You may have heard on the news that crime was down in 2008. Statistically that’s true, but don’t start jumping for joy, yet. Case in point: Forcible rape was at its lowest rate in 20 years – only 89,000 persons were forcibly raped.

Only.

The FBI makes you dig for this stuff, so I’m including the raw numbers, along with the links, here.

Note: 2009 reports are only in preliminary status, without juicy numbers included below.

VIOLENT CRIME TOTAL: 1,382,012
- Murder and nonnegligent manslaughter: 16,272
- Forcible Rape: 89,000 (lowest number in 20 years)
- Robbery: 441,855
- Aggravated assault: 834, 885
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Christmas is racing up on us people.  So let’s not forget the reason we celebrate it.

Horus, the sky god of Egypt, was born to a virgin, and a star in the east led the wise men to him.

But that’s not where the similarities end, nor are they only between Jesus and Horus.  The stories of Jesus are much older than Jesus himself.  His is the classic hero’s tale that had the benefit of being written down when mankind was learning to do so.

Check out these other Pre-Christian Christmas stories.  It’ll put a little perspective on things.

For the truly Geek Mormon in your family…

…or maybe that should be Dumpkin pie.

Hat tip to Laura for sending this along.

Investigation Launched In Videotaped Police Beating

SEATTLE — The Seattle Police Department launched an investigation into an arrest earlier this year in which three officers are seen on camera using their fists, batons and a flashlight to subdue a man they said was resisting arrest.

Police said Daniel Saunders was mistakenly released from the King County Jail. Officers were going to arrest Saunders when they learned he was attempting to collect property in the evidence room on June 6….

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Brother Stink keeps reminding me of stuff I’ve seen on Youtube. Like how his previous post and the principal of the Faraday Cage just reminded me of this…