adding an attribute from another database

[seancon1]

i am using a fresh install of 1.3.8.a to build an ecommerce site and would like to add event registration option so we can also accept payments for events.

i have looked at a couple of event contributions but they seem to be for event calendars and there already is a event database in place i would like to use.

here is what i would like to do and some options i have tried.

the events will be added just as any product would in a normal install of ZenCart. as the event date time and location are stored in a separate database i have a small form with 2 drop downs that ask for the location and then the date and time. i included this form in tpl_product_info_display.php and it used $products_model to look up the event and give the information. this all works fine.

my initial thought was to include the "location date and time" by doing something like $products_description = ($products_description . $location_info) but i see where that could present a problem if they added more than one of the same event at a different date and time.

my other thought is to include the file in tpl_modules_attributes.php and pass it along as an additional option. this way if they purchase 2 EventA's one on monday and one on tuesday they should see something like
2 EventA
* 11/1/2010 @ LocationA
* 11/2/2010 @ LocationA

my question is what would be the best way or is there a way to add an option from the external database. i can gather the info and create a variable like $location_info containing "11/1/2010 @ LocationA" using the included dropdown selections, all i need is some insight on the best way to include that info with the item.

Thanks

Sean

[seancon1]

after a day of thinking and head scratching, i found a solution.