True, but I do so hate the ternary operator :)

Well, that's not precisely true. With "complex" tests and returns I find it obfuscates the logic a bit (to my eye) -- truly a personal aesthetics issue.

What I do like about BrowserUk's version is the use of $_; I should have noticed that right away. I'm slipping as work and hobby has kept me away from perl for too long. It's good to be back in the saddle again....