In order for the public in general to understand what the environmental issues are, said issues often need to be presented as entertainment. Sad, but true. Eco-tourism is entertainment, so was the programming by Marlin Perkins, and Joan Embry when she was on Johnny Carson, and so was the work of Steve Irwin. They all also had the personalities to pull it off, because they were entertainers as well as educators. They have to aim at the lowest common denominator to get the point across. There is a fine line to tread, however, to avoid encouraging their more dense viewers from straying into a "Jackass" mode. One presumes that if someone with the title "crocodile hunter" wades into water where he knows there are crocodiles, then he knows the risks. To sit in your comfy living room chair and pass judgement is a little disingenuous, don't you think? When engaged in dangerous careers, most people know what the risks are.

Jean-Michel Cousteau is carrying on in his father's footsteps after the plane crash death of his older brother Philippe. There is quite a family struggle going on there because Jacques' airline-stewardess mistress got the cash and the estate, but all in all, they still attempting to move forward. One presumes that Steve Irwin's family life was less messy and that his family will be able to continue educating and entertaining through good works.

Shambles, you chronically wade into threads to offer discordant rambling remarks in bad taste. Stow it.

SRS