Some claim the recession is over. To these people, I say, fuck you. I think all of us are feeling it right now. We have guildies looking for work because their employer can't pay them, we have friends losing their jobs and having to find some way somewhere to support their families. The USD is a joke, and akin to a Forex roller coaster.

Normally, I'd be all chipper and say "At least we have EQ2!" But to myself, I say, fuck you, self. Even the game market is atrocious lately. A new guild hall after dinging 30 has put all of our toons into the poorhouse, and while the guild hall is starting to look pretty cool, we're kind of stuck until we can level up our carpenters and harvest some serious status points.

So, no, the recession ain't over. I can't sell any weapons lately, in game or out. Montreal's really clamping down on selling ebon swords to minors.

On the other hand, dabbling in virtual currency exchange is promising to boom again very soon. Maybe we need more gold ads.

It took us  five years to get there, but the EverQuest II guild finally dinged guild level 30.

Now, to be fair, we quit playing about 78 times since launch, we re-created the guild after getting the original "Shadow of the Dragon" up to level 26 or so at launch, we switched servers twice, we created 873 alts each, we never recruited, and we only ever had five or so members active at any one time. At this rate, our grandchildren should be rounding level 80 by the year 2070. Though, by then, EQ3 may be out.

So, all things considered, it's a pretty big accomplishment. Kind of like how Ron Jeremy ever made it in the porn industry. I guess it just goes to show, with enough stubborness and pride, anything can happen.

In all seriousness though, grats guys. Having a guild hall of our own and new mounts and titles is pretty badass, no matter which way you cut it.

Champions Online is set to launch September 1. Between us, I think the game is pretty crumby. Some people like it, and I won't judge those idiots. I have nothing against moronic blockheads who like to play lame games.

No sir, nothing wrong with the lot of those dimwitted cretins. They can play their muttonheaded games as much as their ignorant hearts desire. What do I care what dorky imbeciles do with their day?

However! The character creation is pretty slick. It's a lot of fun, but do yourself a favor, and trust me when I say, you've beaten the game after you create a few cool characters. That's about the amount of fun you have in store for you, so please - don't click that Play button. Resist the temptation. You'll regret it if you don't heed this advice.

So, with that in mind, go grab yourself a beta key at Ten Ton Hammer.

Disclaimer: Ten Ton Hammer is in no way responsible for individuals who do not follow the above warning and click "Play" anyway. You've been warned. Don't be a pinheaded dumbell. Nincompoop.

If ya'll are feeling particularly heroic, Xav and I were discussing updating one of the old Ten Ton Hammer Heroic Opportunities Guides for ourselves. Most of the information is already there, but it needs to be confirmed. So! Be a hero, and help us out. If you're up for it, I'd like to take some time over our next few group runs in EQ2 to gather and confirm the info. See the forums for more details.

Please add me on msn messenger zolzimar@comcast.net if you haven't yet.

I definately have some tricks to learn bout permissions. Hang in there, ya'll are my test subjects, but it shouldn't take long to get smooth if yas give me a note on msn even if im not online, bout your issue.