Can you Please Them All? Universal Search Engine Ranking Algorithms
0 comments Posted by Althauser at 12:20 AMSearch engine specialists used to spend inordinate amounts of time creating pages that ranked well at just one search engine due to algorithmic weighting of known and very specific ranking factors. But with duplicate content penalties and increasing complexity and number of strongly emphasized factors converging, most SEO's are moving toward using tweaks to important pages, rather than what were once known as separate "Doorway pages" or alternately, "Hallway pages" meant for just one engine for dozens of search phrases per engine.
Most SEO firms now realize that the vast majority of referred search traffic comes from Google and that it is followed only (often at less than one-third the referral traffic) by Yahoo and then half as much again from MSN (with Ask trailing far behind at just fractional percentages of the referrals brought by the others). Therefore, most optimization efforts are spent toward making Google happy, and the others will mostly fall in behind by bestowing rankings at similar positions to those achieved at Google. Still, there are many interested in improving positions at Yahoo, MSN and Ask once they have achieved their best rank at the big G.
First speaker Aaron Wall of SEObook.com emphasized that algorithms are always in a state of evolution and offered a brief overview comparing observed ranking factors of each of the top search engines. Wall elicited a chuckle from the audience with the webmaster's quip, "A good search engine is one that ranks my sites well, a bad engine is one in which my site does badly." He suggested that there is "No such thing as a perfect algorithm." Wall asserts that, of necessity, SEO techniques evolve with the algo's. Because you rank well in one engine, it does not mean you'll do well in all.
Infrastructure or algorithmic changes may have unintended side effects. Wall mentioned Google Sandbox effect and suggested that it was really a side effect of an aging factor added to the algorithm, but that its' effect was positive overall to the index, so it was kept. He moved to discuss "Big Daddy" infrastructure effects, which for many webmasters meant large numbers of temporarily disappearing pages dropping from search results.
That effeect of BigDaddy update was widely discussed in webmaster forums when it resulted in wide swings of results for many until the index was able to readjust and settle over a few weeks. Many sites didn't regain positions they had before Big Daddy because they emphasized factors in their optimization that were downgraded by that major overhaul to the Google infrastructure.
Wall mentioned that new publishing formats can create algorithmic "holes" and gave two examples - Wikipedia and blogs. This was an "advanced" session, according to the conference schedule, so terms were not defined and it was assumed that most in attendance understood how different those publishing formats are. He also suggested that many will always attempt to game the system as new formats emerge. (Suggesting that he was aware of those two publishing systems being used to game the search engine ranking system currently.)
Wall continued his rundown, suggesting that Yahoo focus was quite literal for years, but recently changed to be more like Google. "Nepotistic links" still working there. Bias toward commercial sites with their algo's. MSN newest to search and they entered when spam was already heavily gaming system. Google has biased toward information resources like .gov and .edu best at determining true link quality and bad links can hurt crawl depth. Places a lot of weight on domain level trust. Aggressive duplicate content filters. Google looks much more at linguistic patterns than the others and filters out some hyper focused pages. Some have called that "over-optimized".
He mentioned that ASk is not studied as much as others due to small size, so less is actually known about their algo's.
Dave Davies of Beanstalk SEO then took the stand, emphasizing items such as site architecture and URL importance on his first slide, showing standard SEO factors such as key content appearing higher on the page, above the fold. Heads around the room nodded as attendees agreed with the basics as he reviewed each item on the standard SEO checklist.
As he moved to the "code to content ratio" he claimed it was a sizable weighting factor for his clients. While not revealing names of those clients, he did show several slides of example sites with keyword phrases highlighted and circled on the pages. He claims that extensive on page use of javascript, nested tables and complex table structure hurts many sites and that when Beanstalk switched to "table-less design" from table structures, that his own site saw immediate increases in ranking with absolutely no changes to content. He went on to discuss SE friendly URL's and "flat filing" of dynamic content.
Davies said that when optimiizing for separate engines - MSN is by far the easiest, then Yahoo then Google. But then he said, "Ranking on MSN is essentially useless though, so I'd rather be on page three of Google than on page one of MSN." He claimed that relative ranking results in far more traffic, even though few searchers go past the first two pages of results. Google has very much higher referral numbers, so rankings are worth more on page three of Google results than page one of MSN. Determining which engine to target first for top ranking is therefore, quite easy. Ranking on MSN search is still not as valuable as ranking well on Yahoo.
