Random weight algorithm

[HP400]

Here is a math problem for all. Trying to find the best algorithm to select a row from a database with a weight attached to it.

So say you have 3 records with weights
10
20
30

We want 30 to show up the most then 20 then 10 and so on.

The current alg selects a random # from 1 - the weight sum (in this case 60)

Then loops through adding the weight to a running total until it is >= then the random #. It worked out good but there has to be an easier way. Anyone want to throw one out there?

[laserlight]

It sounds like a weighted variant of the fast random selection algorithm for databases proposed by Sxooter.

As such, I think that it is the best that this community knows.