PASS Summit — Checklists, schedules, and itineraries #PASSSummit

With less than a week until I depart for PASS Summit, I'm starting to think about what I need to prepare for my trip out to the West Coast. I signed up for, and was accepted, to host a Birds Of A Feather table! On Friday (Nov. 8), I will be facilitating discussion at the …

PASS Summit — Vote to help me pack for #PASSSummit #sqlfamily

While finishing up my last article, I came across an older article by my friend, Andy Levy, in which he talks about his personal branding -- namely, The Hat. I'm going to take a cue from his article, and come up with a branding of my own. I think this is a great strategy; I've …

PASS Summit — one week (!!!)

I actually began writing this article a couple of weeks ago. I had every intention of finishing it, but alas, family issues got in the way. With only a week to go until I leave for PASS Summit (at this time next Tuesday, I should be on a flight somewhere between Chicago and Seattle), I …

Saying final goodbyes

Yesterday, we laid my father-in-law to rest. It's been a tough couple of weeks since he passed away. My wife and her sister have been running around making arrangements, and it all culminated in his funeral service yesterday. I wanted to do my part to contribute. I made it a point to make sure that …

Death and life

"Don't hang on; nothing lasts forever but the earth and sky; it slips away, and all your money won't another minute buy..."Kansas, "Dust In The Wind" I was working on putting together a 'blog article in which I talk about how PASS Summit is only a few weeks away, my preparations, and other information that …

When it’s appropriate to use fake data (no, really!!!)

It isn't uncommon for me to include data examples whenever I'm writing documentation. I've written before about how good examples will enhance documentation. Let me make one thing clear. I am not talking about using data or statistics in and of itself to back up any assertions that I make. Rather, I am talking about …

PASS Summit — Networking and Events

Andy Levy wrote another article about networking and events at PASS Summit. I'm posting this link for my own reference, and those of you who are attending PASS Summit will find this helpful as well!

Why candidates fail the job interview

At the moment, my work group is looking to hire a couple of new Oracle DBAs. My colleague, who is doing the interviewing, regaled us with stories about the people he interviewed. He extended at least one offer; whether or not the candidate accepts remains to be seen. His stories reminded me of a SQL …

How do you get to Carnegie Hall?

As the old saying goes, "how do you get to Carnegie Hall? Practice!" I wrote a while back that the symphonic concert band I play in will be performing at Carnegie Hall on Veterans Day! This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and yet another bucket list item for me. The chance to play on the stage …

PASS Summit — Preparing for PASS Summit 2019 – Logistics & Survival

My friend, Andy Levy, wrote a 'blog article in which he provides survival tips for PASS Summit. I found it to be a pretty good read, and I wanted to make sure that I linked to it for my own (and your) reference!