Daily Coping 9 Nov 2020

Posted on November 9, 2020 by way0utwest

I started to add a daily coping tip to the SQLServerCentral 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.

Today’s tip is to make a list of new things you want to do in the next month.

Since this is 2020 and most things are strange and different, I’m going to pick the things that will be new in the “new normal” life I’ve been stuck with for months.

Recordings – On my mind as I have 4 to do as I write this, not a small task.

Get back in a workout routine – An illness derailed me, but I want to get back to this

Build a wooden box – I’ve been wanting to do this with my daughter, so I need to get on this project.

Re-engineer the door lift in the riding arena – A motor broke, or rather, got used incorrectly and I need to replace it. While doing it, I need to improve some things.

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Strange T-SQL Operator Syntax

Posted on November 9, 2020 by way0utwest

I can’t remember where I saw this, but it made an interesting Question of the Day:

select *

from Sales

where Profit !< 10000;

I had never seen anything like this, in all my years of working in C, C++, Java, Lisp, APL, Pascal, Fortran, VB, C#, SQL, and more. However, there are apparently a few operators that I’ve never used:

  • !<
  • !>

These are the not less than and not greater than.

Weird, though I guess this makes sense. Personally, I think restructuring as greater than or equal to instead of not less than makes perfect sense.

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What’s Your Vision for PASS?

Posted on November 7, 2020 by way0utwest

The PASS election slate was released for 2020. The candidates and their statements are::

  1. Hamish Watson (@thehybriddba)
  2. Joey D’Antoni (@jdanton) – Community Matters–Why I’m Running for the PASS Board of Directors
  3. Jose Rivera –  (@SQLConqueror) –
  4. Lori Edwards (@loriedwards)-
  5. Matt Gordon (@sqlatspeed) – Why I Am Running for PASS Board
  6. Robert Fonseca (@roberto_mct) –
  7. Steph Locke (@TheStephLocke) – I’m Running for the PASS Board

Not everyone has a statement, though you can read their bios and applications on the PASS Site.

PASS is at a turning point in the organization, with the pandemic and the move of their main fundraiser to a virtual event. Across the last two years, I’ve been a member of PASS, a supporter, and a critic with my own thoughts and ideas about the organization.

However, I’m not sure where PASS should go. There is a lot of enthusiasm for the organization from some, and no shortage of criticism. I see both sides, but what I’m not sure about is what I want PASS to be or do in the future. I suspect the organization will change, but into what?

I’d ask that each of the candidates outline a vision for what PASS should be. Not tactical specifics or complaints, but ideally, what do we want from the organization. What would represent the members and be a great community group?

Hopefully we’ll see something before Wednesday, when voting starts.

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Daily Coping 6 Nov 2020

Posted on November 6, 2020 by way0utwest

I started to add a daily coping tip to the SQLServerCentral 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.

Today’s tip is to get outside and observe the changes in nature around you.

I was sick recently. Worn out, tired, and took a few days off. During that time, I was inside, didn’t go out to the store, and really didn’t work very much. I didn’t really go outside for a couple days, which unusual for me.

When I felt better, I told my wife I’d help her get a few things done. Walking outside, feeling the change in weather, which has been dramatic a few days this fall in Denver, and seeing animals, was good for the soul. I even took a little video and enjoyed a moment with baby Phoebe.

This make most things better

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