You want to give me what?
Listening to the business voice mail has become a routine first thing in the morning. However, this morning was different. Apparently congressman Tom Cole wants to award me a congressional order of merit! Here is the transcribed voice mail and sound file:
“Hi. This message is for Mr. Eric Hackathorn. My name is Michelle Wong with Congressman Tom Cole and National Republic and Congressional Committee in Washington. I wanted to recognize you with our highest honor. The Congressional order of merit. I need to speak to you about this as soon as possible. Again, my name is Michelle Wong and my number is 1-888-383-4164. Please call me as soon as you get this message. Thank you and have a good day.”
Listen to the Congressional Order of Merit Voicemail.
Wow! Apparently my work in virtual worlds is being noticed! At least it would be in a perfect world where people actually care. However, before calling mom and with the good news I figured I’d do a little background search. Turns out I’m not the first person to receive such a unique offer. Ira Flatow from NPR’s Science Friday had an uncannily similar message on his voice mail and blogged about it here.
So apparently if I sign up to be a Republican they give me a congressional order of merit? No thanks, I think I’ll hold out for some cold hard cash. From the looks of it, order of merits just aren’t worth what they used to be.

You’ve got that right, they are not work jack.
December 2nd, 2007 at 9:00 pm
Oh, it’s real.. In fact here’s an image of the Awards Ceremony program from some years back.
Onward
December 17th, 2007 at 9:09 am