Greetings From the Borg Cube

April 29 Is Our Anniversary

My wife and I have been married 8 years.  It's been an adventure and we've both grown quite a bit through the experience while staying very much in love.

To commemorate this milestone, I wanted to link to this story on CNN, about another couple crazy in love: http://www.cnn.com/2008/CRIME/04/29/newlywed.brawl.ap/index.html. 

PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania (AP) -- A newlywed couple spent the night in separate jail cells -- she in her wedding gown -- after police said they brawled with each other, then members of another wedding party, at a suburban Pittsburgh hotel.

The fight started Saturday night after a reception when he knocked her to the floor with a karate kick in the seventh-floor hallway of a Holiday Inn, according to police. It escalated when she attacked two guests from another wedding party who came to her aid, police said.

The melee moved to an elevator and then to the lobby, where the couple threw metal planters at the two guests of the other party, causing minor injuries, police charged.

"It was pretty wild," Ross police Sgt. Dave Syska said.

Dentist David W. Wielechowski, 32, of Shaler, and Christa Vattimo, 25, had married a month earlier in the Bahamas but repeated their vows Saturday at a reception for 150 guests. They were checking into their room when the argument began, police said.

Police arrived to find the dentist lying on the lobby floor and his bride screaming, they said.

Authorities charged them both with simple assault, criminal mischief and disorderly conduct, and the bride with an additional count of public intoxication. They face a May 7 preliminary hearing.

A district judge considered issuing a restraining order against Wielechowski, but his new bride declined the measure.

The couple declined comment upon their release Sunday morning.

She left with her father, still dressed in her white gown.

Wielechowski left alone, sporting a swollen eye, tuxedo pants, a bloody T-shirt and one shoe.

I Just Spent $100 On Underwear and None of It Had Sequins

My wife and I enjoy the outdoors and when we moved to Washington state we got tree-huggy and went on all kind of day-hikes and backpacking trips last summer.  I am planning on climbing Mt. Rainier in May, which is 14,410 feet high and dominates the skyline on a clear day.  Which now means spending another small fortune on Gear I Had No Idea Existed.

Last year I spent a good chunk of what should have been my retirement on hiking boots, pack, clothing, hiking poles, tent, stove, etc.  Instead I'll be eating cat chow and peanut butter when I'm 65. 

The ridiculous tally this year so far in my Captain Ahab-like quest to conquer Rainier:

• Waterproof/windproof pants, $160.  Good god, I could have gotten two pairs of dress pants at the Mens' Wearhouse.  Not that I shop there.  But they guarantee I will like the way I look.  So conflicted.
• Gaiters, $60:  To keep the snow out and prevent snagging the crampons on a pant leg.  Maybe I can use them to keep my feet dry when I water the lawn after the climb.
• Balaklava, $20: Like cutting a hole in a stocking and sticking your head in it.  I look like a well-insulated bank robber.  I called it a baklava, and my wife asked me why wearing a Greek pastry on my head would help me climb a mountain.
• Ah yes, the $100 underwear: Fleece long johns, wicking long johns, and a thermal top.  $100...and I would still get arrested if that's all I had on in public.  Even with a greek pastry on my head.

Shopping isn't done yet.  I need to investigate renting or buying plastic mountaineering boots, crampons, and other general madness.  Funds are running low.  Perhaps I can get paid for having "Gatorade" tattooed to my forehead.

Windows Live Spaces

Project Runway. Fierce!

I watched nearly the entire season four of Project Runway.  The elf turd that won annoyed me to no end, especially with those exclamations of a "Hot mess!", and "Fierce! Ferosh!".  I don't know where the preoccupation to watch came from. 

The fashions are 1) for women 2) size zero and 3) giraffe-like body shapes.  I typically avoid all three of these things when shopping for myself, nor would I be even able to find something remotely like that at my neighborhood Men's Wearhouse. 

