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Thanks for visiting my blog! I hope that you will enjoy your experience here, and also learn some cool tools and techniques that you can use toward your goals. Most of these techniques I learned or developed in my years of designing and deploying all kinds of solutions in my work. Aside from that, I find my work to be a lot of fun! Someone once said that I was like a dog with a bone when solving a problem. If you're like that an enjoy problem-solving, you're in the right place!


My goal is to empower people to take control of their data! To that end, I started a blog with some articles on how business and professional people can take advantage of tools and techniques used by data specialists. In over 20 years of development and support across many industries, I found that regular people are starved for an idea on how to take their data experience to the next level. In a new world with the massive amount of data being generated every second, there is a great opportunity to learn how to use it effectively.

How to Use Select Top in SQL Server

In this episode, we’ll look at how to use Select Top in SQL Server.

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How to Open An Access File while Using Another

In this episode, we’ll look at how to open one access database while you’re using another one.

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How to Use execute_async to Start Queries without Waiting for Results

In this episode, we’ll look at how to use execute queries asynchronously on our Snowflake databases by using Python and the python connector.

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How to Use For Next Loops in MS Access

In this episode, we’ll look at how to use a For Next Loop in MS Access.

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How to Use Group By in SQL to Get Summary Data

In this episode, we’ll look at how to use Group By in SQL.

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How to Use a Do Until Loop in MS Access

In this episode, we’ll look at how to use a Do Until Loop in MS Access.

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How to Use Java with JDBC on Azure SQL databases.

In this episode, we’ll look at how to use Java on Azure SQL.

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How to Use Message Boxes to Give Users Feedback in MS Access

In this episode, we’ll look at how to use message boxes in MS Access.

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What’s the Difference Between Data Analyst and Data Scientist?

In this episode, we’ll explore the difference between the data analyst and data scientist roles.

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How to Use Recursive VBA Functions in MS Access

In this episode, we’ll look at how to use recursive VBA functions to traverse trees in Access.

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How to Create a Heatmap Using ggplot and plotnine in Python

In this episode, we’ll be using the ggplot standard to plot charts in Python using plotnine!

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How to Use Wildcards in MS Access Queries

In this episode, we’ll look at how to use wildcards in your MS Access queries.

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How to Send Email from Access Using VBA

In this episode, we’ll look at how to send email from Access using VBA.

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How to Show a Part Map in SQL Server Using Recursion

In this episode, we’ll look at how to create a manufacturing part map for a part, showing its hierarchy.

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How to Use a Do While Loop in Access VBA

In this episode, we’ll look at how to use a Do While.. Loop in VBA.

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How to Migrate Data from Azure SQL to Snowflake

In this episode, we’ll look at how to use Python with pd_writer to migrate data to Snowflake.

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How to Open Excel from Access Using VBA

In this episode, we’ll look at how to open Excel sheets from MS Access using VBA.

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How to Use Python on Azure SQL Databases

In this episode, we’ll look at how to use Python with ODBC on Azure SQL databases.

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Why Use MS Access?

In this episode, we discuss the reasons why Access should be in your toolkit.

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How to Use Variables in SQL Server

In this episode, we’ll look at how to use variables in SQL Server.

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How to Use Transactions in MS Access - BeginTrans, Commit, Rollback

In this episode, we’ll look at how to use transactions in MS Access.

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Migrate One Million Records from SQL Server to Snowflake Using Python

In this episode, we’ll look at how to use Python migrate one million rows from SQL Server to Snowflake.

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How to Use BOF and EOF in MS Access

In this episode, we’ll look at how to use BOF and EOF in MS Access.

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How to Use executemany to Execute Many Parameterized Queries on Snowflake Using Python

In this episode, we’ll look at how to run many parameterized statements against Snowflake databases, using lists or tuples for parameters.

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How to Use On Open, On Load, and On Current in MS Access

In this episode, we’ll look at how to run code as your form opens in MS Access.

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How to Migrate CSV Data to MS Access with Python

In this episode, we’ll look at how to migrate CSV data to MS Access databases using Python with SqlAlchemy and pyodbc.

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How to Use DateAdd, DateDiff, and DatePart in MS Access

In this episode, we’ll look at how to calculate dates in MS Access.

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How to Read Excel Files using VB.Net with NPOI - no Office or OLEDB or ODBC required

In this episode, we’ll look at how to read and manipulate Excel files when you don’t have access to a MS Office installation (libraries), OLEDB, or ODBC drivers.

