Creating an Erntity-relationship diagram (ERD).

According to this prompt on Linked In, this Monday Morning I’ve been selected to write an article on creating an Entity-relationship diagram (ERD). OK – lets dust off the college text book and go through the steps to model the relationships between entities in a database.  Linked In has a 750 char limit, and only let me post three times about ERD's breaking this up, so - I moved the whole 3000 character doc out here to my blog!

Generally speaking – and there’s many database specific variants, you will need to Identify Entities. Start by identifying all the entities within the system you're modeling. Things. Nouns. (Person, Place, Paint Color, Family Size, etc. Entities are typically nouns representing objects, concepts, or things about which data is stored.

Next, you need to review each noun (entity) and Define the Attributes. Every entity is going to have descriptive characteristics that identify and define its attributes. You will represent these attributes as columns in a database table – a list of colors, regions or states in a country.

Now, with your entities and attributes, you Determine Relationships. Identify how the entity relates to it’s attribute. Can a car have one color? Or many colors? Relationships define how entities interact with each other. You can look at these as verbs – has, lives, is, contains, etc.

A bit more specificity to your verbs (relationships) – what is the cardinality of each relationship. Cardinality describes the relationships between entities, such as one-to-one, one-to-many, or many-to-many. As above – can a car have one or many colors? Would a person live in one, or many states. Would many cars have the same color?

Ok – thinking part is over; now we draw! Using tools specific to your database, or one of many online or paid tools, Draw the ERD. There are standard notations to use like Crow's Foot notation and Chen notation. Choose one that suits your preference or organizational standards. Specific directions will vary by tool, but the general steps are to:

1. Create Entity Boxes: Represent each entity as a box in the diagram. Label the box with the entity name and list its attributes inside the box.
2. Add Relationship Lines: Draw lines between related entities to represent the relationships. Label each line with the appropriate relationship type and cardinality.
3. Refine the Diagram: Review the diagram to ensure it accurately represents the relationships and attributes of the entities. Make adjustments as necessary to clarify the structure.
4. Document the ERD: Document the diagram to provide additional context and explanation. Include a legend that explains the notation used, as well as any assumptions made during the modeling process.

And the most important part – none of this takes place in a vacuum. Review and Validate the ERD with stakeholders, subject matter experts, or other team members to validate its accuracy and completeness. Make revisions based on feedback as needed.

There you go, LinkedIN and followers – a basic document on creating Entity Relationship Diagrams. Enjoy!

Will England

closing out the weekend. what comes next?

Too rainy and cloudy to get out to see the lunar umbral eclipse. At least the weather is passing. Been an enervating two days - weather changes, so on.

Come Monday, I meet my new boss, in my new organization, with a complete different set of expectations and performance goals. One's I was not aware of, and haven't met. But we shall see what come to pass tomorrow.

Haven't been feeling well at all. Internalized the environment and the unknown generating a good case of the ooogies. (technical term).

This too shall pass and we will all learn some Darshan lesson from the experience. Until then,

Namaskar! 

16 March 2024 moment.

Glad there's something good to close out the weekend. Been feeling like hammered pooo all day. I was going to get the hoses set back up to water in Fertilizer and seed here and at mom's. Glad I didn't - hard freeze forecast for tonight.

Such is the way of the world. Tomorrow is a new day and a new chance to get needful things done.

This Weekend

 

A good weekend. Got taxes sorted - found a user error that would have cost me $2K. Filed taxes for a refund, even with all the layoff, severance, etc. Started watching 'Constellation' on AppleTV (thanks, T-Mobile, for the free subscription). Interesting enough to keep the attention. 

 

Didn't get out on the bike even though the weather was excellent; spent too much time glaring at the screens while working on taxes.

 

This week - no appointments, but Friday and Saturday are pistol competitions, one indoor and one outdoor. Going to see if I can make at least one of them. Been too long since I've done any timed shoot-move events. Definitely time to move more!

Shooting at the Super Bowl Victory Parade

Not the day we expected. 61, sunny, Kansas City Chiefs celebration of their Super Bowl win with a parade and a million fans.

As it ended, shots rang out from one or more groups. Near 2 dozen injuries, one fatal. Some of the shooters may have been stopped by visiting fans from Wichita and Nebraska.

