thanks ;-).

I guess I asked that stemming from my original question about converting an array to a hash with array vars as hash key names. But, mostly the problem stems from my not clearly understanding how to deal with variable variables in perl. I have read a few diatribes here and there (Mark Jason Dominus wrote at length about the evils of variable variables), but don't really know how to avoid, work around, or do better.

Sure, the way you put it, it is silly... after all, if I know the var's name then why run mushroom against the var to find out its name... however, look at the converse side -- I have to know the var's name to be able to run mushroom against it to find out its name... but what if I didn't know the var's name and wanted to find out? what if the var was a var? What if a robot is dialing a lot of phone numbers for me, and at any given time I want to find out what number I am currently talking to, and I don't have that lcd dial thingy that tells me the number I have dialed?

Any pointers to reading lucid descriptions of dealing with variable variables in perl would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks.