interview questions

* What types of projects (academic or otherwise) have inspired you in the past?
* What are some self-directed missions that may have influenced your career direction?
* How does our company fit into your vision?
* What are some things that excite and motivate you?
* Describe a time you had to work with someone you didn't like.
* Tell me about a time when you had to stick by a decision you had made, even though it made you very unpopular.
* How would you handle a boss you suspected of performing unethical actions?
* Would you describe yourself as an innovative person? Give us an example of something particularly innovative that you have done that made a difference in the workplace.
* What was the last time you were late with a project?
* Putting you on the spot: How do you feel this interview is going?

language dependancy of good tools

Expect: tcl/tk
Watir: Ruby/WET

There are not many good reasons to nail these good/powerful tools to specific languages and restrict it's wide spread usage. On the other hand, nailing them to language gives the marketing muscle to tag on to existing bandwagon. Both products (Ruby/Watir - Expect/tcl) get cross promotion benefits. From a person who don't know both, it is additional thing to learn - instead of reusing sh and perl...

ssh tunnelling

On the receiving server edit the /etc/ssh/sshd_config file. Replace AllowTcpForwarding yes. restart sshd (or reboot) for this setting to take effect.

On the receiving server say
ssh -L:localhost: @ -N

On the sourcing/originating/'client' machine say
sh -L:localhost: @ -N

Now you can use any tool on the 'client' machine as though the server is running locally - only caution is to know that you have to use the credentials of the remote machine as needed. For example, if you want to use MySQL query browser on the client, you have to give the credential of the username of the machine on which the MySQL server is running. This will be the machines account - not mysql account.

soundid

Currently, the price of SoundID products are on the higher range of the spectrum compared to similar mobile phone products in the market - hopefully, they are superior in sound quality as compared to inexpensive ones.
Company founded in Jan 2000
SoundID uses csr bluetooth module
Potential for WiFi taking over bt
Company seems to have strong medical background (notice the founders and investors background)
Possibility of some one breaking bt encryption and putting audio in all available ear pieces around - devastating impact (as the modules might be useless or costly upgrades)

Investors' exist strategy:
Texas Instrument buying
IPO not likely until the sale of minimum 100K/Year.
Dependency on overseas manufacturing

Alviso

Ghost towns in the bay area:
Drawbridge, California (Near Alviso) and
Holy City, California (on HW 17)

Alviso north of 237 is a old Mexican town. Many homes & establishments are old and having Mexican flavor all over. There is a train track and the trains go on them ones a day or so (actively used).
The southern part of Alviso is modern and have newer companies like other areas in the south bay. Guadalupe River and Coyote Creek flood here... Last big flood was in 1983. The levee has been strengthened since.

http://alviso.com/

Mexican restaurant visited: Marie Elena's Restaurant in Gold Street.

Alviso is currently part of SJ (not too sure).
An electric generator came to the town during the fall of Gov Davis - California energy crisis.

The property was owned by an old short lady who died recently.

wsdl studios

AboveAll Studio from www.aboveallsoftware.com
StylusStudio from www.stylusstudio.com
SOAtest™ from www.parasoft.com
soapUI from www.soapui.org

watir good and bad

Ruby : What I liked
1. installed just fine on my Windows XP machine
2. It has interactive command-line interpreter and compile version (interpreter excellent for quick and dirty jobs as well as prototyping - where compile is considered extra step..)
3. Ruby is new and hot - there seems to be more momentum (Folks looking for the next big thing - after java)
4. Ruby seems to be small foot print and can be compiled on many platforms - portability
5. Ruby implements package management, RubyGems, to distribute components efficiently.
6. Ruby Application Archive (RAA) and RubyForge are repository focused on Ruby.
7. 'Ruby on Rails' is application framework
8. rake is the ruby build system available on rubyforge

Watir:
1. SilkTest and WinRunner rule the webUI funcitonal/regression testing/automation arena - for good reason. They both do a good job at what they claim.
2. The price is on the higher end for people who look for open source as their default search. Evaluation copy/free copy is not easy to get for small/'not so serious' players.
3. Available only for Windows and I belive only for IE.
4. Now comes the Watir, a framework running on Ruby.
5. Tried installing it and it went smooth.
6. Tried the google example - went very smooth
7. Tried Hotmail login that uses cross domain cookies - it just wouldn't work
8. Checking the forums - looks like if IE complains, Watir will complain too. But, this statement don't look right to me as IE don't actually complain (even though it is doing things that IE might not like...)
9. Willing to risk using Watir expecting it to mature eventually.

bub road companies

http://www.bluelane.com/
http://www.luminousnetworks.com/ - take over?

