CASE tools

As you probably know, I am currently in Grad school. I am taking a Database class and we are covering CASE tools and information system design (DFD, ERD, and so on). I can't help but start to wonder, are CASE tools and the like really usefull in IT? At times I see how they can give you a clear line of sight to what is going on, but other times it seems just confusing. This may be b/c I am new to this. The only experience I have in the IT world really consists of PC hardware specifics. I would really like to know how process and data models actually work in the real world. Is anyone else confused by this stuff? I understand that to actually use a CASE tool in an organization can cost a big chunk of change. I am currently designing my projects in Oracle9i. It has worked pretty well for me and my team so far, but it is not without its problems. I suppose the IT world needs an organized and structured way of creating and maintaining information systems, but I wonder if CASE tools are the greatest thing since sliced bread.

Luna di Luna

In case you are wondering, the title of this post is also the title of a great wine. In fact, I am having some right now! If you are looking for a great white wine this one is it! It comes in this cool blue bottle and has some lady on the front. Its really crisp and I can taste a hint of apple. Goes perfect with fish, appetizers, or studying for your GMAT. Especially during the reading comprehension part b/c that is the worst. This wine is a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio. Oh, and it sounds funny, but turning leaf makes an awsome Pinot Grigio. Oh yeah! It kills with any kinda white sauce/chicken pasta dish. OK, so this post is about wine, what can i say, I like wine. Oh yeah, and if you like wine too, check out that movie Sideways. Its actually a really good movie, and it is oddly centered around wine. So hey, if you got a great wine, tell me about it. I'm always up for expanding my wine knowledge.

Away for too long...

OK, I have not been avoiding my blog. I love my blog. And it loves me. A good relationship I think. I've just been busy studying for this dang GMAT and finishing up the Xfiles seasons. Let me tell ya, both are disappointing. I mean this GMAT is tough stuff, at least for me. And the end episode of the Xfiles left something to be desired, let me tell ya. I suppose its kinda like the Ring2. Good, but could have been better. Except for the very end when that main actress blonde lady has a few choice words to say to that dead girl. Oh man! That was funny! I suppose it was worth the money just to hear it. Speaking of worth the money, go see Constantine! Do it! Anyway, I'm sure i will be writing more about GMAT blues, such as dissecting an argument, reading for perfect grammar, learning to forget details in long passages, and other fun times with GMAT practice questions. Maybe I'll even post one on here that I have a problem with and you can tell me what you think. Anyway, peace. Oh , and stop by Sunil's corner of the world and tell him congratz on being a freaking genius.....

Standardized Tests

God said let there school, and Satan said "Let there be standardized tests". I don't know about you, but the banes of my existence are standardized tests. I just suck at them. I am currently studying to take the GMAT. At my job (IBM) I get to learn tons of stuff and I feel like I am really expanding my mind, but the next thing I know I am doing a practice GMAT test and lookin like a fool! I mean I have made A's in some of my hardest undergrad classes for BCIS, but this GMAT stuff is makin me look tha fool. We shall see if "Master the GMAT 2005" will get me the score I need. In case you are wondering, its a good book so far. Some of the jokes it makes are kinda lame, but whatever. Journey into the depths of the 2nd chapter of this GMAT book with me for a moment if you will : "Taking the GMAT is an anxiety-generating experience......The "butterflies" are nature's way of saying that you are raring to go." Oh yes, the book actually says that. Well, if anyone has some useful GMAT info, or maybe a website or book that is good, don't hesitate to let me and the rest of the world know! People are trying to pass this thing! Or better yet, if you have thoughts on standardized testing lets hear it...

Kelee's Awards Banquet

OK, I have finally got some pics to put up for Kelee's awards banquet. It was alot of fun b/c Kelee got a few awards, they had a casino night, I got to meet lots of interesting people, and I got to wear a pimpin' tux! Kelee was lookin good too. hehe. Kelee has worked her butt off and finaly got some awards and a recent raise! Go Kelee!!! I'm still waiting for my raise...hint hint.

Dallas Mavericks!!!

OH MAN, my peeps Smita and Rowena got to meet many of the Dallas Mavs last Sat, including my personal favorite the former Mav Mr. Steve Nash!!! MAAAAAANNNNN, this is awsome. You dont understand, these two ladies are the biggest Mavs fans I have ever known. Anywayz, I better see some comments on this one from my Mavs fans out there. You know who you are!!!

...back at the ranch

So I just found out my office mate Steven is a genius. I never knew. Yes, this man is a "self-proclaimed" genius! No wonder he works for IBM. I hear he likes doing the hokey pokey, but that is another story. Currently I am getting a caffeine high and watching steven with his mischievous look upon his face. I think he is posting to my blog, which is what YOU should do if you are reading this. WOW, he's ghosting and posting at the same time. That is multi-tasking! Is there anything more beautiful than a well executed 20-machine ghosting process? I think not. But that is another story for another time for another post.....

A boy and his blog

OK, lets just get this out of the way, I've never blogged before so I am new to this. Oh yeah, and I misspell all the time, so dont bother pointing it out. Its just me. Anway, I'm just an IBMer/Student tryin to sharpen those technical skills while earning the ever elusive Masters degree. I am doing an IT degree and yes, at times, I can be a real computer geek. But doesn't everyone have a little geekyness inside just waiting to come out? So yeah, don't be suprised when I write about how sweet IBM Thinkpads are, or how unsatisfied I am with my Windows OS. Something tells me I'm not alone......

My First Post

What if the Hokey Pokey really is what its all about?