We are in a period of reflection and atonement in the Jewish ritual calendar, so here is an Al Chet (collective confession) for the sins we, as database administrators, have committed. Add your own in the comments!
far afield
Reflecting on what database managing and farming have to do with each other. Come for the puns, stay for the data tips!
How can data promote interfaith solidarity?
On a pragmatic level, I offer 6.5 concrete ideas for interfaith solidarity in databases. On a conceptual level, I explore how databases built to promote religious tolerance can lead to behavioral change. What else is possible if we build systems that accommodate and celebrate the fabulous diversity of our communities? Thanks to colleague and mentor Andy Kirshner from IFYC for exploring these ideas with me over dumplings and bubble tea (the way to my heart!)
the spreadsheet whisperer is alright!
Life update! I moved in with my partner! Introducing... some spreadsheets I'm using to set up our kitchen, including The Spreadsheet Whisperer's kitchen supply reccos and Weekly Meal Planning. Read on for all that, and more....
hindsight is 50/50
50 posts later, what's up with The Data Are Alright? A retrospective post that summarizes major themes and popular posts, and sets some new goals for the next 6 months!
(our data are) wild but not wonderful
What do you do if you're outgrowing a contact list in Google Sheets? How can you store info for a political campaign before you go live with a database? Last but not least, how to link Google Forms to existing Google Spreadsheets. Onward!
P.O.C.
Technical.ly is featuring technologists of color this month (don't forget to nominate people!) I used this as an opportunity to do some research on gender and racial equity in the tech industry (spoiler alert - there's not much reputable data out there, sadface). Plus, some resources to help you learn about historic and contemporary AWESOME, accomplished Technologists of Color!
mile high dispatch
Update about projects I'm working on at the Salesforce.org Open Source Community Sprint in Denver, including "campaign hierarchies" (and why they matter to changemakers) and a nascent project around salary transparency. Plus, thank you to my readers for all of your recent support!
my daily dilly-dally, or, how activism makes me a better database admin
My job is to be a database administrator... and so much more! When users get frustrated and angry with me, I rely on lessons I've learned from my activism. Read on for stories, suggestions, questions, answers, and more questions!
digital self care vol iii
*cue soundtrack from a pharmaceutical commercial* Has this ever happened to you? Devices blinking and buzzing. Email inundation. Hard drive sounding alarm bells. *Groan* *Sigh* It doesn't have to be this way! Try our silver pill. Side effects will be extreme, but at least you will achieve digital serenity. Call today! This post features tried and true tips to help you move from information overload to digital serenity. Plus, original art by @shebanimal!
