This website is all about everything that interests me, Monica Lamb. 

My interests and professional work involve developing speech technology solutions (voice recognition systems, translators, talking web applications) and innovative technologies.

By day, I am a professional web application developer that programs and develops web applications. I’ve been developing and designing professional web applications since January 1996 for small businesses, startups and large corporations.

From December 2005 to May 2006, I spent alot of time editing old php codebases and learning from Senior Software Engineers.  Lately, I spend alot of time evaluating short project requirements, suggesting solutions, and implementing solutions for various websites and internet business ventures.  I enjoy building websites and web applications for clients based on their unique requirements and workflow.

Industry Experience

The industries that I have experience with include casino, banking, finance, multi-media, web design firms, software companies, web-design companies, small start-ups, air-conditioner manufacturer corporation, tobacco manufacturers, adult-entertainment, various retailers, air-conditioning, medical offices, chiropractor office, pharmaceutical corporations, insurance corporations, local newspapers, publishing, and educational institutions.

In my personal life, I enjoy working on robotics, animatronics, and developing next generation social web applications.  I also enjoy a variety of sports including running, swimming, tennis, and of course shopping.  Yes, shopping is a sport for me! I also play classical flute and guitar.  I collect and play with a wide variety of musical instruments.

Skill Keywords

Linux, Apache, Php, MySQL, PostGreSQL, SQL, Ruby on Rails, AIML, html, Xml, Css, Table-less Css, Vxml, Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows NT, Windows ME, Windows XP, Windows CE,  Perl, Object Oriented Php, Jsp, ActionScript, Web 2.0, ActiveX Objects.

Tools of My Trade 

Zend Studio, Scite, Macromedia, Macromedia Flash, Macromedia Fireworks, Macromedia FreeHand, MASH, Macromedia DreamWeaver, Microsoft Visual SourceSafe, Svn, SSH Tectia Client, Gobby, Telnet, Putty

Philosophies I like to practice

Behavior Driven Development, Agile Web Development, Extreme Programming, Napkin Driven Development, Test Driven Development ( I tried but have to finally admit I rarely practice TDD), Human Friendly Solutions that are also ergonomically comfortable and healthy.

Forward Thinking

I am constantly reading up on the latest / greatest technologies and have no fear of the unknown.  If I don’t know how to do something, I can certainly learn quickly on my own and usually hit the ground running. I am also fortunate to have very smart friends and peers that like to share the benefits of their experience and knowledge too!

My Current Technology Passions 

Ruby on Rails framework and agile web development practices have me all fired up.  I feel like a kid in  a candy store with Ajax, Web 2.0, Table-less CSS, Aural CSS, Social Networking, and Mobile technologies. 

Books

I recomend all these books for anyone working in the wonderful field of web technologies.  I have 4 shelves of technology books that I refer to frequently.  I will keep this list short though.

• O’Reilly  my favorite for any topic.
• Agile Web Development with Ruby on Rails.  It’s an excellant start for learning the framework.  If you follow all the exercises in the book, you will have complete Ruby on Rails Web Applications that are beautiful and make you look really smart.
• Bible Books are all good too.  I just wish I had a big robot to carry them around for me where ever I may travel.

• MySQL Bible
• Flash Bible