Coreys down by half

Sad to start out with a death notice but Corey Haim of 80's fame, is dead at 38 due to an apparent accidental overdose (Washington Post.) Supposedly, he was experiencing flu-like symptoms and, early this morning, checked into a hospital in Burbank. He was pronounced dead at 2:15AM.

At hearing about the deaths of strangers, most people purse their lips, nod their heads slightly, and utter a small note of sympathy: "that's too bad," or "that is sad." But, although most of us didn't know him personally, because of Corey Haim's presence on television and film, this man (for those that still see him as the kid in Lost Boys, he actually grew up. Please keep the gasps of shock to a minimum) feels less-strangery and more acquaintancey. As such, his passing engenders greater feelings. I can't know what his family thinks about that, but they should be proud that Haim's performances made him familiar to thousands, if not, millions of Americans (not to mention the other Earthicans across the globe.) When us regular folk die, a handful of people sympathize. There's definitely more than a handful thinking of Corey Haim and sympathizing with his family right now. That's a good thing. Condolences.

Now, it can't be helped that many, many, many, many (the last said with exhaustion and frustration) others will fixate on only the negative and, although, I cannot fault them for judging ("blame" is in the name of the blog,) we should be empathetic and keep that to a minimum (I think to myself "Good Luck Chuck.") But, to those that may use the death of Corey Haim to, shamelessly, make a buck (some of whom may, wherein "may" is interchangeable with "can" denoting only possibility, share a commonality with the deceased,) I give a shake of the head and a heartfelt "hrrmm," hoping against hope that it will not be.

I should also note the sad death of Andrew Koenig, son of actor Walter Koenig (Star Trek's Chekov) and best known for his role as "Boner" in the 80's sitcom Growing Pains (but, I will always love him as the Joker in the great short "Batman: Dead End" Check it out on YouTube .) He was reported missing in mid-February and a few days later, after his body was found in Canada, his father acknowledged that his son took his own life. Andrew was 41. My condolences also.