CoffeeStudyTalk

It's taking a while and I just completed Chapter 6 of Kimball's 3rd Edition of Data Warehouse.  It's probably one of the best books I've ever read in the 'Data Analytics' domain.  I started in November 2018 and six months later have only cracked a portion of this book. I'll keep at it and will try to improve the pace by hitting Chapter 7 on Sunday as this is something I need to finish and focus on in my life.

Had to have a good cup of coffee and went with the Sidecar.  It tasted alot like a Cappuccino, but I think it's still a Latte Macchiato.  They are very similar and have the same ingredients, just in different order with the Cappuccino having Espresso first then Milk, and a Latte Macchiato reversing that order.  Both topped with Milk Foam.  I also like the side of Espresso. I enjoyed this while studying more of Kimball Date Warehouse (Chapter 5).

In regards to my Technical Domains, I've had quite a few 'dead-ends' where I chose to quit at some point or am taking quite a bit of time to complete my studies (i.e. stop/start).  This is not a bad thing and demonstrates my ability to know when to 'stop' and change paths accordingly.  Whatever I can glean from my studies is still good, albeit not to the levels and depths of knowledge I would initially desire. At same time, my non-technical domains is quite healthy and reading numerous books over the years to keep my brain fresh and stimulated as purely technical pursuits can get repetitive and boring. My Past Study Patterns (Technical Domains): 2014 T-SQL Pro // Quit MCSA - SQL Server // Stop/Start for years 2016 MCSA - Window Server // Quit MCSA - SQL Server - Success! 2017 MCSA - Web Apps // Quit 2018 MCSE - R // Stop/Start Art of R - Matloff Book // Done! MTA - Python // Stop/Start Python - Lutz // Done! Statistics WMU Book // Do

One of the biggest eye-openers was the realization that 'Data Science' really means 'Statistics' and there is a time honored college major and discipline that focuses on statistics.  In many ways, data science is not new, but rather it appears to be so as it leverages modern computing technology with statistical analysis software like R or SAS. To that end, studying programming languages and writing code is one thing, but to understand why is probably equally important.  I'm spending some time to study statistics textbooks and found some decent, free material online. I've retooled my Study Plan for 2019 accordingly (original 2018 plan was more Language/Platform specific, but weak on Theory/Technique).  My Study Plan // Eventual Skillset: I. Domain: Statistics DW/BI (Data Warehouse / Business Intelligence)  Math II. Tools: SQL Tableau R Python I. Domain A. Statistics: Statistics and Data Analysis (WMU - Statistics 160 Textbook)  //

I've set my sights on my 1st Certification in my journey to the Data Analytics Realm.  With the Microsoft MTA Exam - 98-381 - Intro to Programming with Python . My Preparation Books Intro to Python 5th Edition - Mark Lutz Programming in Python - Mark Lutz Self Practice Writing Python Apps Timeline 180 Days (Dec 2017 ~ May 2018) Tentative Exam Date - Early May 2018 NOTE I won't feel competent in Python until I've spent at least a full year writing serious code.  For now I want to understand the basics and apply them at work.  I have some small projects in mind to 'cut my teeth' with Python and plan to apply them in 2018.  I consider this the 'foundation' step to at least tuck Python knowledge under my arm. Update 2/1/18 Got busy @ work and have to push back the Python thing.  Still studying, but progress is slower than I had hoped.  But keep plugging away...   Update 7/4/20 Such is life...I never got around to taking this certificat

It's time to start studying again and I've decided against pursuing .NET/Web Programming in favor of Data Science.  I've only begun researching what I need to learn to get better acquainted with 'Data Science' and for now I'll study Python Programming. I'm already pretty good with SQL and Relational Databases (SQL Server, Oracle), but there is much more and beyond Math & Statistics, I wanted to understand how to play around with unstructured data. I. Subject List So my initial study list (subject to change as I learn what I need; and in no particular order): Python Language R Language MongoDB / noSQL Big Data (Hadoop, Hive ) Cloud Tools ( Amazon S3 ) I'll also need to brush up on my Math & Stats skills (it's been a few years since Uni). II. Reading Estimate 4,000 Pages [ 5 ~ 6 books * 500 ~ 800 pages ] 10 months [ 100 pages / week ]  // ETC = October 2018 III. Resources Python Intro to Python 5th Edition - Mark Lutz P

I've begun preparing for MCSA Exam 70-480 - Programming in HTML5, JavaScript and CSS3.  There are a total of sixteen (16) chapters.  I already was skimming as quite a bit of this stuff I already know, although they go into greater detail into certain things like lossy vs. lossless which was something I never really paid attention to before on why choose JPG, GIF, PNG or SVG; so in that sense this book has been quite useful.  6/3 - Chapter 1 & 2 -- VS2012 + HTML5 Yeah, I know sometimes it actually helps to study with a Pint of Beer. 6/4 - Chapter 3 -- JavaScript Sidecar + JavaScript! Update 12/17/17 // Cancelled! As is life...giving up my studies in Web Apps.  Well, for now.  I do wish I know where my Platinum 3776 Fountain Pen went...this book was the last one I studied while writing with that pen!

