BRISBANE, Australia (September 4, 2006) -- Steve Irwin, the hugely popular Australian television personality and conservationist known as the "Crocodile Hunter," was killed Monday by a stingray while filming off the Great Barrier Reef.
While this has nothing to do with anything here, I felt compelled to post it anyway... I doubt that anybody with access to a TV set hasn't seen Steve at least once & knows how much of a wild man he was.
But beyond his hijinx tackleing crocs and snakes, he was above all a great conservationist without being a political fanatic.
His shows have been a great source of intertainment, education, and escape from reality for me for years.
One account that I read said that they were in shallow water swimming with the ray, the camera man was shooting right in front of the ray & Steve swam over the top of the ray. Those close quarters apparently triggered a defensive strike from the ray.
Steve had had many a close call in the past, but always on dry land where his lightning reflexes helped save his life. Ya' just don't have much traction swimming in the water.
He was luckier than 98% of the rest of the population in that he lived his brief life doing what made him happy, all the while sharring with others & without corruption or agendas.
I heard on the news this morning that Steve's father was going to destroy the video when the coroner was done with it. I do not blame him. Question is did anyone make a copy and how long utill they put it on the internet. Nothing surprises me anymore. Kevin
If there is a single copy outside his father's control you can bet it will be on the internet sooner or later. I have seen gunshot and knife murders, beatings, and almost anything else you can imagine on the internet.
While I often thought he was a flake (ie: holding his baby in front of a hungry gator) I very much respect his work toward conservation. He was a great character who represented his country well.. he was right in your face.. honest... warts and all. And he died doing what he loved to do. We should all be so fortunate.
Frank B
1983 Bertram 33 FBC "Phoenix"
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Trump lied! Washington DC isn't a swamp.. it is a cesspool!
Funny how when you see his programs you forget what a draconian country he really comes from.
To bad too as it was once a country of great adventure.
Since 96', Australia has been gelded.