Bay Shore Tech Park companies

http://www.bayshoretechpark.com/ Bay Shore Tech Park
http://www.btcommercial.com/ NAI BT Commercial
Harvest Properties

http://www.i2cinc.com/
http://www.qwikker.com/
http://www.wideray.com/
http://www.novawavetech.com/
http://www.centralitycomm.com/
http://www.strongmail.com/
http://www.planetweb.com/
http://www.clickatell.com/
http://www.wherifywireless.com/
http://www.shutterfly.com/

Iain's company

// Iain Huxley
// President
// Mindspike Technologies
// http://mindspike.com
// Ph: (510) 339 7789

activity noticed around Date: Mon, 13 Mar 2000 22:44:23 -0800

hr-xml open source

Open Source/Collaborative Projects

Trevor Harmon saw my reponse to a comment concerning “candidate-centered” HR-XML and the various related open source and collaborative initiatives leveraging HR-XML.

Trevor tells me that a new release of “HR-XSL” is available. “HR-XSL is a Source Forge project providing a set of command-line tools that transform a curriculum vitae or résumé in XML format into PDF, HTML, or plain text format.

The HR-XSL Source Forge site also provides a list of related open source projects. Combining that list with a few open source or collaborative efforts of which I’m aware, I’ve come up the list below, which will be maintained in HR-XML’s members wiki.
.

HR-XSL The HR-XSL project provides a set of command-line tools that transforms a curriculum vitae or résumé in XML format into PDF, HTML, or plain text format.

Open Source Recruiter (SourceForge) - A Java toolkit for creating and manipulating HR-XML résumés.

Jerimoth (SourceForge) - A Java-based web service for posting HR-XML résumés.

Open Human Resources (SourceForge) - An open repository for various Human Resource components that communicate using HR-XML via SOAP.

OpenSkills (Wikipedia) - A global non-profit association that provides a freely searchable database of résumés based on HR-XML.

xmlresume (SourceForge) - An open source project that defines both the data layer and the presentation layer of a résumé. It uses a custom (non-HR-XML) data format.

Sample solution for Recruiting (GotDotNet)

XML Forms Generator (AlphaWorks)

HR-XML is pleased that communities of imaginative developers are leveraging HR-XML standards in open source and collaborative projects. Of course, HR-XML isn’t affiliated with any of these initiatives and cannot recommend or warrant the suitability of the work for any purpose. However, we’d like to hear your opinions if you’ve tried to apply any of the above resources.

main article

Invisalign SQA activities

Invisalign is invisible way of straightening teeth. The company behind it is AlignTech in SantaClara. The competitor (claimed as patent infringe) is OrthoClear is based in SFO and manufacturing in Pakistan. AlighTech has requested for stopping the import.
The web sites for these 2 companies are similar looking. The doctor/orthodontist certification program is looking identical. Ormco is another competing company.

VIP - Virtual Invisalign Practice, a web page for hosting Doctor's info
ClinCheck - Electronic manufacture of invisiallign. Custom made - more than 20,000,000. This is considered as mass manufacturing of custom made item in any category.
vip.invisalign.com
aligntech has offshore component to testing (from their hiring)

Few HR providers for AlignTech collected from the job boards are ATR International and Xoriant. There is a SQA Manager position available with this company but there is a goof up in the web page, where it is not indexed - getting less visibility to this opening.
Invisalign manufacturing process is outlined in the pdf doc that outlines 6 step process 1) Capturing tooth anatomy with impressions 2) creating 3D image 3) planning virtual treatment (computerized movie on ClinCheck) 4) Creating stereolithography (sla) 5) create alligners 6) Ready to ship

outsourcing backlash is noted in Annual Report 2005 where the party 1 to 2 switch made in 2005Q4 and swich back from 2 to 1 in 2006Q1. Incidentally this was not also as per plan check Form 10Q for period ending Sept 05.

Cecilia Claudio, CIO and vice president of engineering for Align Technology, a Santa Clara maker of orthodontic products, and a board member of RampRate LLC, an IT outsourcing advisor in Santa Monica, Calif seems to have promoted the outsourcing effort per infoworld. AlighTech got a new CIO who started as of 12/12/05 (from google finance).

2006 US-Iran war? Isral-Lebanon

Israel attacking Iran supported Hezbollah in Lebanon. US does not say harsh words on Israel’s action - indicating that it is approved personally by Bush.

Rice has quoted "We're also taking about a durable way to end the violence" - meaning Rice is supporting the current aggression against Lebanon (similar to US invading Iraq - on pre-emptive strike). The 2 soldier kidnapping appears to be the excuse for going ahead with the large scale operation - with many causalities.

recruiter job responsibilities

Generate strong pipeline candidate flow through referrals and networking.
Manage job fair show and conference schedule.
Identify and recruit passive candidates.
reading of white papers, cold calling and referrals.

