Upon finding out that her favorite contraceptive would soon be off the market, Elaine, the lead female character on the show, bought a huge case of sponges. They were considered to be so valuable that she would closely screen each potential suitor for "sponge-worthiness." She even held interviews

The Today Sponge has actually become more popular with women since it fell off the market in 1994, due to its versatility and a show called Seinfield. No product has taken its place and a new owner has been trying for years to reintroduce Today and tap this pent-up demand. Hold-ups continue, however, offering a valuable lesson on the intricacies of supply and demand -- and the role of the federal bureaucracy.

Then along came the Protectaid Sponge