Canny Rosina Eckert has opened a business that's a dead cert to beat the recession - Europe's first funeral school for would-be undertakers.
The academy - in Munnerstadt, Germany - it taking pupils from all round the world with its classes in everything from grave digging to counseling a bereaved family.
Trainer Wilhelm Lautenbach explained: "It's certainly a recession proof career. People will never stop dying and families will always need a sensitive, sympathetic undertaker."

Sewing Machine Orchestra is a sound and light performance by Canadian artist Martin Messier. The eight 1940-1950s Singer sewing machines are interlinked with a micro-controller system without need for human interaction. I found myself wishing the video was a minute or two longer, but impressive nonetheless.

Tokyo-born artist Takahashi Toshi (T Dog Junior) moved to London 11 years ago and began working at a Carnaby Street Jewelry shop. Since then he has been producing unique, handcrafted jewelry with precision and startling realness, and in 2004 launched Dog State jewelry specializing in modern skull and animal designs — along with some randomness like MF Doom’s mask and Frankenstein thrown into the mix (a personal favorite being the “Smooth Skull” below — just wicked). Toshi’s understanding of traditional craftsmanship and his ability to manifest iconic figures in precious metals has produced a headturning, at times beautiful collection of high end jewelry. His creations are available for about $220 (£ 140) each.