Learning SQL

The new job I took was an analytical role.  Due to the large amounts of data we needed to pull from, Microsoft Excel by itself was not enough to do the job.  I had to learn SQL for the new job, quick.   I had 0 prior experiences with SQL. 

The goal I had was to learn SQL “just enough” to be able to pull data and run basic analysis.  The goal was NOT to become an SQL master or a professional programmer that could do all sorts of fancy things.  Specific to my job, analytics were more important than programming.  I just needed the know-how to pull and sort data reliably. 

The short conclusion is I read 3 books on SQL, and they didn’t help a whole lot.  If you are trying to learn SQL with a similar situation as I, my recommendation is to go to Khan Academy and take the SQL course here: https://www.khanacademy.org/computing/computer-programming/sql

Go through every video, do every challenge.  I like the Khan Academy tutorial because it was interactive and it gave me a solid foundation in my day-to-day tasks.  I would say over 75% of what I use are all covered here.  The instructions are very clear and guide a n00b in a structured manner.  In my experience learning programming (or related), I always felt like I was learning Japanese with a Russian textbook.  For new and unfamiliar terms, I was given explanations and definitions that seemed even more foreign.   This was not the case with Khan Academy’s instructions.  I spent about a total of 8 hours going through the tutorial.  Since then, I’ve felt very prepared on what was thrown at me at my job (where they seemed to make a very big deal out of using SQL). 

Similar to Khan Academy, my recommendation in learning VBA for Microsoft Excel will be from WiseOwlTutorials’ “Excel VBA Introduction” on youtube.com. 

Now about them books: For learning, I would skim through them and see what functions are available.  Just have it in the back of your mind so you know where to go when you’re trying to do something specifically. 

Most of my coworkers have this book on their bookshelf for reference purposes.  You probably don’t need one since there are so many online resources…  But if it makes you feel safe holding and owning something…  Go for it.

SQL in 10 Minutes, Sams Teach Yourself (4th Edition)  

Here is a Chinese one that has slightly more functions introduced and goes a little bit deeper in application.  Similar idea, I use it for reference-only. 

Then finally there is this book: 

Sql: Learn SQL In A DAY! - The Ultimate Crash Course to Learning the Basics of SQL In No Time (SQL, SQL Course, SQL Development, SQL Books)

I was so lost going through it even though it was the last book I read… 

My Impressions: HomeMade Muscle

I’ve always liked the concept of bodyweight exercises because I’m lazy and cheap.  I don’t want to go to a gym, and I don’t want to pay for a gym.  The same time, I know I would find excuses if I’m travelling (whether pleasure or business) because I’m not “used to this gym” or it “doesn’t have the equipment I use.”  Oh, and because I’m a WuDang Martial Arts stylist, we are forbidden to pump metal. 

So, for the past 11 years, I have been doing body exercises.  Not a lot of space is required, and barely (if any) equipment is needed.  I started reading this book thinking I might be able to shake up my routine a little.  

HomeMade Muscle: All You Need is a Pull up Bar (Motivational Bodyweight Workout Guide)

Overall, I like the book enough.  Seems like now a days more and more books are written in casual and/or bloggerature style.  Pairing up with technology, parts of the book references to the author’s youtube videos for demonstration on certain movements.  At first, I was irritated and found it inconvenient.  But for physical movements, I do realize it is really hard to convey meeting with minimal loss of interpretation/meaning with only words.  At least now we know if we’re doing a movement right. 

I assumed this would be a book full of body exercises.  I was wrong.  The book starts off with a long introduction with some of the author’s unfortunate events and why he started exercising.  Then there were chapters on basic muscle terms defined, basic nutrition explained, basic body functions explained, some motivation, and then moves the author recommends. 

Over the years based on different areas of my own self-improvement, I have come across a few people that I find inspiration or increase in intelligence, repeatedly.  Some of these people are also mentioned in the book with quotes that inspired me previous to reading this book.  These include:

Zig Ziglar, “People often say that motivation doesn’t last.  Well, neither does bathing, that’s why we recommend it daily.” 

I’ve read a few books by Zig Ziglar, all not bad.  But I would recommend his audio lessons 10 times more than the books. 

Ori Hofmekler, author of The Warrior Diet (I do recommend):

The Warrior Diet: Switch on Your Biological Powerhouse For High Energy, Explosive Strength, and a Leaner, Harder Body

I’ve practiced this diet for about 10 years already.  I like the simplicity it brings to my life (one meal a day only) and how much time I save from it (also the cooking and the prepping).  People are generally shocked by me eating only one meal a day, but…  I guess it’s just like any other habit. 

The of course, Bruce Lee, “Knowing is not enough, you must apply; willing is not enough, you must do.”

I don’t think any of the information was “secretive” if you’ve done some research into diet and fitness.  You probably don’t have to pay anything for the information if you researched hard enough.  Personally, I liked the special emphasis on these two exercises: Dragon Flag and One Arm Pushup.  I don’t think $5.99 for a kindle version is a whole lot to shell out for an all-around introductory guide to all the different topics: muscles, nutrition, exercises, and scheduling.  Not a bad idea to get it if you want to start an exercise routine at home.  You probably don’t need it if you already know what you’re doing.