In reverse order, sorry about the typo, typically I'm using $_ as a complex array of arrays and get a little sloppy in my notation (hmmm, note to self-- sloppy in this context usually means 'possibly bug-ridden', needs checking). As far as tadman's approach goes, I've no objection other than the additional typing, which come to think of it might actually be a little clearer in terms of what I'm doing-- i.e. self documenting. Sorry you were irked-- I thought a routine that deals with call refs might as well be called that! I like your economy of style though even if you are not happy with the proposed solution.

--hsm