Here’s an interesting way for city governments to make money (aside from taxing the beejeezus out of its citizenry). Chicago’s taken the lead, and maybe other cities will follow suit? From CNN:

CHICAGO, Illinois (AP) - City officials hope there are people willing to pay plenty of money to own a vintage Playboy Bunny costume, toss green dye into the Chicago River or throw a dinner party prepared by Oprah Winfrey’s chef.

The Chicago-related items and experiences - Playboy Enterprises and Winfrey’s show are both based in the city, and turning the Chicago River green for St. Patrick’s Day is a hallowed city tradition - will be up for sale December 2-16 on eBay.

It’s all part of an effort to raise money for arts and cultural programs as the city faces a $220 million budget gap.

“It seems to be one of the most extensive, if not most extensive, (eBay auctions) of its kind,” said company spokesman Hani Durzy, although with 29 million items for sale at any one time, he said it’s hard to say. [Continued at CNN...]