So, Steve Irwin, Crocodile Hunter... tragic that he died and left his wife with two small children to care for on her own. I'm sure they are financially stable. I heard on the radio this morning that the little girl that is 8 is about to start her own "animal" show on the Discovery Channel following in the footsteps of her father. This is due to her own passion for animals. Steve Irwin was a great defender of the animals and a big environmentalist. He has been touted as a great educator as well. I'm sure all these are true, although I will not say that just because he died that I loved his shows. I at the time thought he was stupid for taking the risks he did, especially holding his baby while wrestling crocodiles, and the show in general kind of grated on my nerves. But, that's okay, he did a lot of good for animals apparently.

What gets me is the reaction to his death. Yes, it is sad, but the Australians are treating him as a national icon of sorts. Like all the flags in a particular area are flying half mast in his honor, etc. They gave out 5,000 tickets or so within 15 minutes to his memorial. Okay, so the guy was popular. A little skewed there, but I guess he brought Australia a lot of attention.

BUT, the most appalling thing to me is that people are so SHOCKED that he died. People feel so sorry for him and his family. Don't get me wrong, I don't wish that on anyone and sympathize for their loss. But, here's where we have to look at reality. The guy went out and jumped on crocodiles and all kinds of animals. The piece he was filming at this time was "Ocean's Deadliest". In fact, the article in USA Today stated one of his crewman saying "we always said that if he goes, it would be in the ocean..."He went on to say that he was really light on his feet on land, but just not as quick or competent in the ocean. Yet, where was he? Swimming with STINGRAYS! The pity-iers have said that people swim with and/or pet sting rays all the time, but the sting rays' stingers are cut off. Big difference there.

Again, I'm not saying that I don't recognize it as a sad situation, but duh, aren't you kind of asking for something like that to happen? When you play with fire you're going to get burned! Was anyone shocked to hear that he had died? And, if so, WHY? I heard it and was sad for the family but not surprised in the least bit. I'm surprised he made it this long.

Anyway, prayers for his family. I don't know whether or not he was a Christian. Stacey on WAY-FM was going on and on about being sad about his death this morning, but nothing was mentioned as to whether or not he was a Christian. This I am curious and care about. Of course, it's too late for him now, but we could pray in a particular direction for his family.

Enough rambling... CRIKEY! :)