It is comforting to know that there are still some things that have held their value through this recession and economic upheaval.

VIRGINITY! That’s right….virginity.

If you haven’t already heard, an enterprising 22 year old woman named Natalie Dylan has decided to auction off her virginity to the highest bidder in order to raise money to send herself to graduate school. So far, the bidding is up to $3.7 million. Putting aside the health, ethical, and legal issues, is this a smart money move?

Last September, when her auction came to light, she had received bids up to $243,000 but since then interest in her has rocketed which just proves that even in times of economic harship, human vices such as sex and drugs will not only prevail but will flourish. 

In fact, radio host Laura Ingraham suggested that perhaps Dylan won't even go through with the money-for-sex exchange, and will instead use the attention she's getting to generate cash through appearances and, of course, a book deal.

Surprisingly, Natalie Dylan is entering into a not uncommon online marketplace. For instance, in 2007, 18-year-old Carys Copestake tried to sell her virginity for almost $15,000. In 2004, 18-year-old Rosie Reid, a lesbian student at Bristol University, auctioned hers off for $12,300. Oddly, British women are very over-represented although there are many other cases in other countries, including men who have sold their services online. Asked about her decision and doubters, Dylan replied, "We live in a capitalist society. Why shouldn't I be allowed to capitalize on my virginity?"

To consummate the deal, Natalie Dylan will meet the winner at the infamous Moonlite Bunny Ranch, a legal brothel, which is holding the auction, in Nevada where her sister works. At that time she was looking for a $1 million dollar bid, which seemed pretty gandiose considering the prices that past auctions have closed at, but the amount of press she’s gotten including an appearance with Howard Stern, generated an auction frenzy.

Oh yea. I know what you are thinking. Prostituion is a bad thing and something that should not be applauded and besides, there are a multitude of student aid options that do not involve selling one's body. (Pell Grant anyone?)

However, consider this, she's raising money for a worthy cause -- school -- which will increase her future earning power. Plus, she's getting so famous through this auction that she could land a lucrative book deal, too. After all, the original Washingtonienne, Jessica Cutler, got a book deal and an HBO series out of her escapades

Now that would be a smart play, expecially if that was her intentions from the start. I mean, it wouldn’t be the first time that a woman used her charms…you know, be a prick tease to get a head. (no pun intended)

Some morality types have wondered if Dylan will regret her bahavior 20 years from now.

Shit…….doesn’t everybody regret things they’ve done 20 years ago?