>>>>> "d" == dblack <dblack / candle.superlink.net> writes: d> def meth d> a = 1 d> [1,2,3].each {|x| # explicitly import existing a into block} d> end I don't understand sorry, with this example a = 1 1.times do |x| a = 2 # shadowing ???? end a # ===> 1 a = 1 1.times do |x| # explicitly import existing a into block a = 2 end a # ===> 2 this ? Guy Decoux