An interesting article, "The US virtual economy is set to make billions"
which runs contrary to gloomy current wisdom,
reveals how ingrained consumerism (and capitalism?)
is in the minds of many ordinary citizens...

Of course, that new bubble will also burst, but some will laugh
all the way to their secret treasure chest under the old garden shed next to the pond
(banks are now 'unsafe')

Many of those who generally argue for progressive change, and like to speak
in the name of "the people", sometimes forget that "the people" apart from the
truly destitute (chronically unemployed, immigrants, minorities and others) also includes a relatively well-off crowd (think lower-middle class) a fair chunk of which is largely ignorant, easily-scared & manipulated but otherwise selfish, prejudiced and disinterested in anything beyond law+order...Aka "the consumer".

Virtual games, and day-dreaming communities such as 2nd life (get a life?),
seem to be the modern equivalent (and competitor?) of religious satisfaction in the afterlife.
In that sense they may be slightly more realistic, instant and reciprocal (not to mention
tailor-made).

FAQ:
Q. So, can I upload and virtually offset my virtual carbon emissions in your virtual community?
A. Yes, virtually.

Hopelesshagen. Oh bummer!

Enough said in 2009. Best wishes to you dear reader (ok. to both of you
for a 2010 with ecological & social progress, at least some, a little...

Finally, the advent of 2010 signifies two years of Vegetarianism for me. It seems, after all, and like Churchill that "I like pigs" ("dogs look up to us, cats down on us, pigs treat us as equals")