Being a member of the media, I get far-fetched publicity emails from people wanting me to help them get the word out about all sorts of things. Many of the press releases arrive at my inbox because public relations companies buy media email lists then send an email to every scribe on the list with blind hope it can end up as free publicity somewhere. These never get a whiff of getting into the paper since most have nothing to do with anything local.

Well, here's a sampling of a few of the oddest recent press release emails I've received.

- One email wanted me to do a story about a goat photo contest, which had no local ties. I wish I saved this email but deleted it too quick. What do I do now if I get a good goat picture? I need to share it with the world.

- A public relations firm representing The Cracker Barrel restaurant chain wants me to know they now have Alan Jackson CDs at the eatery. Thanks.

- The same company that told me about Cracker Barrel let me know Kenny Rogers has a three-disc box set coming out of his greatest hits in stores. But a simple normal-sized text email would not do, no not for "The Gambler." So the email starts in huge letters on top saying "NEWS FLASH." Really? Is this one of those "Stop the Presses" moments? I don't think so.

- A metal products company in Pennsylvania informs me they have new food serving products available that would "add elegance" to my dining room table. And the press release said one product can withstand temperatures of 1,000 degrees. Now I can finally have that picnic on the surface of the sun I've always wanted. I'm hopping in the car now, which way to Pennsylvania again?

- My favorite publicity email of all time came a few years ago when I was a sports writer in Newton. Some company was proud to tell me that Mike Tyson was endorsing their product. Yeah, the boxer who was convicted for sexual assault, that Mike Tyson. Hey, at least they caught my attention.

Most of these emails are just a nuisance, but now I've finally put them to use - they at least gave me a column idea.

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Reporter Andrew Potter is a Tuesday columnist for the Times-Republican. The views expressed in this column are personal views of the writer and don't necessarily reflect the views of the T-R. Contact Andrew Potter at 641-753-6611 or apotter@timesrepublican.com