// this function sets a DOM objects display to inline
function show(objName) {
	obj = document.getElementById(objName);
	obj.style['display'] = 'inline';
}

// this function sets a DOM objects display to none
function hide(objName) {
	obj = document.getElementById(objName);
	obj.style['display'] = 'none';
}

// this function alternately shows and hides a DOM object
function toggle(objName) {
	obj = document.getElementById(objName);
	display = obj.style['display'];
	if (display == 'none') {
		show(objName);
	} else {
		hide(objName);
	}
}

var highlight = "#fff";
var regular = "#eee";

// this function is used by setStyle()
function getRef(obj){
	return (typeof obj == "string") ?
		 document.getElementById(obj) : obj;
}

// this function sets the background style of a DOM object
function setStyle(obj,value){
	getRef(obj).style['background']= value;
}