public function buildcURL($settings)
  {

    if (isset($settings['host'])) {
      $curlUrl = $settings['host'];
      $port = $settings['port'];
      if ($port > 0 && is_numeric($port)) {
        $curlUrl .= ':' . (int) $port;
      }
      $this->statHat->ezCount('MB_Toolbox: MB_Toolbox_cURL: buildcURL', 1);
      return $curlUrl;
    } else {
      throw new Exception('buildcURL required host setting missing.');
    }
  }