Freeworld: FreeWorld Head Dev and FreeWorld Warcry Photographer at risk in hurricanes - by Arwen

To us mere mortals, hurricanes seem to be Mother Nature's way of having a temper tantrum...like a child blowing lots of hot air (screaming) and lots of rain (crying) and all we can do is hang on for the ride. Although scientists tell us there are plenty of scientific reasons for hurricanes, when you are in the middle of such a storm it's hard not to take it as a personal attack. (In the photo to the left, an NOAA infrared satellite image of Hurricane Frances is seen impacting the southeastern Bahamas Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2004, at 7:45 a.m. EDT. Forecasters warned the core of the Category 4 storm with 140-mph top sustained winds could hit along Florida's Atlantic coast late Friday or early Saturday. For full story, go here. (AP Photo/NOAA))

Why am I writing about hurricanes? Well, two of our very own FreeWorlders live in Florida, the state where the hurricanes have been rampaging recently. First, there was Hurricane Charley, and now Hurricane Frances threatens Florida where FreeWorld Warcry's own reporter/photographer Chuina lives, as well as Draconus (Clyde Bielss), head developer of FreeWorld. Both of them advised me they are gearing up for the next storm to come through. Hopefully both of them and their families come through unharmed.

FreeWorld was not quit so lucky during Hurricane Charley. We lost contact with Chuina for a couple of weeks. Fortunately, he didn't get hurt; he and his family were just forced out of their home for a while. He is back now and you can read his story at FreeWorld Warcry, so I won't go into detail. We here at FW Warcry are very thankful he is safe and hope that both Chuina and Draconus (Clyde Bielss) come out of this safely this time around as well.