Yes, I know, there are some problems with the database server.  We are looking at several solutions, including moving to a new server.

I'm thinking that part of the problem is actually the battle itself.  All that voting puts a lot of strain on the database.  I'm thinking we may have to move the battle to its own server and own database so that it doesn't effect the rest of the website.  That way only the battle would be slow when there are lots of people voting at once.  Plus if I rewrite the battle, I could place limits on how quickly people can vote, perhaps limiting people to one or two votes per second, and then automatically ban anyone from voting who is voting faster than that.

But then again, it might be just a problem with the database server.  We have at least narrowed the problem down to that, because all the websites on this same server that do not use a database or use a different database server respond quickly.

So, we are working on it.  We're just trying to find the best solution without just randomly throwing money at it hoping it will fix itself.  It will be fixed soon, but lots of hours of work will have to go into fixing it, unfortunately.

We did a couple things that have seems to speed things up.  The battle is turned back on.  We'll monitor the system and see if we need to make more changes.

... wondering if he or she speaks ...   ... and knows the truth of the bloggers ...  ... am sure its swearing just like a pirate  ... there is honor among thieves am told ...  ... ha.

Am sure ... 

Parrots are usually in the tropics ... hope you brought some music or puzzles to occupy your time while waiting ... could be a while ...