"> is this thing on?

yup!

 "> excuse this obvious link test, precious... we hates reconfigurations
 "> and with this group as quiet as it is, we needs to kick it or
 "> something so we can make sure that we're still connected...
 "> precious? where's my precious?

precious? you'll have to hunt down those hobbits that came thru a few days back...

 "> ;)

indeed! we thank you for playing ;)

)\/(ark