Found a rather nice suprise in my e-mail this morning. Got an email from somebody with a question about XML Schemas, but that's not the important thing here. What remarkable about the email was the following quote from the sigblock:
I cannot say whether things will get better if we change; what I can say is they must change if they are to get better."
-G. C. Lichtenberg
I suppose it drew my attention today because of the changes here at SQLJunkies. I have mixed feeling about the new blog engine. Yes, it many ways its nice, and I really do think its for the best. But like all change, it takes getting used to.
Yesterday I got do the best part of my new job: talk -- for hours -- about SQL Server 2005. Then it was to a group of early adopters and persons interested in the CTPs as a starting point. We covered the engine enhancements, SQLCLR, XML & XQuery and, finally, HTTP Endpoints. Good group, lively with many questions. That helps me keep a high enegry level up. Today I'm running between airports to go to San Diego so I can do the same thing down there.
A could of things about Irvine. If you come here and you're going to be visiting the MS office and you need a hotel, I really recommend the Residence Inn on Main Street. Friendly staff and the evening receptions have been rather nice. The grilled burgers and hotdogs for us last night. If, however, you want food delivered, think twice about using OnTheRun.CC. There's a somewhat still delivery fee that turned my $27 dinner order in nearly $45 by the time all was said and done. I guess room service is room service no matter where the kitchen is. That said, I was very pleased with the food the brought me: I had Spring Rolls, Power Rice and Sweet Rice from Kitima. The dipping sauce for the Spring Rolls was amazing and the Power Rice was impressive. The Sweet Rice -- basically starch rice serverd in a Coconut milk reduction -- was paired with some of the best Mango I've ever had. Highly recommended.
Something else that I highly recommend: Years ago, probably well passed 20 now, I read Heinleine's Starship Troopers. And like many who had, when it debuted in movie form, was I sorely disappointed. But, its understandable: Johnny Rico is far too complex of a character for the modern American movie to do right, and understanding the messages that Heinleine was putting out with ST isn't easy. Anyway, the other day I was snooping around in Audible.com looking for new books to listen too when I found an unabridged reading of ST. True, the gent that reads seems to be more interested in getting done rather than putting any drama to it, but it was like listening to an old friend tell me his story. So, if you have Audiable, consider getting ST and giving it a listen.
With that done, I think I'm ready to go see Revenge of the Sith. After living ST again, I'm ready for something without so much of an agenda...