03Aug 2009 by Grant Fritchey 8 Comments

SQL Server Standard

Misc, PASS
PASS is relaunching the SQL Server Standard with a wholly new approach and format. I'll put more out about it as it becomes available. I just wanted to get the word out now, as far and as wide as I can. Basically submissions are open for articles. We're only interested in publishing experienced writers who've published in some other tech-reviewed medium (Simple-Talk, books, SQL Server magazine, the old SQL Server Standard, are a few examples).  If you're interested, send me a direct tweet @GFritchey or an email to grant.fritchey -at- sqlpass.org. All the details will be published soon over at the PASS web site. Short info for those interested: experienced writers who are members of PASS abstracts can be 4-6 sentences describing the thrust, scope & length of the article…
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01Aug 2009 by Grant Fritchey No Comments

Active August #1

Misc
I like to blog about technical topics and community, not personal stuff. However, this is a community post. A number of active SQL Server DBA's & Developers on Twitter have decided to make August a self-help, support-group month for eating well and being active, Active August. I'm taking part. I'll be posting updates on my weight and general activity once a week. Today, I start with a weight of 194.5.  I went to sword class this morning and spent almost three hours outside splitting wood (with a splitter, I don't have to use the maul these days).
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24Jul 2009 by Grant Fritchey No Comments

Attache/Brief Case Review

Misc
Steve Jones, through a series of comments, emails, blackmail, back-alley deals & tons of whining, agreed to let me review a brief case, the Maxpedition Hard Use Gear Aggressor Attache. The review is up over at SQL Server Central and a video I made of the bag should be up shortly. I love Maxpedition products, even if the names (Agressor, come on) can be a bit off-putting. The products are very well designed and extremely well built. They're worth your time & money.
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14Jul 2009 by Grant Fritchey 2 Comments

More on BALD-D

Misc
The Battle Against Lawless Database Design continues. And thus were the Berserkers born. Or, for the more film-oriented, Skynet becomes self-aware.   Hold the Line. It's been one of those days. A bit of humor and a nice dose of SF are good for the soul.
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05Jun 2009 by Grant Fritchey 6 Comments

Coconuts?

Misc
I'm a bit of an old school geek, I prefer stone knives & bear skins... “So You’re On A Deserted Island With WiFi and you’re still on the clock at work.  Okay, so not a very good situational exercise here, but let’s roll with it; we’ll call it a virtual deserted island.  Perhaps what I should simply ask is if you had a month without any walk-up work, no projects due, no performance issues that require you to devote time from anything other than a wishlist of items you’ve been wanting to get accomplished at work but keep getting pulled away from I ask this question: what would be the top items that would get your attention?”  Brent Ozar has passed me this interesting little question, and called me a noob…
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03Jun 2009 by Grant Fritchey 7 Comments

SQL Server Central Track at Connections

Misc
This year at SQL Connections, there will be a new track, the SQL Server Central track (scroll down). I've been honored to be selected to present two different sessions on that track, MUQt or More Unecessary Query tuning (pronounced MUCK) and Scouting Out Execution Plans. I'm on a list with a bunch of speakers that... well, WOW is all I can say. I almost wish I wasn't presenting (almost) so I can just attend their sessions & learn stuff. Anyway, for those that won't or can't make the PASS Summit in Seattle, I hope I catch up with you in Las Vegas (where I'm told that anything that happens will remain in place, or something, is it a transaction rollback do you think?).
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29May 2009 by Grant Fritchey 3 Comments

It’s a major award

Misc
I try to shy away from humor in any of my posts because what I think is funny, others think is irritating or stupid (examples: I LOATHE Adam Sandler and I thought Hudson Hawk was funny. So there. I'm completely out of the main stream of America where comedy is concerned). I wanted to post something funny about getting an upgraded listing over at SQLRockStar's Blog Rankings. I've started it several times, looking to the Oscars and trying to  imitate Sally Fields or maybe that little Italian guy, toss in a Native American being really sombre & sad, a few streakers, an old guy doing push-ups (ohe-handed, even though he cheated a bit on the form, I still can't do those, even cheating)... None of it worked. I do appreciate wit, I just…
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04May 2009 by Grant Fritchey 6 Comments

Help Make Connect Work Better

Misc
I've posted several times about how useful I find Microsoft Connect. I've seen issues introduced there get resolved through hot fixes and service packs. I sincerely believe it's a very important tool in your arsenal to get the kind of service you need from Microsoft. Here's a post on Connect that's trying to make Connect itself easier to use. I'd strongly recommend you swing by and vote positively for this. And for those who are unclear, click on the stars to submit your vote.
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16Apr 2009 by Grant Fritchey 6 Comments

SQL Quiz Part 4

Misc
Thanks SQLBatman. It's not like I need to do work or something. Who has been a great leader in your career and what has made them a great leader? First, I need to define what I understand a leader to be and then I'll see if I have any great ones on the list. There are a lot of ways to define what a leader is. You could say simply the managers, team leads, CEO's and CIO's that you've worked for or with are leaders. But I don't see that. I think of a leader and I see Henry V and the St. Crispin's day speech, "...And gentlemen in England now-a-bed shall think themselves accurs'd they were not here, and hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks that fought with…
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25Mar 2009 by Grant Fritchey No Comments

Microsoft Links to Help Your Career

Misc
I received this list of links from my Microsoft rep. It was really an impressive list. So I asked if I could post it to the blog. Figures, it was already out there. Buck Woody had compiled it. It's worth a look through. There really is a lot of information that focuses on you and your career available from Microsoft. Who knew that a big company like that could be so helpful. Also, how great was it that Buck Woody pulled it all together for convenience.
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