Hi folks! I'm Tomte (Ok, not my name for real, but my computer handle since I was 14, so for 14 years now), pronounced "TAHM-teh" (full name Tomteboda or TAHM-teh-Boh-dah, just in case you're curious). I live in the USA, in the northern plains (think South Canada), and go to graduate school full-time (teaching classes to pay). I've been waiting to say "Hi" until I'd read through the (huge) introductions section. I only bought Virtual Villagers a week or two ago, but its on its way to becoming a favorite game.

I've been a nut about computer games since my first computer in 1983 (TI-94/A), and I write programs of the unentertaining(well, to most people) sort in my professional life as a scientist. Working as I do at a computer, this game is a rather amusing addendum to my day. I've been checking it during breaks at work, and have another game that I run when I'm at home. Virtual Villagers is actually the only game I have on my work computer (don't even have Minesweeper).

All-time favorite computer games (ones that I played to conquor more than once, way more than once) include Hunt the Wumpus (TI-94/A), The Oregon Trail, D&D Forgotten Realms games, the King's Quest series, Torin's Passage, SimCity, CivIII & Civ IV, Cute Knight, Morrowind & Oblivion.

In my copious (pre Virtual Villagers) spare time, I also play bluegrass guitar and banjo, piano, and sing. I'm a voracious reader and I write fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. I'm a stereotypical old maid with two cats (aaargh!) and a penchant for crazy hats.

Nice to see y'all.

Welcome to the forums, Tomteboda. Hope you find what you need at the forums

That was an interesting bit about yourself, btw

I played Hunt the Wumpus too, and Moon Lander on my father's TI calculators.

Hi tomteboda! Hope you like the fourms, enjoy!

Hello. Pretty icon. What painting is the detail from?

Thanks for all the greetings! I'm really glad someone else has heard of/played Hunt the Wumpus I think these forums are pretty fun: I've spent a lot of time reading the fan fiction.

Arcadia, the picture is from 1911, by John William Waterhouse. Its title is Circe. You can see the full picture here:

http://www.johnwilliamwaterhouse.com/paintings/painting2246.aspx

Thank you; the painting is gorgeous! I knew it kind of looked familiar. I've seen Waterhouses before in books. Would love to see some in person.