Why do they call it Spam?

I was just wondering how the name of Spam became associated with unsolicited emails? We don't call unsolicited sales calls on the phone Spam for what is basically the same thing and it's junk mail when it comes from the mailman, so what's the genesis of SPAM?

It's from the Monty Python skit.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anwy2MPT5RE

I'm not kidding.

Lots of junk and only a little of what you want.

I've heard it's from the old Monty Python skit - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anwy2MPT5RE

Nothing gets done because of the SPAM SPAM SPAM SPAM

Whatever you guys say. I guess that's as good as any other reason, but I don't get it. I watched the skit and that was one of the Monty Python skits that would have caused me to change the channels. I loved Monty Python but just like SNL very little of it is funny. Most is tedious and you put up with it to get to the gems.

Wasn't this skit done in the pre-email era?

Well, mostly. Email actually dates back much farther than you would think... decades before the web. And remember, geeks have always loved Python.

This site is built using the Python language--another nod their way. Actually, programming history is LITTERED with Monty Python references.

carguy123 wrote: Wasn't this skit done in the pre-email era?

You might say that. When this skit was done, the home computer to have (for most folks) was a Tandy. And you had to put it together yourself.

Edit: Tim put it together right. In those days, only a few people had the access or knowledge to deal with what would become the intraweb. Military installations and certain Universities, etc. Python transcends all things geek, as does Star Trek.

SPAM actually stands for SPicy hAM, which, if prepared correctly tastes almost as good as bacon..

I like Spam (The meat product) My wife thinks I'm nuts, but there is a lot you can do with it. I have never tried it in my computer, though.

Spam on your computer gets everything all greasy.

They now have Spam Lite. But based upon the label, the fat content is anything but lite except by comparison to the original spam. Spam makes Bacon look lite.

I've heard that SPAM is very popular in areas that were recently cannibalistic. Read into that what you will. Even if it's not true, I want it to be.

Now it's on the internet so it must be true.

They call it SPAM to make this picture work:

From Newstados Unidos

Vikings: Lovely spam! Wonderful spam!

Waitress: Shut up! (Vikings stop) Bloody Vikings! You can't have egg bacon spam and sausage without the spam.

Wife: I don't like spam!

Man: Sshh, dear, don't cause a fuss. I'll have your spam. I love it. I'm having spam spam spam spam spam spam spam beaked beans spam spam spam and spam!

Real popular in Hawaii, since WW2.

Tim Baxter wrote: ..... geeks have always loved Python. This site is built using the Python language--another nod their way. Actually, programming history is LITTERED with Monty Python references.

Is this why were having problems loading the pages and threads?

minimac wrote:

Tim Baxter wrote: ..... geeks have always loved Python. This site is built using the Python language--another nod their way. Actually, programming history is LITTERED with Monty Python references.

Is this why were having problems loading the pages and threads?

Spam adds 502 grams of fat for every attempt to access GRM, 504 grams if you try around lunch-time.

minimac wrote:

Tim Baxter wrote: ..... geeks have always loved Python. This site is built using the Python language--another nod their way. Actually, programming history is LITTERED with Monty Python references.

Is this why were having problems loading the pages and threads?

No one expects the Spanish Inquisition!

Our chief weapon is surprise...and fear! Fear and surprise, and...

Tim Baxter wrote: Well, mostly. Email actually dates back much farther than you would think... decades before the web. And remember, geeks have always loved Python. This site is built using the Python language--another nod their way. Actually, programming history is LITTERED with Monty Python references.

Python has become the supported scripting language for ESRI's ArcGIS. I have been writing scripts with snippets I've picked up but have the O'Reilly "Learning Python" book sitting on the table waiting to spend some quality time with me. I'm not a programmer but I play one at work.

jrw1621 wrote: No one expects the Spamish Inquisition!

Fixed

minimac wrote:

Tim Baxter wrote: ..... geeks have always loved Python. This site is built using the Python language--another nod their way. Actually, programming history is LITTERED with Monty Python references.

Is this why were having problems loading the pages and threads?

Dammit you stole my joke.

Lol I am watching Monty Python right now.

it's not pinin,' it's passed on! This parrot is no more! It has ceased to be! It's expired and gone to meet its maker! This is a late parrot! It's a stiff! Bereft of life, it rests in peace! If you hadn't nailed him to the perch he would be pushing up the daisies! Its metabolical processes are of interest only to historians! It's hopped the twig! It's shuffled off this mortal coil! It's run down the curtain and joined the choir invisible! This.... is an EX-PARROT!

I was always told Specialy Prepared American Meat...

neon4891 wrote: I was always told Specialy Prepared American Meat...

Marketing propaganda, trying to put the best spin on the packaging of the meat pieces that fell on the floor.

Slimy Product Approximating Meat