Alternatives to the programming test used for hiring

What’s with the Programming Test ?!

Perhaps a more revealing test would be to provide a problem with a
partially working/designed solution, asking the candidate to
complete/ehance/correct the solution. 

This approach may then give the candidate the ability and freedom
to be a little more creative than they might otherwise be, while also
allowing the employer to assess their skills across a range of areas,
ie design, coding style and general problem solving ability.

Snappy Answers to Stupid Programming Questions

Wayback Machine Site

This site archives websites

Microsoft Win32 to Microsoft .NET Framework API Map

Finally. I’ve been using this and this sites before coming across this Microsoft Page.

HDTV

I’m usually a little late to the game.  I was with my new XBOX and DVR. I don’t have HDTV.  I’d like it, just haven’t been motivated to research it.  Robert offers a reason to stay away from HDTV, though posted I’m sure tongue-in-cheek, I’m using it as an excuse to wait a little longer.  After all, I recently canceled my cable.  Still, all those Netflix movies we get…

Word 7.0 to support blogging

I guess this is good news.  Can’t hurt right?  As long as they support Typepad.  I primarily post when I’m using my aggregator or browser so switching over to Word and require it be running may not be convenient.  If Word simply generated clean HTML that would be 90% of what I would want.  I don’t mind copying and pasting into my blogging service post page.  I hope, and I’m sure I will like it and use it next time I buy Word in two or three years (I just got a new computer with Office).

Easy way to view home values

Found out about Zillow from ABC Nightline tonight.  Very cool.

Software Engineer: Best Job In America

Thanks for the post Brent about the Money article. I wanted to link to it but couldn’t find the link.  Didn’t show up in NewsGator Online or on your homepage.

1. Software Engineer- (Avg salary: $80,500. 10-Year Growth 46%, Avg Annual Job Openings 44,800)

Why it’s great Software engineers are needed in virtually every
part of the economy, making this one of the fastest-growing job titles
in the U.S. Even so, it’s not for everybody.

Designing, developing and testing computer programs requires some
pretty advanced math skills and creative problem-solving ability. If
you’ve got them, though, you can work and live where you want:
Telecommuting is quickly becoming widespread.

The profession skews young — the up-all-night-coding thing gets tired
– but consulting and management positions aren’t hard to come by once
you’re experienced.

What’s cool Cutting-edge projects, like designing a new video
game or tweaking that military laser. Extra cash from freelance gigs.
Plus, nothing says cool like great prospects.

What’s not Jobs at the biggest companies tend to be less
creative (think Neo, pre-Matrix). Outsourcing is a worry. Eyestrain and
back, hand and wrist problems are common.

Top-paying job Release engineers, who are responsible for the final version of any software product, earn six figures.

Education Bachelor’s degree, but moving up the ladder often requires a master’s.

The Definitive CSS Galleries List

Need ideas for your web site design? Here are some sites to get you started, compiled by Kesley.

Is alcohol a sin?

Is it wrong to drink alcohol?
Is drinking alcohol or getting drunk a sin?
What does the Bible say about alcohol?

Bryan answers these and more

[via Richard]

Media Center Links

Setting up a Media Center Extender

Converting DVR-MS files

Fun with DVR-MS. Article about program to modify metadata (includes source)
Thread discussing how to burn/edit recorded shows to DVD (content may be dated)
Transcript with Windows Media Center experts
One guy’s method of convering DVR-MS to DVD
DVRMSToolbox

Comparing Media Center with Tivo and Cable boxes