I Get the Strangest Emails

It appears that one of the ways spammers attempt to foil spam filters is to have a paragraph of text, sometimes composed at random, along with a link explaining “the way to give her ultimate pleasure.” This one was almost poetically beautiful:

God dag, Down from loss of consciousness. My mind is turning, and golden complexion, saying “what brings thee be seen behind or to the left of those that have losing your sense of humor.” Not recommend the total abandonment of actions, accepting food from a eunuch, or from an ungrateful king, of settling church government as he shall are duly and continuously uttered. 1475 one should minutemen were only to be one hundred in number, the waiter brought cocktails. Graham glanced at more powerfully to promote the popularity of the pierced satyaki, with nine arrows. Satyaki, in vrishni, and the andhaka races, lordless now, emotions an instrument that she can use at will. Will be divested of sovereignty, happiness, prosperity.

Almost as felicitous was the name of the sender: Brasington Barnacle!

Quotable

From an online forum:

Many of my friends in their 30s are starting to play around with psychedelics again. Mushrooms & LSD. I guess we all got bored with reality.

A Speaking Engagement!

If you’re going to be in the area this Sunday, July 13, feel free to drop by the Yogashakti Mission (a Hindu ashram devoted to the study and practice of yoga here in Palm Bay) from 9 to 10 a.m., where I’ve been asked to give a little talk on Jewish-Christian mysticism.

The folks there are warm and articulate, and interested in a wide variety of spiritual and intellectual pursuits. Adam spoke there recently on “Poetry as Power: From Spellcraft to Statecraft,” about the power and place of poetry and rhyme in ancient and modern culture, religion, and politics, and it was an excellent talk. I hope mine will be half as good.

The ashram is a little hard to find, or at least I thought it was. Here’s a map (click the “To Here” link to get turn-by-turn directions from your home), but note that all you’ll find at 3895 Hield Road is a small, unassuming mailbox with the words “Yoga Mission” on it. That’s the driveway. Turn right (north) and follow the winding road through the trees to the main building.

Hope to see you Sunday!