The Data Warrior

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Archive for the category “Chi Gung”

19 Mar 2020

Relax – Try Chi Gung (Qigong)

The new normal – we are all pretty much in some sort of lock down due to COVID-19. Some are quarantined, some in with mandatory shelter-in-place orders, some trapped in a foreign country unable to get back home, and many, many people are now working from home and practicing social distancing.

This is a very stressful time for us all.

In the meantime, it is VERY important that we maintain our physical, emotional and spiritual health. A strong constitution helps us combat illness. A strong mind helps us keep a positive outlook.

Several decades ago, as part of my journey in the marital arts, I was introduced to the practice of Tai Chi and Chi Gung. As it worked out there was a class at noon a few times a week in the fitness center at my place of work. I found it to be not only a compliment to my Tae Kwon Do practice (which I taught nightly at the time), but also found it to be a great way to reduce and relieve stress in the middle of the work day. This let me return to me cube refreshed and ready to work the afternoon.

So with that in mind, I though it might be helpful for many of you to add this to your routine to insure you get a little exercise and relaxation every day.

What is Chi Gung?

For those that do not know, Chi Gung (or Qigong) is an ancient Chinese practice designed to calm and focus the mind, strengthen the body, and increase your overall energy level (Chi). It is practiced by thousands every day in China and all over the world for its health benefits. Often referred to as moving meditation, Chi Gung breathing exercises have been shown to have innumerable health benefits as the gentle motions aid in the flow of Chi energy throughout your system.

My Chi Gung Video

In the 20-minute video below, I will guide you through several easy to learn routines that anyone can learn. The movements are similar to what many have seen in Tai Chi, but unlike Tai Chi, the movements are for improving your health and have no martial arts or self-defense intentions.

In the video (recorded in 2012 in San Antonio, Texas at the JW Marriott) you will see me give detailed instructions and explanations of several Chi Gung “still stance” breathing meditations. I lead the group in doing Upward-Downward, Inward-Outward, Raised Hands Stance, Tai Chi Ball, Four Forms, and the Warrior Energy Form. Each of these moving meditative sets can be done individually or in the series as demonstrated, depending on your available time and fitness level. Do what you can to mirror my movements, but don’t push it too much.

It may take a few days to get comfortable with all the movements. Take your time and remember to relax. Be warned, you may find your quads a little sore for the first few days if you bend your knees as much as I do! 🙂

So take a break, go outside, maybe your backyard, a park, or even the beach, and try some Chi Gung. Teach it to your kids and do this as a family!

I hope you find this practice helpful for getting through these challenging times.

Stay healthy my friends.

Kent

The Data Warrior and Chief Technical Evangelist at Snowflake

Posted in Chi Gung, Fitness and tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment
26 Sep 2016

Adventures in the Cloud

I just got back from a whirlwind tour that included a trip to San Francisco to visit the Snowflake HQ, attend the annual Oracle ACE Directors briefing, meetings and events at Oracle OpenWorld (OOW), speaking at OakTable World (OTW), then off to Chicago to speak at Enterprise Dataversity.

Yes it was packed. And lots of talk about cloud everything!

 

Thanks to the great folks at OTN (Roland and Jennifer) for hosting us again this year at Oracle HQ.

Here are a few highlights:

Morning Chi Gung

Now an annual event is doing Chi Gung by the lake behind the Sofitel with a few ACE Director friends before the *top secret* briefing.

morning-chigung

 

Pre-OOW Athletics

Well, sort of. This year I walked the Golden Gate Bridge (5K) and took a dip in SF Bay in the 5th Annual Swim The Bay. Proud to say I have attended all 5 years of that event.

Nothing like a brisk morning walk to start the day!

Nothing like a brisk morning walk to start the day!

 

Then there is the brisk swim!

Then there is the brisk swim!

And this year, I got a pretty good size group to do Chi Gung on the beach after the swim (to warm ourselves back up!)

Time to get that chi flowing after the swim!

Time to get that chi flowing after the swim!

OTW 2016

I think this is the 3rd time I have presented at the un-conference run in parallel to OOW. But this year was the 1st time I did it as an Oaktable member! Gave my talk on Building a Virtualized ODS using SQL Developer Data Modeler.

No picture from that talk (sorry) but I did a very short Chi Gung set with the attendees at lunch time to get them moving out of their seats.

