Q: LINQ casting with a Data.DataTableCollection I have the following VB.NET code that I am using to sort a Data.DataTable by column count.
For Each dtTarget As Data.DataTable In _
    From x In Target.Tables _
    Where DirectCast(x, Data.DataTable).Rows.Count > 0 _
    Order By DirectCast(x, Data.DataTable).Columns.Count
...
Next

Is there a way to indicate that x is a Data.DataTable without having to DirectCast it each time it is referenced (twice in this case) in the LINQ query?

A: Something like:
Target.Tables.Cast<Data.DataTable>()

and then make your query of that. And you should properly refactor you code into several lines to make it more readable.
(this is C# - but I will translate it, 2 sec)
Translated:
Dim query = From x In Target.Tables.Cast(Of Data.DataTable)() _
 Where x.Rows.Count > 0 _
 Order By x.Columns.Count _
 Select x

For Each dtTarget As var In query
   ...
Next

