>Thanks for the quick reply ... (why wasn't it in Russian?).
>
>I normally use the asterisk but another developer friend *always* uses the &string ... said there was some advantage, but he couldn't remember the reason. If once comes to mind ... thanks.

You know many people around sharpen their teeth when they see macros '&' sign in code :). Fortunately, Select-SQL is one of few places where it cannot be replaced by '()' or EVAL(), though it doesn't mean that it should be used in any SELECT. The only situation which justify it, is necessity to bring flexible set of fields, 'where/order/group' clauses etc. (e.g. if user will pick-up fields which should go to report form).

>(And have the VB programmer that's left so much time on your hands today finished that form yet?)

Not yet. I've growing feeling, that I will finish it.