SQL Server seems like it would be important enough to be mostly bug-free, but I came across what I think it a rather major flaw in the reporting services.

I tried to use this function to set a field.

=IIf(IsNumeric(Fields!Data.Value), CDbl(Fields!Data.Value), Fields!Data.Value)

Simple, right? If the value is a number, then turn it into a number so I can use numeric formatting methods on it.

If it's not a number, then just leave it alone and display it.

Does it work? No. It fails because SQL is too stupid to ignore the statement that should only be invoked if the condition is met.

If the data is not numeric, I get an error because SQL tries to do the CDbl conversion anyway.

Here is my solution:

=IIf(IsNumeric(Fields!Data.Value), CDbl(IIf(IsNumeric(Fields!Data.Value), Fields!Data.Value, "0"), Fields!Data.Value)

Clever? Maybe. It certainly illustrates how stupid SQL is being.

Now where's Bill???

Suddenly the Leafs are entertaining again. The last two games were great fun, but I think the real question here is this:

How much can they hurt themselves, while still leaving us without playoff hockey?

Last year it was a single point. They did as well as they could, getting as poor a position in the draft as they could muster, without actually giving us any playoff excitement.

This year they're within 5 points and driving to get closer.

Actually making the playoffs is once again a pipe dream, but it seems they're all about shooting themselves in both feet at the end of the season, once thoughts of post-season play are out the window.

Way to go, boys!

Of course, it's not really their fault at this point in the game. We want them to win. But what about Cliff Fletcher? Wasn't he brought in to get all their ducks in a row so the team can improve for the future? After doing much of nothing at the trade deadline, shouldn't he at least be sending people to the minors to bring up some newcomers for experience? Shouldn't he be playing 3rd string goalies to give them a taste of the big time? Isn't his job to make them lose now, while the players do whatever they can to win?

A cafe mocha is delicious.

Mixing a packet of hot chocolate in with a cup of french roast coffee is not.