Frequently, I need the following syntax in ZSQLMethods: <dtml-sqlvar LastModified type="date"> ^^^^ Where LastModified is a string suitable for conversion to a DateTime instance and #mm/dd/yyyy hh:mm:ss# is returned. I am getting there by using: <dtml-var expr="_.DateTime(LastModified).strftime('#%m/%d/%y %H:%M:%S#')"> but it took forever to work that out (with loads of help from people on this list - thanks). Is this a sensible addition to the ZSQLMethod product, or is there a better way that I have missed? If so, would I patch the original (not my idea of fun:-) or subclass SQLVar? As a member of the Python illiterati - I've got the Programming Python book, but haven't fully grasped it yet - I wouldn't mind some clues on how to do this. Not urgent, of course. Regards Neil