It's been suggested that I should reconfirm CREN's commitment to the NJE network to this list, as I've done within the last few months on the NODMGT-L list, in light of the questions raised a few weeks ago concerning Rice, USC, and Cornell. I had not responded earlier because Eric documented the replacement of USC as a core node by Arizona, and Mark Bodenstein (I believe) corrected the mis-information about Cornell's intentions. Although a replacement has not yet been found for Rice, all of you should understand that CREN intends to support the NJE network as long as it is needed, while actively pursuing the development of equivalent Internet services. I remain confident that, through the help of the many folks who now provide support, NJE BITNET will be kept functioning until good alternatives are available for its services, even though there are likely to be a few changes in the major players. Jim