The problem is one of the April Microsoft updates. I think it is (KB908531) MS06-015, but it could also be (KB911565) MS06-005
There is no question that it is Microsoft's fault. I tried removing all the April updates, and was able to play just fine for about eight hours. I just tried putting some of them back, and I get the exact same failure.
It is not MS06-013, which causes a different kind of crash, and it is not MS06-016. I get the crashes with both of these patches removed. It is probably not MS06-014 as I was able to play all night with that installed.
I am looking for a work around.
Warning: these are security patches so if you do not have them, you must not use Internet Explorer. (Firefox is just fine.)