So what is the question? :) Are you wanting to perform real parallel processing in Perl? If that is the case, then may i recommend C instead? You could either opt for shared memory (pthreads) or message passing (MPI). Using Perl 'threads' to provide the end user with the illusion of multi-processing is one thing, but Real™ parallel processing is best done with a tool like C, not Perl (and no, i don't even think Java cuts the mustard either ;)).

UPDATE: ahhh, after seeing merlyn's recommendation of POE i changed my mind. Definitely give POE a try for this problem.

jeffa

L-LL-L--L-LL-L--L-LL-L--
-R--R-RR-R--R-RR-R--R-RR
B--B--B--B--B--B--B--B--
H---H---H---H---H---H---
(the triplet paradiddle with high-hat)