It’s Monday time for this week’s weekly link round-up.  If you want to catch these links “live” (so exciting), follow me on twitter (@StrateSQL).  And see these throughout the day as I tweet out links of things I find interesting.  While these links aren’t the answer to life, the universe, and everything, they often share a few things about SQL Server and related technology topics that others may find useful. The links included in this summary are those prefixed with ”Reading” and are items I’ve read over the past few days, usually after hours when sharing would be less than useful, and spaced out to avoid spamming.  The content of the links usually pertain to SQL Server, technology, and career topics; which I think others would find useful.

The Most Popular “Reading” Link

The most popular “Reading” item last week is a piece from Scott Hanselman (Blog | @shanselman) on the hate that some have for Microsoft over things they stopped doing years ago.  He goes on to describe the efforts that Microsoft has taken to open up the Microsoft platform.  He makes a lot of good points, and if you are in the haters column, check it out and see if you hate may be misplaced.

Reading: "Microsoft killed my Pappy" http://t.co/eJPHM3zuqx

— Jason Strate (@StrateSQL) February 24, 2014

Last week’s top 20 “Reading” Links

Along with the top link, here are the top twenty items relating to SQL Server, technology and careers that were shared last week.  If you missed them throughout the week, here’s the opportunity to get caught up on some items that other’s read after I linked them out.

1. Microsoft killed my Pappy [32 clicks]
2. Here’s How to Tell That Your Talent Is About to Quit [27 clicks]
3. Does @StrateSQL Need a Unicorn Tattoo? [26 clicks]
4. 8 Surprising Historical Facts That Will Change Your Concept Of Time Forever [26 clicks]
5. SQL Server Statistics: Explained [24 clicks]
6. The Undercover Interviewer: “Do You Have Any Questions for Me?” [17 clicks]
7. 5 Ways We Neglect Our Own Creativity – And How to Bring It Back [16 clicks]
8. SQL Server 2012 AlwaysOn High Availability and Disaster Recovery Design Patterns [15 clicks]
9. 3 Steps to Finding Your Secret Sauce [14 clicks]
10. Making the Most of Automatic Statistics Updating [14 clicks]
11. Improving the Performance of Backups [13 clicks]
12. Big Data Humor: Out Liar! [13 clicks]
13. How to (Really) Make $1,000,000 Selling E-Books – Real-World Case Study [13 clicks]
14. The nearest neighbor optimization in SQL Server Denali [11 clicks]
15. Some New Art From ‘Calvin & Hobbes’ Creator [11 clicks]
16. Nearest Neighbors [10 clicks]
17. 5 Expert Tips for Following Up After a Job Interview [9 clicks]
18. What Drives Microsoft’s Data Platform Vision? [9 clicks]
19. What Hard Drive Should I Buy? [7 clicks]
20. Windows 2012 for the SQL DBA: .NET 3.5 Fails to Install [6 clicks]

Other Stuff Shared

Of course, no week would be complete without a few off-topic links.  These have nothing to do with technology or your career, but they are interesting and worth a second look.

1. 13 Stars You Didn’t Know Were Banned from SNL [75 clicks]
2. Canada has hilarious politicians. This guy is one of them… [37 clicks]
3. 17 Practical Uses for Lego in Your Everyday Life [30 clicks]
4. The awkward moment when you think you’ve been really clever [26 clicks]
5. Amazing Animated GIFs That Use a Clever Visual Trick to Appear 3D [19 clicks]
6. Han Solo LEGO Portrait: Better Than Being Trapped in Carbonite, I Suppose. [17 clicks]
7. Mom’s Photo Series Spotlights Racist Comments Directed at Daughters [13 clicks]
8. Pop 5: Most Heartbreaking Doctor Who Moments [12 clicks]
9. Two Cellists Play AC/DC ‘Thunderstruck’ Like You’ve Never Heard It Before [12 clicks]
10. You’re not going to read this [12 clicks]
11. Remember: Walk without rhythm and we won’t… [12 clicks]
12. 74,476 Reasons You Should Always Get The Bigger Pizza [10 clicks]
13. Gallifrey Falls, No More [10 clicks]
14. Is the Universe a Simulation? [10 clicks]
15. Ben & Jerry’s Nails It With New Core Ice Cream Flavors [9 clicks]
16. Today the Department of Awesome Natural Wonders [8 clicks]
17. Why Writers Are the Worst Procrastinators [6 clicks]
18. Freestanding Card Structures [6 clicks]
19. Spectacular Photos of the Magical Ice Castles in Utah [6 clicks]
20. Netflix and Comcast strike deal to allow faster speeds [5 clicks]
21. This Artist Brilliantly Captures Our Nerdy Childhood [5 clicks]
22. This 4-Year-Old Makes Paper Dresses With Her Mom — And They Keep Getting More Amazing [5 clicks]
23. Heck Yeah, Risk Of Goring: The Dinosaur Pet Guide [5 clicks]

Got something you think I should read and share, leave a comment below.  Also, if you want to see all of the links that were tweeted out last week?