Lutz, I agree...please stay on. I know that you have ample XML experience and could add value to this thread. Thus far, I've been poking around to try to get an idea of what David really wants to see for output. From one of your previous posts, I think you are correct in thinking that David wants to combine the results from both colujmns (which could contain different elements).

David,

Big question here. You've shown us 1 row from your table, but I've yet to see an example of how you want your result set to look like. Based on the sample data that you've now given us, can you show us what the results should look like. Specifically, please combine the sample data that you've shown us into one result set and post that as an example of what you want your query to return. Telling us is not the same as showing us. Too much gets lost in the interpretation of the problem; whereas, a sample result set speaks for itself and we can more redily give you help.

If needed, please read the article in the link from my signature line. It talks about properly setting up sample tables/data/results to get better/faster help.