28 JAN, 2003 - 1735 CST This item was forwarded to me by another ham who is the IT at a small college. It appears that out-sourcing to the lowest bidder is not always the cheapest way to go. The problem described in the article below has ramifications throughout the world-wide electronics industry. http://www.ttiinc.com/MarketEye/zogbi_on_passives_20021014.asp 73 - Dick, W9GIG