I'm Back

It's been over a year and half since my last post.  To all three of you out there on the interwebs who sent me messages tell me you missed my posts - thank you.  They inspired me.  What got me moving was an email from the Microsoft blog lords telling me my account would be removed for inactivity.  So here I am again.

My wife and I moved to the Borg complex in October 2006 to take on a product management role.  More on that later.  I compiled a video of everything I've been up to here.  It's four minutes of brain candy.

Give me a few days to warm back up, then I'll hit the high notes better than Ethel Merman. 

Use SQL Express, Not MSDE In Vista

Needing a local database but don’t need a full version of SQL Server? Then use SQL Express, not its predecessor – MSDE, since it won’t be supported in Vista. SQL Express has several improvements in regards to database size, performance, and management tools. In addition, the SP1 release includes Reporting Services features and full-text indexing, something previously found in only the full version of SQL Server.

I’m especially fond of the full-text indexing feature, which under the covers utilizes the same technology that powers MSN Desktop Search, enabling you to perform Google (um, no) MSN Search (rebranded) Windows Live Search-like (bright shiny new thing) keyword searches on free-form text or Office documents in the database.

Official blurb below:

****************************

This is to inform you that Microsoft SQL Server 2000 Desktop Engine (MSDE) will not be supported on Windows Vista. Please be advised to upgrade your MSDE applications to SQL Server 2005 Express Edition (SQL Express) at the earliest opportunity, if Vista compatibility is essential for your business. Technical guidance and migration resources are available to you make this transition (refer below for additional information). As is the case of MSDE, SQL Express is free to download, deploy, and redistribute.

There are several significant benefits to upgrading MSDE applications to SQL Express.  Benefits include increased maximum data base size of 4 GB, removal of the workload governor, a free, integrated management tool (SQL Server Management Studio Express), SQL Server 2005 Reporting Services and importantly serviceability with Windows update.

Given the above-mentioned facts and that MSDE is nearing the end of its support lifecycle, we decided that our customers would be best served by focusing our engineering resources to test and validate SQL Server 2005 on the new Windows Vista/”Longhorn” platform. Accordingly, our proposed strategy is to provide a clear upgrade path for our MSDE customers to the new SQL 2005 platform, rather than invest on making very significant changes to SQL 2000 editions to run on Vista.

As the plan of record, MSDE mainstream support (on Operating System releases before Windows Vista) will continue until April 8, 2008 (extended support until April 8, 2013). Additional information can be obtained at MSDE Mainstream and Extended Support Retirement Dates.  Also, no new MSDE redistributions will allowed after June 30, 2007. Customers and partners can sign up for royalty-free redistribution rights for SQL Express here.

Additional Information and Links

SQL Express Download (website)

Benefits of Upgrading MSDE to SQL Server 2005 Express Edition  (website)

SQL Server 2005 Express Customer Evidence (website)

SQL Server 2005 Express Datasheet (datasheet)

SQL Express Redistribution Rights Registration (website)

SQL Server Express Blog (website)

MSDE Mainstream and Extended Support Retirement Dates (website)

Upgrading from MSDE to SQL Server 2005 Express Edition (white paper)

Managing SQL Server Express with Management Studio Express (white paper)

Reporting Services in SQL Server 2005 Express (white paper)

Upcoming Microsoft Events – South Central District (Week of August 07)

Guided Hands-On Developing Managed Apps for Pocket PC/Smartphone with Windows Mobile 5.0 – August 9, 2006 (Webcast)This webcast will show you how trouble-free it is to leverage your existing .NET development skills to create first class mobile solutions.  After walking through this webcast with the presenter, you will have a solid understanding of managed development for mobile devices such as Pocket PC and Smartphone.  You will also be able to use the new Windows Mobile 5.0 APIs, understand how to use the Device Emulators, and share common codes between devices.  As the presenter discusses these topics, you will be provided a virtual lab to perform the tasks yourself with step-by-step guidance during the session; the hands-on aspect will help you gain an experienced-based knowledge of this product. 

