function readHashVars()
    {
        var hash = window.location.hash;
        hash = hash.substring(1);
        hash = hash.replace(/\|/g, '&');
        hash = hash.replace(/\:/g, '=');
        // lets turn our url hash into a javascript hash (like an associated array)
        // we will use a useful function provided in the prototype library
        hash = hash.parseQuery();
        return hash;
    }