TGIF. The weekend is finally here. As the end-of-summer blues begin to descend upon us, we figured where else to find some comic relief than the wonderful world of eBay this fine Friday.

To put things into perspective, even though you might be down about the fast-approaching Autumn weather, things COULD be worse. We found a perfect example. Poor old seller maxx_parts_plus hit upon some bad luck recently - he's getting divorced after 15 years of marriage - and he's now dealing with his pain by selling his soon-to-be ex-wife's things on eBay. We'll let him tell the story.

"Well lets get started here. My Wife has decided she is leaving me for another guy - as I am sure some of you know from my other mystery auction - so I have decided to make sure her jewelry leaves, too. Less for her to get later," he says.

Don't worry, pal. You'll find someone better.

"Since there was so much interest in the first mystery auction I have decided to have another one including some of the Jewelry she has. Because I sure don't want it and I want to make sure she doesn't get it either! Besides since she figures she is getting half the stuff I figured I might as well make sure she gets half of nothing," says maxx parts plus.

Now, we don't know if what he's doing is legal or not, but who are we to judge? You might make out well in this mystery box auction. The seller claims the overall value is more than $20,000.

At ECommerce-Guide.com, you know we're all about supporting the savvy entrepreneur. But, once in a while, we find people who'll, well, let's say, take things too far.

For example, selling advertisements on body parts has become almost passé on eBay. But we found one couple willing to go the extra mile - and then some - for a few extra bucks.

"My Wife Will SHAVE HER HEAD and Have Her Body Painted In HENNA! With YOUR Company Logo. Your Web Address.Your Company Name. AND..... SHE Will Walk Around In A SKIMPY Bikini..IN .... TIMES SQUARE Or Wherever YOU Choose.... (Continental USA Only) SHE will walk around for at LEAST 12 HOURS ! ANY DAY YOU PICK !!!!! EVEN IN THE DEAD OF WINTER !!!!! BRRRRrrrrrrrrrrr! NOW THERE IS A PERKY ADVERTISEMENT !!!!" says seller cnysupersales.

Is there no shame anymore?? Oh, and to add a "bonus" to this auction, Mr. cnysupersales says he'll join his wife with a shaved head, Speedo swimsuit and advertisement tattoo. Just don't expect Fabio (the "I Can't Believe It's Not Butter" hunk) to be promoting your business. On the positive side, advertising costs are tax deductible, so it might be worth a shot.

What's worse than being caught with your pants down? We're not sure, but it is funny when it happens to Star Trek's Mr. Spock. Power seller velocitysales has quite a unique auction going on right now. He's selling a rare Star Trek collector's kit complete with a Special Collector's Edition publication in protective plastic sleeve and a copy of the Indianapolis Star Extra Edition from September 11, 1996, featuring an article on the popular sci-fi series. Also included: a pant-less Mr. Spock. Funny...Mr. Spock isn't blushing.

It certainly isn't logical, but Spock has gone 'commando.'

Finally, on this "things could be worse Friday," if you are cranky and want the world to know about it, say it with a pin on your shirt. Seller b!tchybuttons has the perfect one for you: a "Things could be worse, but I don't know how" button. For only four bucks, you can be that grumpy guy or gal who brings smiles and cheers to everyone else as you force them to contemplate their existence and realize life isn't so bad after all.

No news is good news.
Not much news surrounding eBay this week (unless you count the possible acquisition of Skype), other than the institution of three out of four feedback policy changes announced at eBay Live! in late June.

Be that happy person today.

According to Brian Burke, Senior Marketplace Policy Manager for Feedback (that's a long title, isn't it?), the removal of all feedback from users who are indefinitely suspended within 90 days of registration, requiring new members to complete a tutorial before leaving neutral or negative feedback and removing feedback ratings (not comments) left by buyers who don't participate in the 'Unpaid Item' process for that item will all be added to the feedback system by the end of 2005.

A fourth policy change - removing feedback ratings (not comments) left by sellers who don't participate in the Item Not Received process - is being put on hold until eBay and PayPal further integrate their systems, according to Burke.

The feedback fixes were applauded by long-time eBay users and Power Sellers, as many of them say their businesses live or die based on positive feedback and even one negative feedback (which is unjustified) can hurt business.

Devin Comiskey is the Managing Editor of ECommerce-Guide.com.