Blogs

Are You Following Your Dream?

I got my first “real” job working with databases in New York City in the early 2000’s. The woman who hired me was incredibly smart, and a pleasure to work for. She understood how mainframes processed data, the need and challenge to create web interfaces and relational databases that would work well with mainframes, and she could solve problems like crazy.

Continue reading

Speaking at 24 Hours of PASS: The SQL Server First Responder Kit

On Wednesday, March 21st I am presenting a free online webcast as part of 24 Hours of PASS. My session will be held at 7 AM Pacific / 10 AM Eastern. Register here!

Continue reading

Why Do We Always Draw Tower Servers?

Whenever I see system drawings, a server is always represented by a standing rectangle– it’s taller than it is wide. It seems to represent the kind of tower server that’s left sitting under someone’s desk.

Continue reading

Complaining Doesn't Help, Even When Your Office Smells Like Pee

I’ve had a problem for a little while: my office smells like pee, and it gives me a headache sometimes.

Correction: my office smelled like pee. Past tense. The problem has been resolved.

Continue reading

SQL PASS 2011: Notes From a Presenter

SQL PASS Summit 2011 was a lot of fun. I reconnected with lots of people and met many more. I attended as many sessions as possible and learned new things. And I presented my first full length session at the SQL PASS conference.

Continue reading

SQLPASS Summit 2011: Meet New People

I’m really excited: I’m on the Orientation Committee for the SQL PASS Summit 2011. This means I have a group of eight people who I can help make the most of the SQL PASS Summit this year.

Continue reading

Free Webcast on SQL Server Isolation Levels: (NOLOCK) or YESFUN?

Tomorrow evening I will be presenting for the SQL PASS Application Development chapter. Stop by and say hello!

Continue reading

Why You Should Create A Speaker Resume

Speakers and presenters of all types: do you keep a list of past and future speaking engagements online?

Continue reading

Free Session: The Mystery of Query Timeouts

I’m giving a webinar tomorrow! (Do people still use the word webinar? Was that just incredibly uncool?)

Continue reading

I am a Microsoft Certified Master in SQL Server

I am thrilled to say I am now a Microsoft Certified Master for SQL Server 2008!

Continue reading