Just a reminder that I will be speaking at the SF UG SQL Server User Group on Sep 12.  Here is a link with all of the details.  If you are in the area, It would be great to see you!

SQLTeach (Part of the DevTeach Conferences in Canada) has enjoyed success for many years.  I enjoyed the opportunity to speak at and attend SQLTeach at various times over the years.  Since SQLTeach is part of DevTeach, the ''feel'' of the event is very different from PASS or SQLRally or even a SQL Saturday where SQL is the primary ...

I am honored to be the guest speaker at the Richmond SQL Server User Group on Monday, Sep 15.  They usually have their meetings on the 2nd Thursday of the month, but they made a special exception.  I will be speaking about SQL Server 2008 and Consolidation.  If you are in the area, drop by and socialize with other SQL Server ...

Chuck Heinzelman and I are on the Advisory Board for the THRIVE Campaign by Microsoft.   The THRIVE campaign is about getting people to use tools that they already own or are FREE to download in order to learn/enhance new skills.  I thought right away about SQL Server Express and how this could help people learn more about SQL ...

I have been attending Teched every year since 2005. Last year, I really did not like the separation that was ''forced'' between IT Pro and Dev.  I like to attend sessions from both areas - SQL covers both areas.  I am glad they combined it this year (as it should be IMHO).  Once again, I will be in the TLC area where I LOVE to ...

Last month, I spoke at a SQL Server Firestarter event in Charlotte.  With just about every session that I speak at or webcast that I do since 2006, I always ask for a show of hands on two questions.  The first is ''How many people here are running SQL Server 2000 in production?'', and the follow-up question that I ask is ''How many ...

If you are in the Charlotte area, please come by for a FREE half-day event.  You need to register first though at the following link:   http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/EventDetail.aspx?EventID=1032400468&Culture=en-US    Here is what the schedule looks like.....    Room Mt. Kilimanjaro Room ...

This past Tuesday, I was finally able to attend my local user group meeting.  My travel schedule never seemed to match up with the meeting dates this year.  It was good to see old friends and meet new faces.  John Welch, SQL Server MVP, from Mariner presented on SSRS 2008.  The audience had some good questions which made for a ...

I get several more ''generic'' IT mags sent to my home.  I usually get them in an attempt to keep up with what is going on in the outside world.  Typically, I look at the lead story and find a nugget or two in the rest. In my recent issue of TechNet magazine, the cover story is on how to Tune up your database by Paul Randall.  He ...

It's Official, today! We have a party for SQL Server 2008 in LA!  The product may not be shipping, but that won't stop us from having our party. Seriously, Today marks the beginning of a more useful Launch than the 2005 launch.  What am I saying?  The Launch Events will probably be more educational for you this time around because ...