multiple table rows into an array, and creating a calendar

PHP Gurus, I have a database of events which happen on various dates. I've set up a query to select all the dates within the current month. I've got a calendar which shows one month at a time, as a table, on which to display the relevant dates as links. My problem is that I can't figure out how to compare the results of the query to the dates on the calendar so that they display on the right dates. I thought I should put those date in an array and then on each date, search that array for a matching date, and if it's found, then display a link on that date. But my first obstacle was getting the results of my query into an array. I first thought I could just use mysql_fetch_array(), but I am obviously mistaken. According to php.net, that will make an array out of the columns in the currently selected row. But I want to make an array out of *all* the rows I have. Each row has only one entry, the date. I'm looking through all the mysql_* commands that are listed on the left side of the page, and I don't see any commands that do that. Surely this kind of action is common enough to merit having it's own command...? As I read further, I wonder if my plan is flawed. I thought mysql_data_seek would search the array based on my criteria, and then return true or false. But what it says on php.net is very confusing for me, so I have to admit I'm not sure what it does at all. I guess what I really am asking is, what is the most efficient way for me to compare the dates on the calendar with the dates in my database and display matches as links. I mean, I could put my mysql_query command in the while loop that renders the calendar, and search for matching dates that way. But that means searching the whole database table roughly 30 times each time the page is accessed, and that can't be right. I'm sure this is better handled with arrays, but I can't quite figure out the logic and the commands. Can anyone help me out with this? -- Cheers! Dave G ml@autotelic.com