Ancient Crab named after Michael Jackson

[Brontozaurus]

Reminds me of when Gary Larson (creator of the Far Side) got an offer to name an owl parasite after him. He said yes, cause you have to take these opportunities when they come since it's not like you'll get offers to name new species of swans after yourself.

[SBell]

They named a koala parasite after Steve Irwin, I find that offensive

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trypanosoma_irwini

They probably weren't trying to be intentionally offensive. Most likely it was to honour him, not to make a nasty statement.

I understand, I just think a parasite wasn't the best thing to name someone like him after.

Given that Steve Irwin worked hard to promote compassion and understanding of all living creatures (even the terrors of Australia), I doubt that there could be any insult to him by naming any animal after him. I think it's offensive that the honor is dubbed 'offensive' just because the animal is (to us) unpleasant.

[postsaurischian]

They named a koala parasite after Steve Irwin, I find that offensive

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trypanosoma_irwini

They probably weren't trying to be intentionally offensive. Most likely it was to honour him, not to make a nasty statement.

They named it right because they behave(d) the same.

Yes, this was intentionally offensive.
I always hated the guy and his lack of respect - mere grandstanding.

[tyrantqueen]

They named a koala parasite after Steve Irwin, I find that offensive

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trypanosoma_irwini

They probably weren't trying to be intentionally offensive. Most likely it was to honour him, not to make a nasty statement.

They named it right because they behave(d) the same.

Yes, this was intentionally offensive.
I always hated the guy and his lack of respect - mere grandstanding.

My dad always complained about the same thing. He used to say that he should have just left the animals alone. Most snakes, for example, only attack as a last resort and are shy creatures. He felt that Steve Irwin was just trying to stir up the animals to get a performance for television.

However, I still feel he did a lot to help wildlife and is sort of a national treasure for Australia. He did have flaws, but also he did a lot to promote learning and respect of wildlife, and that can only be a good thing.