Read from file?

[Gary Fritz <fritz@xxxxxxxx>]

I'd like to be able to read some data from a file (or some other
reasonable source) into an indicator or system.  I see that EL has
ways to *write* to a file -- FileAppend and print() to file --
but I don't see any way to READ from a file.  

Even the DDE link to Excel seems to be outbound only.  I don't see
any way to get external data into an EL program.

Don't tell me EL is missing such a basic piece of functionality!?

Gary