Other factors include age of a page, content adjustments, freshness, keyword density, How it fares in search results (clicks from result pages out to SERP listed site), backlinks, visitor stats and user analysis. Traffic is better that way. Referrer analysis - where are they coming from. Which keyword phrases are actually converting? Path analysis important to determine what users do on the site and then comparing each of the engines for path analysis and which engines result in more referred users taking the most desired action from each engine. Do users referred from MSN result in sales or quote requests? He recommends doing that same analysis at each of the engines referring search traffic.
Next up on the panel of experts for "Can You Please Them All" session was SEO Michael Murray, VP Fathom SEO, who suggested that audience members make slow subtle changes to their important pages and overall to the site, and recommended against major reworking. Don't do a complete overhaul. Make some baby changes first to get rankings and go from there. He warned attendees, "You can't get all the rankings with one page. Think multiple pages to achieve results for different engines.
Murray provided a fun example of what it takes to woo a search engine when he said, "MSN is easy, it just takes a little kiss." The powerpoint slide showed the MSN name and a photo of a Hershey's Kiss. The next slide showed the Yahoo name along with a heart shaped box of chocolates and a couple talking. He said, "Yahoo is fickle. It's sometimes slow but comes around." Then showed a slide for Google showing a box of long stemmed roses, a box of the best Godiva Chocolates and a wedding ring and said, "You've gotta completely romance them."
He emphasized important page structure issues and classifed them in terms of "Tiers: First Second and Third on page architecture." Showing page titles, headings, first paragraph use of keyword phrases. Make good use of the pages you have - Don't abandon longstanding pages for lower ranked terms, add more to pages, rather than swapping new keyword phrases targeting a different term. He gave examples of sites switching content management systems, resulting in complete URL changes site-wide, then asking him, "What happened to our traffic?" A question many SEO's have heard from both new clients coming for initial SEO and long time clients who neglected to tell their SEO they planned the site remake. Few understand the ramifications of site redesign on ranking.
Murray then listed "Keyword development and Assessment tools" like Google 300, Wordtracker KEI, web analytics Sales data, charting performance, influence of root words. Derivitaves of words. No corporate names or bylines in title tags. Use of keywords far more important than the corporate name or catch phrase. Discussed getting ranking 3rd or 4th position on Google until the corporate board of directors asks for company name in the title tag and the site ranking dropped to #22. "Which actually made me happy!" He said he told them rank would drop if the title tag was used for branding and reported the new position to them. They reversed the request and the rank increased after changing back to previous tags.
Get ranking for important keyword phrases first, then adjust tags to include any additional info. He recocmmended that sites don't show "breadcrumbs" for sections of site in title tags, as is often done. Home > Brand > Model > Product is far less important than the actual item description. He recommended what he called "Page Freeze" for backup to previous tags when ranking is lost at any time as was discussed in the example above. Backups of previous tags on well ranked pages should be saved so they can be reverted to those versions if rankings fall following a change to those tags. Home page is best bet for best words. Test tactics, go slowly.
The session turned into a list of best practices and SEO basics when all were done, but proved that it never hurts to pay close attention to what matters most. When top SEO's present that laundry list of issues, it emphasizes how important the basics are to top ranking. The title "Can You Please Them All" was essentially answered, "Yes, if you use best practices and target Google."
Copyright August 8, 2006 by Mike Banks Valentine
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Most women experience PMS symptoms at different points of their lives. PMS (premenstrual symptom) is usually characterized by anxiety, irritability, depression, craving sugary foods and feeling bloated. There are many homeopathic and nutritional solutions for relieving the PMS, but a regular yoga asana practice can be tremendously beneficial as well.
Many women experience chocolate and sugar cravings before periods. Chocolate contains magnesium, a mineral that decreases menstrual cramping and helps normalize glucose metabolism. Magnesium is also found in bananas, dried apricots and almonds, so keep that in mind when the next PMS hits.
Poses for sugar cravings:
Bow Pose - Dhanurasana
The bow stretches and tones the ovaries, uterus, and abdominal organs. It increases the overall energy and improves the mood.
Lay face down on the floor. Bend your knees, grab a hold of the outsides of your ankles and on the inhale come up, arching your back and trying to reach the top of your head and your feet up towards the sky and towards each other. Keep drawing your feet towards each other, eventually drawing your knees together. Hold for five to ten breaths.
Modified Bridge Pose
Modified bridge pose rejuvenates and tones the reproductive organs as well as the abdominal organs, relieving carbohydrate cravings.
