It sounds like something used to fill an awkward silence at a trailer park dinner party: “Did you know you can get methamphetamine from urine?”

In this instance, however, it was being asked by a San Mateo County, California, chief deputy DA. And with the answer, we introduce defendant Daniel Zeiszler.

Zeiszler, 22, attempted that very act while amped in his hotel room one night. During the process, however, Zeiszler spilled the solvent he planned to use to separate the meth from his pee. He decided a cigarette would clear his thoughts. The cigarette may not have, but the ignited solvent probably did. Zeiszler suffered burns to his hand and arm, and caused the evacuation of the hotel.

Zeiszler’s attorney calls the attempt “really, really silly,” but insists that his client’s having “read a chemistry text” for fun reveals a young man who belongs in school. Zeiszler says he will indeed go back to school. Just as soon as he gets out of jail.

» Scott Saxon