print join ", ", map { chomp; s/(d)/new(\1)/ } @a;

I was just looking at that - but you are right about the blanks - 1:0 for you.

if !eof is shorter and clearer.

Damn it you are right again - 2:0 for you.

*defeated* :-)

if !eof() means something different and might be desirable

My previous post was not really meant to be taken seriously - so it's even better that I learn something here - many thanks!