I've been to Chicagoland many times over the years. During the 1990's, when I worked for Deloitte, I occasionally traveled to the practice office in downtown Chicago or to the tax practice in Deerfield. In the later 1990's and early 2000's (a.k.a. "the aughts"), I frequently traveled to the original offices for PASS on Michigan Avenue. Later on during the aughts through 2012, I often traveled to the Quest Software offices in Naperville. So it's with these thoughts in mind that we make the #SQLVacation drive from Indianapolis to the Chicago Suburban SQL Server user group in Downers Grove, … [Read more...]
SQLVacation Postcard Day 3: Chicago Suburbs
June 17, 2015 by Leave a Comment
I've been to Chicagoland many times over the years. Winters are tough for a Southern boy like me. But summer in Chicagoland is one of the best experiences evah! One such magical experience was when I stumbled into a Taste of Chicago event back when that wasn't a wide-spread event. Irmagird. During the 1990's, when I worked for Deloitte, I occasionally traveled to the practice office in downtown Chicago or to the tax practice in Deerfield. In the later 1990's and early 2000's (a.k.a. "the aughts"), I frequently traveled to the original offices for PASS on Michigan Avenue. Later on during the … [Read more...]
SQLVacation Postcard Day 2: Indianapolis, Indiana
June 16, 2015 by Leave a Comment
For some people, Indianapolis means one thing, and one thing only - the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (a.k.a "The Brickyard") and the Indianapolis 500. In my case, it means several times speaking at IndyPASS, the local SQL Server User Group, over the last 10 years. I first spoke at IndyPASS with the then head of Microsoft's Business Intelligence product line, Bill Baker. Bill was a big racing fan and, fortuitously, the user group leaders were happy to accommodate his request to speak in time to see the big race. I also got the chance back in 2005-2006 to see a hilarious comedian known … [Read more...]
#SQLVacation Postcard from Indianapolis, IN
June 16, 2015 by Leave a Comment
For some people, Indianapolis means one thing, and one thing only - the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (a.k.a "The Brickyard") and the Indianapolis 500. In my case, it means several times speaking at IndyPASS, the local SQL Server User Group, over the last 10 years. I first spoke at IndyPASS with the then head of Microsoft's Business Intelligence product line, Bill Baker. Bill was a big racing fan and, fortuitously, the user group leaders were happy to accommodate his request to speak in time to see the big race. I also got the chance back in 2005-2006 to see a hilarious comedian known as … [Read more...]
SQLVacation Postcard Day 1: Louisville, Kentucky
June 15, 2015 by Leave a Comment
Along the banks of the mighty Ohio River, in sight of the shores of Indiana, lies beautiful Louisville, KY. Louisville is a city I've long felt connected to. (No, not because I drink bourbon, although that's a pretty good reason to like the place, come to think of it). It's because my brother, five years my senior, earned his graduate degrees in one of the city's fine universities and worked there as an English professor for many years. Whenever I had a spare weekend, I'd load up the family, pop a cassette into the car stereo, and make the ~3 hour trip north to the Bluegrass State to visit my … [Read more...]
#SQLVacation Postcard from Louisville, KY
June 15, 2015 by Leave a Comment
Along the banks of the mighty Ohio River, in sight of the shores of Indiana, lies beautiful Louisville, KY. Louisville is a place with a strong connection for me. (No, not because I drink bourbon, although that's a pretty good reason to like the place, come to think of it). It's because my brother, five years my senior, earned his graduate degrees in one of the city's fine universities and worked there as an English professor for many years. Whenever I had a spare weekend, I'd load up the family, pop a cassette into the car stereo, and make the ~3 hour trip north to the Bluegrass … [Read more...]
Make your summer vacation a #SQLVacation
June 9, 2015 by Leave a Comment
This summer, we at SQL Sentry have decided to do a fun riff on the National Lampoon Vacation movies starring Chevy Chase. And I'm asking you to participate as you take your own vacation, whether it's a week at the beach or a "staycation" catching up on chores around the house. In my case, I’m going to load up the 5 of the 7 members of the Horde in a minivan (no dog or mother-in-law on this trip) and drive a circuit of the big cities between Nashville and Chicago, speaking at a different SQL Server user group meeting each day. Your first way to participate is to come to the user group … [Read more...]
When you think summer vacation this year, think #SQLVacation!
June 9, 2015 by 2 Comments
I've been telling you about the SQLCruise for a long time now. When I attend the SQLCruise, it's usually in January/February. And I still attest that one of the best ways to spend a week of your summer is on the SQLCruise like mi amigo, Aaron Bertrand (b | t) is doing in the Mediterranean next week. But a winter break isn't in the cards for many of us. Time to load up the Wally Wagon! Barring a summer cruise, there are a multitude of great vacations awaiting us. This summer, we at SQL Sentry have decided to do a fun riff on the National Lampoon Vacation movies starring Chevy … [Read more...]
DBTA – New Realeases for the Microsoft Data Platform
June 9, 2015 by Leave a Comment
The Microsoft data platform team is on fire! It is delivering more updates and features faster and more thoroughly than ever before. If you're a data professional and you're using the Microsoft stack, this is a really exciting time to be involved. Here's a look at the top new capabilities in SQL Server 2016 Public Preview, SSIS Feature Packs For Azure, and Azure SQL Data Warehouse. Click HERE to read more … [Read more...]
Microsoft //Build and Office365 Events Coming to a Chicago, LA, Charlotte, Indianapolis, and Jacksonville
June 4, 2015 by Leave a Comment
The //build Tour If you build software using Visual Studio or code against the Microsoft stack, you don't want to miss the //build traveling road show. The Microsoft //build tours bring the Build conference experience to you for in-depth, usable knowledge about Windows 10 and much more. There's coding sessions and lots of new product demos. You'll also get facetime with Microsoft Technical Experts to ask those tough questions, partner showcases, and opportunities to connect with your fellow peers. Register today, it's a FREE event. Two dates are just around the corner: On Wednesday, … [Read more...]