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How to Use Left, Right, Mid, Instr, and Trim in MS Access

In this episode, we’ll look at how to slice and dice strings in MS Access.

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How to Execute Many SQL Statements on Snowflake with execute_stream

In this episode, we’ll look at how to execute many SQL statements on a Snowflake database using Python and execute_stream.

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How to Use Import Specifications in MS Access

In this episode, we’ll look at how to use import specifications in MS Access.

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How to Make a Bar Chart in Python Using ggplot and plotnine

In this episode, we’ll look at how to make a bar chart in Python using plotnine and ggplot.

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How to Use Calculated Columns in MS Access

In this episode, we’ll look at how to use calculated columns in MS Access.

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How to Format Dates in SQL Server

In this episode, we’ll show how to format dates in SQL Server by using the Convert and Format functions.

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How to Use Crosstab Queries in MS Access

In this episode, we’ll look at how to use Crosstab queries in MS Access.

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How to Use Parameters with Python Connector for Snowflake

In this episode, I’ll show how you can use parameters in your SQL queries against our Snowflake database.

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How to Use the Tab Control in MS Access

In this episode, we’ll look at how to use the tab control on Access forms.

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How to Use Multithreading in Python

In this episode, we’ll look at how to use multithreading in Python.

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How to Create a Subform in MS Access

In this episode, we’ll look at how to create a subform in Access.

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How to Use execute_stream to Execute Many SQL Statements with Python Connector for Snowflake

In this episode, I’ll show how you can execute many SQL statements from a local file directly against your Snowflake database.

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How to Create a Search Form in MS Access

In this episode, we’ll look at how to create a search form in Access.

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How to Use Lead and Lag Functions in SQL Server

In this episode, we’ll show how to use Lead and Lag functions in SQL Server to get values from the next and previous rows in your query.

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How to Run Code Before a Report Opens in MS Access

In this episode, we’ll look at how to execute code before a report opens in Access.

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How to Merge Pandas Dataframes in Python

In this episode, we’ll look at how to merge pandas dataframes using the Merge method.

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How to Do Grouping and Sorting in MS Access Reports

In this episode, we’ll look at how to group and sort your reports in MS Access.

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How to Use Sleep to Pause VBA in MS Access

In this episode, we’ll look at how to pause your VBA execution in MS Access by using the Sleep function.

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How to Use Stored Procedures in SQL Server

In this episode, we’ll show how to use stored procedures in SQL Server to use many SQL statements at one time.

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How to Create Command Buttons in MS Access

In this episode, we’ll look at how to create and use command buttons on your Access forms.

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How to Use Append in Python Pandas

In this episode, we’ll look at how to append pandas dataframes onto each other using the Append method.

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How to Handle VBA Errors in MS Access

In this episode, we’ll look at how to handle VBA errors in MS Access.

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How to Generate Random Numbers in VB.Net and C#

In this episode, we’ll show how to use the Random function to generate random numbers in .Net.

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How to Use Pass Through Queries in MS Access

In this episode, we’ll look at how to create and use a Pass Through query in MS Access.

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How to Do Error Handling in Python

In this episode, we’ll look at how to handle errors in Python using try.. except.. finally blocks.

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How to Use Union Queries in MS Access

In this episode, we’ll look at how to create and use a Union query in MS Access to combine the output of two select statements together.

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How to Format Numbers, Time, and Date Using the Format Function in VB.Net and C#

In this episode, we’ll show how to use the Format function to format numbers and dates in VB, (C# has the same function).

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How to Use Delete Queries in MS Access

In this episode, we’ll look at how to create and use a Delete query in MS Access to delete rows from our table.

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How to Query Snowflake Data into Pandas Dataframes Using fetch_pandas_all

In this episode, we’ll look at how to read Snowflake data into pandas dataframes by using fetch_pandas_all.

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How to Use Make Table Queries in MS Access

In this episode, we’ll look at how to create and use a Make Table query in MS Access to create a new table from your query.

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How to Do Multiple Inserts in a Single SQL Statement

In this episode, we’ll look at how to do multiple inserts in a table while only using a single SQL statement.

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How to Create an Append Query in MS Access

In this episode, we’ll look at how to create and use an append query in MS Access to move data from one table onto the end of another.

