database (slightly ot)

Hi, I have been going through the code that the last developer left behind and I see this: if(isset($sname)&&$sname && isset($surl)&&$surl ) { if($db->query("Select 1 from $site_table where (nick='$sname' or address='$surl') and userid = $userid ") && $db->get_num_rows() > 0 ) { $error = "A site with this nick/address already exists for this user.<br> Pleasy try again with a different nick/address."; } I have two questions (kind of newbie so watch out) 1)Whis is it "select 1 from...." isnt it supposed to be "select * from..." 2) A little confused here "&& $db->get_num_rows() > 0 )" how can you assign a pointer like that? Kindly reply, -Ryan