Literature Review

April Fools' Day: How it began and some of the most legendary pranks NBC-4 Los Angeles, CA; by NBC local staff; 3/27/25 Here's everything you should know about April Fools' Day, including how it started and some of the most infamous pranks in history. April 1st is the day when pranks, hoaxes, and good-natured trickery take center stage. While it’s not an official holiday, April Fools’ Day is celebrated across the world, with individuals and even major brands joining in on the fun. But where did this tradition of playful deception come from, and what are some of the most iconic pranks ever pulled? [Continue reading ...]

What solo parent travel abroad taught me about leadership Entrepreneur; by Robert Hoffman; 3/20/25 As a solo parent and CEO, balancing family and work responsibilities often feels like navigating uncharted waters. But over the past few years, traveling the world with my daughter has taught me invaluable lessons that have shaped both my personal life and professional leadership. Parenting on the go in unfamiliar settings demands adaptability, cultural intelligence and strategic thinking — qualities that directly translate to leading in today's unpredictable global business environment. ...

Utah funeral home is first in state to offer "human composting" as a green alternative to traditional burials Salt Lake City Weekly, Salt Lake City, UT; by Aimee L. Cook; 3/19/25 ... Jason and Shayneh Starks, who opened [Starks Funeral Parlor in Millcreek] in 2005, offer their clients an innovative and environmentally conscious option—natural organic reduction (NOR), often called human composting. This process transforms the deceased into nutrient-rich soil over a period of 8 to 12 weeks. While the concept may sound unconventional to some, it's gaining traction with families in Utah and beyond, ... "We're seeing a lot of interest from environmentally conscious individuals who want a natural, meaningful way to return to the earth," observed Shayneh Starks, who has worked in funeral services since 1995. Natural organic reduction has already been legalized in states like Washington, Oregon and California, but Utah has yet to officially approve this process.  Currently, Starks Funeral Parlor assists families who wish to choose this option by transferring remains out of state to Seattle, ensuring that those who value NOR have access to it.

PBS documentary, Going Your Way, premieres nationally March 31 Nine PBS, St. Louis, MO; by Sarah Brandt; 3/11/25 A new documentary produced in St. Louis by Nine PBS, Going Your Way, will get a national premiere on PBS stations across the country on Monday, March 31. It will air locally at 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. Central, following the network’s popular series Antiques Roadshow. The documentary debuted locally on Nine PBS in October 2024. Going Your Way focuses on the personal, medical and spiritual issues surrounding end-of-life care, the options available, and steps that can be taken to put those wishes to practical use. The documentary’s title highlights the active role many people are now taking to ensure their death goes according to their own plans and wishes. The film was produced with expert consultation from the Oasis Institute and features insights from health professionals in St. Louis, ... [and] personal stories of families dealing with these decisions and issues ...

A walk in the Bywater was just the medicine I needed NOLA.com, New Orleans, LA; by Danny Heitman; 3/2/25 Last fall, I asked Pico Iyer, a travel writer and spiritual thinker I’ve followed for years, how he keeps a sense of hope in a troubled world. Iyer touched on several points, but his parting comment is the one I remember most vividly. “During the worst days of the pandemic,” Iyer recalled, “I was asked to give a talk to a local hospice organization. At the end, the moderator asked me to offer some advice. I’m sure he was expecting something wise or sonorous or lofty. All I could say was, ‘Take a walk. If the world doesn’t look better after you do, you will almost certainly feel better.'” A few days later, Iyer’s words came back to me as my wife and I took a weekend walk in the Bywater neighborhood of New Orleans. ... Editor's note: Just in time for Mardi Gras, enjoy this inspirational story. Whether at work or at home, find time to use this advice, "Take a walk."

Galleria Dallas partners with Visiting Nurse Association of Texas for March gallery wall exhibit Addison - The Magazine of the North Dallas Corridor; by Erin Uhl; 3/4/25 Each month, Galleria Dallas spotlights an important organization or cause on a Gallery Wall in the center through its Galleria Gives program. During March, the partner organization is the Visiting Nurse Association of Texas. The exhibit, which will be on display beginning Monday, March 3, will feature information on the Visiting Nurse Association’s Meals on Wheels, Hospice Care and Palliative Care programs. ...  “Partnering with Galleria Dallas and its Galleria Gives program gives us the opportunity to connect with thousands of North Texans, sharing our call to action to Give, Learn, Serve,” said Katherine Krause, president and CEO of the Visiting Nurse Association of Texas. ... During the exhibit, the VNA will host several events at Galleria Dallas. The first, Make Cards & Spread Joy, will allow guests to create colorful, one-of-a-kind handmade cards for Meals on Wheels recipients ...

