Name your price

        You have to admit that this is a funny picture. I came across it a while ago while meandering through a Target and it inspired some interesting questions. First of all when this model took this job did he know he would be the centerpiece of mockery and laughter every time I was reminded of this picture? If so how much did they need to offer him before he consented to being featured around the world on a shelf in a popular chain of high traffic supermarkets? Most importantly how much would it take for me to do it if I were in his position? He does look somewhat displeased with his decision.

       There are many motivations for doing crazy things whether it's to impress a girl, prove your manliness, get monetary gain or simply because the camera is rolling. When it comes to certain things everyone has their price no matter how intense the potential embarrassment may be, just look at the actors in erectile disfuntion commercials.
   
      For the first little while of thinking about this subject I felt somewhat proud of my ability to avoid those situations until, of course, I was reminded of instances where I did sell myself to science, among other things. In my psychology class a portion of our grade came from volunteering  for a case study on campus. To get the grade I subjected myself to have electrodes strapped to my head and with salt water dripping in my eyes stared intently at a computer screen clicking certain buttons as rapidly as I could when prompted. The study lasted for an hour. I did not enjoy myself.

       It wasn't long after that that I decided to get some extra income by selling my plasma. The first time I went the person in charge of me missed my vein and the fluids that were meant to be pumped back into my veins were instead pumped into my arm. My arm swelled and bruised to the point that for the next month I looked like I had tried to close-line an NFL running back.
Instead of abandoning the idea I found myself sitting in that same chair a few days latter prepared to forfeit the use of my other arm as well.
These are only two examples of my lifetime of justifying poor decisions (with a surprising lack of regret).


      Depending on perspective decisions are easier or harder to make given varying circumstances. There are some stupid things that given a five dollar incentive I wouldn't think twice before doing but I can still feel good knowing that there are some things in my life that regardless of the offered motivation I will never think about doing. It doesn't take much thought to say no to something if we have made a promise to ourselves that we will never do it. Strength can come through commitment and belief that will protect us from self destruction if the opportunity presents itself. Priorities are reflected in those decisions and priorities reflect character. My character says I wouldn't smoke crack for a million dollars but I still might star in a Viagra commercial if it got me an A in chemistry.                        Oh the things I do for college.