function CheckIt(extras) {
	
// the required fields are name, email and message

	if (document.contactus.name.value =="") {
		alert("Please enter your Name.");
		return false;
	}
	if (document.contactus.email.value =="") {
		alert("Please enter your Email Address.");
		return false;
	}
	if (document.contactus.message.value =="") {
		if (extras == 2) {alert("Please enter your available times for an appointment.");} else {alert("Please enter your Message.");}
		return false;
	}
	if (document.contactus.code.value =="") {
		alert("Please type the four floating blue letters into the box below.");
		return false;
	}
	
// if extras is set to 1 or 2, a phone number is required --- use for requiring phone for non-appointment forms

	if (extras == 1 || extras == 2) {
		if (document.contactus.phone.value =="") {
			alert("Please enter your Phone Number.");
			return false;
		}
	}
	
// if extras is set to 2 a phone number and a time zone is required --- use for scheduling an appointment

	if (extras == 2) {	
		if (!document.contactus.zone[0].checked && !document.contactus.zone[1].checked && !document.contactus.zone[2].checked && !document.contactus.zone[3].checked) {
			alert("Please check off your Time Zone.");
			return false;
		}
	}
	
	return true;
	
}