I just stared at this a long time: >>> 'a' in 'a' # fine 1 >>> 'a' in 'a' == 1 # what? 0 >>> 'a' in 'b' # fine 0 >>> 'a' in 'b' == 0 # what? 0 >>> It's "correct". I've been using Python longer than Guido <wink>, and I'm amazed this is the first time I got bit by this! Here's a hint: >>> 'a' in 'a' == 'a' 1 >>> thank-god-for-dis.dis-ly y'rs - tim