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How to Write Pandas Dataframes into Snowflake Using write_pandas

In this episode, we’ll look at how to write dataframes into Snowflake using the Snowflake connector and write_pandas.

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How to Make a Multi-Select Listbox in MS Access

In this episode, we’ll look at how to create a multi-select listbox in MS Access.

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How to Make a Pie Chart in Python

In this episode, we’ll look at how to make a pie chart in Python, using matplotlib and pyplot.

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How to Create a Single-select Listbox in MS Access

In this episode, we’ll look at how to create a listbox for single-selections in MS Access.

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How to Use the Nz Function to Handle Null Values in MS Access

In this episode, we’ll look at how to use the handy Nz function to replace null values in MS Access.

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How to Make a Stacked Bar Chart in Python

In this episode, we’ll look at how to make a stacked bar chart in Python, using matplotlib and pyplot.

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How to Make Multi-Column Combo Boxes in MS Access

In this episode, we’ll look at how to make multi-column combo boxes that give more information to the user.

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The Battle over Microsoft Access

In this episode, we’ll explore the interesting history behind Microsoft Access and the unique role it played and continues to play in tech.

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Getting Started with Python on Snowflake: The Snowflake Connector for Python

In this episode, we’ll learn how to install snowflake-connector-python in order to perform our first query against the Snowflake Big Data platform.

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Three Ways to Remove Duplicates in MS Access

In this episode, we’ll learn three ways on how to remove duplicates from your MS Access output.

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Group Data for Calculations Using groupby in Python Pandas

In this episode, we’ll learn how to use the groupby method in Pandas to group records with the mean (average), sum, min, max, first, and last calculation shown.

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Build a Data Pipeline in .Net Between Oracle and SQL Server

In this episode, we’ll learn how to build a data pipeline between Oracle and SQL Server, using ADO.Net, ODBC, and SqlClient.

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How to Launch and Filter Reports from a Form in MS Access

In this episode, we’ll learn how to launch a filtered report from a form with user selections in MS Access.

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How to Add Rows to Combo Boxes Using VBA

In this episode, we’ll learn how to add a function to let users add selections to a combo box in MS Access.

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How to Create a Line Graph in Python Using Matplotlib

In this episode, we’ll learn how to create a line graph in matplotlib, using climate change data from the World Bank.

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How to Use Left, Mid, Right, and Split to Slice and Dice Strings in vb.Net

In this episode, we’ll learn how to slice and dice strings, using four handy functions: Left, Mid, Right, Split

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How to Use Functions in MS Access Queries

In this episode, we’ll learn how to implement and use functions in your Access queries.

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How to use def to create functions in Python

In this episode, we’ll learn how to create functions in Python.

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How to use Recursive SQL - A Simple Example

In this episode, we’ll explore a simple example of recursion in SQL queries.

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How to Use Option Groups with Radio Buttons in MS Access

This week, we learn how to use option groups in MS Access.

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How to Use List/Array Methods in Python

We’ll find out how to use array methods in Python in this episode.

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How to Compare Lists in SQL Server

Find out how to compare lists in SQL Server in this week’s episode.

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How to Simulate Lag and Lead Window Functions in MS Access

In this episode, we’ll show how to simulate the Lag and Lead Window functions in MS Access.

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Use ggplot and plotnine to Make Scatter Plots in Python

In this episode, we’ll take a look at how to make cool charts in Python using ggplot and plotnine. Our example is a scatter plot.

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How to Use SQL Server Transactions with Rollback

In this episode, we’ll explore how to use database transactions to protect data integrity when we run a block of dependent statements.

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Implement If - Then - Else in Python

In this episode, we’ll learn how to do program flow-control with if, elsif, and else statements in Python.

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Date Formats in MS Access

In this episode, we learn how to show many different date formats in Microsoft Access.

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Parameterized Queries in .Net

Today we’re going to learn about how to use parameterized queries in .Net.

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Database Careers: What skills do you need to have a career in data?

In this episode I’m talking about career in Database and giving you a tour through Database jobs, skills, salary and more!

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Use Python on Oracle Databases

In this episode, we learn how to use Python on Oracle databases by demonstrating the four CRUD operations via pyodbc.

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VBA Mod Function with DoEvents: Prevent Not Responding Messages and Provide Feedback on Access Forms

In this episode, we’ll learn how to use the VBA Mod function with DoEvents to stop Access from “Not Responding” and to allow changing progress feedback to users on a form.