Lay down on your back, with the knees bent, soles of the feet hip width apart on the floor, as close as possible to your body. Arms are extended next to your body. On the inhale, raise your seat, your lower back and your middle back upwards, raising up on your toe tips. Take a yoga block and place it on its highest level under your sacrum (a flat bone that's located right under your lower spine.) Place the soles of your feet back on the floor and interlace your fingers on the floor behind the block. Breathe for as long as you need to. You should feel a wonderful sense of release from this pose.
Poses for anxiety and irritability:
Child's Pose
The child's pose focuses the breath on the organ systems in the abdomen and pelvis, which helps massage and tone them. The gentle inversion of head, neck, and torso relaxes the back muscles and eases the lower back pain.
Kneel with your buttocks resting on your heels. Bend at the hips and let your torso relax on your thighs and your forehead rest on the floor. Relax your arms and hands on the floor beside you with the palms up and the fingers pointing toward your feet. Stay for ten breaths.
Upward Facing Dog - Urdva Mukha Svanasana
This pose is a backbend; it tones the abdominal organs. By raising the energy up, it also has a tendency to improve the mood.
Begin with arms bent at the elbows next to your chest, fingers pointing forward, elbows in. On an inhalation, rise up from the forehead, nose, and chin, continuing the stretch through your neck, upper torso, and lower torso until your entire pelvic basin is tilting upward and your thighs are poff the floor. Straighten the arms, broadening your shoulders down and away from the ears, stretching and curving your spine. Your weight is supported on the tops of your feet and your hands.
Poses for Bloating
Modified Wide Angle - boddhakonasana
The modified wide-angle pose reverses the effects of bloating and fluid retention in the legs and feet.
Lie on your back with your pelvis against a wall, your legs extended up the wall, and your arms resting at your sides. Open your legs into a V on the wall. Breathe easily, holding the position for 20 deep breaths.
Shoulderstand, headstand and handstand and plough pose tend to improve the mood as well. However, you should avoid practicing these inverted poses when menstruating.
Now give yourself an extra long Savasana (final relaxation pose.)
Lie on your back with your arms at your sides, palms facing up, and your feet a comfortable distance apart. Close your eyes and relax. Allow the floor to support you.
After the relaxation, meditate for a few minutes. Maybe you saved yourself a trip to GoDiva.
Godiva Chocolates - The Perfect Valentine Heart For Him Or Her
0 comments Posted by Althauser at 6:50 AMThink Godiva chocolates are cliché for Valentine's Day? Think again. Chocolates are the quintessential expression of love and affection! Rich chocolates excite the taste buds and the emotions, too. Chocolates trigger the release of endorphins in the body. Endorphins are the chemicals that make us feel good, happy, and content. Can you see why gifts of chocolate are perfect for Valentine's Day?
Now, here's the best part: You can give Godiva chocolates to your love on Valentine's Day, and you should, because Godiva chocolates are known as one of the very best quality, best tasting, and most loved brands of chocolates the world over.
Combine Godiva with the traditional and endlessly romantic symbol of the heart, and you're sure to win his or her devotion on Valentine's Day and throughout the year - even throughout your lives!
Godiva chocolate hearts aren't limited to one or two gifts. You have some wonderful choices for showing your love this Valentine's Day.
Let's start with the Godiva True Love Heart Box. Give your true love this 29-piece heart-shaped box of chocolate deliciousness that features such tempting and decadent treats as Midnight Swirl, Coconut Pyramid, Almond Praline Raindrop, Cinnamon Blush and more. The sweet variety offered in this beautiful heart, full of rich Godiva chocolates, is the perfect way to express your true affection.
If you really want to impress, go for the Godiva Satin Heart Gift box. This gorgeous keepsake heart box full of treats is decorated in luscious satin. You can tempt your favorite guy or gal with a selection of rich and velvety milk, white and dark chocolates, all nestled in a luxurious box that is worthy of keeping as a remembrance of a particularly romantic day.
Are you looking for a cute, romantic gift to give someone you like a lot, and would like to get to know better? Try the Valentine's Day Chocolate Heart Lollipop by Godiva. Leave this sweet treat where he or she will find it, with a cute note. Godiva Chocolate Heart Lollipops are also great gifts for kids and good friends.
For a delicious indulgence to gift the one you love with, try Godiva Dark Chocolate Heart Biscuits. These traditional European biscuits are heart shaped, topped with dark chocolate and filled with heavenly chocolate truffle cream. Share these over rich coffee after a romantic and sumptuous Valentine's dinner.
Godiva chocolates are the premier chocolate, and Valentine's Day is the perfect time to share such sweet gifts with those you love the most. Both men and women love to indulge in a special chocolate treat, and you can create a perfectly magic romantic mood with rich chocolates, presented in the one shape that we all recognize as a symbol of love and affection-the heart.