http://www.microsoft.com/events/inperson Event ID 1032304344

http://www.microsoft.com/events/inperson

http://www.nhdallas.com/office2007Get Ready for Windows Vista – Various Dates (Live Meeting)Join us for a 1 hour "Live Meeting" session as we focus on the following:

• See the key enhancements of Windows Vista to improve security & compliance
• Understand how Windows Vista can help optimize your desktop infrastructure
• Learn how Windows Vista better enables your mobile workforce
• See how you can use Windows Vista to better find & use information to increase your organization’s productivity

http://www.microsoft.com/events/inperson (same content each week, choose a session to fit your schedule)

http://www.microsoft.com/events/inperson Event ID 1032304024

http://www.microsoft.com/events/inperson Event ID 1032304025

http://www.microsoft.com/events/inperson Event ID 1032304035

http://www.microsoft.com/events/inperson Event ID 1032303980

http://www.microsoft.com/events/inperson Event ID 1032303700

http://www.shi.com/Global/Content/Events/SeminarRegister.asp?SeminarSeriesId=57

http://events.techtarget.com/windowssystemsmanagement/ or call Margo Harney at 781-657-1374.

https://h30046.www3.hp.com/campaigns/2006/events/tech_roundtable/

http://www.shi.com/Global/Content/Events/SeminarRegister.asp?SeminarSeriesId=57

http://www.shi.com/Global/Content/Events/SeminarRegister.asp?SeminarSeriesId=57

http://www.shi.com/Global/Content/Events/SeminarRegister.asp?SeminarSeriesId=57

http://www.spegcs.org/en/cev/?982

Upcoming Microsoft Events – South Central District (Week of June 19)

Special Event Announcement

Disasters Happen…Are Your People Ready? – July 6, 2006 & July 26, 2006 (Live Meeting)

When systems go down, the losses add up. The 2006 Hurricane Season reminds us that it’s a good time to review your disaster recovery plan to ensure that your people are enabled with the knowledge, tools and technology to protect your company's valuable data.  Join Microsoft and Unisys for this informative Live Meeting and hear about Unisys Real-Time Infrastructure (RTI) Business Continuance SafeGuard 30m family of integrated solutions and Microsoft Exchange Hosted Services.
http://www.microsoft.com/events/inperson 
July 6, 2006, 10:00am – 12:00pm Central - Event ID 1032300709
July 26, 2006, 1:30pm – 3:30pm Central – Event ID 1032300711
The same content will be repeated, choose the webcast that fits your schedule.  

Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Reporting Services – June 19-20, 2006 (Houston, TX)

Please note that this is a fee-based training - $749 brought to you by Hilton Computer Strategies, a Microsoft Gold Partner. 
Microsoft SQL Server 2005 provides enhanced capabilities to create, manage, and deliver both traditional, paper-oriented reports and interactive Web-based reports. In this seminar our expert instructor will use a combination of presentations and demonstrations to illustrate the improvements in SQL Server Reporting Services 2005 over the previous version, the enhancements in the developer experience, and the ability to empower end users by leveraging the report builder tools.
http://www.hiltoncomputer.com/training/outlines/SQLreporting.htm

Visio Partner Webcast – June 20, 2006

Current compliance and regulatory standards have made documentation and monitoring of business processes essential to the success of any large organization.  The use of tools like Visio to help diagram complex business processes along with the use of solutions which model, simulate and execute the process can improve operational efficiency.  June's Visio Partner Webcast features two partners, Interfacing (www.interfacing.com) and Lanner (www.lanner.com) who have built Business Process Management (BPM) applications using Visio.

Webcast: June 20^th at 8:45 am PDT - URL : https://www.livemeeting.com/cc/lmevents/join?id=msft062006sp&role=attend&pw=SSD835

Enter your name and email when prompted, then wait for the event to begin at 9:00 am PDT

Questions can be submitted via text in the Live Meeting software. Include your email address in the question.

