> > Is it possible to do this in sql?
>
> Basically, no. (You might be able to do it with the help
> of a user-defined function though).
>
> Why do you want to do this?
I'm curious. I've been on a sql course long time ago where the tutor
mentioned similiar problem as something special for sql smarties... And
yesterday when I faced this problem (which can be solved perfectly with
the outer join) I wasn't able to remember the solution... If there is
any... Just out of curiosity...
thanks, kuba