Thanks for explaining what was going on for chr()

Regarding the 7-bit/255 characters thing, I can only plead temporary stupidity. The standard ASCII set (as defined by ANSI) is 128 7-bit characters. This link will take you to that set. Notice that it only goes up to x7E. If the eighth bit is set, then you hit the extended ASCII set. I found a few references to it, the clearest I found is at this link.

Of course, this is only a feeble attempt at backpedaling :)