As before, please feel free to invite customers who you believe will benefit from these solutions. Customers can pre-register at: http://www.microsoft.com/events/inperson  Event ID 1032300452

Microsoft Project Deep Dive – June 20, 2006 (Dallas, TX) & June 21, 2006 (Houston, TX)

Perhaps you have heard about "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People"--the best-selling business book of all time. Now you have the opportunity to implement the 7 Habits in their Project Management Process using a combination of the Franklin Covey 4 Step process and Microsoft Office Project 2003. Using the right tool together with the right process gives project managers a distinct advantage when initiating and creating a vision for your projects, developing schedules and communicating project status through the life of a project.

http://www.microsoft.com/events/inperson 

Dallas, June 20, 2006 - Event ID 1032279495

Houston, June 21, 2006 - Event ID 1032279608

Dallas Code Camp - June 24, 2006 (Dallas, TX)

Dallas is having its first Developer .NET Code Camp! Register on their website to get the latest details and to make sure that you are kept up to date on the latest information as it becomes available.

http://www.dallascodecamp.com/

Updating Your Databases to Microsoft SQL Server 2005 – June 26-27, 2006 (Houston, TX)

Please note that this is a fee-based training - $749 brought to you by Hilton Computer Strategies, a Microsoft Gold Partner. 

This 2-day class will provide key information necessary to perform successful database upgrades from MS SQL Server 2000 to MS SQL Server 2005 including: how to resolve issues related to database engine changes, analysis services changes, DTS changes, SQL agent changes and redesign of SQL Server 2005 security.

http://www.hiltoncomputer.com/training/outlines/SQLadvisor.htm

Take Charge of Your Security with TechNet Events
You are being bombarded with attacks and your boss wants to know what you're going to do about it. What now? Join the TechNet Events team as we show you how to securely deploy and assess a wireless network – despite the existing threats. You'll leave these must-see sessions armed and ready to deal with the bad guys. TechNet Events are your free, local ticket to the best IT information available. We're talking solid technical resources that you can put into practice today.  The four-hour events will cover:

Implementing Security for Wireless Networks

Responding to Computer Attacks

What’s Next for Microsoft Security?

Visit www.technetevents.com to learn more and register.
6/27 – Corpus Christi, TX

6/29 – Houston, TX

Boost your Productivity with Visual Studio^® 2005 and the .NET Framework 2.0

With the productivity enhancements in Visual Studio 2005 and the .NET Framework 2.0, you'll spend less time coding and more time focusing on actually getting the job done. First, learn how the many new language features of Visual Basic® 2005 and C# 2005 can simplify your coding. Next, stand on the shoulders of giants by incorporating Application Blocks from the Enterprise Library for .NET Framework 2.0 into your application. Finally, see how to build customizable web user interfaces in no time flat with the ASP.NET 2.0 Web Parts framework. Your project will be finished and you'll be on to your Xbox 360™ before you know it! These don't-miss events are always free, local and live.  Sessions include:

Make it Simple – Language Enhancements in the .NET Framework 2.0

Make it Powerful – Exploring the Enterprise Library for the .NET Framework 2.0

Make it Personal – Creating Customizable User Interfaces with Web Parts and ASP.NET 2.0

Visit www.msdnevents.com to learn more and register.

