eC's Chillout Lounge

So many of you have been asking me about the how the Aussies are reacting to The Crocodile Hunter's death.

So I decide to give you a lowdown of the happenings here.

eBay Australia currently lists 493 Irwin items for sale- the vast majority of which have appeared since Monday. US currently lists 1723.

The current piece de resistance is a framed "authentic uniform worn by Steve 'the Croc Hunter' Irwin" with a signed photo of him in action at Australia Zoo" which has so far attracted bids of $5400.

Also up for grabs in Australia are personalised Victorian Number Plates SIRWIN (S.IRWIN) which the seller boasts come in crocodile green. The starting bid has been set at $2202.62 to honour Irwin's birthdate.

Not everyone here is so insenstitive. Here are some of the food ones.

Animal welfare organisation the RSPCA Queensland said Steve Irwin was a modern day Noah because of his conservation work.

The Irwin-owned Australia Zoo, north of Brisbane, has become a mecca for thousands of fans who have turned the entrance of the wildlife park into a massive floral memorial.

Condolences from famous people.

John Howard, Prime Minister: I am quite shocked and distressed at Steve Irwin's sudden, untimely and freakish death. It's a huge loss to Australia. He was a wonderful character. He was a passionate environmentalist. He brought joy and entertainment and excitement to millions of people. He was a one-off character.

Peter Beattie, Queensland Premier: Steve Irwin could be honoured by having a national park named after him.

Russell Crowe: Steve Irwin was the Australian we all aspire to be. He held an absolute belief that caring for the richness of our country, meaning specifically the riches of our fauna, was the highest priority we should have. And, over time, we might just see how right he was.

You know, I fondly remembered those times when I would watch his shows during uni days and be amazed how he handled those animals. There was an episode where he played with poisonous snakes that spat venom. One snake really spat venom at his eyes, only to be shielded by his goggles. The venom flowed down like rain on windscreen.

Crikey!