Jim,

Walter,

>If the ParenCnt was a method in a utility object I would propose that it may be a poor design to burden the object with extra properties that are only used internally by the ParenCnt method.

hmmm.. then wouldn't it be wise to nest objects within the utility object, like:
UtilityObject.ParenthesiscountObject
UtilityObject.PrinterDialogObject
UtilityObject.ApplicationsOptionsObject
etc..

>Static vars are by definition encapsulated into the emthod that creates them so they violate no principles of OO.

I never said they would, But then again: Do we absolutely need them to make a good design ? I very much doubt this.... I rather think this could be more of a confusion that it would be of help (IMHO this also applies to the assign and access methods)

Walter,