6/27 – Corpus Christi, TX

6/29 – Houston, TX

Duet for Microsoft Office and SAP – July 27, 2006 (Dallas, TX)

Using Duet software, all the employees in your enterprise can easily and quickly access SAP business processes and data via their familiar Microsoft Office environment. Jointly developed and supported by these two industry leaders, Duet enables companies to increase process compliance, improve decision-making, and save time and money.  You will have the opportunity to listen to and meet industry leaders who are driving the vision and product direction for Duet. The morning session provides an overview of the requirements of today's information worker. Then customers share their experiences implementing Duet. The afternoon is dedicated to exploring the solution in detail and explains how Duet fits with your existing technology infrastructure.

http://www2.regteam.com/sap/duet/2006/

Take Windows Systems Management to the Next Level – October 4, 2006 & October 5, 2006 (Houston, TX & Dallas, TX)

Join Microsoft and Dell for a half day seminar and get the knowledge you need for deploying, managing and monitoring Windows systems. Walk away knowing how to reduce the cost and complexity of managing the servers and desktops in your organization.

http://events.techtarget.com/windowssystemsmanagement/ or call Margo Harney at 781-657-1374.

Lighter Note: The Future of Net Neutrality; Next Microsoft Blogger

If you haven’t heard much about the argument for net neutrality, it’s an issue you need to educate yourself on. AskaNinja.com makes one of the most lucid, illustrative, non-partisan arguments for net neutrality that you’ll find anywhere. Click on the image to watch the video commentary.

Keep this quiet for now, but I hear we are in negotiations for him to join the Channel 9 team.

Upcoming Microsoft Events – South Central District (Week of June 12)

Special Event Announcement: Disasters Happen…Are Your People Ready? – July 6, 2006 & July 26, 2006 (Live Meeting)

When systems go down, the losses add up. The 2006 Hurricane Season reminds us that it’s a good time to review your disaster recovery plan to ensure that your people are enabled with the knowledge, tools and technology to protect your company's valuable data.  Join Microsoft and Unisys for this informative Live Meeting and hear about Unisys Real-Time Infrastructure (RTI) Business Continuance SafeGuard 30m family of integrated solutions and Microsoft Exchange Hosted Services.
http://www.microsoft.com/events/inperson 
July 6, 2006, 10:00am – 12:00pm Central - Event ID 1032300709
July 26, 2006, 1:30pm – 3:30pm Central – Event ID 1032300711
The same content will be repeated, choose the webcast that fits your schedule.  

SQL Server Lunch n Learn – June 13, 2006 (Dallas, TX) & June 15, 2006 (Houston, TX)
This month’s Lunch n Learn for DBAs will cover Table Partitioning.
Partitioning in the form of partitioned views has been part of SQL Server for years. While this approach is very helpful in solving the problems of separating data, it is not very easy to setup and maintain. True Table Partitioning is now part of SQL Server 2005 and allows better control of data placement on disks as well as enabling new data management scenarios. Join us to discuss this new feature that makes managing large tables easier.

http://www.microsoft.com/events/inperson 
Dallas, June 13, 2006 - Event ID 1032286500

Houston, June 15, 2006 - Event ID 1032286517

Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Reporting Services – June 19-20, 2006 (Houston, TX)

Please note that this is a fee-based training - $749 brought to you by Hilton Computer Strategies, a Microsoft Gold Partner. 
Microsoft SQL Server 2005 provides enhanced capabilities to create, manage, and deliver both traditional, paper-oriented reports and interactive Web-based reports. In this seminar our expert instructor will use a combination of presentations and demonstrations to illustrate the improvements in SQL Server Reporting Services 2005 over the previous version, the enhancements in the developer experience, and the ability to empower end users by leveraging the report builder tools.
http://www.hiltoncomputer.com/training/outlines/SQLreporting.htm

Visio Partner Webcast – June 20, 2006

Current compliance and regulatory standards have made documentation and monitoring of business processes essential to the success of any large organization.  The use of tools like Visio to help diagram complex business processes along with the use of solutions which model, simulate and execute the process can improve operational efficiency.  June's Visio Partner Webcast features two partners, Interfacing (www.interfacing.com) and Lanner (www.lanner.com) who have built Business Process Management (BPM) applications using Visio.

Webcast: June 20^th at 8:45 am PDT - URL : https://www.livemeeting.com/cc/lmevents/join?id=msft062006sp&role=attend&pw=SSD835

Enter your name and email when prompted, then wait for the event to begin at 9:00 am PDT

Questions can be submitted via text in the Live Meeting software. Include your email address in the question.

