As far as putting the URL in a variable, the message text changes a lot from project to project, and we use several different URLs. Usually, I get the message text from Big Boss or another project leader via e-mail. A little cut-and-paste with the message text, tweak the database calls, and fire.

Hmmm... I did this code a few years ago using examples and did not use strict. I am going to fix that now, then perform a suitable act of contrition so I never forget to use strict again.