>>What about m.lo1 = "ma " and person.first should include "Mary", "Grandma", "Whatcamacallit", etc? What ALLTRIM the FIELD?

>Then ALLTRIM() both expressions... UPPER(ALLTRIM(ex1)) $ UPPER(ALLTRIM(ex2))

I am still not getting it. Why ALLTRIM the field? The ALLTRIM in the memory variable makes the "ma " into "ma" and then the $ search for anywhere in the field that contains the "ma" (as well the UPPER is needed, but the key issue is why ALLTRIM on BOTH sides).

Chuck