As before, please feel free to invite customers who you believe will benefit from these solutions. Customers can pre-register at: http://www.microsoft.com/events/inperson  Event ID 1032300452

Microsoft Project Deep Dive – June 20, 2006 (Dallas, TX) & June 21, 2006 (Houston, TX)

Perhaps you have heard about "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People"--the best-selling business book of all time. Now you have the opportunity to implement the 7 Habits in their Project Management Process using a combination of the Franklin Covey 4 Step process and Microsoft Office Project 2003. Using the right tool together with the right process gives project managers a distinct advantage when initiating and creating a vision for your projects, developing schedules and communicating project status through the life of a project.

http://www.microsoft.com/events/inperson 

Dallas, June 20, 2006 - Event ID 1032279495

Houston, June 21, 2006 - Event ID 1032279608

Dallas Code Camp - June 24, 2006 (Dallas, TX)

Dallas is having its first Developer .NET Code Camp! Register on their website to get the latest details and to make sure that you are kept up to date on the latest information as it becomes available.

http://www.dallascodecamp.com/

Updating Your Databases to Microsoft SQL Server 2005 – June 26-27, 2006 (Houston, TX)

Please note that this is a fee-based training - $749 brought to you by Hilton Computer Strategies, a Microsoft Gold Partner. 

This 2-day class will provide key information necessary to perform successful database upgrades from MS SQL Server 2000 to MS SQL Server 2005 including: how to resolve issues related to database engine changes, analysis services changes, DTS changes, SQL agent changes and redesign of SQL Server 2005 security.

http://www.hiltoncomputer.com/training/outlines/SQLadvisor.htm

Take Charge of Your Security with TechNet Events
You are being bombarded with attacks and your boss wants to know what you're going to do about it. What now? Join the TechNet Events team as we show you how to securely deploy and assess a wireless network – despite the existing threats. You'll leave these must-see sessions armed and ready to deal with the bad guys. TechNet Events are your free, local ticket to the best IT information available. We're talking solid technical resources that you can put into practice today.  The four-hour events will cover:

Implementing Security for Wireless Networks

Responding to Computer Attacks

What’s Next for Microsoft Security?

Visit www.technetevents.com to learn more and register.
6/27 – Corpus Christi, TX

6/29 – Houston, TX

Boost your Productivity with Visual Studio^® 2005 and the .NET Framework 2.0

With the productivity enhancements in Visual Studio 2005 and the .NET Framework 2.0, you'll spend less time coding and more time focusing on actually getting the job done. First, learn how the many new language features of Visual Basic® 2005 and C# 2005 can simplify your coding. Next, stand on the shoulders of giants by incorporating Application Blocks from the Enterprise Library for .NET Framework 2.0 into your application. Finally, see how to build customizable web user interfaces in no time flat with the ASP.NET 2.0 Web Parts framework. Your project will be finished and you'll be on to your Xbox 360™ before you know it! These don't-miss events are always free, local and live.  Sessions include:

Make it Simple – Language Enhancements in the .NET Framework 2.0

Make it Powerful – Exploring the Enterprise Library for the .NET Framework 2.0

Make it Personal – Creating Customizable User Interfaces with Web Parts and ASP.NET 2.0

Visit www.msdnevents.com to learn more and register.

6/27 – Corpus Christi, TX

6/29 – Houston, TX

Webcast: Visual Studio Team Edition for Database Professionals

Yet another fine addition to the Visual Studio lineup:

This new product offering expands Visual Studio 2005 Team System (VSTS) to include the Database Professional role and enables software teams to collaborate more effectively in creating reliable, data-driven applications. Bringing the database professionals into the core development process is the next step in creating a collaborative, high impact set of development tools. Managing change in the database has always been a challenge and VSTS-DP brings a new set of tools to help with the tasks at hand.

