Abstract: The invention provides a method for auctioning a time sensitive item. An item which needs to be sold by a specified time is first identified. The item is offered for sale at an auction. Bids for the item are received from at least one bidder, and the item is sold to the highest bidder. In one embodiment, surplus tickets for capacity-limited events are identified and sold on an internet auction site.

Abstract: An electronic database is provided which contains a plurality of transaction records for transactions in which a prescription medicinal substance is dispensed to a patient. Preferably the database is of nation-wide scope. Each transaction record contains a plurality of electronically associated data items including a medicinal substance data item and a patient data item. The database is operably associated with a computer means for searching the electronic database by at least one data item and identifying the transaction records containing such at least one data item, and performing at least one predetermined data processing function on the identified transaction records and generating a processed data packet. A communication means is operably associated with the computer means for communicating the processed data packet to a user. The database can be used to identify prescription fraud, medication overuse and abuse, and to provide an early warning for bioterror attacks.