It’s always surprising to me how fast the middle of the month rolls around and we shout out the stories that have been “Top-Read” on Funeral Director Daily for that past 30-day period.  Today we once again bring those out and offer a few other tidbits that we picked up in the past 30 days that we thought you would be interested in knowing about.

 

First, here are ou Top Read articles —

1. How much debt is too much
2. Here’s some good news about our profession
3. Is Private Equity really paying 14 X for InvoCare?
4. Park Lawn Corporation makes offer to acquire Carriage Services
5. Confessions of a Retired Funeral Director

 

Related Items from the world of Death Care and more–

 

From The Year 1938  — We came across this pie-chart of why consumers chose a specific funeral home at that time (1938).  We came across it when we were researching this article, “What keeps ’em coming back?  Do you have the data?” . . . . You will notice that the reasons for the choices of 85 years ago are similar to some of the choices today. . . However, as the article points out, we think that is changing.

 

Stockholder/StoneMor Lawsuit —  Although information is difficult to find on general information websites, it is our understanding that the former StoneMor company is facing, or at least had, a lawsuit on the processes of its buyout last year by Axar Capital commenced.  As you may know, some shareholders of StoneMor were also shareholders, or controlling interests, in Axar Capital.  Here’s an article on such. . . .however, if you want to read the full article you will have to pay a subscription.  The headlines and first few sentences give enough information to know that, at least at one point, a lawsuit was commenced.  At present, we do not know where this has led.

 

North Carolina embalming fluid Law — North Carolina has introduced legislation that would make it illegal for those not in the death care business to possess embalming fluid.  According to this article, this is the primary reason:

“It stems from a new trend where drug users are adding the drugs PCP or fentanyl to the chemicals typically used to preserve bodies. . . . . The concoction can lead to deadly brain damage and psychotic episodes.”

 

Casual Dress –– According to a recent Wall Street Journal survey,  casual dress in the workplace is now commonplace and here is how far it may go:

“Baseball caps and shorts were deemed work-appropriate by a slim majority. The only fashion reject: sandals, with 54% saying they were “never OK.”

 

Will we see “baseball caps and shorts” soon accepted as proper attire for funeral directors?  I’m guessing, and hoping, not.

 

Rental Clothes — Japan Air Lines (JAL) is taking limiting carbon and bringing in new revenue to new extremes with their “Any wear, Anywhere” initiative.  Read here how you no longer have to pack luggage which will reduce weight on the plane and, by JAL’s thinking, reduce fuel consumption and their carbon footprint. . . The solution for that eventual necessary change of clothes?  You can just rent a wardrobe from Japan Air Lines that will be available at your destination.

 

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