If you hate SQL, you will love LINQ

Great overview of LINQ by Anders Hejlsberg: http://channel9.msdn.com/showpost.aspx?postid=114680. It could be the most career enhancing 37 minutes you spend this year.

My highlight: Query the database using your favorite (.NET) general purpose programming language, and make objects (defined on the fly if you wish) or XML (with groovy construction syntax) directly.

UPDATE: Steve found a nice summary and example page.