Beatles Guitar for More Than 500 000$

A guitar owned and played by the late Beatle George Harrison sold for US$567,500 /£294,000/ on Friday at an auction in New York of entertainment memorabilia which saw some other prize lots fail to make their reserve price.

Harrison's rare Gibson SG guitar appeared in two Beatles movies, was used by Harrison on the "Revolver" album and played by John Lennon during the "White Album" recording sessions in 1969. Harrison, who died in 2001, played the instrument from 1966-1969.

The auction comprised a total of 400 lots, including more than 70 items of Beatles memorabilia.

Childhood paraphernalia included a Britney Spears' book report from the 1980s which sold for US$1,912, almost double its pre-sale estimate, and a Jimi Hendrix Junior High School Yearbook from 1961 that went for US$597.

Topless Only With Permit

San Antonio’s city council on Friday made it compulsory for strippers to apply for permits and wear them while performing. The permit – which is likely to be half the size of a credit card - would include the dancer's stage name and a photo.

Law enforcement authorities said the rule, which was unanimously approved by the 11-member council and goes into effect in 10 days, will allow them to quickly identify those dancers who are breaking nudity ordinances. (Among other things, full nudity and contact with customers are not allowed in San Antonio strip clubs.)

"We're trying to reduce criminal activity inside the establishments on the part of the entertainers, i.e., prostitution," said Lt. Mike Gorhum, who heads the vice squad.

The rules, similar to regulations adopted in Houston and other U.S. cities, require dancers stay at least 3 feet from club patrons and wear the $50-permits while working. The driver's license-sized permits may be attached to dancers' G-strings, or to bracelets around their ankles.

Jim DeeGear, attorney for 12 of San Antonio's topless clubs, said he would seek to have the rules declared unconstitutional.