<xsl:variable name='adstring' select='ADV' />
Did you mean that to be "'ADV'" ie the string ADV (rather than the
contents of an ADV element?)
You don't really need either variable of course, your current code is
equivalent to
<xsl:for-each select="rss/channel/item[position() &lt;= $ItemsPerPage]">
<xsl:if test="not(starts-with(title,ADV))">

David

________________________________________________________________________
This e-mail has been scanned for all viruses by Star. The
service is powered by MessageLabs. For more information on a proactive
anti-virus service working around the clock, around the globe, visit:
http://www.star.net.uk
________________________________________________________________________