Blogs

My Biggest Regret as a Database Administrator

My Biggest Regret as a Database Administrator

on October 30, 2012

Is one simple, small thing. It’s not spending as much time as I possibly can with other people.

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The #1 Thing You Forget to Do Before Presenting

The #1 Thing You Forget to Do Before Presenting

on October 16, 2012

You’ve painstakingly written and practiced your demos. You’ve polished your slides. You’ve walked through each moment of your talk– maybe it was in front of your dog, maybe it was in front of your ever-patient spouse, but you’ve given it your all.

There’s something you’re probably forgetting.

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DBA Confession: Sometimes Everyone’s the Slow Kid

DBA Confession: Sometimes Everyone’s the Slow Kid

on October 9, 2012

I’ve been working with SQL Server databases, Windows administration, and software development an awfully long time. Once you have a lot of experience with something, it’s easy to forget what’s not obvious to newbies. But some things you have to learn the hard way.

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Conference Prep List: Pick Your Workout

Conference Prep List: Pick Your Workout

on October 3, 2012

I got an email recently from a first time attendee to the SQL PASS conference that made me squeal with glee. The email asked the question: do you know a good place to go do Crossfit in Seattle?

I somehow hadn’t realized that I could plan workouts for the conference, and I was so glad I got that tip!

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Forms of Database Torture (Illustrated)

Forms of Database Torture (Illustrated)

on March 19, 2012

Many forms of disasters can happen to a database. Here are three I’ve seen lately.

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Are You Following Your Dream?

Are You Following Your Dream?

on March 12, 2012

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.

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

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

on March 5, 2012

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!

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