just an update, since we haven't had one of those in quite a while.  Sirenix is still alive and functioning properly.  He is running a crappy 56k connection which prevents him from posting on the forums himself or hosting the shard.  He plans on getting a new job shortly and has a few steps to take before he can try to host the server again, if he decides to.  Just letting you know, good chance it will be another 6-8 months min. without this shard. Everyone take care and have fun.