Steve Iriwin - "That prat" becomes a "true Aussie legend"

Shortened blog for the next few days (explained here

A few people have expressed surprise that I have not posted anything regarding the death of Steve Irwin.

Two years ago I posted an article about Irwin to another forum. All that I would want to say about a showman whose dedication was so great that he wouldn't hesitate to use his children as stage props or marketing tools, has been said in that earlier post.

Unlike the Australian media, I am not motivated by his predictable death to do a U-turn and jump on the, "Oh What A Lovely Guy" bandwagon.

Again, unlike so many Australian media pundits who until Monday, were quite happy to write or speak about what they saw as increasingly irresponsible pranks, unprofessionalism, bizarre television interviews, self-delusionalism, and allegations of faked stunts, I have no wish to now hold my hands in the air and proudly proclaim, "Hallelujah, I'm a born again Irwinist."

Don't worry folks. Soon another, "Custom Built Aussie - Export Edition" will come along and crikey mate, you will once again be able to throw another shrimp on the barbie.

No doubt like Irwin, Australians will make him a regular fixture on, "Most Irritating Celebrity" and "National Embarrassment" lists. Until of course death comes along and a media inspired change of heart suddenly transforms him into an untouchable Aussie Icon.

No longer will he be, "that prat," he will be "a bloody legend mate" and of course will "epitomise the true Aussie spirit."

I will now let you get back to the beautifully presented and professionally packaged, "Steve Irwin Memorial Week".

*Welcome back my friends to the show that never ends
We're so glad you could attend
Come inside! Come inside!

Wherever you may be - be safe!

* Emerson Lake and Palmer