Market Value

The most immutable of Economics Laws states. "Anything is worth what someone is willing to pay for it."

That Springsteen ticket may have a face value of $100, but the scalper in the parking lot will get $500 for it from an avid Bruce fan. That game-worn Jeter jersey may need a good washing, but a die-hard Yankee supporter will pay $1,000 for it, stains and all. It's all a matter of market value.

But what is the market value of a gesture, and an obscene gesture at that? The NFL fined Tennessee Titans owner Bud Adams $250K for giving a double-barrelled "one finger salute" to some Buffalo Bills fans after the Titans victory last Sunday. Real estate may be plummeting. Shares of General Motors may not be worth the price of the paper that they are printed on. Subway foot-longs may be going for $5, but, even in this time of economic duress, a hearty "Eff-you" directed at some drunken louts in upstate New York goes for a whopping quarter million.

The Bruce fan may very well get $500 worth of enjoyment from rocking to "Born to Run" live. The Yankee supporter may get $1,000 worth of pleasure from caressing the polyester that once clothed his idol (though this is disturbing image). One hopes that Bud Adams got $250K worth of satisfaction from his gesture.

Bud has set the market value for flipping the bird though. The next time I express my opinion of the driving ability of that dolt who cut me off on Route 22, I'll have to remember that.