Surprising Statistics

So, what do you think would be the statistically deadliest federal law enforcement position in the U.S. today? FBI? Drug Enforcement Agency? Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms? Treasury? Air Marshals? No, actually. None of those. All them sissy-man low risk enforcement jobs take a back seat to: Forest Ranger. Which makes sense after you think about it a bit, but not what I would have expected. But between solitary work in remote areas with no near access to backup, and drug dealers growing pot on Federal land, and random marginal types "taking to the land" and the occasional full-goose nutter with a war club, sure, I believe it. There's a hell of an interesting interview with Jordan Fisher Smith over at the Morning Edition site today, in aid of promoting his new book, Nature Noir. The excerpts make it sound like quite a read.

David Brin Said It Would Be Like This

Flashing may have just become the horse-thieving of sex crimes: a quaint antique not much practiced due to lack of opportunity in modern times. Because these days, victims are increasingly likely to have camera phones, and might just have the presence of mind to snap a shot of the perp in flagrante. Especially after this photo is slashdotted all over the bloggiverse. NB: I'm told that the photo isn't worksafe, although if you can see that he's got his knob out without knowing it in advance, you've got better photo interpretation skills than I have. Hell of a doofy expression he's got, though. Link thanks to El Coyote Gordo.

Robotic Name Generator

Well, since I'm blogging up a storm for some reason, wotthehell. I like the name, after all.

( Robot behind the Cutty Thing )

Just click on the robot if you want one of your own.

Must. Resist. Fabric. Must. Resist.

Have I mentioned that Denver Fabrics is evil? I had been meaning for some while to order some of the ultrasuede and leather scraps they sell for cheap to have handy for backing beadwork projects. But could I resist clicking on the "fabric clearance" button? Of course not. That's why they put stuff on clearance -- it's the crack cocaine of fabric shopping. But rust-colored silk chiffon? And a subtle silver gray silk-wool blend suiting? For just under $4 per yard? Agh. Stop me now! Luckily, they ran out of the suiting while I dithered. Phew. Rats.

It's a sad life, being a fabric addict.