I think you nailed it on the head when you added the phrase "for the long term". Not too many people work based upon long term goals (5 years +)...

In my corner of the world of IT, I have found that experience is definately much more important than any degree or certification. In fact, I have yet run into...

I would add that participation in a local user group is a key part of this learning as well as getting to know others in the field. There are many...

Andy,

You and I have had conversations during the planning of SQL Saturday and big Kudos for pulling off such a well received event!

This is definately something that would be great...

I support the concept of sponsored articles. This is a logical step as SQL Server Central continues to grow. The parameters that you have set for such an article will...

Back in 1999, I was a part of a Y2K preparedness team at a local bank. We had spend the whole year reviewing applications and making changes where we could...

Andy makes some great suggestions. I too have advocated some of these in the past within my own circle of influence.

There is alot that our chapters can do outside...

With the combination of the genius of Arthur C. Clarke and Stanley Kubrick, I would have to say that 2001 is my favorite computer movie with 2010 following close behind.

I often...

In my numbers I was just trying to simplify my issue so that I can get directly to my point. The numbers are actually in the millions of transactions when...

The issue was that the Excel file was residing on the hard drive of the client instead of a server. Once I moved it to the server all of my troubles...

Yes, the linked server to the spreadsheet displays no tables.