function validate(){
	var emailStr = document.contact.email.value;
	var emailPat = /^(.+)@(.+)$/;
	var matchArray = emailStr.match(emailPat);
	decision = 0;

	if (document.contact.message.value == ""){
		alert("Please enter a message to send");
		decision = 1;
		document.contact.message.select;
		return -1;
	}
	if (document.contact.first_name.value == ""){
		alert("Please enter your first name.");
		decision = 1;
		document.contact.first_name.select;
		return -1;
	}
	if (document.contact.last_name.value == ""){
		alert("Please enter your last name (even if 'anonymous')");
		decision = 1;
		document.contact.last_name.select;
		return -1;
	}
	if (matchArray == null)
	{
		alert("The email address entered does not appear to be correct, please reenter it.");
		decision = 1;
		document.contact.email.select;
		return -1;
	}
	// final decision
	if (decision == 0)
		document.contact.submit();
}