News is disjointed - the internet turns all stories into an echo chamber, regurgitating hours old data as breaking news. 

Many of the wounded were children. All of the children are stable and should physically recover soon. At least one adult is in critical condition. 

Three suspects were taken into custody. Nothing is known for the motives or even if there was one, two or even a third shooting this afternoon. We simply wait for the police to sort out the connections, while we are beaten with politics blaming the race, blaming the gun, blaming the political party running Kansas City, MO. 

So, we wait. 

Assign data elements to Analytics variables using Adobe Tags Rules.

Been working on this for half the day.  Finally sorted it out.  If you are using Adobe Tags, formerly Launch, and want to add your Adobe events, eVars and Props using the GUI pulling directly from your adobeClientDatalayer, you use Global Variables in the Adobe Analtyics Extension for page  level variables.  

For other variables, not set every page load, you create rules.  You don't need an event or condition, just an action.  Click the 'Add' button at the bottom to define the action.

Create Rule, setting the Action to capture Adobe Variable

Configure the action for the rule, setting the eVar or Prop to a data element defined previously

From the Adobe documentation:

Set variables in rules

Variables set in rules are ideal in cases where you don’t want variables set on every page. You define the criteria in the rule. See Rules in the Adobe Experience Platform tags documentation.

1. Log in to Adobe Experience Platform Data Collection using your AdobeID credentials.
2. Click the desired tag property.
3. Click the Rules tab, then click on the desired rule (or create one).
4. Click the Add button under Actions.
5. Set the Extension drop-down list to Adobe Analytics, and the Action Type to Set Variables.
6. Click the  icon to the right of the desired Analytics variable. Your organization’s solution design document dictates what Analytics variable to use.
7. Select the desired data element in the modal window. Click Select.
8. The data element name is added to the text field surrounded by % signs. For example, if you named your data element “Page name”, you would see the string %Page name% when assigning a data element to a variable.

 

Note - setting the variable in the rule does not send the beacon sending the data to Adobe.  You still need to create a final rules to trigger the becaon, one for page load (s.t()) and one for event (s.tl()).  That's beyond the scope of this post.

What makes good motorcycle gear?

 

What makes good gear?

Helmet - Full face, FITS your head, DOT certified. Snell is good too, but those are more expensive. Not optional.

83MPH into the pavement. Walked away.

Jacket - thicker cordura (1050 on the impact points), or leather (fold it in half on the sleeve - is it at least 2mm / 3/16th of an inch thick folded?) ECE certified armor in the elbows, shoulders, FITS and is comfortable. Not optional.

Gloves - solid leather that FIT and have retention - even just the pull string on work gloves is better than elastic. Not optional.

Over the ankle leather boots or solid leather high-tops, tied securely. Not pull on cowboy or engineer boots. Impact armor on the ankle bone if you get moto specific boots.

Pants - Jeans do work, but plan on eventually getting cordura or leather riding pants. Again, thicker is better, as long as it's comfortable, FITS and has ECE armor on the impact points.

Full cordura amored gear.  83MPH into the pavement. Walked away.

 

5 Tips for driving with cruise control

Cruise control is a helpful feature that can make long drives more comfortable and less tiring. However, it's important to use it safely to avoid accidents. Here are some tips for driving safely while using cruise control:

1. Check the road conditions: Before you engage cruise control, make sure the road conditions are safe. If the road is wet or slippery, it's best to avoid using cruise control as it can increase the risk of losing control of your vehicle.

2. Keep a safe distance: Maintain a safe following distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. Cruise control maintains a constant speed, but it doesn't react to changes in traffic conditions or unexpected obstacles. Therefore, it's important to be alert and ready to take control of the vehicle if necessary.

3. Use cruise control on highways or open roads: Cruise control is most useful on highways or open roads with minimal traffic and no stop-and-go traffic. Avoid using it in heavy traffic or city driving.

4. Monitor your speed: Keep an eye on your speedometer and adjust your speed as needed. If you need to slow down, disengage the cruise control and apply the brakes.

5. Use cruise control only when you are fully alert: Avoid using cruise control when you are feeling drowsy or fatigued. Cruise control can make it easy to lose focus, and it's important to be alert and aware of your surroundings at all times.

By following these tips, you can safely use cruise control and enjoy a more comfortable and relaxed driving experience.

