For my first technical post of 2007, I think it's only appropriate for it to be on something I writing about for the first time on this blog ... Microsoft Access. With the rise of Oracle, SQL Server, and custom company applications - Microsoft Access has been put on the shelf a bit. However, I believe it is still a great program to use for storing and organizing data for personal and small business use.

The great thing about Microsoft Access is that virtually anyone can learn how to use it for things like address books, inventories, libraries, and even billing. Even better, it has template wizards that you can use to build them for you.

But before you start, it's good to have an understanding of what makes up a database. Perhaps you feel like you already know. Well, here's a way to know for sure ... take a pop quiz! Dian Chapman, a long time Microsoft Word MVP, has created a 10 question quiz to test your basic knowledge of Microsoft Access databases.

Quiz: Access 101

The only you'll need to do is sign up as a FREE subscriber to her TechTrax community - which is a fantastic Microsoft Office resource where you'll find beginning and expert advice alike. After that, it's happy testing - good luck!

And yes ... I scored 100 (surprise, surprise). 

As I celebrate the new year and think about my life & the goals that I've set for myself, I can't help but to feel a great deal of gratitude. And though there are many people on my list to thank personally for giving of themselves to contribute making my future possible, today is reserved to give thanks to Martin Luther King, Jr. And though I am always grateful for his great example and what he did for us, this year I wish to do something small to actually show my gratitude.

Today, I wish to assist in "building the dream" by spreading the word about the MLK Memorial that is scheduled to be completed in 2008 in Washington DC. This will be the 4th memorial in the historic National Mall (along with the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Jefferson Memorial), and the 1st non-presidential memorial ever built there.

In order for this to happen, over 20 million dollars is needed to complete the project. To make the MLK Memorial a reality, they are asking us to give whatever donations we can. I plan on making at least a $30 donation to get one of those "Dream Now" t-shirts, and will be encouraging my family to do the same (at least $5 to get a wristband and a lapel pin.)

Thank you in advance for your assistance in a great cause. May all of us have a great 2007!

BTW - I'm pretty sure that my next few posts will be about documents.