You might have read recently about the models that have decided to auction their eggs (no, not their Easter eggs) on the Internet. Naturally, this wave of entrepreneurship got me thinking. Just what, in the realm of popular music, would I bid for on eBay? Almost as fast as I could say Bill Gates, these came to mind:

1. Neil Young’s sense of marketing: I mean, how many guys have the ability to write a punk anthem on acoustic guitar? C’mon, don’t you remember "Hey Hey My My?" Or was it "My My Hey Hey?" And, then follow it up with an allegiance with Pearl Jam, the guarantors of grunge, thereby placing him, at the ripe old age of 50-something, right into the laps of those noted 18 to 34 year olds who spend all the disposable income these days. Follow that with an acoustic tour with top ticket prices of $125-see column of two months ago for a diatribe on that-and little overhead, followed by a reunion with pals David, Graham and Stephen, at a top tier of over $200, and I gotta just tip my hat and get in on that!

2. Jackson Browne’s sense of angst: Is it just me, or has this guy ever written a truly killer song, except when either a) his wife has just committed suicide or b) his actress girlfriend has left him? The classic "Late for the Sky" came out of the first tragedy, while the truly deep "I’m Alive" came out of the latter. In between and after, he has fought the good fight for human rights and other noble causes, but never to the level that disruption in his personal life has wrought. I mean, I wouldn’t wish that kind of grief on anyone, but it surely brings out his muse.

3. The Bee Gees’ sense of rhythm: Boy, oh, boy, there we were in the middle 70s, stuck in a rut between the death of Southern California rock and the decline of the great British bands like Led Zeppelin and the Who, seemingly light years away from the initial promise of punk, when lo and behold, it was dancing, yeah! Like it or not, tell me that you didn’t at the least, hum these songs, and at the worst, take Hustle lessons.

4. Bob Dylan’s charisma, purpose, and stamina: Over 100 shows a year, never any two alike. Dressed like the country gentleman he probably always wanted to be. Still knocking you over the head with the lyrics, and then rocking you right out the door. Playing to Deadheads, Generation X and his own longstanding fans, all in the same calendar year, and, it seems, in just about every town in the nation. And, doing it all at age 58. Somewhere, Woody Guthrie is smiling.

5. Mick Jagger and Keith Richards’ successful fight against Father Time: Read all the jokes. Saw them at the Hartford Civic Center. Forgot how old they were in about five second’s time. Say what you want. Snicker if you will. Still the standard bearers.

6. Linda Ronstadt’s way with a song: Sure, she may not have aged as gracefully as some of her cohorts from days gone by (see number #5, by the way), but when she opens her mouth to sing, as evidenced by her rafter-shaking reading of "Blue Bayou" on her fall tour with Emmylou Harris, she proves her beauty, time and again.

7. Joni Mitchell’s willingness to take musical chances: No, we don’t get to hear "Chelsea Morning," "Blue" and the like that much anymore. But, you gotta admit that her forays into the jazz realm are a hell of lot more interesting, mature and challenging. The artist makes us take notice, and well we should.

8. B.B. King’s magic fingers: Okay, so he can’t sing and play the guitar at the same time. Picky. Picky. Watch his left hand up close at a show. How in the world does he get that sound, from what simply seems like vibrating his fingers on the strings? Many have tried, but no one has ever, ever played like the King.

9. Miles Davis’ groundbreaking ability: Quickly. Name me one other major artist of the 20th century who, single-handedly, changed the course of a musical genre, in his case, jazz, at least four times in a career. Once is mind boggling enough. Four times? That, in its self, gives you the right to play with your back to the audience, knowing full well that we would be listening, making sure that we wouldn’t miss anything.

10. Roomful of Blues’ homage and atmosphere: I dare you. Try to listen to a Roomful record, or see a Roomful show and not, at the very least, tap your foot and reach for a beer. Even if you have no idea who Freddy King, Joe Turner or Cleanhead Vinson was, turn it up and turn it on. "Let’s Have a Party," indeed.

11. Bruce Springsteen’s passion: Even at age 50, he still struts a stage for over three hours, demonstrating his commitment to what he calls the mystery of rock ‘n’ roll. In his hands, it’s more like a ministry. Arguably the best performer and one of the best songwriters of the rock era, most importantly, he managed to avoid all the pitfalls that affected his hero Elvis.

12. Any real fan’s fury and interest: Be it doling old big bucks for a show, almost as much for a disc, reading interviews or arguing over songs at the corner tavern, a fan is just that, the backbone of this entire industry.

Count me in for a bid on all of these. Goo goo goo joob.