Valentine's Day is just around the corner. Be prepared to attract that new date, or let your friends and loved ones know how much you care, or get your romantic partner to swoon, with the unmistakable taste of Godiva chocolates.
It's time to deviate from the normal, mixing up a chocolate margarita cocktail. A little tequila, some sweet sour, some Godiva chocolate liqueur and more!
Some people just can't seem to live without chocolate. Chocolate makes their mouths water and some would even say that it comforts them whenever they feel depressed. Chocolate addicts would give anything they can to get their hands on the world's finest chocolates. I happen to be one of those people who absolutely adore chocolate.
My day would not be complete without having a bite of chocolate. And whenever possible, I try to get hold of the word's finest chocolates. Godiva and other chocolates from Belgium are considered the best chocolates in the world. Meticulously crafted Belgium chocolates are so incredibly satisfying that it's impossible to close your eyes when you're eating them. The world's finest chocolates may be pricey but it's worth it if you can enjoy the best available treats. It doesn't matter if you enjoy dark, white, or milk, the best quality chocolates are definitely worth your money.
I personally prefer my chocolates to be on the lighter side. I always go to a nearby Godiva stand whenever I want to give a Valentines Day gift to my wife. She really appreciates Godiva chocolate because they are regarded to be among the world's finest chocolates. I've tried all kinds of chocolates from Taiwan, Germany, and, Belgium and Godiva is without a doubt the best one I ever tasted. My personal favorite is the open sea shell with the truffle inside. The makers of Godiva chocolates go to a lot of trouble to craft each piece to perfection.
Do you also want to enjoy the world's finest chocolates? Maybe you've find it hard to get hold of them in your local area. If they are hard to find in local stores then you can look for them online. Not only will you locate the world's finest chocolates, you can benefit from promotions and discounts as well. With just one click on your PC, you can find yourself in chocolate heaven.
TRADITIONAL GIFTS
Gift Baskets
Gift baskets are something you can buy or make. If you want to save a little money, purchase a nice, inexpensive basket from Wal-Mart, Target, Kmart, or other retail chains and then fill it with items like baby powder, lotion, diaper cream, washcloths, bibs, sleepers, bottles, teething ring, pacifiers, and so on.
For a nice, added touch, purchase a second basket for the parents. In this basket, add some crackers and cheese with sparkling grape juice, Godiva chocolates, bubble bath, gourmet coffee, homemade cookies or muffins, two movie tickets, and so on.
Knitting
Beautifully, hand knitted blankets, bonnets, jackets, and other gifts are always a welcomed gift. With this type of baby gift, it is apparent that the person put tremendous time and effort into making something special, something warm and cherished.
Shoe Bronzing
This continues to be a cherished tradition. Bronzed shoes could be given as a certificate for the couple to have done after the birth of the baby or this makes an excellent gift for adopted babies.
Today, more than 14 million baby shoes have been bronzed. While only shoes were bronzed at one time, today other baby items can be bronzed to include stuffed animals, pacifiers, baby bottles, etc.
First Tooth Holder
A timeless, silver-plated first tooth holder is something the soon-to-be parents would love. These holders can be engraved with the baby's initials or name and some have a nice Plexiglas hinged lid to protect the precious tooth.
An alternative to this is the "First Curl" holder for the baby's first haircut, as seen in the photograph to the right.
Picture Frames
Couples always love cute picture frames, perfect for showing off the newest member of the family. You will find every design imaginable such as a pewter frame with a Noah's Ark motif, ceramic frames with tiny bunnies or ducks, crystal frames, etc. With this type of gift, the theme of the nursery can be matched perfectly.
"Piggy" Bank
Although you could stay with tradition and go with a little piggy like the one shown, baby banks are available in all shapes, sizes, and designs. Something made from pewter or silver looks beautiful and will last for years, making it the perfect keepsake.
The opportunities for gifts are endless. The main thing is to think about what the parents will need for their newborn baby. Babies go through tons of diapers, crib sheets, bibs, sleepers, and socks so you would always be safe with any of these items.
