I havn't been able to download using torrents in the last couple
of days either. I have a fast connection, been downloading here
for about a year, (I'm trying to get Naruto 72).

I'm having the same difficulties, I click on the link and
the status bar just grows slowely then stalls.

Its not my connection I have been downloading manga by
direct links over the last few days and my IRC works as
well. I've tried reinstalling Bittorent 3.3 and then switched to
the Shadow client.