Al-Qaida announced on Monday that its #3 official had been killed, along with several members of his family, and other yet-to-be-identified persons.

Although the year is less than half over, this locks up, on points (8th al-Qaida #3 to be killed) the prize for world's most difficult/dangerous job.  The #3 position in al-Qaida is undeniably riddled with risk and is anything but a stepping stone to bigger and better things—unless you factor in that 72 virgin thing.

Well behind, but still no picnic, are the following jobs:

• Traveling secretary and other associates in close proximity to al-Qaida's #3.
• Nancy Pelosi's swamp drainer.  Better luck next year.
• Ethics adviser to Charlie Rangel.
• Illinois vote counter.
• The guy charged with reminding Arlen Specter what party he's in.
• The structural engineer responsible for Hillary's pantsuit designs.
• Justice Department officials required to keep a straight face after each Eric Holder decision.
• Janet Napolitano's interpreter.  It's not easy attempting to make idiot-speak sound rational.
• John McCain's chief immigration policy strategist.
• Four-letter word bleeper to Rahm Emmanuel.
• Sound guy at a Sarah Palin rally.  Is that audio feedback or just Palin screeching?

Honorable mention:  My golf partners at this weekend's and next's events.