Could Most Government Programs be Voluntarily Funded?

I think so, but I meet many people who don't.  As evidence, I point to examples such as toll roads and private charities.  As further evidence, I saw this blog post over at Carpe Diem today about New York City's Central Park.

Perhaps the most amazing thing about Central Park is how little tax money goes into maintaining it. Though it is still ultimately the city’s responsibility, the park has been managed since the 1980s by the nonprofit Central Park Conservancy, and it relies on private donations for most of its budget.

In my best Johnny Carson voice, "I did not know that!"  Click through to read the whole story.  It's very interesting!

NomNom

I’m a little bit scared at how entertained I am by this song and video.  :-)

 

The FURminator

Our good friends, Scott and Emily, are in town from Dallas, Texas for a visit.  Last night, they bought us a gift to thank us for our hospitality.  It was…THE FURMINATOR!!!

 

 

If you don’t own pets, this probably seems like an odd gift, but if you have pets or if you’ve ever experienced the FURminator, you realize what a valuable treasure our friends bestowed upon us. 

 

We used it last night on Red Dog and oh.my.gawd!  It looked like we’d murdered a medium sized animal on our porch!  If you have pets, you need a FURminator!

Seal Tries to Help Starving Cameraman

Hat tip to Diana Hsieh for linking me to this hilarious, interesting and cute video of a seal trying to feed a National Geographic photographer.