SnapJag Creative Designs

Events for Twilight

snapjag — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 22:17:08 +0000

This morning, my wife Kirsten, was on the local news promoting their New Moon Experience event.

http://studio5.ksl.com/?nid=71&sid=8408360

SQL Cast from Varchar to Numeric

snapjag — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 23:14:45 +0000

If you are working a lot with numbers in SQL Server or other database, sometimes it’s necessary to cast a text to numeric or vachar to int or varchar to numeric datatype; to be successful, the precision of the destination variable must match the text for all scenarios.

This came up in a recent situation where a Bank Number needs to be manipulated through an algorithm to determine certain things for the business. Don’t ask why, it’s a mess. But a problem existed and we were not able to find many solutions on the Internet, so I found out what the issue was and hopefully it will resolve a lot of issues with other people. This example may or may not match your exact situation, but might help get you where you need to be.

What’s interesting is that the BOL forSQL Server even tell you this in the Convert/Cast help.

SQL Server returns an error message when nonnumeric char, nchar, varchar, or nvarchar data is converted to int, float, numeric, or decimal. SQL Server also returns an error when an empty string (” “) is converted to numeric or decimal.

So, that throws a wrench into the understanding. Here is some code that recreates the error me and one that is correct. Note that when you are working with Numeric, the (p)recision is eaten up by any (s)cale you supply.

Numeric(30,0) = 30 precision length, and 0 scale length; left of the decimal
Numeric(30,5) = 25 precision length, and 5 scale length; left of the decimal
Numeric(25,8) = 17 precision length, and 8 scale length; left of the decimal

In our case, we are taking a 26 varchar and converting to numeric without any scale. Thus we need at least any of the following if scale is used, since we don’t use sclae, the best choice for our scenario is the first one where numeric.p = len(varchar) = 26.

Numeric(26,0) = 26 chars
Numeric(27,1) = 26 chars
Numeric(28,2) = 26 chars

So, as it states in BOL for “decimal and numeric” that “the maximum storage sizes vary, based on the precision”. The numeric.p – numeric.s > len(varchar).

The final result.

DECLARE

@BAN_Orig_Text	varchar(50)

,	@BAN_Mod_Text		varchar(50)

, @BAN_Num				numeric(26,0)

, @Len						int

--- To pick the right (p,s) value above... --- 26 = 26-0, 27-1, 28-2, 29-3, 30-4, 31-5, 32-6, 33-7, 34-8, 35-9

-- Set the variables SELECT @BAN_Orig_Text = '00191011528700000014881201' , @Len = LEN(@BAN_Orig_Text) -- Move the first 4 digitis to the right of the number. Just because. , @BAN_Mod_Text = Right(@BAN_Orig_Text, @Len - 4) + Left(@BAN_Orig_Text, 4)

-- The work of converting... SELECT @BAN_Num = CONVERT(numeric(26,0),LTrim(@BAN_Mod_Text))

-- Display the results SELECT [BAN_Orig] = @BAN_Orig_Text, [BAN_Num] = @BAN_Num

Customizing a Windows Theme

snapjag — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 20:09:42 +0000

Ever want to create a new theme for your desktop? Microsoft offers great instructions to accomplish this. All you need is:

An active imagination
A photo you have taken, that’s rather descent
Colors that match your photo and style
Fonts that are a pleasure to read and nothing way too funky or this turns people off

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/customize-a-theme

If you need some photos, please visit our site at http://folio.snapjag.com; if you see something you like, email me and get a price for the download most are $5 for a 1024×768 desktop download.

WebsiteSpark Program for Noobies and Small Businesses

snapjag — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 21:25:02 +0000

Microsoft has been moving at lightning speed to give software away. Especially to web professionals that want to make a huge difference in their new start-up career. They may actually be on their way to provide a great stimulus package, that’s what I think. When Microsoft decides to give away thousands of dollars of software for free, you should perk up and listen. WebsiteSpark is a participation program you will not want to look past.

It’s difficult to start a business and the tools to use in your profession are required to be effective and useful. Well, that effort just got a ton easier in the programming industry. There are some “hoops” to pass through and some fees that can be assessed if you exit the program early, but they are significantly less than the upfront costs to get started. A similar program was introduced last year Dreamspark and enhanced this year to offer High School students with a free programming software bundle. It used to only be fore College students. Now, that same concept has been extended and is introduced to small business and noobies that want to start programming. I wish I had this opportunity when I was first starting out. I bought Visual Basic 1.0 Standard at my University at the whopping student discount price of $500.00, upfront.

Get on board with this and make a name for yourself. It’s definitely worth it. The worst of it is, if you exit the program and pay a measly $100.00. That’s small potatoes compared to the $1000.00 price tag for the bundle just to get the software. It’s almost like a try before you buy shareware program, but you’re actually encouraged to develop production software. What do you have to lose, $100.00, but you have everything else to gain. WebsiteSpark may be your ticket to the big leagues and eventually a big fat check.

So some of the conditions are:

Pay $100 to exit the participating program
Membership can also last no more than three years, after which time Microsoft, of course, hopes you sign on as a Network Partner.
You must roll-out a new application or website within 6 months of joining.
If you hit the big times, the ride is over; but you may not care since would be living the fat life.