Take this opportunity and attend a WEBCAST today to learn more about the next role to be added to the Visual Studio Team System family of products.

Webast Schedule:

June 9    1:00 pm

June 14    11:00 am

June 16    2:00 pm

Register Today

Old McMicrosoft Bought Proclarity. BI BI Oohhh…

Microsoft will also be releasing a new BI product called PerformancePoint Server 2007, formerly called Biz#. Any relation to hip-hop artist and rapper Biz Markie (recent contestant on VH1’s “Celebrity Fit Club”) are purely coincidental.

Here are some links to additional news:

Microsoft Press Relase (Very nicely worded. A visual treat. Nay, dare I say, a masterpiece)

CNN Money

Microsoft PerformancePoint 2007 Server site

Expected availability of the product will be mid-2007, with beta programs anticipated to start in the fall of 2006. More details will be forthcoming.

Scoble’s Flown the Coop

I can’t help but be a little sarcastic on this post.

Looks like some of Scoble’s closest blog buddies let the cat out of the bag and revealed that Scoble is leaving Microsoft: http://www.techmeme.com/060610/p48#a060610p48

See ya.

Personally, I’m not sure what value he provided to Microsoft. It always seemed like it was the Scoble show, followed by whatever employer he worked for. Perhaps that’s why he never switched to any of the Microsoft blog sites, such as blogs.msdn.com or MSN spaces. If you check his site he’s already nicely switched gears to his next venture. Forget who he works for or what he’s promoting – remember, it’s The Scoble Show. One of his more passionate assertions is that CEO’s should be bloggers. A CEO should be a CEO, focusing on shareholder wealth, increasing earnings, and worrying about competitors. I do not care what he had for breakfast or what he’s listening to on his iPod. A CEO probably receives over a 100 pertinent emails a day and has to make decisions that could affect people’s jobs and millions of dollars. Would I rather have him/her spend a ½ hour blogging instead? Ridiculous.

Speaking of blogs, it seems like the most ‘prolific’ ones travel in this tight little pack in Silicon Valley making up innovative ways for self-promotion through technology. Ever used a pod-cast, techmeme, or gone to a vLogger conference? Neither have I, nor have 99% of the rest of the world. Yet it seems like this wolf-pack of techno self-promoters will make sure we know about it. What benefit will it have to society or to business? Call me a curmudgeon, but I say zero. But, the dissidents say, blogging is SO IMPORTANT. It is SO IMPORTANT if you’re trying to promote yourself or something; don’t even call it journalism, amateur or not. I could say my butt is going to be on the cover of Maxim magazine in my blog, but there is no integrity, truth, or importance to that statement. In the end I’m promoting my butt.

If there’s anything I have to thank Scoble for, it's that I’ve been consistently blogging now for the past six months…because my readership numbers are one of the metrics of my overall work performance at Microsoft. I'm being realistic, not humble, when I say that my blog contributions don't enhance the internet experience at all.  My promotion of Microsoft events and programs do, though, to the benefit of Microsoft.  I think we’ve all gone blog-overboard.

I used to post humorous attempts at entertaining here. You might still see that on occasion, but I’m focusing on getting out information that’s pertinent to the ISVs I work with. There are too many better things to do with the time – spend it with my wife, learn something new, or spend time with friends.

You can ignore the rest of this post, this is a blatant attempt at inflating my readership numbers and hope this post shows up on unrelated search engine results:

Lindsey Lohan, Jessica Alba, Garfield, Madonna, Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Brangelina, Three-headed baby, Carmelo Anthony, Rudy Guiliani, George Bush, Shaquille O’Neal, Carrot Top, Midgets, Little people, fire-eating, crocodile wrestling, Wal-Mart, Lane Byrant, beer, hot girls…and piercing your privates.

