Human organs. A teen's virginity. A grilled cheese sandwich bearing the Virgin Mary's likeness. If it's weird enough, an eBay auction will draw media attention like a bare breast at halftime. Years after the first questionable item was offered for sale, newspapers and morning shows are still going gaga for the absurd. But not everything makes a great headline. The stuff that gets publicity has an X factor that makes it irresistible. Here's some of the most over-exposed merchandise in six years.
1999
For Sale: Alleged 17-year-old Miami high school senior Francis D. Cornworth offers up his "Young Man's Virginty [sic]." Opening bid: $10. It attracts a (phony) $10 million offer. Alerted by a user complaint, eBay yanks the listing.
X factor: Hot or not? You know you were curious. By advertising on the very public auction site, it was almost as if teen prostitution were legal. Almost.
In the news: August 1, 1999, New York Post headline: Still Intact.
2000
For sale: A rash of souls go up for auction in 2000. In March, a 29-year-old communications instructor at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst sells his soul for $1,325 to a New York real estate agent after a 10-day bidding war. "In America, you can metaphorically and literally sell your soul and be rewarded for it," the seller says. "That's what makes this country great."
X factor: Sure, it reads like the tale of Faust. But the real cultural resonance is the Simpsons episode in which Milhouse buys Bart's immortal spirit for $5.
In the news: February 25, 2000, Salon.com headline: EFaust EFoiled.
2001
For sale: A Kennedy Space Center technician offers a Russian shuttle prototype that made five flights as part of the Buran program. Starting bid: $500,000. No takers.
X factor: This stuff isn't just for Smithsonian curators - space is the new frontier for private collectors.
In the news: August 11, 2001, Florida Today headline: Mini Shuttle for Sale on Auction Site eBay
2002
For sale: The owners of Eminem's boyhood home list it for $120,000. Result: hundreds of bogus offers and no real bids over $75,000.
X factor: Owning a piece of Em's childhood: major bling cachet. And he might even want it back one day. Then who'll be rollin' in the Benjamins?
In the news: December 22, 2002, the Los Angeles Times headline: Miles to Go Before Eminem's House Is Sold
2003
For sale: A string of western towns are up for grabs. Only one auction ends with a winning bid, but the sale falls through. California law says the highest bidder has only the right to purchase. But, oh, the tourism promotion!
X factor: The insanity of the real estate market meets fondness for the old West.
In the news: In February 2003, British TV host Graham Norton launches a mock fundraiser to buy Carlotta, California.
2004
For sale: Diana Duyser of Hollywood, Florida, sells half of a grilled cheese sandwich that resembles the Virgin Mary to the owners of an online casino for $28,000.
X factor: Buzz marketing for the religious right ironically attracts unscrupulous sellers of sin.
In the news: November 25, 2004: Miami Herald's Jim DeFede volunteers to drive the sandwich to the buyers in Las Vegas.
- Ken Taylor
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