Month: July 2010

SQLBits Registration Open – great UK conference

Last Updated July 28, 2010

I’ve blogged about the What, Where, and Why of SQLBits, and hopefully I’ve got you all psyched up about attending this really reasonably-priced conference. Now’s your chance to get in: SQLBits registration is now open. You can register for: Full 3-day Conference (£350 now with the early bird discount) – Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. You…

Edward Tufte Wants to Change Everything

Last Updated August 17, 2020

Brent Ozar

Writing and Presenting

Several hours into Edward Tufte‘s day-long seminar on visual communications in Chicago, he revealed what he really hates about our communications tools. He briefly touched on the origin of the desktop with the Xerox Alto, a document-oriented computer. He said that users didn’t see applications – they saw lists of documents, and they chose which…

Good Advice from Richard Simmons

Last Updated February 12, 2017

Brent Ozar

Professional Development

Yesterday at the Quest virtual conference, I showed up for one of my sessions in a Richard Simmons costume – big wig, short jogging shorts, and a lime green tank top with fake chest hair coming out every which way but loose. @SQLSamson captured the moment live: Microsoft Certified Master at Work Viewers at home…

SQLBits – What, Where, and Why

Last Updated July 19, 2010

Brent Ozar

SQLBits is a unique SQL Server event in the United Kingdom, and even if you’re not in the UK, there’s some things you might find interesting about how it works. Thursday – Pre-Conference Sessions – for £350, you get in-depth training on one particular subject from one trainer. Attendees like pre-con sessions when they need…

Knowledge in ____ is a plus

Last Updated July 13, 2010

Brent Ozar

Got this email from a recruiter this morning and just had to share it: But it's not required That’s right, it actually says “Knowledge in ____ is a plus.” No, they didn’t bother finishing the above sentence that starts with, “However the expectation is that this” but I’ll fill it out for you. “However, the…

It's not a chain. There can be only one.

Finding Free Pictures for Blog Posts and Presentations

Last Updated December 1, 2012

Brent Ozar

Writing and Presenting

When you want to illustrate your writing with pictures, it’s tempting to use Google Images Search. With millions of pictures at your fingertips, why not just right-click on someone’s awesome picture, save it, and use it in your blog? Even though it’s easy and it’s nearly impossible to catch, it’s still plagiarism, and you know…

WHAT?!? I HAVE TO PAY FOR MY TRAVEL?!?

Last Updated February 12, 2017

Brent Ozar

Professional Development

My really cushy job at Quest Software required me to attend conferences. Lots of them. All over the world. Whenever a new conference was announced, I’d submit a few abstracts to speak, because speakers usually get their registration paid for. Then I’d whip out the company credit card to book my flight, hotel, and rental…