The Lady Programmer

I am into Information Technology and to really progress through the IT career, knowledge of new technologies is very important. Certifications taken years back may not be useful anymore, due to the surge of new computer technologies that are constantly being introduced in the IT world. The IT is different from other occupation in the sense that certifications always keep the IT professionals abreast with the latest technologies.

Getting a Cisco certification could really be worth pursuing for those whose IT jobs are pretty much related to this profession. According to PayScale.com, Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) whose work is into network administration, their median salary is $50,376 in the US. TCPmag.com has also stated that CCNA workers get an average of $76,500 in 2006 to 2007 – a rise from the average of $60,000 in 2004. Cisco trained personnel are indeed one of the most sought after jobs because there are only a few who are certified enough to maintain and setup computers and machines that power up the backbone of the internet.

One can get a head start in Cisco training through Cisco Learning Network. Cisco Learning Network has all the necessary Cisco training that it can offer – from IP networking to more advanced courses such as Advanced Routing and Switching, Security and Wireless LAN. CCNA Wireless network is one hot occupation – this is truly the trend that the world tries to adapt and Cisco Learning Network discusses the reasons about this growing need for Cisco skills.

Do you have special preference for folk-rock and acoustic music? I do, and I always love to listen to music as I go about my daily freelance programming and blogging duties.

I just got into Sites and Sounds where I took out a couple of songs that are related to these favorite genres of music. Those who are into country, ballad, pop, alternative and other related genre may also find some gold mine here. Give it a try – the link below should get you started with the site:

Get free music at Sites and Sounds

I’m not saying that this site is a repository of MP3 music – it is actually a great new blog that unearths lesser known artists that are hanging around iTunes and LastFM… Well, lesser known as they’d be they deserve to be given chances to be listened and appreciated. What I like about the music of these people is that their music does not get all worn-out in famous record stores. Best of all their music is free – probably because they depend more on the internet population to bring their music to the world.

Head over now and discover New and Free music at Sites and Sounds. You might even be surprised to be one of the first to listen to music before the artist gets to be known the world over.

I found another opportunity that bloggers might want to know particularly those who like to earn some additional cash from their blogs. SocialSpark is an site that I have been looking for writing opportunities. I got this blog approved with them and now I am writing a first post about this one.

Writing paid posts is not something new to what I have been doing; I used to get to some paid posting opportunities and get to grab some jobs off them. I have earned quite an amount of money from the other blog that I am writing for another paid posting site. However, joining SocialSpark was an entirely new experience: it is a combination of a blossoming social network and a host of opportunities that are willing to pay for a quick buzz. The social network gives the advantage to promote one’s blog and the opportunities are out for participating bloggers to grab a posting slot. Promoting one’s blog is not limited to simply adding friends to one’s list, expecting others to take a peek. It is possible to exchange a post with other bloggers to help with the traffic.
I found several opportunities where this blog qualifies for some of the posted jobs. These opportunities are different from the one that I have seen in other paid posting sites. I am hoping I could get to write some posts out from the open opportunities, just like what I did before.

I’ve noticed that SocialSpark is active in making sure that bloggers observe these code of ethics:

• 100% Audit-able In-Post Disclosure.

• 100% Transparency.

• 100% Real Opinions.

• 100% Search Engine Friendly.

After a couple of slot reservations and using my one request for a sponsored post, I finally stumbled on an opportunity to discuss SocialSpark. Believe me, I am actually getting paid for doing this one!