Jeff, moving the (SELECT ABS(CHECKSUM(NEWID()))%3) from the CROSS APPLY into the CASE seems to work as well. When should CROSS APPLY be used, or is it equivalent in this case?

SELECT TOP (1000)

ID = ROW_NUMBER() OVER (ORDER BY (SELECT NULL)),

RandomColor = CASE (SELECT ABS(CHECKSUM(NEWID()))%3)

WHEN 1 THEN 'Red'

WHEN 2 THEN 'Green'

ELSE 'Yellow'

END

FROM sys.all_columns ac1

CROSS JOIN sys.all_columns ac2

;

Thanks much. I always enjoy reading your articles and comments. And I always learn or re-learn something.