12 Mar 2021
By Allen
3 Comments
From Software to Seminary

From Software to Seminary

Featured, Ministry, , ,
It started in 1979 with "Hello World." I was a kid learning Basic to program a text based adventure game on a TRS-80 and I was hooked.  I wanted to take a game apart and make it better, so I did.  I learned programming and ended up having a pretty good career in IT, focused on database systems and business intelligence.  Now, 42 years later, it is time for a new adventure. The industry has changed a lot in those years.  Back then we learned programming BASIC by buying magazines at Radio Shack.   The magazines were full of pages of…
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10 Apr 2013
By Allen
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Taking Flight!

Taking Flight!

Uncategorized,
This is one of the most fun and insightful business books that I've read in quite a while. It is parable about four behavioral styles (DISC profiles) that affect every interaction around us. Set in a forest called Home, there is Dorian the Dominant eagle who is doesn't chit-chat or pull any punches. The fun loving parrots like Indy are Influencers who just wants to party. The doves like Sarah enjoy the Steady life of Home and want everyone to get along. Finally, the owls like Crystal are very Compliant and need everything to be planned out and perfect. Sound…
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04 Dec 2012
By Allen
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What’s New in SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) 2012

SQL Server, SSRS, , ,
Everybody has been bloggin about the new features in SQL 2012, so I thought it would be best to just look at one part of the offering.  SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) has not gotten a much love but there are a few good improvements.  The list is so short, I covered it in one slide while presenting at SQL Saturday #125 in Oklahoma City.  Let's look at each area a little more. SSRS Data Alerts This is definitely a good improvement from the user perspective.   It allows users (OK, they may need help) to set up subscriptions based on…
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12 Jun 2012
By Allen
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‘SQL with Style’ class by Joe Celko

SQL Server, , ,
The legendary Joe Celko is coming to Oklahoma City for SQL Saturday #125! While here, he is teaching a one day seminar about 'SQL with Style'. This class takes you beyond the basics.  When I talked with Joe about the class he suggested the subtitle 'Getting out  of kindergarten'. Joe Celko is always entertaining and very informative. While this class will use SQL Server 2008 for the lessons, the material applies to any relational database such as Oracle, DB2 or even Access. This material is targeted for DBA's, query writers and application developers. Joe Celko is an American relational database…
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09 Apr 2012
By Allen
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SQL 2012 Study Materials

SQL Server, , , ,
This started as my personal list of study materials, but it bears sharing.  I got started studying as I studied for the new SQL 2012 Beta Exams.  You might still get a slot to try out the exams for free over at the Born to Learn blog  Once you choose an exam, follow their link to see the specifics about the exam.  Be sure to click on the 'Skills Measured' tab.  That will show what percent of the test covers different areas. Be sure to take a look at the planned certification paths for SQL 2012.  The paths have changed…
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