I'm happy I waited and just learned that Microsoft has created a new MCSA certification for Web Applications that is more closely tailored to what I do.  It basically a trimmed down version of the MCSD that eliminates the 70-487 Azure/Web Services Exam and limits scope to: 70-480 - HTML5, JavaScript, CSS3 70-486 - ASP.NET MVC I had already purchased the books last year and was going to start diving into an MCSD after completing the MCSA in SQL Server 2012/2014, but as always the case life got in the way and I had to focus on other priorities.  I'm now ready to resume my Technical Studies and excited to go for this new MCSA Certification.  The Certification itself is not my goal, but is just helpful as a way to focus my Studies. Budgeting about $460 in Exam Fees and Six Months Training Time so estimating if I stick to it I can get the MCSA Certification by Nov/Dec 2017. Update 12/17/17 // Cancelled... As is life...have to push this one back and maybe pursue in 2018

Wow, browsing old photos and found this pic from 2012 of how I setup my Desk in my Bedroom back in the day...my how time flies.  Those were good times when I had a lot of energy and excitement.

Having second thoughts about taking 70-411 Window Server 2012 Administration in lieu of 70-463 SQL Server 2012 Data warehouse.  I'm not a System Administrator so 70-411 while interesting to study and learn some things about the Server OS is not where I'm going to be spending my time professionally.  It's kinda late in the game to switch, but for longer term value I should study and pass 70-463 and get good at SSIS - SQL Server Integration Services, as I'll be doing lots of ETL.  Gotta think about this.... Yes, 70-463 is the right choice for me! I cracked the book open and wow, the first page sucked me in.  This is by far the most interesting book out of the several I've read by Microsoft so far.  This first page just sold me on 70-463.  They should also call this book SSIS as it appears to be so heavily involved with that topic.  Glad I opened the book, time to get cracking... Initial Thoughts? Book is cool and after some casual research I'll likely try reading

Exam prep.  Reviewing my notes and taking practice questions on the CD.  Starbucks Green Tea Frap.

[Study Only ; Cancelled Exam] I'm taking the optional exam 70-411 Administering Window Server 2012 in lieu of 70-463 Data Warehouses, WS 12 is more relevant and useful to me.  I've always wanted to learn more of the nuances and basics of the Window Server Platform.  Here's my chance and have it count for the MCSA SQL Server 2012 certificate.  If all goes well, I may consider taking 70-410 and qualify for the dual MCSA Window Server 2012 along with MCSA SQL Server 2012.  But no promises. Study Plan 2/6 - Chapter 1,2,3 2/7 - Chapter 4 2/10 - Ch 5 2/16 - Ch 6 2/17 - Ch 7 2/18 - Ch 8 2/19 - Ch 9 2/24 - Ch 10 HOLD - Until I pass 70-462 Cancelled.   Going to study 70-463 instead, makes more sense for my career.  Was a good read though. 2/7/16 Omega and Grado keeping me company as I begin Chapter 5... 2/10/16 I'm a bit behind and haven't gone past 5.  I'll play catch up tomorrow and try to break into 6 and 7.  That would put be back on track.  Learning some great new s

I'm halfway through the next book in the MCSA SS 2012 certification path; 70-462 SQL Server 2012 Administrator.  Fortunately, I have done quite a bit of what the book discusses already at work when I built a Web App from scratch and also deploying quite a few vendor solutions that run on SQL Server.  Kinda cool and I guess in a way better I read the book 'after' I did the practical hands on.  Makes more sense when reading as if second-nature; or so I hope.  I'll bum rush through the rest of the book and sit for the second exam possibly as early as this coming Friday or next week.  However, a lot of this is geared more towards a DBA, which is not my professional goal, but hey better to learn a bit than none at all? Study Plan 1/19 - Chapter 1 1/20 - Chapter 2 1/22 - Chapter 3 1/23 - Chapter 4, 5, 6 1/24 - Chapter 7, 8, 9 1/25 - Chapter 10 1/26 - Chapter 11 1/27 - Chapter 12 1/28 - 2/4 - Exam Prep 2/5 - Exam - Failed - 678 / 700 3/5 - Exam - Failed - 679 / 700 4/1 - Exam

This is it....the final chapter 17 of the 70-461 Query Microsoft SQL Server.  Pumping it today to finish strong and begin practicing for the exam.  Hopefully in a week of practice I'll go and take the real 70-461 test.  Wish me luck.

Closing in on the end.  Chapter 16.

Stuff is deep and taking while to read and understand.  Hitting Chapter 15 -- Indexes & Statistics.  Maybe I'll make it to 17 by Sunday, if not by Christmas?  Still a good pace and almost done.

I'm making a good pace in the 70-461 book.  Although I took two weeks worth of breaks, I've managed to finish 75% of the book and should finish the whole book within a month of starting (11/22 - 12/22).  I'm thinking I can finish each MCSA exam portion (read the book , practice exams) In about 6-7 weeks total, so I can wrap this whole MCSA thing in about 18-21 weeks and leave me time to tackle the MCSE!  Now I've already accumulated five years of practical experience and the exams are just a way to test my aptitude and expose me to things I don't normally have an opportunity to use much at work.  In any case, MCSE sounds like a good goal, after the MCSA of course.  After that?  Hmm...more dev stuff, which might not be covered in any formal exam or go back to school and snag a Math Degree.  Ha. Goals March 2016 -- MCSA certification June 2016 -- MCSE certification Rest of 2016 -- study code!

Getting closer to the final stretch.  Chapter 14 -- Query Performance Tools.

Took a break, but back in the game.  Chapter 13 - T-SQL routines

Behind schedule, but still going.  Now Chapter 12.