you do when nobody's watching.
C YA
John
BOTTOM LINE: WE ALL WORK FOR THE BETTERMENT OF FUNERAL SERVICE PROFESSION AND THE DEATH CARE INDUSTRY THE CONSUMERS WE SERVE AND THE PROFESSIONALS WE WORK WITH. IF YOU SEE ANYTHING WRONG, IF SOMETHING HERE REALLY OFFENDS YOU, LET'S WORK TOGETHER. PLEASE NOTIFY FSPA IMMEDIATELY, YOU CAN E-MAIL TO lowellma@aol.com Or call FSPA in the United States Voice 978-458-6816 Fax 978-459-0115 or the old fashioned way through the mail at FSPA c/o 14 Highland Street Lowell, Massachusetts 01852-3399 USA
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