One of the things I’ve mentioned a time or two on this blog is the books I’m reading, or plan to read next.  I love books.  I always have.  I love the way a good author can take you out…

Last weekend was SQL Saturday 35, the first SQL Saturday in the Dallas area. It was also my debut as a SQL Saturday speaker. I had a great time. I presented a session on using templates in integration services. I’d…

Datachix just put up a great post on her blog, and it inspired me share my thoughts on the subject.  The thing that grabbed me was how she described the urge to give up her life of air-conditioned cubicles and…

A code smell should be a warning.  It points to a problem that you might have in the future.  By itself, whatever caused the code smell might be innocent enough, but the longer you wait the worse it’s gonna get. …

I’ve been wanting a tablet type computer for a long, long time.  I was so close to buying the iPad.  My mind was set.  I’d worked a ton of overtime to pay for it, done a few good deeds to…

It’s shaping up to be a busy summer!  I’ll be speaking at 3 SQL Saturday events this summer.  On May 22 (2010) I’ll give a presentation on custom templates in SQL Server Integration Services for SQL Saturday #35 in Dallas…

I’ve been reading a lot lately.  There was a time that I worried my reading habits were working against me.  I (like many techie’s) sort of jump around a lot when I read.  I’ll deep dive on a subject and…

There is one thing about my job that stinks. At some point every day, I wonder if today is my last day. I wonder if I’ll be fired, let go, downsized or if my contract will just suddenly end. Now,…