 

Namaskar!

- Will 

Spring Thunderstorm In 4K with GoPro Media Mod Mic

When is the best time to set up your audio recorder device? Before the event.

When is the second best time to set up your audio recorder device? As the event starts.

When is the worst time to find out you do not own a 32gb or smaller MicroSD card? While setting up your audio recording device.

 

Guess the first thunderstorm of the Spring will be in GoPro Mono...

 

 Fortunately, we have the GoPro Media mod with a pretty solid (mono) microphone.  Anyway - enjoy the thunderstorm rolling in, and for best effect, watch it on YouTube.  While you're there, give the video a 'like', drop a comment and subscribe to the channel!

Namaskar!

- Will

Can a .223 (5.56 NATO) 'Split a human in half'?

 

 5.56 Match Ammo  by  mr.smashy,
CC BY-NC 2.0

There's been a lot of noise on Twitter recently about a 'firearms expert' witness providing sworn testimony in California noting that the .223 / 5.56 NATO round fired by the modern sporting rifle, the AR-15, can 'split a human in half'.  While a lurid tale, it's not true or accurate. 

The notion that a .223 rifle round can split a human body in half is a myth. It is not possible for a single bullet, regardless of the caliber or type, to physically split a human body in half. While a high-powered rifle round such as .223 can cause significant damage to the body and even result in death, it does not have the capability to split the body into two separate pieces.

The effect of a bullet on the human body is dependent on several factors, including the velocity and mass of the bullet, the angle at which it enters the body, and the target's body composition and location. When a bullet penetrates the body, it can cause damage to bones, internal organs, and blood vessels, and in some cases, exit the body. However, it is extremely unlikely that a bullet would cause the body to physically split in half.

It is important to note that any type of firearms can be dangerous and should be used with caution and proper training.  If you choose to participate in the shooting sports, please get training on your specific firearm and remember the 4 rules of firearm safety.

Namaskar, and shoot safely,

Will

What are the advantages of the 5.7x28mm cartridge over other pistol cartridges?

 5.7 is enjoying a resurgence with the Ruger 5.7 and the Palmetto State Armory Rock 5.7 pistols beciming widely available in 2022.  But what is this hopped up .22 round getting so much attention?  

The 5.7x28mm cartridge is a relatively new cartridge that was designed for use in firearms such as the FN Five-Seven pistol. It offers a number of advantages over other pistol cartridges, including:

1. Light weight: The 5.7x28mm cartridge is much lighter than other pistol cartridges, which makes it easier to carry and allows for a higher ammunition capacity. This can be particularly useful for military and law enforcement applications, where weight and ammunition capacity are important considerations.

2. High velocity: The 5.7x28mm cartridge has a high velocity, which allows it to penetrate body armor more effectively than other pistol cartridges. This can make it a valuable tool for military and law enforcement personnel who may need to engage targets that are wearing body armor.

3. Low recoil: The 5.7x28mm cartridge has a low recoil, which makes it easier to control and shoot accurately. This can be particularly useful for shooters who may have difficulty managing the recoil of larger cartridges, such as those used in rifles or larger handguns.

4. Versatility: The 5.7x28mm cartridge is versatile and can be used in a variety of firearms, including handguns, rifles, and submachine guns. This makes it a valuable tool for a wide range of applications, from personal defense to military operations.

Overall, the 5.7x28mm cartridge offers a number of advantages over other pistol cartridges, including its light weight, high velocity, low recoil, and versatility. These features make it a valuable tool for a wide range of applications, from personal defense to military operation.

So there you have it - light weight, versatile, low recoil (easy to shoot) and solid penetration for defense work.

Be safe and always follow the 4 rules of safe gun handling!

Today I went to work

 Today, I went to the office.  Before that, I made a chart showing what didn’t happen with one part of our handset app.  Yes, I track what doesn’t happen just as well as what does happen.

Today, I would have liked to walk, but did not dress for the conditions. 40 and calm in the morning is not the same as 40 and windy in the afternoon. So what little exercise I got was inside the building. Perhaps to plan better tomorrow, or walk more staircases.

Today, I came home. 

Today, I passed another day.

