So, yesterday I spent time at one of our internal conference events: Envision. It's a yearly event, and it is well attended by Microsoft employees or close partners from all over the world. I presented a session on XML support in Excel and Word (if you read my blog, you know why).

The very first question I was asked is this, "Can we have your demo source code?" Now, this is an important question because I had not even begun to present anything. It says so much about the way developers work. The old saying goes, "A picture is worth a thousand words." For developers, code, a solution, a demo is like a picture. It is worth more than a textbook. I think most deveopers were the kind of kids in school that just wanted to get to the hands-on-lab and forget all of the theory. They'll pick that up later...maybe.

Anyway, it was a lost of fun presenting, and the attendees energize me. I leave the session more pumped and motivated than they do. Also, in case any of them is reading this blog: No, I do not drink anything caffeinated. I'm just that big of a spaz.

So, here the links to articles that have the basis for my demos.

Importing XML Maps, XML Lists, and Dynamic Chart Sources in Excel 2003

Creating an End-to-End XML Solution with Word 2003 and Excel 2003

Obviously, I embellised them extensively, but you will see the foundation here.

 Rock Thought for the day: Ziggy Stardust? Look- David Bowie still puts out good music. I recommend his Web site: www.davidbowie.com. You can listen to music, see video and so on. I think he has aged well musically. I can't say the same for every star that rose in the 70's. His sound is not heavy (I wish it were a little more). Its strength is that it retains an ethereal quality. What a voice.