Very Sad News

I woke to very sad news today. While I was eating breakfast, I heard on the news that Steve Irwin, the croc hunter had died. He was stung through the heart by a stingray strike to the chest. I couldn't finish my frosted flakes after hearing about it.

In recent years, I hadn't been watching his shows so much, but I remember when I first discovered him. I thought him completely insane and hilarious. True, his methods were a bit unorthodox and controversial, but there is no denying how much he loved all animals, and his work has benefited multitudes of weird and wonderful creatures.

As a tribute to him, I want to list some of his quotes that have become a part of my daily vocabulary...

"Danger, danger, food response!" - Used by Steve when being chased down by a komodo dragon. I use it often when a plate of food is placed before me and promptly devoured. I also like to use the shortened version, "danger, danger", when someone in the house may be in a particularly bad mood.

"Don't bite me in the face! Don't bite me between the legs either!" - Used by Steve when confronted by a rattlesnake. I don't really have a good application for this particular quote, I just like to say it every once in a while.

"Dragon poo!" - Used by Steve when tracking komodo dragons. Used by me to describe the cat's litter box.

"You're alright mate!" - Often used by Steve when holding a flailing snake by the tail. Used by me to calm my dog when she is freaking out during a thunder storm, or any time anyone seems to be getting unnecessarily upset about something.

The baby croc noise. Impossible to replicate here, but still one of my favorite croc hunter moments. He was holding a baby croc, mimicking it, and explaining how it was a distress call to his mother. I like to use this noise now to commiserate with people who are whining too much.

I'll miss you Steve.

JE