Fish And Chips

Hey y'all,
Been busy, so I haven't had time to write....well, that's not exactly true. I've had time on my hands, but I find myself being thoroughly distracted by my Second Life life. As I learn more, and yes there's a great deal to learn about Second Life, the more complex and intriguing it becomes. I still see no end to the potential of Second Life - especially as to how it enhances real life. So, I'm working it for all it's worth. I've met some really nice people in Second Life, and some real wackos too. It's relatively safe though, I'm old enough to take care of myself. And it all happens on the Internet and does not filter into the real - not yet anyway. There has been some movement that way - which really is a reflection on how Second Life can improve real life. An educational museum, that was designed and created in Second Life, has been remade in the real world. Live video conferencing is also available. So the two worlds can interact with each other. And I keep finding new and incredible worlds, beautiful and bizzare, and completely original. To see some of what's been created, without entering the SL world, you can go to Flickr.com, where thousands of SL imagines have been stored.

Last Wednesday, a politician took me to lunch - three of his staffers joined us. We met under the premise that the politician wanted to hear what I had to say about homelessness. Believe me, that was an impressive act. Not many people, politicians, or not, have just let me say my peace. Of course the whole of homelessness cannot be discussed over lunch. But I did talk to him about the big picture, and what I thought he could do, as a congressman to improve life, not just for the homeless, but for everyone - as life relates to that issue. Surprisingly, he brought up the idea of taking an "urban plunge" although he said he would not do it as a publicity stunt. Which then we would just take his word that he did it? Some documentation would be important, otherwise what he said would appear to be just hot air. Still, the man came across as sympathetic, though somewhat judgmental of homeless people - it's a common trait. When he talked of people who were addicted on drugs he talked of them "choosing" to live the homeless life. But I think he got the idea that when like gets tougher than you are, that a person must find a way to escape, so to not be killed by it. I even told the man that trying to "win" my vote was a futile act. I judge politicians more one what they have done, not on what they say. But he did say some important thing - especially that it's past time for change in government. And I personally don't believe this guy could do any worse of a job than our recent leaders. Who knows, some fresh blood just may be what our country needs, to get it back on track.

Like all politicians, I found him unable to just talk straight with me and not politic, or, as they say in Texas, "He was blowin' smoke up my ass." He was trying to be complimentary, but I found it embarrassing. In talking about my history of homelessness, and my subsequent blogging history, he compared me to John the Baptist. I'm sorry, but that just felt a bit disingenuous. But, then again, what poltician doesn't blow smoke up our collective asses? Well, actually, I find Obama to be surprisingly genuine and forthright. That's another story. Well, as I promised - here is a link to the man's website www.votepagett.com. I'm not really endorsing the guy, but I don't think he'd do any worse a job, than anyone else representing Tennessee. At least he did listen attentively to what I said about homelessness. Now, if he gets the job, and if he actually does something to improve the lot of homeless people, then I'll endorse the guy for his second term.

Now, back to Second Life. If you go there and sign up for a premium account, please use my screen name, Rez Messing, as your referrer, and I'll get a little bonus. It's already happened once. And it will help my homeless advocacy there. And when in Second Life - do a search of "homeless" and you'll find me. So far, I'm up near the top of the page under that search term. I call my little piece of virtual real estate, "The Homeless Guy's Hideout." Not only is that my base of operations in SL, I'm also building a store there. You can also support my homeless advocacy by making a purchase in the store - the proceeds will help me continue on.

I hope you're have a great Summer!

(sending love to my children)

Kevin