Eulogy to the Grasshopper

Growing up in a prepubescent town like Canberra in the 70's, we were force-fed morality from our two television channels. To me the teachings of the grasshopper turned wandering monk were a soothing antidote to the sacherine tones of Little House on the Prairie, the Brady Bunch and Happy Days.

So hearing that David Carradine had departed this earthly paradise was a melancholy moment...but what is with the knots and tourniquets?   Is it an actor/musician thing?  Too many days alone in hotel rooms with nothing much to do?

"Death by misadventure" will be the coroner's verdict.  Misadventure - an adventure gone wrong - like a parachute failing to open or drowning in your own vomit.  It's death while having fun (or at least your version of it).  I guess at least he died with a smile on his face.