OK, so I'm pulling the trigger with this Halo annoucement...

I'd never used the live feature on my oXBOX.    You cannot buy the original xbox live kit at stores any longer, and while I could probably order it form somewhere, I have to have my Live account set up by the 20th.

It's entirely unclear on the webiste, so I'm asking the brain trust here...  Can I buy a 360 Gold Membership card, and use it to active my account on my Original XboX?

I don't understand why I can't buy my account with my credit card via the net, but that doesn't appear to be an option. 

I think you can buy xbox live on the xbox itself, not sure how though

Nope... Just tried. You need a card number to get started, THEN you can renew with a card on the machine.

Bleh.

You should really try the xbox forums, there are actual mods online their that work for Microsoft. They could probably answer your question.