How to use ChatGPT from OpenAI to automate your blogging

 Welcome back from your holiday vacations! Hopefully you had an excellent and refreshing time away. But now it's back to work, generating content for your blog, website, internal communication site etc.  Did you know you can use Artificial Intelligence to help you automate some of the writing process for your blog? Let's get started with ChatGPT, currently in open beta and free to use.

ChatGPT is a large language model trained by OpenAI that can be used to automate the process of writing blog posts. To use ChatGPT to write a blog post, you can simply start a conversation with the model and provide it with some information about the topic you want to write about. The model will then use its advanced natural language processing capabilities to generate a draft of your blog post.

Here's an example of how you might use ChatGPT to write a blog post:

1.     Start a conversation with ChatGPT by typing in the chat box: "Hello ChatGPT, I'd like to write a blog post about coming up with good ideas for blog posts."
2.     Provide ChatGPT with some information about the topic you want to write about. For example, you could say: "I want to write about ways to generate new ideas for blog posts, and how to focus on the blog's overall purpose and mission."
3.     Ask ChatGPT to generate a draft of your blog post. You might say: "Can you please generate a draft of my blog post on coming up with good ideas for blog posts?"
4.     ChatGPT will then use its advanced language processing capabilities to generate a draft of your blog post. You can review the draft and make any edits or additions that you think are necessary.

By using ChatGPT to automate the process of writing blog posts, you can save time and effort, and focus on other aspects of your blog. Plus, the model's advanced natural language processing capabilities can help you generate high-quality content that is engaging and informative for your readers.

Namaskar!

Will

Today, I Write

 Today, I write about what I did this day to make it memorable. Perhaps not world shaking, perhaps not even meaningful in the grand scheme of things.  But I write.

Today I did laundry, preparing for the return to work on Tuesday.

Today I played video games, learning more about how the game is designed, how patterns are used in communication. 

Today I watched football, allowing the flow of the game to feed my emotions, to feel something 

Today, I stay up too late again reading the Wheel Of Time books series.  I started reading the series in the mid 1990’s when it first came out and have never finished it.  I would like to complete all 14 books by the end of winter.

Today I began thinking of planning motorcycle trips, or firearms training sessions, or firearms competitions throughout the year. 

Today was a good day.

- Will

How can I set realistic new years resolutions?

 

Setting realistic new year's resolutions can be a great way to start the new year off on the right foot and make positive changes in your life. Here are a few tips to help you set realistic new year's resolutions:

1. Start small: Don't try to overhaul your entire life in one fell swoop. Instead, start with small, achievable goals that you can work towards gradually. This will give you a sense of accomplishment and motivation to keep going.

2. Be specific: Vague resolutions, like "be healthier" or "get organized," are difficult to measure and can be hard to stick to. Instead, try to be specific about what you want to accomplish. For example, instead of "be healthier," you could resolve to "eat three servings of vegetables every day" or "exercise three times a week."

3. Be realistic: It's important to set goals that are challenging, but not impossible. If you set goals that are too ambitious, you're likely to get discouraged and give up. On the other hand, if your goals are too easy, you won't feel a sense of accomplishment when you achieve them. Try to find a happy medium, and be realistic about what you can accomplish.

4. Make a plan: Once you've set your goals, come up with a plan for how you're going to achieve them. This might include creating a schedule, setting aside specific times to work on your goals, or finding accountability partners to help keep you on track. Having a plan in place will help you stay focused and motivated.

5. Celebrate your successes: Don't forget to celebrate your achievements along the way! When you reach a milestone or accomplish one of your goals, take the time to celebrate and reward yourself. This will help keep you motivated and remind you of how far you've come.

By following these tips, you can set realistic new year's resolutions that will help you make positive changes in your life and start the new year off on the right foot.

Namaskar!

Will

How can I get over the post holiday blues

 

I hope everyone had a good holiday - but even so, there's often a letdown after the excitement and preparation of the holidays.

If you're feeling down after the holiday season, there are a few steps you can take to help get over the post-holiday blues. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Get moving: Exercise can be a great way to lift your mood and improve your overall well-being. Even if you're not feeling particularly motivated, try to get some physical activity every day. It could be as simple as taking a walk around the block or doing some stretching at home.

2. Connect with others: It's natural to feel a little isolated after the holiday season, when many of your friends and family members may have returned to their own homes. Take the time to reach out to people you care about and plan some social activities. This can help you feel more connected and supported.

