Barnbrook Design of London has just completed an identity project for a Japanese company called Dignity that hails as the first truly contemporary funeral director. Along with their funeral home, Dignity has plans for a branded ambulance, gravestones, and a couple less traditional offerings. Here’s where it gets weird.

First, Dignity t-shirts. For retail purchase. I understand the whole "as stylish in death as in life," but, "as stylish in life by promoting how stylish you’ll be in death"? I’m not so sure.

Now for the true kicker. Gemstones made from… the ashes of the deceased. Um, yuck. Have we really come to a point in society that our prized self-image lives well beyond our departure? A fancy box or urn to rest in is one thing, but a set of studs for our kids to pass on so we’re present at our grandchildrens’ weddings? I’m officially creeped out.

But, this does point to a trend that I’m sure will continue – the careful management of our self-image through what we buy, join, and associate with. It’s a longstanding phenomena, but what’s changing is the scope. We’re seeing parents managing their kids’ personal image from the moment they’re born (think Myspace for tots), and we’re just beginning to see the tip of what’s possible for managing one’s identity in death and beyond.

Courtesy of CR Blog.

This looks cool. Apparently OOVOO can host up to six users in a simultaneous video chat. We were planning to join the Adrants crew during their much-anticipated OOVOO session on February 12, 13 and 15 at 2:30 and 2:45 PM EST each day. But we can’t. Because the mac version isn’t ready. Ugh. More here. Great name and gig though, huh?

Witness NVOHK (horrible name, cool concept) the first eco-friendly community managed by the people that own it.  I’m member 1127.  Apparently, when they hit 20,000 people all the joinees will be invited to contribute $50 a year (making, what,  $1 million in seed money). The community members can then buy merch and participate in design decisions, etc. Oh, and 10% of the money raised goes to charity. Seems like a long shot to me… still, it is an interesting marketing model, and a super way to ignite a movement. One just wonders how many new t-shirt companies we really need?

Yup. Upside down ashtray with a birthday candle. Seen on our favorite Adrants.