I reckon most of us latte sipping, chardonney quaffing sofisticate types in Oz thought Steve Irwin was a bit, well... gauche. But what's become obvious to me in the last few days is that he was extraordinarily genuine. Politically, and in some ways environmentally naive, he sometimes spoke up for the 'wrong' things. Yet he put his heart in every place he put his mouth. He loved his life and everything in it. And that's an awesome thing to experience vicariously as he let us do through his tv and zoo. I've been thinking about what an emotionally driven man he was. A rare thing. The papers here are full of Steve stories and I read today how much he pleased Terri, as a husband.

And he was just a bloke, just himself. Apparently, his long-time director didn't let him see any of his shows or movies until they were in the can. It was so Steve could continue to be just himself and not mold his style to a perceived need.

I'm glad he lived and I'm very sorry he died. And I now realise that in his ocker way, his more crocodile than dundee way, Steve Irwin was the explorer and adventurer so many of us still want to be in this big empty continent. The difference is, he had the balls and the heart to do it.

BY CRIKEY...YOU LIL BEAUDY.....couldnt resist, has such a satisfying sound to it.

Now almost a week out and the outpouring of emotions shown by Australia and the world are just amazing..there are a few knockers trying to get a reaction (pity them) but theyre tiny voices are lost in a ocean of love for this man.

His passion and devotion to conservation will live on and he in the hearts of all who aspired to his love and committment to the environment and earths creatures..

I loved Steve Irwin from the moment I realised he existed and watched everything i could ,thats as close as i could get to him.

It is sad that he wasnt in Australia a lot longer because i feel shortchanged that America had him for so long and us such a short time in comparison.

I feel upset everytime i hear anyone say they thought he was an embarrassing loudmouthed dill...and now hes gone..'oh what a great bloke?'
Thats gets me riled..

When will the idiots in this country get over 'THEYRE' rediculous cultural cringe and stop knocking our brightest and best?
He was a shining star and yet a lot of stupid Australians only felt embarrssed by the"CRIKEY" and how they thought we looked to the rest of the world because of it?

Well the world already loved and admired him as the special and unique man he was, it was the Aussies as usual who just cant find it in theyre hearts to give credit where credits due...Im not a huge fan the US but at least they love and accept their own and even big enough to love one of ours....no wonder they go overseas to a place where they are valued..shame on us.

OZGIRL

Geez mate. Lovya post. Thanks mate.

Onya!
Kay

In Response to ALAMO ---- Get a life ---- you obviously wanted to say what you did otherwise you would have just shut up. There is a Ms. Greer that may be of interest to you ---- Good luck

Horus,Kalweb,and Nannygnomis,

I reckon Graham Young will be absolutley over the moon with joy to know that dead people can read OLO posts - as your posts addressing Steve [directly] suggest.

Will he post a reply..?

Hi Steve,(if you are up there/down there- reading this)

You know I never really could entertain what you were all about.Probably because (like you) I grew up around crocs and snakes and other crawly things. The difference between you and me is I didn't go out to jump on them, grab them, for the sake of making TV shows. They were there and so was I and learning to live with them was more important than annoying the hell out of them. But at the same time I can understand how people who are sh^*t scared of these creatures would see you as a hero because they live in TV world half their lives and the bush is a very scary place for them. Its a real bugga that stinga got you like it did. Anyway, Can you say hello to Elvis, Lady Di,
Karly Marx, Graham Kennedy, and Bob (Gilligan) Denver, and my dog Butcher for me please.
Thanks mate.