3. Set some goals: The start of a new year is a great time to set some goals for yourself. This can give you a sense of purpose and direction, and help you focus on the things that are most important to you. Try to set goals that are realistic and achievable, and break them down into smaller steps so that you can make steady progress towards achieving them.

4. Take care of yourself: It's important to prioritize your own well-being, especially when you're feeling down. Make sure you're getting enough sleep, eating well, and taking time for yourself to relax and recharge. Taking care of yourself can help you feel more energized and positive, and better able to cope with any challenges that come your way.

By following these tips, you can help to overcome the post-holiday blues and start the new year off on the right foot. Remember that it's okay to feel down sometimes, but with a little effort and support from others, you can bounce back and get back to feeling your best.

Namaskar!

 

Will

DO THIS if you’re in police custody after a self-defense incident!

While the USCCA is trying to sell you a membership, the advice given here is just as valid to a non-member as a member. You have contacted a criminal defense lawyer well ahead of time and have their contact information in your phone and hardcopy in your wallet, right?

How to Sight In a Red Dot on your Pistol

Very well explained and useful information. 

Sighting at 10 yards, makes MOA adjustments on your sight simple - if 1 click = 1 MOA (1") at 100 yards, then 1 click will be 1/10th of an inch at 10 yards. Also easier to see the center of target at 10 yards with a non-magnified red dot than at 25 yards.  Courtesy Vortex Optics.

What is the meaning of Christmas to non or nominally religious people?

 

At the Church of the Resurrection in the Kansas City area, their mission is providing ministry to non and nominally religious people, teaching them the good news of Christianity. One of the holidays most masticated with Christianity is Christmas.  So, what does Christmas mean to non or nominally religious people? 

For many non-religious or nominally religious people, the meaning of Christmas goes beyond its religious origins. While Christmas is traditionally associated with the Christian celebration of the birth of Jesus, for many people, it has become a secular holiday that is focused on spending time with loved ones, giving and receiving gifts, and celebrating the end of the year.

For some non-religious or nominally religious people, Christmas is a time to take a break from the busyness of everyday life and focus on the things that matter most. It can be a time to reconnect with family and friends, and to reflect on the past year and look forward to the year ahead.

For others, Christmas is a time to celebrate the traditions and customs that have been passed down from generation to generation. Whether it's decorating a Christmas tree, singing carols, or enjoying a special meal together, these traditions can bring people together and create a sense of community and belonging.

Despite the commercialization of Christmas, for many non-religious or nominally religious people, the holiday still holds a special meaning. It can be a time to remember the important things in life, to express gratitude and generosity, and to enjoy the simple pleasures of the season.

Bright Blessings!

Will

Tips for making a good holiday video

 Home for the holidays!  And you've got that new DSLR, smartphone or point and shoot camera that can make 4K cinematic videos - so you want to capture the holiday memories in video!  A couple of tips to make sure your holiday video is as good as your memories:

1. Plan ahead: Before you start shooting, take some time to plan out your video. Think about the story you want to tell, the locations you want to include, and the shots you want to capture. Having a plan in place will help you make the most of your time and ensure that you get the shots you need.

2. Use good lighting: Good lighting is essential for high-quality videos. When shooting indoors, try to use natural light as much as possible, and avoid using flash if you can. If you're shooting outdoors, pay attention to the time of day and the direction of the light to ensure that your shots are well-lit and free of harsh shadows.

3. Use a tripod: A tripod will help you keep your camera steady and avoid shaky shots. This is especially important if you're shooting in low light conditions, or if you're using a long focal length lens. A tripod will also give you the flexibility to frame your shots more carefully and compose them in a way that is visually appealing.

4. Edit your footage: After you've shot your video, take the time to edit it carefully. Use a video editing program to trim and arrange your footage, and add any special effects or transitions that you want to include. This will help you tell your story more effectively and create a polished, professional-looking video.

5. Share your video: Once your video is complete, share it with your friends and family! You can upload it to social media, email it to loved ones, or even send it out as a holiday greeting. Sharing your video will help you spread holiday cheer and connect with the people you care about.

By following these tips, you can create a high-quality holiday video that will capture the spirit of the season and bring joy to those who watch it. Happy holidays!

 

Will