In his book Fame Attack, Professor Christopher Rojek explores how we've turned celebrities into modern day idols. Rojek writes:

In the early days of Hollywood, the [media] described celebrities as "gods" and "goddesses." It credited them with "magic" and messianic "spellbinding" power …. They were not called 'stars' for nothing. They showed people the way to brighter, more pure things …. Modern fans covet autographs, letters, check stubs, locks of hair, clothes … combs, glasses, cigarette butts, rings, cars, golf clubs, and other celebrity accessories with the same fervor as Christians in traditional society sought relics of the saints.

Consider the following examples of how much value we place on celebrity items:

• In 2002, the former barber of Elvis Presley sold a clump of Elvis' hair for $115,000.
• Justin Timberlake's half eaten French toast sold for $3,000.
• A jar containing the "exhaled breath" of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie was bought by a fan for $500.
• A piece of bubble gum chewed by Brittany Spears sold for $160.
• Who doesn't want a lock of Justin Bieber's hair? In 2011 the pop star's hair sold on eBay for $40,668.
• A tissue allegedly used by Scarlett Johansson sold for $5,300 on eBay.
• Even Bernie Madoff, the infamous Ponzi scheme crook, owned a $300 footstool that the U.S. government auctioned for $3,300.