How much does end-of-life care generally cost? 50 Plus Finance; by David Leto; 3/3/25 [For the public] ... Knowing how much end-of-life care generally costs can help you manage and prepare your finances appropriately to ease the burden on you and loved ones when the time comes. ... The cost of end-of-life care can vary widely depending on the services required. On average, however, Americans spend between $10,000 and $70,000 on such care, with the majority of expenses often occurring in the last year or month of life. These costs can stem from hospital stays, at-home care, or nursing facility care. Hospice, which focuses on comfort and pain management, typically costs less than intensive medical treatments but still averages several thousand dollars each month, or around $150 a day with insurance. Understanding these figures helps you set realistic financial expectations and prepare for them. ...

How boomers are personalizing their last chapter Broadview; by Larry Krotz; 2/19/25 From death doulas to digital legacies, this generation is flipping the script on end-of-life traditions. ... I confess that I don’t generally think much about dying, though many in my generation do. Baby boomers, that great bulge in the population whose concerns for so long have dominated the culture, have moved from preoccupations with creative retirement or the adequacies of the health-care system to a fascination with death. Witness the immense popularity last year of the Royal Ontario Museum’s multisensory exhibit Death: Life’s Greatest Mystery or the growth of death cafés ... For my contemporaries, death has become the next item on the to-do list. What it will look like. How to prepare for it. How to make it your own. ...

Andy Isaac, beloved Detroit sports fan and internet star, says he's entering hospice care Detroit Free Press; by Jared Ramsey; 2/20/25 One of the more prominent faces in the Detroit sports fan online community announced Tuesday he's leaving social media due to his ongoing battle with cancer. Andy Isaac, known from his X (formerly Twitter) account @WorldofIsaac, said he's chosen to enter hospice care. He's been battling Hodgkin's lymphoma since he was first diagnosed in 2006. Isaac, with more than 89,000 followers, became a beloved figure as he cheered on the Detroit Lions, Tigers, Red Wings, and Pistons with his followers and cracked jokes at other teams' expense, namely the Chicago Bears. ... "I don't know when my first tweet or post was but I can tell you, sadly, this is probably one of my last. Having cancer since 2006 has finally taken its toll on me, it has stripped me of my quality of life. I have decided on hospice care." ... He signed off by saying, "Be kind to each other. I love you all. Truly, I do." 

Juniper House on National Historic Register K103, Portland, OR; 2/18/25 The Juniper House is among Oregon's latest entries in the National Register of Historic Places ... for its statewide significance as Oregon's first end-of-life care home dedicated exclusively to residents with HIV/AIDS [May 1987] and for its substantial impact on statewide healthcare and LGBTQ+ history. ... In addition to caring for residents, the work of Juniper House included advocacy and educational efforts that were crucial in shaping public opinion and responses to HIV/AIDS.

8 emerging trends that will shape recruiting in 2025 ERE Media; by Caitlyn McDonough and Jamie Kohn; 2/18/25 In 2025, CEOs have set their sights on driving growth through transformation. At the same time, organizations are struggling with efficiency pressures, sustained talent shortages, and an unpredictable regulatory landscape. ...  In the context of all these challenges, we’ve identified eight key trends that will influence talent acquisition strategies in 2025.

Delivery driver’s heartbreaking realization after he picks up hospital job Newsweek Life; by Lydia Patrick; 2/13/25 A food delivery driver's shift took an unexpected and poignant turn when he accepted a hospital order that carried a heartbreaking significance. Reddit user u/ondasher808, who chose to remain anonymous, shared that delivering to hospitals is common, as many staff members place orders. However, this particular request included a room number in the ICU, which does not allow direct deliveries. ... He called the customer upon arrival. ... The woman who answered thanked him and assured him that someone would come down to retrieve the food. Then, she added something that left him stunned-it was "someone's final meal." ... Five minutes later, a nurse arrived to collect the bag. ... "I noticed that the bag contained a Happy Meal and that was a bit of a shock because I didn't expect it." ... Later that night, he turned to Reddit to process his emotions, surprised by the outpouring of support from fellow drivers, customers who had ordered final meals for loved ones, and health-care workers who had witnessed similar moments.

What do you say to a friend who is dying Equity Atlas; 2/12/25 It’s a situation no one wants to find themselves in – facing the imminent death of a friend. The emotions that come with this can be overwhelming, leaving you at a loss for words. You may find yourself grappling with what to say, how to act, and how to provide support during such a difficult time. In this article, we will explore some insights on what to say to a friend who is dying, as well as provide guidance on how to navigate this delicate and heartbreaking situation.