What If? (Thoughts for 2022)

My favorite variation on the “Expect the best” quote is from Zig Ziglar: One reason this version appeals to me is that it mirrors many sentiments shared by Nassim Taleb (@nntaleb) in his book Antifragile. I write this at the start of 2022 because I, like many of you, have experienced disappointment when expecting general …
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Wrapping Up 2020

It’s that time of year again; that time when bloggers and others share their thoughts about the year that was and the year to come. “2020 was ____.” I complete this sentence three ways, listed below. Feel free to add your thoughts in the comments. “Different” …is the first word that leaps to mind. The …
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Data Driven Podcast: Bob Ward

Frank and I are honored to share an interview with Bob Ward (@bobwardms)! It was an awesome show – check it out! Notable Quotes On playing the “plague or pollen” game. (02:30) Regarding sportsball… (05:30) Virtual is the new norm. (06:30) Bob and Azure (07:30) Frank caught Bob in person at Microsoft Ready (08:15) On …
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T-SQL Tuesday #111 Roundup

Thank You! First, we owe a debt of gratitude to my friend Adam Machanic (blog | @adammachanic | Data Education) for starting T-SQL Tuesday in the first place. Thank you, Adam! Next, we owe a huge shout-out to Steve Jones (blog | @way0utwest | SQL Server Central) for carrying the torch by maintaining tsqltuesday.com. Finally, thank you …
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What if You Just Helped?

Serious question: “What if you just helped?” What do I mean by “just helped?” I mean, what if – when you saw (or read or heard about) someone that needs help – you helped? “I can’t afford to help, Andy.” Are you sure about that? If you read a tweet from someone who’s struggling at …
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I Need Some Updates

As I type, 2017 is drawing to a close. For many, this time of year is a time of reflection on the past year and planning for the coming year. I recently saw this Windows message in the corner of my screen and realized, “You’re right, Windows. I do need some updates.” I’m not big …
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