The fact that the auto-generated spam poem– were it to be posted by or attributed to a famous poet– would probably receive at least a spirited defense, if not accolades, should not deter you from reading poetry, or continuing to believe that some poems really are better than others…

One strategy adopted by spammers to make it past filters is fake content. I particularly like the fake poetry that is being generated. Clearly, spam filters are no better at figuring this stuff out than I am. Here is one from today that accompanied a particularly gruesome advertisement:

“A Poem for You

The linguist is a tired ace, for lights go pitifully, Suit finishes a cool gut. What long branch of content within the mushy kites! When nights enlarge in real frogs, the canister tells, Under the wave, speculates a round cheerleader. Until days quit unexpectedly, the creep shows as tree, Conducts positively, angrily, like grasshoppers peeling, unfortunately Its acorn put down in the grass of an object.”

And then the strange addendum:

“stupid things: suspensory cupressinoxylon dobe impalement undomestication bemangle”

I’m off to Nome to provide some training and visit my mommy for the next five days. Who says you can’t go home again?

She says she can’t talk. She says she’s in a hurry. She says there’s a fire. She says put it out and slaps at her chest with open dirty palms. She says there’s something up inside her. She says they put it there and won’t take it out. She says don’t touch me and pulls her wagon down the bike path. She says the snow will will start melting tomorrow. She says the same truck has been circling around all day. She says she is broken in here and touches her fists to her forehead, then covers her ears. She says fix me, fix me, fix me.

Interesting take on what sounds like an interesting book (this post is one of those “friend told a friend” kinds of things).

I am actually reading A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson. I’ve never read anything else of his, but this is a fun pop science history that has made me laugh many times. Bryson has a wry sense of humor and the lives of many of these scientists provide plenty of material for his wit. Good stuff.

Audio interviews with former slaves. Wow.

Without Sanctuary should be mentioned here as well.

• The cops never think it’s as funny as you do.

• The Renaissance Faire may not be the source of all your problems, but it sure as shit isn’t helping any.

• Yeah, I know Sid Vicious wore a lock on a chain around his neck just like that. But the first time you try and pogo with that thing on it’s gonna chip a tooth, Road Warrior.

A whole bunch o’ good advice at Bad News Hughes

Finally, cards that represent how I feel this Valentines Day. More (and better) cards including hi-res versions at youyesyou.net

Arbusian ‘Age-Maps’ by Bobby Neel Adams

All that Amazon data… finally put to good use!