Things I Write While High On Bacon

Who Is Responsible For What?

By Thomas LaRock ⋅ August 27, 2010 ⋅ 10 comments

In my previous life I was a production DBA which meant my primary responsibility was recovery. I also took my job role to be that of a general SQL Server expert. I stayed general because no one person can possible be an expert in every facet under the SQL Umbrella. A few years ago I [...]

Index Tuning Advisors

By Thomas LaRock ⋅ August 10, 2010 ⋅ One comment

One of the benefits I have working for Confio is that I get some exposure to multiple database platforms (Oracle, DB2, SAP Sybase, and MS SQL). And along with those multiple platforms I also get to look at a handful of tools that are commonly used for each. I have a long way to go [...]

Utility Control Point

By Thomas LaRock ⋅ May 13, 2010 ⋅ 12 comments

I’ll be honest, I was *really* looking forward to using the Utility Control Point feature in SQL 2008 R2. I wanted to give the UCP a test drive, kick the tires, and get out on the open road. I even started asking around to see if we could get our hands on the shiny new [...]

MacGyver Moments

By Thomas LaRock ⋅ February 25, 2010 ⋅ 6 comments

Aaron Bertrand and Denny Cherry double-teamed me in another round of Web 2.0 Chainposting, and you know I never dare break the chain. I spent a few days thinking about what MacGyver moments I have had that I could share. And to be honest, very few came to mind. Apparently I am not very imaginative, [...]

A [DBA] Christmas Story

By Thomas LaRock ⋅ December 22, 2009 ⋅ 2 comments

With Christmas coming this Friday I wanted to take some time and reflect upon the past year. 2009 has been quite a ride for me professionally and personally. Lots of action over the past twelve months. I wanted to take some time to reflect, recharge, and redirect where I want to go over the next [...]

Where Are My Cookies?

By Thomas LaRock ⋅ October 22, 2009 ⋅ 11 comments

There has been a LOT of discussion going on lately with regards to the PASS elections, and with PASS in general. Everyone seems to have an idea of what they believe PASS should be doing with regards to this or that. I think it is wonderful that such discussions are taking place. What is not [...]

Winter Formal Wear

By Thomas LaRock ⋅ October 19, 2009 ⋅ One comment

Last year, while preparing to take a cruise, I thought about purchasing my own tuxedo because, you know, I wear one every twenty years or so. Once that fact was pointed out to me I decided to skip that purchase.
But if I knew that this was an option, I would have bought two. One to wear, [...]

SQL Theme Song

By Thomas LaRock ⋅ August 6, 2009 ⋅ One comment

You knew this was coming. Put on some Nickelback and imagine how awesome it would be to have them sing this version. If @SQLFool ever does a non-rap contest, consider this my entry. I’ll work on a video, maybe I can get it done by the time PASS rolls around and get some of the [...]

Random Thoughts for a Friday

By Thomas LaRock ⋅ June 5, 2009 ⋅ 2 comments

No question again this week, so I decided to just give you some random thoughts to ponder for the weekend.You’re welcome.
Time travel is to a science fiction writer what babies are to sitcom writers. It is what you use when you cannot think of anything else, or want to be given as much leeway as [...]

A Lovely Bunch of Coconuts

By Thomas LaRock ⋅ June 4, 2009 ⋅ 2 comments

“…but you can hear it on the coconut telegraph…”
Well, it happened. Again. I got tagged by Tim Ford (@SQLAgentman), who talks about surviving for six months on a tropical island with your only sustenance being coconuts and you spend the time dreaming about all the things you would like to be spending time doing if [...]