function show_hide_element(element,anim,sp) {
    anim = anim ? anim : 'blind';
    sp = sp ? sp : '1000';
    if( $(element).css("display")=="none" || $(element).is(":hidden") ){
       $(element).show(anim, null, sp);
    }
    else{
       $(element).hide(anim, null, sp);
    }
}

function filter_phone_chars(str)
{
  var number = str.replace(/[^0-9\+\- \/]/g, '');
  return number;
}