Sean,

>
> Based on my visual review, there is no obvious reason for the
> difference
> -- so you're not going crazy. ;-)
>

Tell my wife that. I am mumbling throughout dinner "I cannot understand why
the index is being used". All she could do is look at me and shake her
head...=)

> But let me point out, that you are using the same table
> aliases for the 2 statements -- I generally only use an alias
> once in an SP (just my own little 'standard').
>
> What happens if you change the aliases in the 2nd statement?

Unfortunately, nothing. Just tried it with the same results. Thanks for the
tip, though. I am new enough to adopt some standards. This one sounds
reasonable.

Kevin Lingofelter