Author: user

Raj Thukral at work pointed out this very interesting paper.

Three letters that I am positively sick of hearing. I remember reading about this first on Peter K’s blog and – shame on me – it registered but wasn’t top of my to do list. Well, it is now. Several other bloggers including Chris Foot have talked about the changes in the date that Daylight… Continue reading DST

Now if this doesn’t look like one of the best Oracle Conferences of all time, I don’t know what is, and I’m not exaggerating. I’m biased, of course, because I’m looking forward to seeing quite a few friends be able to enjoy the unique atmosphere and benefits of the place I call home. (The Castle, that… Continue reading Miracle Scotland Database Forum 2007

This is another blog that’s been kicking around the dusty alleys of my mind for a week or so. I have a running joke with Paul Vallee and Alex Gorbachev that, should they find themselves in Edinburgh in future, they’d better arrange some hotel accommodation, don’t upset the waitresses and don’t come round my place… Continue reading Hospitality

Song of the Week, particularly towards the second half, has been ‘Sunshine on Leith’. Now I know I’m home-sick 😉 (I also know this will break off relations between Andy C and I forever.) So, to be about as wildly off-topic (Oracle, moaning and cuddly toys) as I’ve ever been …. There’s something quintessentially Scottish… Continue reading While The Chief …

Prompted by Linda’s comment on a previous blog, I thought it might be worth writing a couple of postings on DBA documentation. The first thing you need is a Database Catalogue of some kind. Benefits1) Even an experienced DBA arriving on site won’t know what servers exist, how to login to them, what versions you… Continue reading DBA Documentation – Catalogue

(Rant warning. Well, if I never write anything contentious, you might all drop off to sleep without me noticing …) Over the past few years I’ve had many conversations with different DBAs (at least four teams worth!), System Administrators, Managers and even her indoors (poor woman!). It’s a subject that’s very dear to my heart… Continue reading Documentation and Asking Questions

I went to watch the Ottawa Senators (Sens) play the Vancouver Canucks at Scotiabank Place this evening. Paul Vallee managed to secure us some cool seats just by the glass (well, fortunately it’s plastic of some kind, or there would be serious injuries). It’s difficult to do the whole experience justice when I’m tired and… Continue reading Go Sens Go!

A friend pointed out a link to one of my blog postings over at Burleson Consulting’s website that I wasn’t aware of. Whilst I appreciate Don Burleson’s fulsome praise of my communication skills, I think it’s only fair to make a few points of clarification. 1) I was concerned that readers might misinterpret my intentions… Continue reading Werewolves, beware!

I went Christmas present shopping in Ottawa yesterday. Yes, I know that seems strange but there’s a small story behind it. My other half’s sister lives near Ottawa, so she bought Christmas presents for her sister and her nieces before I flew over, so that I could hand deliver them. When I got back to… Continue reading Christmas Shopping in Ottawa