I've tried the following regexp/string match: /^((?:\s*.+[;=][^,]*,?)+)$/ =~ " pid=934, time=478611, command=TMQFORWARD, args=-C dom=ccaApp -g 650 -i 4278 -u pthp68 -U /home1/eclprp/logs/tx/ULOG -m 0 -- -i 10 -t 600 -q AW02,AW02S TMQFORWARD -C dom=ccaApp -g 650 -i 4278 -u pthp68 -U /home1/eclprp/logs/tx/ULOG -m 0 -- -i 10 -t 600 -q AW02, " On a Debian/Linux system, with ruby version 1.8.4(-7sarge5) and even on the more recent 1.8.5(-4) ruby enters an infinite active loop, and never returns. Can anyone confirm/deny this possible bug on different architectures? Thanks. -- Posted via http://www.ruby-forum.com/.