Scraping the bottom of the barrel

You know, it might be just me (or, it might not, since I found this courtesy of the inestimable MSgt wcg), but personally, it seems like a pretty good sign we're in real trouble if we're now having to accept recruits who scored only in the 16th percentile on the aptitude test.

That's what 34 states just did for Army National Guard recruiting.  And remember, it's a bell curve.  16th percentile takes in all but the very bottom tail of the curve.  You pretty much have to show up with a pulse and blood pressure, and be able to read and write.

Update:  As mazianni points out, the maximum recruiting age was also previously increased to 42.

Spam a tractable problem?

(From schneier)

According to this article, analysis of email traffic at demon.co.uk, the UK's primary Internet carrier, indicates that a very solid chunk of all the spam in circulation is coming from just five large "spam gangs".  Five major sources make it a tractable problem; five sources can be tracked and shut down.

The NRA wants me to renew.

The National Rifle Association would like me to renew my lapsed membership.  It's been lapsed for several years now.

What's the NRA promising to do to get me to renew?  Are they promising to fight any new "assault weapon" ban?  Are they vowing to lobby in favor of a national concealed-carry law mandating that all states recognize all other states' carry permits?  Promise no more of the endless compromises that salami-slice away my rights?

No.

Nothing like that.

They're offering me a "heavy-duty" NRA-branded duffel bag.

YOU INFERNAL IDIOTS!!!  IT'S NOT ABOUT THE DAMNED BLING!!!