Two recent events got me thinking ( a disturbing trend.) Roy of the famous Siegfried and Roy tiger and magic show in Las Vegas is in critical condition. Siegfried says the new tiger was frightened and actually dragged Roy offstage protecting him, much as a mother cat carries a kitten in her mouth. Timothy Treadwell and girlfriend were fatally mauled by a grizzly in Katmai. I met Tim several times. We lived close to each other and I've been involved in many bear conservation efforts. Many people were worried about the message he was giving people about bears being harmless. Lessons? It's easy to say "lions and tigers and bears,oh my!" and get lost in a ballistics debate, Hear the protests by PETA over performing animals ( the white tiger would be extinct if not for this show) or other post mortem arguments. What I see is another example of "trust me, I'm an expert." Roy had years of experience, a trained staff and never forgot for an instant that a "tiger is a tiger." Timothy decided he was one. Our last meeting was not amicable. I again suggested he at least stow a shotgun, if not carry it openly. When a big ALPHA male displaying the "gunslinger" stagger approaches do not assume he's read your book. There are lots of experts out there. I just wish there was an expert on appraising experts. <img src="images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />