I just received an email from “Jnnfr Mccrght” – my name without vowels – from a gmail account that was obviously created by Mike. Here’s the message, no edits on my part:
Subject: X
a congress has senators
a parlament, owls
sooner or later
you’ll need to buy vowels
until that time comes
don’t over-think it
if my puzle is a cocktail
i wouldn’t yet drink it
but these index card clues
into your brain they’re tearing
i have a fish in my ear
so i have trouble herring
but don’t worry about them
if they make you bemused
in a few days or so
you’ll be even more confused
so until that time comes
prepare for what it’s in store
i should be a nice guy
but to confuse you some more:
i’m now eating my words
with a knife (not a fork)
wish you were here with me
in chapaqua, new york
Translated, I think it means “I think it’s hilarious how all of you people are over thinking things, wait until I send you real clues.” Of course, I’m still over thinking things, and noticing how Parliament is missing an “i” and puzzle is missing a “z.” Hmmmm….
EDIT: Got a follow up email:
“In the 7th-to-last line, “it’s” should be “is.” It was a genuine grammatical error and should not be considered a hint toward anything (seriously, my friend).
–Mr. Puzzle”
"i have a fish in my earso i have trouble herring"
Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy and Monty Python's Holy Grail references? :)
Red herring = don't pay attention to the clues yet, because it's a "cocktail you wouldn't drink yet," meaning it's not fully mixed.
That's my take on that part.
chappaqua
Wait, there's more clues? ARGH! Wouldn't have wasted my time yet if I'd realized that.
Of course, like Jennifer, now I'm wondering if there's clues in this puzzle.
A parliament of owls.
Check out other collective nouns at:
http://users.tinyonline.co.uk/gswithenbank/collnoun.htm
I swear its not me! Anyway…its saying it will be special (Red Herring), the Clintons (Bill and Hillary) live in Chappaqua, NY
And Chappaqua is missing a "p", so add that to the "i" and the "z" to get… zip. Which really isn't better than nothing.
The zip code for chappaqua,ny is 10514, which is broken down is 10-5-14 or J-E-N. Now bring on some more torture!