def parseFile(filename):
    """
    Returns a list of (name,priority) pairs.
    """
    people = []
    f = open(filename)
    for line in f:
        pieces = line.split(':')
        name = pieces[0].strip()
        if name:
            priorities = pieces[1].strip().split(',')
            for i in range(len(priorities)):
                priorities[i] = priorities[i].strip()
            people.append((name,priorities))
    f.close()
    return people