Brett, ultbb?ubb=x makes it much slower - it's good only if you have to make it really integrated inside the UBB - with all variables, files, etc... Also if you use SSI/IFrame/JavaScript include, you shouldn't use ?ubb=x because if the board is off it shows you the "board is closed" message; it updates cookies (like new posts/old posts); it's much slower.
Steve, good idea
Anyhow, I'm done with what I planned for Shoutbox, but I still need ideas.