>>>As for the table names - it is not exactly a personal preference. I think there should be some good standards in naming database objects. I do know many high regarded Database Experts who favor plural for table names.
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>>I've seen some literature that suggests singular for master tables containing business entities and then plural for tables containing historical transactions.
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>>But I agree with Mike Yearwood, the best practice is one of consistency. A truly "high regarded database expert" is not going to fall on his/her sword on this topic, and is far more interested in practices than standards.
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>I am with Joe Celko in this regard. He is a great authority when it comes to standards. In fact, he would prefer Personnel to Employees as a table name.

Celcko is an authority, but that does not mean he is Always right. In fact he has been show incorrect on multiple occasions. I had a conversation with him many years ago about the relation model where he was taking a different stance than CJ Date and EF Codd, I was on the Date side, he had another view. Well thats fine, but that does not make him being either right or wrong.

I've read his articles for years, but there are guys out there that are more helpfull and knowledgible, esspecially, as kevin says, towards newbees. He can be very rude.... even when proved wrong.

I stopped listening to Celko., it bores me.