Los Angeles, CA -- Here's proof that comedy and tragedy are closely linked: The former staff of the "National Lampoon" is auctioning its services for corporate speeches and Christmas pageants.

Four staff members were laid off two months ago after working together for four years. Now they're hoping to stay together by auctioning their collective talents on eBay for $100 an hour.

Although editor Steve Brykman admits the ideal situation would be if his gang of four was hired by "Saturday Night Live," he says the guys are, at this point, desperate and willing to jazz up everything from Christmas pageants to wedding toasts and funerals.

The auction ends Sunday (Nov. 30) and, so far, Brykman says he and his comrades are getting more "hits than actual work." Still, he's confident something will happen because, in his words, "We're getting more hits than the "National Lampoon" website ever did."

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