Fascinating post...I think my favourite part is the doctor's jars of snakes.
Reminds me of a visit I made to a doctor in rural Oxford, as I had this bump on my head that wasn't going away. His office was filled with African tribal stuff and included a few skulls. He handed me one of the skulls and showed me some bumps on them, saying 'it was quite normal'. It was only after I walked out that I realised I should have pointed out the fact that the bloke he showed me with the bump on his skull was clearly dead.
Living in the US, what worries me most is the ruddy bears. Arrived at a holiday home in the mountains one afternoon, stepped out into the back garden with my four children and there was this huge (over 400 pounds) bear strolling by. At least we were by the house, but out on hike... They can out run you, out swim you and out climb you, there's just no escape. I guess that's why they tell you not to run.
On the topic, I agree with Suhiir, weapons aren't always as 'safe' as the claims. I think the Bazooka is a good example, which got the reputation for being easy to use and virtually recoiless; when in reality it kicked like a mule, shot flames out the back for about 50 feet, and the firer had to wear a gas mask. You rarely see photos of the 'firer' wearing the gas mask.
Cross