IRC:
As an addition to the excellent description Christine Code gave of IRC, I'd
like to mention that you don't absolutely need IRC-specific software.  There
are a few machines which will let you telnet to them and then run IRC from
there.  They do tend to be very busy, though.  For more information, see the
IRC FAQ, <http://www.kei.com/irc.html>.
 
VACCINATIONS:
No flame intended, but I really thought the FAQ was pretty clear on this.
It says:
 
| Subject: (8.2) What vaccinations will my ferret need, and when?
|
| Fervac-D or Fromm-D canine distemper vaccine
|     Kits should get three shots, four weeks apart, with the last one
|     no earlier than 14 weeks.  (Some vets recommend four shots, three
|     weeks apart, instead.  Two is not enough.)  Then a yearly booster
|     shot.  Although rabies gets more press, the canine distemper
|     vaccine is much more important for your ferret's health.
| [...]
|
| Imrab rabies vaccine
|     One vaccination at 14-16 weeks, then boosters yearly.  This is the
|     same rabies vaccine that's used for dogs and cats, so your vet
|     should have it around.  It's good for three years in cats, but
|     only one year in ferrets, mainly because the company hasn't done
|     tests to see how long it lasts in ferrets.
 
WEASELWARE:
This is the last call for holiday orders for the ferret-related stuff I
offer for sale.  (See either ad issue for more information.) I'm leaving
town for a week on Tuesday (flying Continental, with ferrets!), so I won't
be able to even receive last-minute requests.
 
- Pam Greene
Ferret Central <http://www.optics.rochester.edu:8080/users/pgreene/>
[Posted in FML issue 1410]