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How to Use percentile_cont in TSQL to Group Data by Upper, Middle, and Lower Thirds

Today we learn how to group data by upper, middle, and lower thirds using TSQL’s PERCENTILE_CONT function.

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Excel to Access Using Python - Migrate Data Using Pandas, SQLalchemy python, and sqlalchemy-access

Today we migrate data from Excel to Access using Python.

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Coding for Kids 3: String Variables in Python

Check out the third video in our new playlist called Coding for Kids!

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Iif, If Then Else, and Select Case in MS Access

Iif, If Then Else, and Select Case in MS Access

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Pandas with Matplotlib - How to Create an Animated Scatter Diagram in Python

Animated Visualizations in Python

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How to Use DataViews to Filter and Sort ADO.Net DataTables

Use DataViews to Filter and Sort DataTables in ADO.Net

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How to Make Cascading Combo Boxes in MS Access

Let’s make some cascading combo box / drop down lists in MS Access.

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How to Create Summary Statistics Using Python Pandas

This week we use Python Pandas to create some summary statistics.

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World's #1 Dreaded Programming Language

This week, we look at VBA, the voted the world’s most dreaded language on the annual stackoverflow developer survey.

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How to Query the Last Row in a Series in Microsoft Access

This week, we create a query in MS Access that will give the last row for each customer or status in your table.

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Coding for Kids Ep. 2 - Variables in Python Part 1

Check out the second video in our new playlist called Coding for Kids!

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How to Use Python to Query and Sort MS Access Data in a Pandas DataFrame

This week, we learn how to filter and sort data in a Pandas DataFrame using Python.

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How to Open a RecordSet in Access VBA and Loop Through the Records

This week, we open a RecordSet in Access using VBA, so we can loop through the records.

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Coding for kids in Python - Introduction

Check out the first video in our new playlist called Coding for Kids!

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Pandas accdb DataFrame / How to install Pandas for Python

This week, we install the Pandas module for Python, and test it using MS Access .accdb data in a DataFrame.

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Insert One Million Rows into SQL Server - How to Use SqlBulkCopy

This week, we show how to efficiently insert millions of rows using SqlBulkCopy.

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Featured on Toptal

Learn how Sean may soon be featured on Toptal.



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See Beyond the Numbers

This year Mackenzie & Mackenzie celebrates 20 years in Data.



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Top 5 Tools for Data Analysts in 2020 - Python, SQL, Excel, DAX, Power BI

In this week’s video, we look at the top five tools for data analytics.



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Python on accdb - How to Use Python on MS Access Data

This week, we use Python to use data in a MS Access database.

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Why Your Economics Degree is Awesome for a Data Analytics Career

In this week’s video, I reflect on my Economics degree and it’s increasing value in analytics today.

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Making a Delimited Column Using TSQL

Ever wonder how you can have one field with values from many rows in your table? This is a common problem in data transformation. Find out how to do it.

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How to Split One Column into Two in Access Using the Split Function

Ever wondered how to split one column into multiple columns?



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Comparing Covid-19 Coronavirus Cases vs Deaths in 11 Countries Using a Scatter Diagram

In this video, we compare 11 countries to see a comparison of cases vs deaths on a scatter diagram.

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How to Extract Data from SQL Server Using vb.Net, SqlClient, and ConfigurationManager

In our follow up video on our data extraction video for Oracle, we look at using similar techniques to pull data from SQL Server, then integrate that data with Oracle data in one dataset.



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How I Learned Why Great Notification Is Important

Read how computers in 1984 caused me to think about notification.

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How to Use vb.Net with ODBC and Configuration Manager to Extract Data From Oracle

Learn how to extract data from Oracle databases using vb.Net, ODBC, and ConfigurationManager.



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The Professional Problem, 3 Things They Need, and 1 They Don't Have

Why do people constantly run into problems with their data, even when they are highly trained in their area?

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Why Finding Uniqueness is the Key: 6 Methods to Help

Find out why keys and uniqueness are so important for data transformation and data analysis.



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3 Reasons Why You Should Learn Data Techniques

Find 3 big reasons why you should learn data techniques if you are a professional or business person.

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Why Your Data Analysis Toolkit Needs Microsoft Access

Understand why Microsoft Access skills are pretty much mandatory in the world of data analysis.

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Why You Need to Avoid Dinosaurs and Learn Data Normalization

Find out why data normalization skills are so important in data analysis and data science.

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