 

OTN Interview

This was the best part – getting to do an interview with my good friend Laura Ramsey from OTN about data modeling and data warehousing in the cloud. Check out my full interview here.

otninterviewoow16

Live cast interview from the Moscone at OOW 2016

 

The Drake Hotel

For the Dataversity event in Chicago, I got to stay at the very classy Drake Hotel right on the lake shore with a great view.

Awesome View!

Awesome View!

thedrake

Oh, and my talk on Data Warehousing in 2016 and Beyond went great. I learned a lot in the various keynotes and even got an introduction to Data Science.

 

Well that is my little update for now.

Check my speaking page to see where I will be next!

Ciao.

Kent

The Data Warrior

 

 

 

Posted in Big Data, Chi Gung, Data Warehouse, oaktable, Oracle, SQL Developer Data Modeler, User Groups and tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment
01 Oct 2015
2 Comments

The Data Warrior Goes to Oracle Open World 2015 (#OOW15)

Yes boy and girls, it is that time of year again. Time for the BIG show in San Francisco – OOW15

I will as usual, attend, but only for a few days this year (been away from home too much).

My Talk

I will be presenting my session Worst Practices in Data Warehouse Design (UGF9985) on Sunday at 10:00 AM in Moscone South, room 274 (courtesy of ODTUG!).  This will be a quick one as I only have 45 minutes to do a one hour talk. Yikes!

If you will be in SF by Sunday, be sure to come by and say “hi.”

Morning Chi Gung?

As usual, I will try to gather some folks near either Union Square or maybe by Yerba Buena Gardens for a little morning relaxation with some Chi Gung (Qigong) . Most likely around 7 AM for 30 minutes. Probably Saturday, Sunday, and Tuesday, Follow me on twitter @kentgraziano and look for #MorningChiGung #OOW15 for final time and location.

Monday for sure though, I will be doing a shortened session on the beach at the 4th Annual OOW SF Bay Swim around 9:15 AM or so. Nothing like a little chi movement to warm you up before and after jumping in the bay.

The Rest of My Schedule

Much shorter than usual but here is what I plan to see so far:

Session Title Session Code Date Start Time End Time Room
Oracle Database 12c-Data Redaction UGF1513 10/25/2015 8:00 8:45 Moscone West-3011
Oracle Business Intelligence Best Practices: the Bad, the Worse, and the Really Ugly UGF7409 10/25/2015 9:00 9:45 Moscone South-301
Worst Practices in Data Warehouse Design (ME) UGF9985 10/25/2015 10:00 10:45 Moscone South-274
Oracle Database Security: Frustrating the Patient Intruder UGF10016 10/25/2015 11:00 11:45 Moscone South-274
Improving Analytics: Experiences Testing Oracle Database In-Memory 12c Feature UGF9936 10/25/2015 13:30 14:15 Moscone South-303
Fennia Two Years in Production with Oracle Exadata UGF5105 10/25/2015 14:30 15:15 Moscone South-305
Managing the Changes in Database Structures (Heli) UGF6317 10/25/2015 15:30 16:15 Moscone South-306
Oracle OpenWorld Welcome Keynote KEY10818 10/25/2015 17:00 19:00 Moscone North-Hall D
Oracle OpenWorld Monday Keynote Swim The Bay!
 KEY10819 10/26/2015 9:00 10:00 Moscone North-Hall D The Dolphin Club
Oracle SQL Developer Tips and Tricks (Jeff Smith) CON8721 10/26/2015 16:00 16:45 Moscone South-304
Database Development for the Cloud and On Premises (Kris Rice) CON8779 10/26/2015 17:15 18:00 Moscone South-304

Other Fun Stuff

Along with the educational sessions is of course the opportunity to network with folks. I expect I will be doing that as much as possible. There is the annual Oracle ACE dinner, and who know what else. I am sure I will find plenty to keep me busy.

Since I arrive early for the Oracle ACE Directors annual briefing at HQ, I know I will be downtown Friday evening and all day Saturday. Drop me a note if you will be there too and want to hang out and see some of the sites and eat some top notch grub.

Cheers.

Kent

The Data Warrior

Posted in Chi Gung, Data Warehouse, ODTUG, Oracle and tagged , , , , , , ,
15 Jun 2015

Surfs Up! #KScope15 Beach Club: Opening Soon!

I know this is last minute but wanted to remind everyone that the Annual ODTUG KScope event starts in less that a week!

