> if you were to switch to the nested set model (characterized by the use > of "lft" and "rgt" columns), things will go a lot easier for you, > although i can't help you with it as i don't do the nested set model Here's a great article that got me started using a nested set model: http://articles.sitepoint.com/article/hierarchical-data-database If you want to get more in-depth, try this one: http://www.artfulsoftware.com/mysqlbook/sampler/mysqled1ch20.html -- sarah adams web developer & programmer http://sarah.designshift.com