iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

James McGillivray @jamesmcg.bsky.social · 8h

RIP Mia. I’m so glad we could give you a better home for the last 8 years of your life, and change you from a flea infested, grumpy lady who had only ever slept outdoors on a mat, to a spoiled grumpy lady who went to the beach, the park, and slept near my feet stinking out my office. Fly high 🌈

Basset hound starting intently into a camera

2 Basset Hounds running on the beach, obviously having fun

Basset hound lying on a bed, covered in a large, fluffy blanket!

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James McGillivray @jamesmcg.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

I hope everyone at #FabConEurope #SQLConEurope has a wonderful time! Such FoMo here, but I will be monitoring the socials for some amazing announcements!

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James McGillivray @jamesmcg.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Another day, another unanimous KPI ruling that the ref got a decision wrong, but not “wrong enough” to warrant an overturn by VAR. VAR has too many competing objectives, which work against each other in many ways. The system has to be changed. jimbabwe.co.za/2026/09/18/v...

jimbabwe.co.za

VAR Has Reached a Tipping Point

Before my life as a data nerd, I spent a number of years as an amateur cricket umpire. I worked hard at it, progressed through the ranks, stood in some good cricket, and generally achieved more tha…

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James McGillivray @jamesmcg.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

jimbabwe.co.za/2026/09/18/v... I wrote something about VAR in English Football, and how sometimes having multiple individually sensible objectives can lead to a system that ends up worse than before. It's not about tech but can be applied in so many aspects of life.

static.klipy.com

Referee Gives Son Heungmin Red Card

Alt: Referee Gives Son Heung-Min Red Card

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James McGillivray @jamesmcg.bsky.social · 16/08/2026

Boring, boring, anti-football etc…

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James McGillivray @jamesmcg.bsky.social · 25/05/2026

Congrats @justinjbird.com on your #sqlFamily FPL win!! Well deserved. I’m hoping to put up more of a challenge next season!

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James McGillivray @jamesmcg.bsky.social · 17/05/2026

Managed to slip in a little Arsenal encouragement into the encore of Last Night of the Proms in Johannesburg this afternoon… (sound is not great, phone mics aren’t well suited to being in the middle of a choir) @arseblog.com @dailycannon.com @gunnerblog.bsky.social @arsenalvisionpodcast.com

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Victoria Holt @victoriaholt.bsky.social · 22/04/2026

for those at #sqlbits who need to get a train through seven tunnel. It is closed due to fire. I'm on a train to Nottingham to go round the closure. The train is waiting for a driver from Bristol on route via taxi

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James McGillivray @jamesmcg.bsky.social · 26/03/2026

My first #MVPSummit has been an amazing experience! I’m so grateful for the opportunity to experience this event!

Obligatory pose in front of the MVP Wall, pointing to my name

Obligatory pose at the Microsoft Sign near Building 7.

My first MVP Summit badge, which includes my name, award category and specialty.

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James McGillivray @jamesmcg.bsky.social · 18/03/2026

The #FabCon and #SQLCon keynote has really emphasised how much Microsoft benefits from the data Community. If you want how you too can benefit from this amazing Community, join me in the Community Lounge on Friday at 9:00 for a session that will enlighten and entertain!

List of sessions at the Community Theatre at FabCon 2026

Obi Wan Kenobi: “This is the session you are looking for”.

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James McGillivray @jamesmcg.bsky.social · 17/03/2026

Interesting arrival in Atlanta, the part I was stressed about was painless, but then I got to my hotel to find that the area was suffering a large blackout and no check-ins could be done. After a couple of hours and no end in sight, I found another hotel, so getting some well deserved rest now!

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James McGillivray @jamesmcg.bsky.social · 15/03/2026

The @arseblog.com extra intro may be longer than the show if we find any more language clips

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James McGillivray @jamesmcg.bsky.social · 27/02/2026

Post a pic you took, no context, to bring some zen to the feed.