As always, I will be there with my ACE Director hat on (literally). I will be giving My Talks at KScope during the week. One on SQL Developer Data Modeler (SDDM), and my fun talk about the Worst Practices in DW Design I have seen. And there will be the Lunch with the ACEs among many other events.

I will also be running Morning Chi Gung on the beach each day to help people stay in shape and stress free.

Just so you know the score, I have captured for you a list of great stuff happening at KScope from the recent attendee email I got. Here it is. Enjoy

Believe it or not, we are only six days away from the opening of the Kscope Beach Club in Hollywood, Florida. This exclusive club is only open to Kscope15 attendees, so consider yourself one of the elite.

This is the third newsletter with content updates, event happenings, and everything you need to know to plan for Kscope15. It’s a long email full of important information to make your week a success, so please read it all.

See you soon!

– Natalie Delemar, Kscope15 Conference Chair

Important Updates

Community Service Day – If you have already signed up to attend Saturday’s Community Service Day, please meet at the Diplomat Conference Center Porte Cochere at 7:00 AM to have breakfast and pick up T-shirts. The activity is within walking distance (.5 mile); however, transportation will be provided to those who need it. Participants will depart the hotel at 8:00 AM. Wear comfortable clothing for both the walk and the activities. If you did not sign up to participate in Community Service Day but you would like to help, show up at the Conference Center Porte Cochere on Saturday morning. Chances are you will be able to join the group on a first-come, first-served basis.

Registration – Kscope15 registration is open on Saturday from 5:00-7:00 PM on the third floor of the Diplomat Conference Center. After that, registration begins at 7:00 AM on Monday and Tuesday; 7:30 AM on Wednesday; and 8:00 AM on Thursday. Check the agenda for daily schedules.

Mobile App – Build your schedule and have all of your devices sync to it with the Kscope15 mobile app. The first time you login you will need to click “create a password” and enter the email address you used for your Kscope15 registration. A password will be emailed to you. Only registered attendees (who have paid) can access the app. Download the app today and get busy building your schedule!

Schedule – Want to see the schedule in a grid format before you receive your printed Schedule at a Glance onsite? Check this out (you will have to log in to http://www.odtug.com to view) – but keep in mind the most up-to-date schedule will be available on the mobile app and the schedule signs outside of the Registration Desk.

Confirm Your Stay – Be sure to double-check your hotel reservations and confirm your arrival and departure dates are correct. Some properties may require a 72-hour cancellation notice.

Say Cheese – Need a new headshot or family pic? We’ve got you covered. Accomplished Kscope photographer Warren Capps is offering free sessions to a select number of Kscope attendees. Find out more here. Space is very limited, so sign up today!

Scavenger Hunt – Are you competitive, driven, and like to be a winner? Then participate in the Kscope15 Scavenger Hunt. Sign up in advance, and stop by the Registration Desk to receive your NFC sticker to fully participate!

Social Media Lounge – Give your brain a break and head over to ODTUG’s Social Media Lounge in the Exhibit Hall. We’ll have giveaways, picture-taking opportunities, and an area where you can sit back and relax. While you’re there, tell us what you think about Kscope in an interview, or watch one while it happens!

Women in Technology Roundtable – Participate in Wednesday’s interactive discussion about issues facing Women in Technology. Men are welcome, too! Ernst & Young is sponsoring the event. To participate in the luncheon, please register here and share your feedback on important issues.

Hands-On Training – If you are planning to participate in any Hands-On Training sessions, please view the mobile app and designated webpage for important prerequisite instructions. Details may be added within the next several days, so check back closer to the classes for updates.

Special Event – The White Party at Nikki Beach comes with a dress code: Plan your all-white outfit to live it up South Beach-style! It’s not required, but we would love as much participation as possible.

Fun for the Little Ones – Sign up any children in your group for Kids Fun Night Out on Wednesday while you are celebrating in South Beach. The cost is $70 per child, which will be charged to your room. Reservations are required; email Natalie.Dotson@diplomatresort.com.

Conference Dress – Casual. We want you to be comfortable! The days and nights will be hot in South Florida, but the conference rooms will be cool, so layers are recommended. Pack your swimsuit and hit the beach or pools in your off-time!

via Kscope Beach Club: Opening Soon!.

Hope to see you next week in Florida.

