In our continuing series of interviews with guest speakers on our Alaskan SQL Cruise I sat down recently with Aaron Bertrand (twitter|blog) of SQL Sentry to discuss everything from Canada to Foo, to Foo.  Amazinging the phrases “Rush Rules”, “How’s it Goin’, Eh?”, and “Touque” were never raised during the conversation.

TF – Aaron, thank you for joining us on what I’m sure will be memorable event on SQL Cruise Alaska.  Can you tell us a little about what you’re looking forward to on the cruise?
 

AB – It’s a part of the country I’ve always wanted to see, and I’ll be able to enjoy that with both my wife and a bunch of fellow SQL nerds that I adore and respect. I think it’s a win-win opportunity and I’m really looking forward to it, especially after hearing all the great things that previous cruisers have had to say.

TF – What do you plan on presenting while on the cruise?

AB – My cruise presentation is a run-through of the new engine and tools features in SQL Server “Denali.” The content will be based mainly on CTP1, and while I won’t be able to demo everything or answer questions about certain features or release dates, I still think it will be enough to get people excited about the upcoming release. I’m as excited about Denali as I was about SQL Server 2005, because of the value of new features.

TF – Can you give us some insight on what you’ve been up to since joining SQL Sentry last year?  When that was announced it was one of those “that should be a great fit” moments.

AB – I’ve been all over the map, both literally and figuratively. I’ve seen you at several SQL Saturdays, went over to England for SQL Bits last month, and have just returned from SQLRally in Orlando. Clearly I’ve been able to elevate my community presence significantly in this new role, and I think that benefits myself, the company, and the community as a whole. When I’m not traveling, speaking and manning our booth, I’m working on several exciting projects for the company, including a benchmarking study that should be released soon. I’ve also been involved in customer engagements and helping drive new features in our products.

TF – Are you going on any excursions while on SQL Cruise Alaska?

AB – We’d definitely like to go on a few excursions, I’m a little embarrassed to admit that we haven’t booked any yet. While I’m a little concerned about the cold, I’m really thinking about the snorkeling you guys have planned, and I suspect we’ll need to act quickly. So I know what’s next on my to-do list.

TF – Thank you for SQL Sentry’s continued commitment to SQL Cruise.  What drew SQL Sentry to partner with SQL Cruise?

AB – SQL Sentry has a long-standing commitment to the SQL Server community, and continuing our involvement in SQL Cruise just seemed like a no-brainer. It’s beneficial exposure for us, obviously, and it’s supporting an innovative method of training that benefits all attendees in multiple ways. As an added bonus, I was able to weasel my own way on board.

TF – Let’s geek out for a moment if you don’t mind.  I remember seeing you present in early 2010 on SQL Server Management Studio and you’re always the first source for information on new things in SQL Server.  If you could go to the product team for SQL Server and make one suggestion for Management Studio enhancements what would that be?

 AB – That’s a tough one, as I have no shortage of ideas. Last week alone, I had 44 SSMS-related bugs and suggestions closed as “won’t fix” on Connect. I guess in lieu of improving the toolset, I would ask them to expose the code better so we can extend it ourselves. In previous versions add-ins have been, let’s say, an interesting challenge. Denali’s merge into the VS shell *should* make this easier, but time will tell.

Aaron Betrands & Co. While Still Living In Canada

TF – You recently became a citizen of the United States, congratulations!  What is the thing you miss most from your native Canada?

AB – That’s an easy one: my family. Close seconds, in no particular order: poutine, Hockey Night in Canada, butter tarts, and ketchup potato chips.

TF – OK, I’ve heard of and seen of ketchup potato chips, and if you’re in Detroit you get Hockey Night in Canada.  But remind me on the cruise to have you explain to me what a poutine is because I’m at a loss.

TF – Our last stop on SQL Cruise Alaska before returning to Seattle is Victoria, British Columbia.  Have you ever been to that area of Canada?  I know it’s like saying “Oh, your from America.  Have you ever been to Kalamazoo?”  Please forgive me for asking.

AB – I’ve been to Victoria once as a Sea Cadet in my early teens, but more recently I’ve spent a lot of time in other areas of BC. One of my closest friends lives in Maple Ridge, just outside of Vancouver. I was there for SQL Saturday 26, spent two weeks at the Olympics last year, and was his best man way out in Tofino (look it up, it’s a cool but remote spot). Whenever I’m in Seattle for PASS or the MVP Summit I make it a point to spend a couple of days in Vancouver.

TF – Speaking of Kalamazoo, I’m quite excited to be hosting SQL Saturday in September in Kalamazoo, Michigan.  Thank you and thank SQL Sentry for their involvement.  Therefore a little word association question:  When I say “Kalamazoo” what comes to mind?

AB – When I hear “Kalamazoo” I always think of a Kazoo, and often wonder if you lead an annoying marching band comprised solely of that instrument.

TF – That reminds me.  I need to order kazoos for SQL Saturday #84 in Kalamazoo!  If anybody complains I’m blaming Canada.  Thanks Aaron!  See you in around a week.