The amazing Deyrolle taxidermy boutique [read about it here +] in the heart of Paris sadly suffered a major fire on February 1st, 2008.  The fire consumed most of the eccentric cabinet of curiosities on the first floor.  The insects and butterflies were the worse hit, and Deyrolle is currently seeking an entomology vendor to help replace the collection.

Read all about the fire, the store's resurrection efforts, and all the posted letters of sympathy on Deyrolle's blogsite here in French or here in English. Even Gerard Depardieu is quoted: "there are no words - it's very violent."  

Thanks to Steve Plant for letting me know the news.

Another ebay anomaly - this time half a badger stuck on a rock-like mound.  As the seller describes: 

“It was one of our favorite mounts that we had exhibited in our offices but we are moving into smaller offices and must get rid of our 'pets' quickly. You’ll ask yourself the same question we always have: what happened to the back end?”

Bidding ends February 25th, 2007.  Check it out +

The strange world of ebay outdoes itself yet again.  The ducklings were being offered from a seller in Singapore.  The winning bid - auction ended February 13th, 2007 - was a reasonable $9.99US.  Yet, while the ducklings are quite the attention grabbers all on their own, what gives them an even odder aura than their bathroom packaging is the seller's store name and slogan: Sex N Sell - Stylish Fashion that Grabs your Lover's Attention. 

The categories of sexnsell's ebay store  http://stores.ebay.ca/sexnsell  includes "Seductive Costume," "Men Under Garment," "Fashion Bikini," "Sexy Kinky Lingery," and, of course, "Rare Taxidermy."  Nestled amongst erotic silk body stockings and rather interesting intimate stockings for men, the ducklings don't quite seem in place.  But hold on to your fetish sleep wear -  the ducklings aren't the only taxidermy in sexnsell's store.   

Somewhere between the kinky nurse and school girl outfits, the bikinis, the racy knickers, and the translucent maid wear, you'll find "TAXIDERMY RARE BIG SCARY GRAY BAT IN FRAME."  Sometimes it's best not to ask questions.