Pop culture aficionados devastated by the news that Britney snapped her jewel-encrusted bra right off an e-Bay auction might find consolation in a Christie's auction to be held in New York City on November 21.

Items to be included are 1) a tom-tom used by Paul McCartney in the 1950's 2) lyrics handwritten on Doors stationery by Jim Morrison 3) poems Bob Dylan wrote in college and 4) a gilt medallion Jimi Hendrix wore in 1967 when he performed at the Monterey Pop Festival.

Readers more interested in the used-underwear aspect of Britney's bra have plenty of options while they wait for it to go on sale again. There is an English website rumored to be selling soiled undergarments and myriad reports confirm that Japan has vending machines which dispense used panties. The Bosh urges potential purchasers of used undies to exercise care; in South Carolina in 2003, a woman faced a fine of $250,000 or five years in jail on charges of "mailing indecent and filthy substances." (By Scott Rose)