A lilac-breasted roller, beautiful South African bushveld bird, sits on a small branch. The bird is a variety of blues, purples and pinks.

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James McGillivray @jamesmcg.bsky.social · 20/02/2026

@orbinho.bsky.social Is there a way to look at the Arsenal game states in the periods of games after Gyokeres has been taken off? Feels like that despite all the (justified) criticism of his lack of effect on games, we have frequently surrendered advantages when he has gone off.

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James McGillivray @jamesmcg.bsky.social · 09/02/2026

21 Weeks of Crazy Late Nights and Crazy Early Mornings. All worth it!!! Sam Darnold, WHAT A STORY!! #SuperBowl Champs!! #GoHawks #12s

Photo of me at 5:15AM in Johannesburg, South Africa, celebrating the Seahawks win, wearing all my Seahawks Apparel and drinking tea from my Seahawks mug!

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Matt Gordon @sqlatspeed.bsky.social · 02/02/2026

As of this morning, I am on the job market, #OpenToWork, or however that is designated here. 🙂 I’m immediately looking for a new position, and my DMs are open. Thanks network!

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James McGillivray @jamesmcg.bsky.social · 26/01/2026

SEAHAWKS!!!!! Waking up at 1:30AM totally worth it for that! Love this team!

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James McGillivray @jamesmcg.bsky.social · 01/12/2025

Happy #Whamaggedon day to all who celebrate @justrie.bsky.social @cathrinew.net @justinjbird.com @grrlgeek.bsky.social @tmitch.net @anotarian.bsky.social “This year, to save you from tears, [stay safe indoors] somewhere special!”

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James McGillivray @jamesmcg.bsky.social · 28/11/2025

#sqlfamily please take a moment to like/comment on this Insta competition so my friend can get his parents-in-law to meet their new granddaughter ❤️

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James McGillivray @jamesmcg.bsky.social · 28/11/2025

I don’t think I stand much of a chance to escape #whamaggedon this year. Thankfully it only starts on Monday, otherwise I would already be spending the rest of my days in Whamhalla! Have been ambushed with Last Christmas on 3 separate visits to the shops so far

media.tenor.com

a group of vikings are saluting in front of a sunset .

Alt: a group of vikings are saluting in front of a sunset .

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James McGillivray @jamesmcg.bsky.social · 26/11/2025

Everyone has a plan until they get punched

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James McGillivray @jamesmcg.bsky.social · 20/11/2025

Anyone else struggling with the 300 character limit for #FABCON #SQLCON session abstracts? It feels like I’ve rewritten each of mine 20 times, and I still feel like they’re awful. I can’t seem to fit a why (you should attend) and a what (you should expert to learn) within the limit. #sqlfamily

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James McGillivray @jamesmcg.bsky.social · 28/08/2025

Looking forward to the Microsoft Excel World Championships South Africa Final this weekend! My wife always believed in me (see my birthday gift from her 3 years ago), but it’s nice to have some proof 😁 Looking forward to the challenge!

Banner from the Excel World Championships event where I am currently lying 13th, with 1470 points.

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James McGillivray @jamesmcg.bsky.social · 29/07/2025

In a rather weird coincidence, Arsenal’s two biggest signings this summer have names that fit beautifully into the underlay of choruses of Village People songs. Anyone have some interesting thoughts on how to create chants for Zu-bi-men-di (In the Navy) and Vik-tor Gyo-ko-res (Macho Macho Man)

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James McGillivray @jamesmcg.bsky.social · 01/05/2025

I’m thrilled (and a bit stunned) to be awarded the Microsoft MVP! Hugely grateful to so many whose belief in me changed everything. And to everyone who’s ever watched, read, attended, or chatted, you’re the real MVPs. #MicrosoftMVP #Grateful #DataCommunity #MVPBuzz

The email I received from the MVP Program notifying me that I’d been accepted

Preparing for my in-costume talk at #FABCON, standing in front of the agenda board with my name on it.

