I received a very caring email yesterday, from a complete stranger:

lovely kiss

I am so happy for your health may almighty God be with you by understanding this message. I want to tell you that I really want to been relationship with you.Though we’ve not met before now but it take one thing for two to be together in unity and peaceful life, which I will like to confide in you and also visit you as soon as possible.

I’m Jane Garuwa Address: Avenue 5 lot 175 Cocody Quaters Abidjan, Coted’Ivoire West Africa.

I am 22years old . I weigh 56kg, I lost my parent, and I have an inheritance from my late Father. My father was an Exporter and Importer in my country my late father deposited the sum $9.6million us dollar in bank in bank of africa. Before his death he told me that I should looking for a trustworlthy man or woman that will help me to transfer the money to his country for investment, I will like you to help me to transfer this money in your account for investment.Then I will prepare to come over to your country we can live as family there then I continue my education. My type of ideal man must be the honest type, caring, loving and forgiving as a devoted Christian.

I do hate deceit and cheating in all its ramifications.I do not like a man that goes after everything in skirt. I detest alcoholics For my hobbies: I love listening to good music, reading of newspapers and magazines,good novels, watching adventure films, swimming, table tennis and indoor games. I love going to holidays. Age: Our difference in age means nothing to me as long as you love and remain faithful to me. This is my word. Language: I can speak and write the English, French and my native tongues fluently.

Education: I am ungraduate of just a secondery school out. I was born and bred a Methodist. I was baptized so many years and I am a confirmed member. I take my holy communion also. I am a full fledged member of the church founded by Wesley brothers the great singers.I will like to know more about you. I need to know more about your love life. Your hobbies? Feel free to ask any question that agitates your mind because I want us to build a solid relationship with all my heart and transfer this money into your bank acount then I will come to stay with you.

I we want to speak with you on phone so you will forward your numbers and fax to me. I will scan my picture to you later as we don’t have enough conexion here.

You are my lovely One.

I will kiss you as soon in your country.

Your lovely Jane

I responded:

Dear Jane,

I am a skirt-chasing atheist drunk.

Regards,

-Adrian

And, of course, that’s all it took:

Dear Adrian,

Thanks for your kind mail and your sincere willingness to help me out of this my present situation to have this fund transfer into your bank account so that I will come and stay with you there in your country…[blah blah blah]

[tags]email scams, 419[/tags]

RTH’s latest issue is out. I would link directly to my contribution, which I referred to in On the Board, but Editor Ryan McGreal apparently decided it was front-page material, because there it is, right on the index page – a first for me. Thanks Ryan!

When I got married, I was reluctant to leave my bank, which is one of Canada’s enormous, super-profitable savings-sucking behemoths, in favour of the credit union where my wife had her account.

As you’d expect, she won that argument, and of course, she was also right:

When was the last time your bank PAID you money instead of screwing you for every last cent you’ve got?

Father’s Day is here, so why not save a couple of bucks and print out one of these heart-warming cards.

Another issue of RTH is out, and it’s a feisty one. Ryan McGreal blasts Hamilton city council and their close ties to Hamilton’s developers. Mark Fenton has a wickedly entertaining piece called A Lot in an Empty Lot that I think you’ll get a chuckle out of. And I’ve got an article on net neutrality and government surveillance and where they intersect.

There’s lots more of course, so check it out.