First off today, PHPBuilder.com has a new article about using XML_RPC from PHP and how it's used to combine services and let them talk to each other via XML (an easy way to get messages standardized). They give a good example of how to set up a simple messageing system (not too detailed though).
Also, the "minor injury" in the topic is my thumb as a result of an intersection with a rather sharp portion of a computer case. The result: five stiches. Ah, well...c'est la vie, eh? I spent yesterday evening in the hospital waiting to be seen. whee!