December 05, 2005

Typically, anything I read that I spend some time researching I try to share. As the Internet goes these days, you can bet you haven't seen too much of that "research."

The case of 19th century journalist Victor Noir is an exception today, I guess. Cruising by Drudge this morning, I came across this sad story from over a year ago about the French shutting down public access to the tomb of Victor Noir due to inappropriate rubbing of the statue's large penis.

Officials concerned about damage to the icon's groin area have erected a fence around the grave, and a sign prohibiting indecent rubbing.

Noir - whose real name was Yvan Salman - was killed by Pierre Bonaparte, a great-nephew of the Emperor Napoleon, after bearing him a challenge to a duel.

According to the story, he was due to get married the day after he was killed.

The statue shows Noir in a frock coat and trousers lying flat on his back, with a distinct enlargement in the groin.
['Lewd rubbing' shuts Paris statue - BBC - 11-02-04]

Incase you come away from Drudge's link believing this tragedy continues, Wikipedia reports that the fence was torn down due to an outcry by angry, horny women.