Too much SQLServer, even though I'm working with Oracle at the moment. The form of "alias=value" is SQLServer specific, whereas the ANSI is "value alias". Actually i like the form where you can put the alias on the left hand side, since it conforms to most programming languages (excluding Beta).

Anyhow, I did verify the code on Oracle, I just didn't put the alias on it till I typed my message. Other than that, your explanation is much more thorough than mine. :-)