The Reluctant Whore

Stalinism was an example of what happens when you let extreme leftists go too far. Iran is an example of what happens when you let extreme religious fundamentalists go too far. New York accessory designer Jack Spade's line of "Do-it-at-Home-Frog-Dissection-Kit (complete with actual frog in formaldehyde and moist towelette to clean up any unpleasant spills) is what happens when a contingent of coke snorting, overpaid, sycophant marketing executives go too far.

Jack Spade's Soho store stocked the kit (retailing at $US40) until it was taken down from shelves after animal rights organisations complained. A Jack Spade spokesperson said:

"The intent was to celebrate science and biology, present something educational for children and adults," he said. "Jack Spade doesn't support the unethical treatment of animals."

Because when you're in marketing for a nauseatingly overpriced calf skin document case, a kit containing a dead amphibian surrounded by shiny little cutting implements that will teach kids (and adults) about science as well is clearly the next step when it comes to product development.

On the flip side, at least they were gracious enough to offer an answer to the nagging question of what Christmas gift you might like to consider getting that highly strung science geek nephew who bugs you or the macho cannibal banker your sister married.