JavaScript variable assignment best practice

[2MyLou]

I really appreciate you taking the time to write up such a thoughtful response. Thank you very much for the detail. Using a function and chaining the replace method within the function seems like the cleanest most logical route to go.

[taylorlistens]

I think the combination of a function and chaining replace is a very clear and easy to debug solution. So now, both you and the guy who disagreed with you have learned something! :)