30Sep 2009 by Grant Fritchey No Comments

SQL Server Standard Update

Misc, PASS
Just to keep people who might be interested up to date on what's happening with the SQL Server Standard relaunch. I've received some fantastic abstracts on a wide range of topics from a diverse group of SQL Server DBA's and Developers. From that, we've got a lot of articles in the hopper going through technical edits and second drafts. Three articles have made it all the way to copy edit. They should be done soon. I'm positive you'll see at least one of them, maybe two, before the PASS Summit. I need even more abstracts so I can publish even more articles. If you meet the qualifications to write for us, please submit an abstract to my PASS email address: grant.fritchey - at - sqlpass -dot- org (unobfuscate the obvious).…
Read More
30Sep 2009 by Grant Fritchey 3 Comments

Minor Celebration

Misc
A little cheap thrill for me. I passed 50,000 views on the blog yesterday. Thanks to everyone who has stopped by to read my fumbling attempts to understand SQL Server better. I hope some of the posts have proved useful to you. I learn a lot from putting them together.
Read More
14Sep 2009 by Grant Fritchey No Comments

Editorial on SQL Server Central

Misc, Tools
My first one over there. It's discussing whether or not you should do two things, build your own monitoring tool, come out in particular favor of one tool or suite of tools from a single vendor. Please read it and watch the video. And, even more importantly, leave a comment in the discussion.
Read More
29Aug 2009 by Grant Fritchey No Comments

SQL Server Standard Update

Misc
We've received wonderful support from the community. Brad McGehee has a list with great people on it who have volunteered to be technical editors. A bunch of people have inquired about writing for the reincarnation of SQL Server Standard (SSS). I've accepted, to date, eight different abstracts. I've started learning what it means to be an editor. I've gone through first drafts on four articles from some great people. They're smart and you're going to love the information they're putting together for you. But, we need more. A lot more. Please look over the requirements and if you meet them, consider sending us an abstract (send it to grant.fritchey -at- sqlpass dot org). A few suggestions to help you out. Right now, we're looking for technical articles. But that doesn't…
Read More
29Aug 2009 by Grant Fritchey 2 Comments

#ActiveAugust Final Post

Misc
I haven't done well with this. I missed a post. I missed a bunch of workouts. I put on weight. Basically #ActiveAugust for me was one giant bag of FAIL. Anyway, I finished up the week with a couple of days teaching karate. I did workouts before class, including a tabata on the heavy bag and just general calisthenics, shadow boxing and practicing techniques. I got my chainsaw back from repairs today. I cut & split wood for about 2 1/2 hours. Final weight 201 from a start of 194. That's +7 in four weeks. Not good. Is the next month going to be #StarvationSeptember? That's what I need.
Read More
13Aug 2009 by Grant Fritchey No Comments

SQL Server Standard Writing Guidelines

Misc
Well, actually, these are the guidelines for submitting anything to SQLPASS, but it includes the guidelines for SQL Server Standard. If you're considering submitting an abstract (and please, don't consider it, do it) read through there for the basic information. I've accepted six different abstracts so far on a variety of topics. It's going to be some good stuff from some really smart people. A sampling of topics includes; expanded use of tally tables (table of numbers), designing partitioning schemes (I'm looking forward to this one), multi-level SSIS project dependency and communication, how to read and interpret execution plans (not by me), and a full description on triggers. We need more. If you've got writing experience, please, write an article for SQL Server Standard. Abstracts are all that is required…
Read More
09Aug 2009 by Grant Fritchey No Comments

Microsoft Thrive

Misc
I was introduced to the Thrive program when my user group held a Thrive event back in March. Since then I've referenced some of their material several times. It's a decent little program from Microsoft to try to help out IT pros in this tough economy. Hopefully this won't create a circular reference and bring down one or more web sites, but I got picked to be the IT Pro of the month for August over at Thrive. Nothing comes with it except ever-lasting glory (measured in weeks).
Read More
08Aug 2009 by Grant Fritchey No Comments

Active August #2

Misc
Hrmmm... 198. Up four pounds. That just doesn't seem possible. I did a tabata on Monday. I did have a light workout on Thursday, but I went walking several days this week and I haven't been overeating (except last night at sushi...hmmmm sushi). It may just be last night & a bit of water. However. I will try to be more aware of my intake and try to get an extra workout or two in during the coming week.
Read More
03Aug 2009 by Grant Fritchey 2 Comments

Pain of the Week Webcast

Misc
Thursday this week I get to hang out, virtually, with some of the heavy hitters of the industry, Brent Ozar, Ross Mistry and Kevin Kline. We'll be talking about SQL Server books. Writing them, reading them, reviewing them, finding the right one at the store... It'll be fun. All the details are on the Quest web site.  Come and see why I have a perfect face for radio.
Read More