Selfie in front of the FABCON letters at the conference.

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James McGillivray @jamesmcg.bsky.social · 23/04/2025

How is that different from the Jarrod Bowen goal last year that cost Arsenal the title? Last year, post in the way and the VAR said it was impossible to say that the ball was out.

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SqlBobScot.bsky.social @sqlbobscot.bsky.social · 15/04/2025

A little update I'm available for hire - if anyone is looking for a 'Chief Power BI Nerd' ? or a 'Data Shepherd, Data Plumber, Data Dance Teacher' Maybe just a Plain Vanilla Senior BI consultant/engineer? Then let me know 😁 www.linkedin.com/posts/rwlpfr...

Gentleman with purple shirt, purple paisley pattern cravat. Short grey hair, grey beard, with glasses and silly smile.

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Daily Cannon @dailycannon.com · 08/04/2025

What a fucking night, Arsenal. Amazing.

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James McGillivray @jamesmcg.bsky.social · 29/03/2025

On the plus side, all that time in transit gave me time to touch up my talk. Hope to see many of you there for my best attempt at a true Vegas-style session, complete with Costumes, Singing, Dancing, and multiple Copyright Infringements! #FabCon

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James McGillivray @jamesmcg.bsky.social · 29/03/2025

Las Vegas, I am in you! Just over 32 hours door to door, but I have survived. Looking forward to a couple of days exploring Vegas, and really excited for #FabCon! But first, SLEEP!

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James McGillivray @jamesmcg.bsky.social · 16/03/2025

Also, drinking bottomless margaritas on the strip is called networking if there’s someone with you…. So anyone interested in networking on the days before or after #FabCon, let me know!

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James McGillivray @jamesmcg.bsky.social · 16/03/2025

If any #sqlfamily will be going into Las Vegas a day or two early for #FabCon and are keen in doing some touristy things (possibly a full day trip to Grand Canyon), I’m looking for exploring buddies!

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James McGillivray @jamesmcg.bsky.social · 14/03/2025

I am so fortunate to be heading to Las Vegas in 2 weeks' time for #FabCon. Would love to see you at my session about the value of community, and the impact it can have on your career. If you haven't already registered, use the code MCGILLIVRAY200 for $200 off fabricconf.com#!/session/Le...

Banner for Discount Code - MCGILLIVRAY200 will give you $200 off the price of registration

Poster for my session at Fabric Conference.
Lean on Your Data Tribe: Thriving Amidst Constant Change

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James McGillivray @jamesmcg.bsky.social · 15/02/2025

Any #sqlfamily people going to Fabric Conf in Vegas and interested in seeing Penn and Teller on Saturday or Sunday before the conference?

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James McGillivray @jamesmcg.bsky.social · 26/09/2024

Bluesky now has over 10 million users, and I was #485,837!

A virtual certificate with text "Celebrating 10M users on Bluesky, #485,837, James McGillivray ‪@jamesmcg.bsky.social‬, joined on Aug 5, 2023"

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James McGillivray @jamesmcg.bsky.social · 17/06/2024

First Father’s Day, and a wonderful weekend away, organised by my amazing wife.

Lying holding my son as he takes his afternoon nap

My son sitting on a deck chair with 2 large, male African elephants.

My son lying on the grass, looking at elephants

Holding my son while lying on the grass in front of the elephants.

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James McGillivray @jamesmcg.bsky.social · 05/01/2024

My son has the incredible ability to even make me look photogenic. Though not nearly as photogenic as my wife, or him. Amazing photos from our newborn photo shoot.

A professional photograph of me holding my son, with both of us wearing flat caps.

My wife and I, dressed in white, holding our newborn son.

My wife and I, wearing Arsenal FC kits, holding our newborn son, who is wearing an Arsenal bib.

My newborn son, wrapped in a green swaddle, and lying in a nest of green foliage and material.

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