Just as a quick explanation on why those inserted links are not working -
When you click on the Insert Link button, it starts the URL out for you with the http:// already inserted. That bit of text is highlighted, so just paste the external URL in and it will overwrite everything. As it is, you're clicking in the text entry window, which leaves the default http:// there and then pasting in a URL complete with a second
http://. Not a browser in the world that can sort a URL starting with
http://http:// . :winkn:
If you click in the text entry window, be sure to backspace and delete the default http:// and you'll be golden.