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Thoughts on #SQLFamily
This is the second time I’ve participated in the “Meme Monday” blog events that have been brought to us by Tom LaRock (blog | @SQLRockstar). The topic is on what “SQL Family” means to us. A few things...
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A Tale of Training
As a follow-up to my previous post about the steps you may have to go through to attend training if your employer can’t or won’t offer assistance in the form of either money or time off, I have a story...
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The 1940 Census: A True NoSQL Database!
On April 2 of this year, the National Archives released the complete population schedule of the 1940 census. These records were highly anticipated not only for their genealogical value but also because...
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Lessons Learned at SQL Saturday #119
SQL Saturday #119, our third one in Chicago, was a total blast. This was only my second time on the organizing committee, but I’ve yet to hear anything negative about the event. From my perspective,...
View ArticleLaw & ORDER BY: Professionalism and Community
Yesterday the Chicago Tribune printed an article on the death of Philip Corboy, a noted trial attorney. I imagine you’ve probably never heard of him, and I’m sure I wouldn’t have either, except I would...
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Eight Ways To Avoid Retaining Top Talent
To say that I was dissatisfied with my previous job is like saying that the surface of the sun is slightly warm. When I resigned, I resisted the urge to blog about it right away, figuring it would be...
View ArticleJefferson’s Ten Rules
Earlier this month Michelle and I visited friends in Virginia, and one of the places we checked out was Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s primary home and plantation. I highly recommend going there if...
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Eight Résumé Don’ts
In our formative years we’re taught again and again that one should never judge a book by it’s cover, but when seeking employment that all goes out the window when you create a sheet of paper so that...
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PASS Summit & Portland SQL Saturday Recap
Three weeks ago I had quite the trip to the Pacific Northwest. I was very fortunate to present in Portland at SQL Saturday #172, and then headed up to Seattle for the 2012 PASS Summit. It was a...
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How NOT to Fill a Position
Last week while at work I received a phone call from a recruiter. It was pretty standard until they decided to turn into a jerk. I sent the following letter to the recruiter’s agency. I doubt I’ll get...
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No More (New) MCMs
There have already been several posts on this topic, but I feel compelled to add my thoughts to the mix. For years I told myself only half-jokingly that by the time I became a Microsoft Certified...
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PASS Summit 2013 Wrap-Up
I was extremely fortunate to be able to present at the PASS Summit this year. It was an amazing and energizing time, despite getting about 15 hours of sleep the entire week. Much like last year, here...
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Interviews: Doing Your Homework
There was an interesting debate on Twitter the other day over whether or not it’s important for an interviewee to know what a company does, or if they should just know whatever technology the job...
View ArticleBreak Stuff Like an Expert
This post is part of the DBA JumpStart series being written by myself and 19 other professionals from the SQL Server community and coordinated by John Sansom (@SQLBrit). It has been compiled into a...
View ArticleRecruiter Email Fail
Pro Tip: If you’re a recruiter and sending out mass emails about positions you’re trying to fill, do yourself a favor and make sure you’re not accidentally including other things, like a letter of...
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What Are You Thankful For?
It’s almost Thanksgiving time here in the United States – that wonderful holiday where families and friends gather to share a meal and give thanks for all our many immaterial blessings. (And then for...
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What I’m Thankful For – 2014 Edition
I’m also grateful for my grandma’s homemade gravy Back in the early days of this blog, I wrote about what I was thankful for in response to Jason Strate’s post asking about it. Now, 4 years later, I am...
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What We’re Thankful For: Wrap-Up
Two weeks ago I decided to kick off the holiday season by asking people to write about what they were thankful for. I was very fortunate to get three great responses, which I am happy to share in no...
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Thoughts on PASS Summit Speaker Selection
It’s getting to be about that time of year again. Bees are buzzing, Summer’s nearly here (at least in the northern hemisphere), and PASS Summit 2015 session selections will probably be announced soon....
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Why I Play Hooky at PASS Summit
It’s nearly upon us! Next week, data professionals from around the world will gather in Seattle for the spectacle that is PASS Summit. A conference (and family reunion) like no other, we’ll share...
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