But Brighton showed that a ballot does not have to be completely random.

BBC: ANALYSIS

These then arrange themselves in a completely random order, which is mathematically so difficult to replicate it's known as PUF (physically unclonable function).

ENGADGET: IBM brings the fight to counterfeiters with nano-sized authentication methods (video)

Another, in 2001, not specifically of rape, found that among 221 women trying to conceive, "one completely random act of unprotected intercourse" had a 3.1% chance of ending in pregnancy.

WSJ: Pregnancies From Rape Prove Tough to Count

The film uses that man-ages-backward notion as a framework on which to hang a completely random string of dramatic incidents, everything from a World War II naval engagement to the finding of a foundling on the back stairs.

NPR: In 'Benjamin Button,' A Curiously Chilly Passion

Walt Mossberg's most recent Personal Technology column smacked hard on the complicated nature of this as well, but instead of just complaining, we're going to show you yet another way of getting some pretty amazing, scary, and completely random videos from around the web automatically uploaded onto your Portable Media Center.

ENGADGET: HOW-TO: BroadSnatching to a Portable Media Center

Of course, whether you publish yourself or through the traditional channels, selling enough to become a millionaire is still dependent on something completely outside of your control the often random taste of the reading public.

FORBES: Who Wants To Be A (Kindle) Millionaire?