This week in pop culture and law is dedicated to Andrew Koenig.
Best known for his role as “Boner” on “Growing Pains” from 1985-89, Koenig suffered from depression as an adult and, sadly, was found dead yesterday in a Vancouver park after committing suicide.
Believe it or not, suicide used to be a felony in many states and, today, some states classify attempted suicide as a criminal act even though prosecutions are rare. Illegal or not, let’s make sure none of our friends or family gets to that point. If you are feeling desperate, alone, or hopeless … or know someone who is, please call for help ASAP.
Patrick Swayze lost his battle to cancer today. In celebration of his life and art, watch the trailer for Ghost — a tear jerking movie that involves the collision among crime, love, and the supernatural.
Today’s legal term of the day is “assumption of the risk.”
This term comes to mind while examining reports that David Carradine may have died while engaging in “autoerotic asphyxiation” — a practice whereby a person intentionally cuts off oxygen to the brain for the purpose of sexual arousal.
If true, this rules out foul play (well, kinda) and suicide. While anyone who engages in this behavior certainly assumes the risk of death, it doesn’t mean he intended to die. Popsquire is sending lots of warm wishes and condolences to Carradine’s family and fans.
PS: Yes, INXS fans, this may totally be a Michael Hutchence situation.
To celebrate Natasha Richardson’s life and mourn her death, Popsquire presents these scenes from The Parent Trap. In true Popsquire style, even this represents a collision between pop culture and law, given that a young, pre-DUI Lindsay Lohan co-stars.
Popsquire’s heart goes out to John Travolta and his family for the loss of their 16-year-old son, Jett. So sad. Of course, even this tragedy presents a collision between pop culture and law…
Travolta’s lawyers revealed details of the events to US Weekly over the weekend, and Popsquire followers keep asking why Travolta and other celebrities often permit their lawyers to speak to the media on their behalf instead of a publicist or other representative.
The answer depends on how closely the celebrity works with his/her lawyer and the nature of the crisis or event. In this situation, although there does not appear to be any criminal investigation or other legal issues, Travolta may have a close relationship with his attorney and trust that a lawyer can be careful with his wording.
Mr. Blackwell, a well known fashion cop, died yesterday of complications from an intestinal infection, according to the AP. He released his first worst-dressed list in 1960, and his more recent targets have included pop culture/law collisions Britney Spears and Paris Hilton.
Because Popsquire followers are curious cats, you may want to check out his biography, “From Rags To Bitches.”
House Peters Jr., who played the role of Mr. Clean on Proctor & Gamble’s commercials for household cleaners, passed away yesterday. The 92-year-old died from pneumonia at the Motion Picture and Television Fund Hospital in Los Angeles.
For the pop culture/law collision…Mr. Clean appeared on several television programs throughout his career, including Perry Mason!
Because Popsquire disciples are on top of current events, you likely already know that the following people have passed away this week: (1) celebrity makeup artist, Paul Starr; (2) Julius Carey III, aka “Sho Nuff;” and (3) LeRoi Moore, the Dave Matthews Band sax player.
Popsquire preaches…
Get a will! A will is a device that lets you tell the world who you want to get your assets. Die without one, and the state decides who gets what, without regard to your wishes or your heirs’ needs.
To anyone dealing with a loss, Popsquire dedicates Janet Jackson’s “Together Again.”
Because Popsquire fans are ahead of the curve, you likely know that Bernie Mac passed away this weekend in Chicago from complications related to pneumonia. While People Magazine provides an emotional account of his last moments and his family’s reaction, Popsquire invites you to focus on this quote: “He told his wife [non-verbally] that he could breathe on his own, and he wanted the ventilator out. He motioned that he wanted it out….”
Popsquire’s perspective…
Unlike many terminally ill people, Bernie was able to communicate his wishes to remove the ventilator. In many cases, unfortunately, family members are left guessing about the patient’s wishes. That’s why it is uber-important to sign advance health care directives, which are instructions given by an individual specifying what should be done for his health in case he is no longer able to make decisions.
In celebration of the laughter the Bernie brought us, enjoy this clip of his comedy…
No Comments » | 
Andrew Koenig, Suicide, death | 
Permalink
Posted by russell wetanson
