integrate Kevin's skiplist changes
integrate Kevin's skiplist changes

nmc-probe/emulab-nome,nmc-probe/emulab-nome,nmc-probe/emulab-nome,nmc-probe/emulab-nome,nmc-probe/emulab-nome,nmc-probe/emulab-nome,nmc-probe/emulab-nome,nmc-probe/emulab-nome,nmc-probe/emulab-nome,nmc-probe/emulab-nome,nmc-probe/emulab-nome