Kent

The Data Warrior

Posted in Chi Gung, Data Modeling, Data Warehouse, ODTUG, Oracle, SQL Developer Data Modeler and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment
02 Feb 2015
3 Comments

Better Data Modeling: The Data Warrior Speaks 2015

Great news, I have confirmed three major events, and one local event so far this year where you can come out and hear me speak about some of my favorite topics: #DataModeling, #SQLDevModeler, and #DataVault.

So, line up your training budget and get registered for at least one of these great events.

DAMA Houston

My first talk for the year will be local – downtown Houston. I will present an Introduction to Data Vault Modeling for the Houston Chapter of DAMA International (next week!).

When: 10-Feb-2015
Time: 1pm – 4:30pm
Where: Chevron Building, Rio Grande Room – 51st floor, 1600 Smith, Houston, TX 77002

If you plan to attend, please RSVP directly to stephen.pace@kalido.com.

RMOUG Training Days 2015

Held every year at the Denver Convention Center in mid-February, The Rocky Mountain Oracle Users Group Training Days is the best value around for user group events – low cost ($395- $455), great locations (Denver!), and excellent speaker lineup (international speakers, Oracle ACE and ACE Directors).

I will be speaking both Wednesday, February 18, and Thursday, February 19 (last session!). My topics this year will be an Introduction to SQL Developer Data Modeler, and Worst Practices in Data Warehouse Design.

Plus I will be leading Morning Chi Gung exercises at 7 AM both days to get you all warmed up for a great day of learning. Check the entire agenda here.

As a bonus there are some excellent deep dive sessions on Tuesday, February 17th that are not to be missed, so get there early.

New this year will be Special Interest Group (SIG) meetings during lunch on Wednesday. I will be co-leading one on Data Integration & Data Warehousing with Bobby Curtis.

So, lots to do see and learn. Sign up today (and bring your ski equipment for the weekend after).

2nd Annual World Wide Data Vault Consortium

WWDVC was so successful last year, that Dan decided to do it again. This year there is even a new cool website for the event, which will be held May 28-30 in Stowe, Vermont at the Trapp Family Lodge. This will be a small event (less than 60 people), with a single track so you won’t have to decide which talk to attend.

Yes, the hills will be alive with the sounds of Data Vault geeks from around the world telling their tales of trials, tribulations, and success as they try to implement large, agile, enterprise data warehouse programs across many industries. Topics include:

  • Big Data, NoSQL
  • Virtualization of Data Marts
  • Data Vault 2.0 & Agility
  • Changing roles of Data Modeling
  • Managed Self-Service BI

The speaker lineup is a who’s-who of the data warehouse and agile world.

Special guests this year include a keynote from Claudia Imhoff, Dan Linstedt,  and newest addition Scott Ambler (one of the authors of the Agile Manifesto).

I will be there again, giving two talks with my buddy from McKesson, Keith Hoyle. We will discuss Data Warehousing in the Real World and talk about our endeavors to develop Virtualized Hybrid Type 1-2 Dimensions to enable Extreme BI.

Don’t miss this chance to rub elbows and network with the top innovators and thinkers in the data warehouse and BI space. Sign up soon as there are limited slots and limited rooms at the inn.

ODTUG KScope15

Another amazing annual event, this user group gathering will be a veritable who’s-who in the Oracle community. Again you will find Oracle ACEs and ACE Directors, as well as Oracle Product Managers, all ready and willing to discuss the latest and greatest tools for doing Oracle development work. Check out the amazing list of talks and presenters.

This year it is back to the beach for KScope. It will be held June 21-25 at the Diplomat Resort and Spa on the beach in Hollywood, Florida.

By popular demand, the last day of the conference will be all Deep Dive sessions, so be sure to plan your travel to hang out until the end (and then enjoy the beach!).

I will be giving two talks during the week (same ones as at RMOUG), answering questions on a panel or two, and again running my annual Morning Chi Gung sessions every morning (but this year outside on the beach).

This should be a very educational and relaxing event as it is every year. And it is in a family-friendly location so bring the gang along.  You can register today and still get a huge early registration discount.

So what are you  waiting for?

See you soon!

Kent

The Data Warrior

P.S. While at these events I do expect to have some limited free time, so if you would like some one-on-one coaching in person, contact me directly at kent <dot> graziano <at> att <dot> net to set up a session.

 

Posted in Chi Gung, Data Modeling, Data Vault, Data Warehouse, Oracle, SQL Developer Data Modeler, User Groups and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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