Probably once a month...I'm not always home when it happens but the blinking clocks give it away.  Usually it never is for long.  The village has its own power plant and they're pretty reliable.  If power was out for a long time that would worry me since the entire place is electric (stove, heat, etc.).

Arvens shrugged at the comment.  "Most Owsla members get in based on who supports you rather than what you know.  Anyone who got in basically has the same skills anyway, so its about who has support from those in and can put in a good word."  He smirked at the thought.  "I never did find out who wanted me in the Owsla.  I didn't really know anyone, but everyone knew me.  Odd how some things work.  I only hope, wherever we go, or whatever warren we find, the Owsla has more sense, but I wouldn't hold out hope."

I've heard some states charge to take the test.  I know when I did it, there wasn't a fee (not that I can recall anyway).  Its all common sense questions really.  I didn't study at all and passed.

I don't know anything about MSN.  I used to dapple in web code, but I haven't the time for it anymore.  Right now, I've only current experience with google's webpage service (and have three sites with them).  I've had no issues with the google service.  Its good for free.  I'm not sure what your customer needs, but that might be more than enough, depending on what you need to do.

Austin (landbeforetimelover) knows more about webdesign than I ever will.  He might be worth contacting if I didn't help you.


Next questions please.

Its not a big anniversary like 5 or 10, but the GOF is seven years old tomorrow (six on invisionfree).


In honor of another birthday gone by, please post a memorable moment you had from the GOF.  Or just say Happy Birthday GOF.  Your call.


I reminisce of an old friend--Brian--he had been the fifth admin before Tim came along.  We were very good friends over the net even though we lived oceans apart.  He helped me out here on the GOF, and I helped him at his own board.  After about two years of online friendship he disappeared, and I wouldn't be surprised if it was because I told him to go and make something of himself and get off the computer.  He had no job and was online all the time.  I'm hoping he truly did find something and my pestering convinced him to do something about his real life.  Friends help friends...even if it means you have to lose them sometime.  Would be nice to talk with him again, just to see what has happened in five years.  It is still the only GOF staff demotion in seven years, but hopefully one on a good note and for a good reason.      Hope he's living the dream in England somewhere.

That's a sad shame.  Must've had something off with the internal organs to die so young.

Matt Duke - Kingdom Underground {Ryko Flash of Light Sampler}

Arvens twitched a bit at the thought of explaining how he had gotten his position within the Owsla of Thornbrush two years back.  It wasn't the most popular move in the warren, but he had seen it through and made a decent Owsla member in the end.

"I would say that I got my position in the Owsla for being snippy.  You either were with me or against me as a young buck.  I was not one to hear of complaints, whining, or anything like that.  It was what it was. If you couldn't perform, then try something else.  Needless to say I wasn't popular among others my age, but it gained notice through the Owsla ranks that I was very no-nonsense and very curt with everyone, including the Owsla.  They had their own curtness for me too--isolation chambers as consequence for being too snippy at them, but they didn't forget when it came time to promote rabbits within the warren to replace retiring individuals.  My name apparently came up somewhere and I was asked to meet with our Captain of Owsla, Thistle.  He was a big rabbit, easily towering over me.  You think I'm tough to get along with, you should've seen this rabbit...say yes sir, no sir, and that was all he wanted to hear.  Anything else was too much of an answer.  Apparently they didn't care much for the answers, but I heard later on they wanted me because of the way I responded, not how.  They liked my brashness as much as Thistle's and apparently, that's what Thistle wanted...someone who was much like him.  That's how I got in and I served for the years until the warren was run through by man.  Now I know what you're thinking, will I still act the way I did as an Owsla member now that I'm no longer around Thistle and all the rest of Thornbrush?  I've been no other way, so I'm unlikely to change, even out of my element.  I may not be the most enjoyable rabbit to be around, but you certainly know I'm honest and truthful, and will stand behind whatever I say."

Seems like whatever I would choose, you wouldn't choose, so asking me isn't the best idea.  You'll find something; there's lots of skins out there.

Told this to a co-worker after I heard it at a meeting:

Arguing with an adolescent is like mud-wrestling with a pig; you both will get dirty and the pig actually enjoys it.