In this month’s Architectural Journal there was a fantastic article by SQL Server MVP Paul Nielsen entitled The Nordic Object/Relational Database Design. This design basically adds OODBMS features on top of a RDBMS, creating a hybrid with the advantages of both while simultaneously removing (most of) the disadvantages of both.
It's a brilliant piece, incredibly simple, and a worth-while read for anyone that loves object-oriented and finds O/R Mappers overly-cumbersome. I have to wonder if, by day, Mr. Nielsen is really mild-mannered reporter Clark Kent. I can hardly wait for the book, due out this December. I've already asked my wife to get it for me for Christmas. (Yes, I do realize that I'm a total geek with no sense of real fun)
I also find Mr. Nielsen's views a refreshing contrast to the last SQL Server MVP with whom I spoke.