Truthseeker strikes again!

I am really in over my head! Doing too much all at once, for one thing. I am doing Burning Life. I am writing a book chapter for an academic publication which I am supposed to submit for review by the 12th. But, the one that totally terrifies me is this next one coming right up: Solbedoz Janus is a senior designer at Bell Labs as well as being a hardcore SL resident. He contacted me a while ago and asked me to participate in an event, to which back then I merrily said yes!?! !!! Yes??? As in yesss??? I really do need to get my head examined over here, don't I?

So now, as the time approaches I am buried in engineering journals trying to put together a more or less plausible presentation, at least one that will not get me laughed off the lectern halfway through by a room full of telecommunication specialists: I am an invited speaker at Bell Labs in Antwerp on the 20th to give a talk on the impact of virtual worlds on the future of communication strategies... And don't laugh - please! This is sooo not a joking matter from where I am standing - you have no idea!

I logged into SL for a hot minute just now and ended up having a brief conversation with Truthseeker in which all this somehow came out. And here it is folks:
....

[13:59]  Alpha Auer: and next thing - boing!!! i get this invite
[13:59]  Truthseeker Young: wicked!
[13:59]  Alpha Auer: if it was a regular thing - then yes
[14:00]  Alpha Auer: but apparently they want to discuss methods and strategies to communicate for the future
[14:00]  Truthseeker Young: oh cool!
[14:00]  Alpha Auer: bell labs = telecommunication
[14:00]  Alpha Auer: and they figure that virtual worlds will be a major thing then
[14:01]  Alpha Auer: but this is WAYYYY out of my depth
[14:01]  Alpha Auer: it is hardcore engineering stuff really
[14:01]  Truthseeker Young: yeah but there's always gonna be a social layer
[14:01]  Alpha Auer: *sigh*
[14:01]  Alpha Auer: his words exactly
[14:01]  Alpha Auer: hhhh
[14:01]  Truthseeker Young: hahahaha
[14:02]  Truthseeker Young: I just think of spaces like SL as training grounds for all that augmented reality tech that everyone's promising these days
[14:02]  Alpha Auer: again
[14:02]  Alpha Auer: his words
[14:02]  Alpha Auer: almost verbatim
[14:02]  Truthseeker Young: well, see? totally up your alley as well, then
[14:03]  Alpha Auer: but those engineers are gonna pelt me with rotten eggs and tomatoes
[14:03]  Alpha Auer: if i show up there talking airy fairy stuff
[14:03]  Alpha Auer: so i am reading up like a maniac
[14:04]  Alpha Auer: in fact i need to log off and read!!!
[14:04]  Alpha Auer: like NOW!
[14:04]  Truthseeker Young: heh alrighty
[14:04]  Alpha Auer: so i will see your house ASAP
[14:05]  Alpha Auer: (if i am still alive by then)
[14:05]  Alpha Auer: in fact if you pray or something add me in
[14:05]  Truthseeker Young: you got it
[14:05]  Alpha Auer: i'm an atheist unfortunately
[14:05]  Truthseeker Young: lol
[14:05]  Alpha Auer: so i need to ask others
[14:05]  Truthseeker Young: yeah but all that alchemy stuff actually WORKS
[14:05]  Alpha Auer: it does
[14:06]  Alpha Auer: hey! maybe i will tell them of my rejuvenation spheres!!!
[14:06]  Alpha Auer: now THERES a thought!
[14:06]  Truthseeker Young: there you go. they'll love it
[14:06]  Alpha Auer: ok kiddo
[14:06]  Alpha Auer: byeeeeee!
[14:06]  Alpha Auer: i really gotta scoot
[14:06]  Truthseeker Young: even tho they may express that love in silent, unsmiling stares
[14:06]  Truthseeker Young: ok go read!
[14:06]  Alpha Auer: hhhh
[14:07]  Truthseeker Young: :0
[14:07]  Alpha Auer: i am so gonna save this in a notecard!
[14:07]  Alpha Auer: !!!!
[14:07]  Alpha Auer: bye!!!!
[14:07]  Truthseeker Young: see ya
[14:07]  Alpha Auer: funniest thing i heard in ages!