Dallas Code Camp: Sat June 24

Caleb Jenkins, Developer Evangelist based out of Dallas asked me to help get the word out on this upcoming event he’s helping put together. Caleb is a nice young man with great manners and an encyclopedic knowledge of technology. You can visit his blog at: http://www.calebjenkins.com.

In June, Dallas will host its first Code Camp. Code Camps are Free Community Driven Developer Events. This will be a content rich day that will benefit new and experienced developers alike. For more details, and to register, please visit: http://www.DallasCodeCamp.com

When:   Saturday June 24^th, 2006

Where: Microsoft Las Colinas Campus     

            7000 N. SR-161

            Irving, TX

Time:    Doors open at 8:30am – 5:00 pm

Sessions (Subject to change):

• Building an Interactive Community Platform with ASP.NET
• Visual Studio Team System
• Microsoft’s Enterprise Library
• Converting To and From C# and VB.Net
• CLR Internals
• Programming with the Windows Communication Foundation (WCF)
• Converting ASP to .NET 1.1 and 2.0. 
• Become a Microsoft Certified Partner and Certified Independent Software Vendor (ISV)
• Zero Cost .NET Development
• How Sharepoint Works and Sharepoint Architecture: From Regular .NET web site, to Sharepoint web Site
• Creating High Performance/High Impact Windows Forms Using Custom Controls
• Living in a land of Obfuscation
• .NET Scripting with Boo
• Cross Platform .NET Development with Mono
• Increase scalability using Asynchronous Web Services
• Building HttpModules
• Object Builder & Dependency Injection
• Creating a Reusable Script Engine for .NET
• Complex Image Processing Using VB.NET or C# Unsafe Code

Registration and more information at www.DallasCodeCamp.com

Microsoft BI: ProClarity Acquisition

Live Webcast: Microsoft/ProClarity Acquisition Briefing

Attend this Webcast and get important information about the recent acquisition of ProClarity by Microsoft and what this means to you as our customer.

Microsoft ProClarity Acquisition Briefing

Date: Monday, June 19, 2006

Location: Online

Time: 9 a.m. PDT | 12 p.m. EDT | 4 p.m. GMT

Register today!

Please join us for this special Webcast for ProClarity customers. Bob Lokken and Rex Parker will present important details of the Microsoft acquisition of ProClarity Corporation.

You will see:

How ProClarity fits into the Microsoft organizational structure

Microsoft business intelligence product roadmap and where ProClarity fits

ProClarity licensing plans

ProClarity customer support and maintenance roadmap

Speakers:

Bob Lokken, Senior Director, Microsoft Office Business Applications (OBA)

(formerly CEO of ProClarity Corporation)

Rex Parker, Product Manager, OBA Analytics

(formerly Product Manager, ProClarity Analytics)

Don't miss this informative Webcast!

Register now

Blogs, Word 2007, Chili’s Baby Back Ribs, Tablet PC, and Austin Powers

Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you…(drum roll)…my very first blog post via Word 2007.

Office 2007 Beta 2 recently got released and I’ve been using it every day for the past few weeks. Anyone can download it, just go here: http://www.microsoft.com/office/preview/beta/getthebeta.mspx

I’ve been hearing different exclamations of the new blogging features of Word 2007. I wired it up in a few minutes and it was incredibly easy. I figured this would be one way to for me to get motivated to blog again after a month+ hiatus. More on that later.

So far I bet you’re wondering how the title of this post all ties together. It’s very simple, I’m in geek mode this evening and I’m hungry. You may remember Fat B*stard from Austin Powers and his a-capella rendition of Chili’s Baby Back Ribs song.

The picture you see below was captured with my Tablet PC and pasted into Word. By clicking the ‘Publish’ button all the text and images are uploaded automatically. Joe Friend was the guy who got the word out on this feature, check out his post here: http://blogs.msdn.com/joe_friend/archive/2006/05/12/595963.aspx.

Marvels of technology. Microsoft Word 2007 team, I salute you.