Voice of the DBA

Category: Blog

  • Heading Back to VS Live in March 2023

    I’m speaking at VS Live in March 2023 for the Las Vegas show. This time it’s at Planet Hollywood, which is a hotel a new place for me. I’m looking forward to seeing lots of friends at the show. I was in Redmond and Austin last year for the VS Live shows and I can’t wait to get back to Las Vegas.

    If you want to join me at fun show, register with the code Jones for $500 off the price.

    VS Live is a multi technology show. I always learn something interesting there from Brian Randall, Rocky Lhotka, Bob Ward, Andrew Brust or any of the other amazing speakers. There are lots of development sessions, both technical and soft skills, along with a few of us data people delivering talks on how to deal with the database and power your software.

    The schedule is up and it looks exciting. A wide variety of talks, including these two from me:

    • Architecting Zero Downtime Database Deployments
    • Adding Graph Structures to your SQL Server Database

    There are lots of talented speakers and great topics, so think about kicking off your 2023 development efforts by coming to  VS Live Las Vegas, Mar 19-24, 2023.

    Register with the code Jones for $500 off the price.

  • Daily Coping 18 Jan 2023

    Today’s coping tip is to say positive things to the people you meet today.

    In general, I don’t encounter a lot of people on any day, but I do get to see my family, usually someone at the gym, and maybe a cashier in a store.

    Today I ran into family, and had the chance to smile and complement them. I went to a basketball game with two kids, one of whom bought the tickets. I made sure to thank him and tell them how I enjoyed the time.

    While at the game, I thanked the vendors for their help, donated to their cause (they use tips for their server organization), and be happy and positive when making an order, really a request.

    Managed to get to the gym as well, and ask the reception people how they were and wish them a good day.

    I started to add a daily coping tip to the SQL Server Central newsletter and to the Community Circle, which is helping me deal with the issues in the world. I’m adding my responses for each day here. All my coping tips are under this tag.

  • Daily Coping 17 Jan 2023

    Today’s coping tip is to get moving. Ideally do something outside.

    Taking time to walk the dogs outside, heading to the dog park to get them, and me, some exercise.

    I started to add a daily coping tip to the SQL Server Central newsletter and to the Community Circle, which is helping me deal with the issues in the world. I’m adding my responses for each day here. All my coping tips are under this tag.

  • SQL Bits 2023

    I’m honored to be heading back to SQL Bits 2023. I was selected to deliver one session, in the professional development track. With so many people submitting, I’m not surprised that this was the only selection.

    This year, SQL Bits is in Wales, at the International Convention Centre just north of Cardiff. I’ve been to Cardiff only once, and am looking forward to going back and exploring a bit.

    SQL Bits has been my favorite conference over the years. Others are great, but I have always loved this one. If you want to join me, start making some plans and register today.

    Hopefully I’ll see you there.