Dreamspark Opportunity Extended

snapjag — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 20:51:51 +0000

The opportunity for students just got a little sweeter. It used to be that under the Dreamspark program, college students wanting to get their feet wet in programming, could signup for the program and receive some of Microsoft’s flagship programming applications for free! Yes, free! When did Microsoft ever offer something for free. Well, they got close … it is free … however, they simply want to make sure the offer is being provided to the right market group. Students.

The sweet spot just hit by offering this now not to just College students, but now High School students. In the grades from 9 through 12. The “very small” catch is that the students must go through a few “small” hoops to get it. I would highly advise that anyone in school from grade 9 to college look into this … it’s great. The students in High School will need to have the assistance of a school representative to make the requests, download the keys, and download the software for the student, but that’s a small price to pay for the really small price to start getting into programming.

Buy plan for custom wood game

snapjag — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 22:23:35 +0000

Build a custom wood-working game with our plan today. If you don’t have time, I will build one for you.

Ever need a game that will consume the kids time and give them hours of fun. This game is for kids 6+, scouts, teenagers, or adults who can play while on trips, at home, or anywhere? I have made a great step-by-step plan to build the game.

This can be a great scout project for a camp gadget or wood-working project. It could even be an eagle project to give the games to others. This is our SlapStick(tm) stick-hockey game. It is a 5′x3′ stick-hockey game with sides, a center piece and slots for the puck to slide. All you need are sticks (broom sticks) and a hockey puck. Very sturdy. Very straight forward. Detailed plans are $7.00.

It can be played by two or four people. Hours of fun. Enjoy the time together. The game can be built on your own for just under $30.00 material (not including the tools) or I can build you the game for $45.00.

I also build other wood-working items like name plates, simple toys, seasonal art work, wood phrase writings, and other things found at The Quilted Bear, Michaels and other places. $25/hour + materials.

TwilightMOMs Event On B98.7

snapjag — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 14:39:23 +0000

Both of SnapJag Creative Designs hosted sites are receiving special attention today … TwilightMOMS.com and EventsByAlice.com.

Kirsten Wright was on the radio this morning at 8:30 AM with B98.7 of Salt Lake City, Utah and Mitch Hansen from the Mitch Hansen band. The Mitch Hansen band is the premier Twilight band that tours the country attending events, promotionals, and performing concerts. A great band with great music!

If you listen to the radio at 8:30 AM this morning you will hear the special events that will be out on in the valley at the Expo Center.

This logo designed by SnapJag CD

Revealed is the New Moon Experience on November 19th and continuing through the 20th. There are packages to purchase which include a deluxe package with a concert ticket, music CD, SWAG and more. Check out their site to find out how to order your ticket today.

Congratulations to two of our hosted sites.

Morgan Funeral Ceremony Photos

snapjag — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 23:10:25 +0000

It was a tragic time in the life of some close friends who unfortunately lost their four month old daughter. It as an accident that could probably have been avoided, but nontheless occurred and had to be dealt with on a day by day basis. Having been asked to take some photos of the family and the funeral services was bitter sweet request. It’s an unfortunate event and at the same time a precious opportunity to capture a family coming together to witness the respect and ceremonial services of a loved one.

We love and support you in your efforts, knowing that God is keeping Morgan safe in his arms awaiting the return of others to live forever in peace.

This is the gallery of the services, so if you are a family member, you will have a password to see the entire set of photos. If you aren’t, sorry, but the privacy of the family is foremost on this solem occaision. We will though provide you with a sample.

The E Center Seating

snapjag — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 22:51:55 +0000

Our latest endeavor has been been to update the seating charts at The E Center website. They have turned out great and has had a tremendous impact on the visibility of The E Center and helped visitors in having a rich experience knowing where their seats are in the arena.

In recent months, the E Center of West Valley City, Utah has launched a new website using many of our photos in their gallery in addition to the introductory billboard photos cycling on each and every page. Being the Head Photographer of the E Center has been a great pleasure and opportunity to provide my skills to the community and help increase visibility of great concerts and events at the E Center.

In the near future, we will be putting together a some new capabilities to the seating charts, come back often to see what is in store. We don’t want to spoil the surprise, but we’re sure we will help provide you with a visually pleasing toy to play with. Hint: how do you know you will like right where you’re sitting without actually being in the seats?

See the seating charts here.

Remove or Change the Joomla Welcome Message

snapjag — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 14:33:08 +0000

After joomla is installed, a “Welcome to the front page” message appears. This may be what you want, but not around here. It’s something that just screams “amateur. You can make a few changes to your site that help escape the entry-level mentality and apperance and it doesn’t take a lot to do it. It does take however some telling you that it needs to be done, and it takes you to hear it and take the advice.

Another great reason for changing this text is because this is the phrase or title that appears in the toolbar, in the tab, and the content title page in SEO. So, make it a good title, but show it or don’t show it, depends on your preference to that page.

A page title banner exists like this for every page. This one happens to be on the Home page under your Main Menu. It’s on the menu content placeholder when you press the title of your website. Find that page and follow the instructions below.

These are the instructions to remove the yelling statement:

Find the menu that is used for your front page (or any other Title Page banner you want to adjust)
Click on the page that is presented for that menu.
Expand the Parameters – System section
Either change the name of the title or indicate Show Page Title = No

For me, I prefer show Page Title = No for this page because I want the post header to speak for itself. But that’s up to you. At least change it from “Welcome to the Front Page” and with this one change, you increase in major skill points.