function getObject( obj ) {

  // perform a lookup for the object using different techniques (browser dependent)
  if ( document.getElementById ) {
    obj = document.getElementById( obj );
  } else if ( document.all ) {
    obj = document.all.item( obj );
  } else {
    obj = null;
  }

  return obj;
}


function moveObject( obj, e, _offsetX, _offsetY ) {

  // variables declaration
  var tempX = 0;
  var tempY = 0;
  var offsetX = _offsetX;
  var offsetY = _offsetY;
  var objHolder = obj;

  // get the object
  obj = getObject( obj );
  if (obj==null) return;

  // get mouse coordinates, try different methods (cross broswer)
  if (document.all) {
    tempX = event.clientX + document.body.scrollLeft;
    tempY = event.clientY + document.body.scrollTop;
  } else {
    tempX = e.pageX;
    tempY = e.pageY;
  }

  // make sure menu is not off the screen
  if (tempX < 0){tempX = 0}
  if (tempY < 0){tempY = 0}

  // assign coordinates
  obj.style.top  = (tempY + offsetY) + 'px';
  obj.style.left = (tempX + offsetX) + 'px';

  // 
  displayObject( objHolder, true );
}



function displayObject( obj, show ) {

  // get the object
  obj = getObject( obj );
  if (obj==null) return;

  // display
  obj.style.display = show ? 'block' : 'none';
  obj.style.visibility = show ? 'visible' : 'hidden';
}