As I go through the process of getting familiar with Google AppEngine, I'll post interesting things I learn (mostly so I can find them later). Here's a quick note on GQL query syntax:

Assuming a model called Customer, you can use:

1) customers = db.GqlQuery("SELECT * FROM Customer ORDER BY name LIMIT 10")

2) And since GQL queries always return data objects, you can skip the SELECT * and abbreviate to:

customers = Customer.gql("ORDER BY name LIMIT 10")

3) You can also use parameters like this:

customers = Customer.gql("WHERE name = :1 ORDER BY name LIMIT 10", "Smith")

4) And finally, #3 with named parameters like this:

customers = Customer.gql("WHERE name= :person ORDER BY name LIMIT 10", person="Smith")

Found this little gem on my Facebook feed today. Glad that Shaun has finally come around and become a fan of DotNetNuke.

Got word today that I have received the Microsoft MVP Award for the third time. Of course it is April 1, so it could all be a big joke. I am hoping not.

Dear Nik Kalyani,  

Congratulations! We are pleased to present you with the 2008 Microsoft® MVP Award! The MVP Award is our way to say thank you for promoting the spirit of community and improving people’s lives and the industry’s success every day. We appreciate your extraordinary efforts in ASP/ASP.NET technical communities during the past year...

I am honored. Thanks Microsoft.