Thanks for the comments and the interesting article. I can see your point about how traversing the structure can result in the same cycle detection issue. I'm actually very interested in algorithms, but lately I try to do everything I can to avoid implementing them basically for maintenance reasons, just because I am totally in a get the thing out the door mindset. I guess my typical problem solving philosophy is to try the laziest practical solution just off having too much to do. gluck in your work!