Create successful hiring practices and streamline process.
Manage day to day operations in staffing.
Provide interview training to staff and executive staff.
Reduce the use of agencies by shifting the focus to direct sourcing and referrals.
Managers create efficient methods to streamline the interview, feedback, and offer processes.
Strategies such as leveraging contacts and resumes to more effectively pool efforts. Worked with in house ATS and offer work flow to process offers and a more efficient interview process.
Compensation surveys.

Types of candidates:
Active candidates
Job board candidates
Passive candidates
ERP candidates
Somewhat active candidates
Drawn-to-your-website candidates
Pseudo-passive candidates
Help wanted candidates
Job fair candidates
The-person-you-met-on-the-plane candidates
College recruiting candidates
Internal promotion candidates

Tips
Get candidates mentally involved in their new company before they actually start.
Direct source candidates from other companies.
Push hiring managers.
Follow up with candidates after the hire.

HR-XML

HR-XML creates specs for exchanging HR information in a standard way. Few collections of specs include: Benefits Enrollment, Benefits Enrollment, Payroll, Time Card, Stock Plans, Staffing Exchange Protocol, Staffing Industry Data Exchanges Standards and Background Checking. Who all use HR-XML specs: Recruiting, Competencies, Assessments, Background Checks, Payroll, Employee Benefits, Staffing - Temporary / Contingent, Metrics & Stock Plans
We have certification programs as well for HR-XML. Some of the users/applications are: Applicant Tracking System, Assessment Provider, Background Check / Screening Services Provider, Benefits Services Outsourcer, Benefits Plan / Carrier, Employer / Core HR System, Job Board / Career Site, Payroll Services Outsourcer, Staffing Customer & Staffing Supplier.

wkipedia on recruiting

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Resume
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Background_check
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reference#Personal_references
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Non-disclosure_agreement
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Recruiter
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Recruitment
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Employment_agency
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timesheet
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Job_interview
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Recruitment_process_outsourcing
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temporary_work
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Time_tracking_software
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Invoice
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_time_tracking_software
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Consultant
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Information_technology_consulting
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Purchase_order
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Accounts_payable
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Payroll
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_Resource_Management_Systems
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trial_balance
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petty_cash
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Professional_services
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Business_consultant
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Staffing
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Termination_of_employment
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Independent_contractor
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knowledge_economy
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Competitive_advantage
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Professional_employer_organization
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Layoff
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Severance_package
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Job_search_engine
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Job_hunting
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Business_network
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cold_calling
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vertical_search


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monster.com
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indeed.com
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simply_Hired

http://www.indeed.com/about.jsp

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contract


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Permatemp

jobboards
Resume Portfolio

build a database of consultants and their employees/contacts
--- why don't I make a small book out of this info?

American hypocrisy

Americans is calling for sunnies and sheiads to come together - while American's deny talking to other peer geo political entities like Iran and North Korea.
Americans asking other countries not to perform nuclear test - due to safety reason - while Americans are the only geo political entity who has used atomic bomb against humans.
Americans are working on technologies that kill and harm more humans than any other nation. (read - bunker busters, smart bombs).
Americans claim to be transparent democracy. I don't know what's democracy. Democracy is one of the most cleverly used word in the 21st century in a disadvantage to the poorer country by richer countries.
American want Chinese currency to be adjusted - while they never cared when American's buying power against many poor nations were climbing for decades.

Parker Ranch Trail

Parker Ranch Trail links to Fremont Older Open Space. There is a real vertical streach that's challenging. Also, at prospect road, when you take the back roads, you see the back yard of rich homes and they are some times pretty. http://www.saratoga.ca.us/pdf/trails/parker%20ranch%20trail.pdf

Reached 1/4 the way on July 15th, 2006.

Looks like next to the rail road, there might be a trail that could be really taking all the way. Need to check this out some day.

gc progress

good news for friends: Sasi got EAD & Karthik finger printing

bday note

Over the past 16 years you have extended selfless love and affection to us as parents and to friends. Thank you.
Your passion has been in the areas of painting (not drawing), teaching (sharing of knowledge and skills), art reproduction (cartoons / latch hook / stuffed toys) and dance (Stage act and story telling - with/without music).
You have expressed your interest in professions such as 1) astronaut 2) marine biologist 3) school teacher 4) animator (story teller – in different media?).
You liked to swim (love water), snow (solid water!) & sleep in a little bunk bed on a snowy place in a small cabin house.
You loved Swiss - a small tucked away town. You chose Swiss for the snow and also for its peace loving policy - non participation in wars for decades.
You have a nice balance of artist and analytic skills (Math/programming).
As for educators, you liked your English Teacher Richards, your 7th grade Math teacher and your dance teacher Suganda.
Last few words at this juncture in your life - be yourself (not easy always), be happy and try to bring happiness in to as many as you can.