Piglet, I think we'll just have to agree to disagree. I don't believe in killing crocs because I acknowledge that they are a native species that have been around a lot longer than us, and more often than not, it is human stupidity that creates the problems we have with them. Re respect for the dead, I'm not advocating singing their praises if you feel the opposite, but I don't see what slagging them off achieves. There are times when it's best to say nothing. I accept we feel differently on both of these issues but a bit of variety amongst folk is what makes the world go round

Thanks for pointing out my error, but shame you didn't answer my question. In terms of croc over-population, the last state I heard of supposedly having a problem with them was Queensland, not the Northern Territory. I have spent a year living in Australia, including in an Aboriginal community in WA. Yes, crocs can pose a threat, as any dangerous animal can, including bulls etc in this country. Doesn't mean we have to get rid of them. The only way of being completely safe would be to kill them all, which is impossible and totally irresponsible. Crocs became a protected species in the early 70's because they were almost culled to extinction. If you don't want to be eaten by crocs, don't go in the water they inhabit! The thing I find most distressing in your post is the fact that you refer to Irwin as an idiot only hours after his death and dismiss the good work he's done. Please show a bit more respect.

Piglet, where do you get your information from that indicates crocodiles are "grossly overpopulated" in the Northern Territories? I don't understand why you question the conservation work that Irwin did. Culling crocs is not the way forward, and Irwin wanted us to realise that learning to live safely alongside wildlife is what's important.

Crikey Sylvester, how d'ya manage to miss all the mooncup posts? Best remain blissfully ignorant on this one.

Very sad. He did a lot to promote animal conservation. To be stung through the heart is extremely unusual and suggests the stingray felt very threatened Guess Irwin had become too fearless of dangerous creatures.

The thing I find most distressing about religion is when people become anti some sector of society because the Bible/Koran, or whatever, has been interpreted by them to see certain people as sinful eg some conservative Chrisitians/Evangelicals and their attitude to homosexuals

Steady on Mia, don't think DanB will be able to control himself

A man on the mooncup would be more entertaining

Oi, you're not my KEEPER! [for people with no latex allergy]

Always seems to be the way, Bazzab. Deadlines induce drinking, there's no way round it, I'm afraid. I always end up doing irrelevant stuff when I have shed loads of work to do too. At least you're aware of it

Great work 404! The caring one is so sweet, they should print it on mooncups/keepers.

Well done you clever folk!

Yes 404, fine on the separate page that opens when you post a reply. C'mon you techies, explain that one to me

I could see them in H's post after my last post here, but now they're gone again! Weird.

Just the new smileys, I'm having problems with. Managed to see them once, but never again, so sounds similar to your problem 404. I used to have probs with the old ones too, but that was resolved some time ago, like 404. Have tried Firefox & IE and same problem in both.