©2004 Babyshowermoments.com, All rights Reserved
hahahaha it is pt. 9!! at party_____ abby: wow his house is amazing!!! katie: IKR abby: so whatcha wanna do first? katie: i wanna find ryan he's sooooo cute! abby: you wanna go out with ryan? katie: uhh yeah! abby: okay lets go get the other lovebird! katie: uhmmm i'm not sure but okay. abby: *see's ryan* walks over ryan: hey abby hiii katie katie: hiiii! abby: ryan come here ryan: okay both: *walks into kitchen* abby: ryan do you wanna go out with katie? ryan: we LA DUH! yesss abby: cool go hang out with her! ryan: okay *walks off* abby: i wonder where justin is i'm gonna go find him! *walks around until she has to go to the bathroom* *walks in to the bathroom and see's*.... justin: *making out with random hot slutty girl* random hot slutty girl: hot god justin your so sexy! *runs hands through hid hair* justin: you too sexy! i love so much more than anyone!! abby is just standing there in tears________ justin: see's abby** o crap abby i'm so- abby: save it you bitch! *runs out* justin: *runs after her* ABZ WAIT I'M SORRY!!! Abby: *keeps running* later that night abby: *crying* katie:* comforting her* justin is a dick abby he's a loser! abby: i know but i really wanted to believe in him! WITH JB ryan: you dick whats your problem? chris: yeah mean seriously!? justin: i know i am a dick and i feel horrible!! chris and ryan: YOU SHOULD! justin: i know i have to fix this? text convo: j: abby can i please explain? a: sure but it's not gonna help you dick! j: it started out as ...
Many people decry the lack of inexpensive alternatives to the current costs of enjoying oneself in the "new" Las Vegas. Vegas used to be a town of cheap rooms, inexpensive food, and free entertainment. But all that's been changing since the sixties when they figured out they could take the talent in the lounges, build a closed-in theater, put the acts in there and start charging admission. Little by little as the town progressed to a corporate bean-counting oasis and the mob self-destructed, things that were free or cheap disappeared. Of course now Strip land is worth $40 million an acre and the costs of greed flow downward.
Regardless, here's a great way to spend a lovely afternoon for less than $10 for two.
Find your way to the new Palazzo Hotel and admire the beautiful granite and marble accoutrements, a two-story waterfall, as well as the gorgeous artwork and design that CEO and founder Sheldon Adelson is noted for since he constructed the building of the adjacent Venetian Hotel Casino. The Palazzo Hotel connects directly to the Canal Shops in the Venetian and one can access either property quite easily. The one thing that you notice about the Palazzo that is different than most casino areas is the wide open floor plan with more than enough room to move and a very good ventilation system. As the stench of the cigarette smoke is impossible to eliminate altogether it is a vast improvement on all other gambling joints.
You never do know what you're going to see on any given day. The day we were there we kept running into a dozen drop-dead gorgeous contestants for the Miss USA pageant, as they were shopping and simultaneously being filmed, and escorted by a bevy of security guards. Directly above the Palazzo casino floor Emeril Lagasse's "Table 10" restaurant, high end jewelry stores and accessory boutiques, and the Double Helix bar were open for business but other stores were still under construction. Smooth jazz emanated through the area as a pianist and bassist played unmindful of their surroundings. Walking on, my wife and I stopped into Barney's of New York so she could look at $8,000 dresses and $1200 shoes. The salespeople seem grateful for any traffic as there were a few buyers that day. We then made our way up the escalator to the Canal shops. We stopped at Godiva chocolates and split a tasty peanut-butter filled chocolate to the tune of four dollars-pricey but Heaven in small bites. Walking through a replica of St. Mark's Square, a crowd gathered around a living statue dressed in pure white and whiteface and people posed with him taking pictures and leaving generous tips. At the Peter Lik Photographic Gallery we spent time gazing at his beautiful imagery, recognizing many of the places that we ourselves had been on these huge enlargements of scenic wonder.
We walked past the many shops and of course watched the gondolas go by and stopped for a cappuccino and banana nut muffin. We sat and people-watched as the ultra rich, beauty queens, and normal people bustled by, all on their own singular quests. The shops there are quite diverse from Venetian glass and ceramics to high-end lingerie, Magic shops and modern art to gowns and denim. All said and done we spent a little less than $10, and didn't even have to spend that, for an interesting and fun afternoon. So you see, a cheap date is possible here and having lived here now for close to 15 years, it's still never ceases to amaze me how incredible this town really is.
Xan Chocolates: Ladybug Truffles (Milk Chocolates) Review
Xan Chocolates: Ladybug Truffles (Milk Chocolates) Feature
- All Milk Lady: Milk chocolate ganache covered in a milk chocolate shell decorated with white chocolate
- Raspberry Ladybug: Our signature Ladybug! Deep raspberry and dark chocolate filling in a whimsically decorated shell.
- Hazelnut Ladybug: Dark & milk chocolate shell sprinkled with chopped hazelnuts covers a dark chocolate ganache mixed with hazelnut praline
- Pecan Praline: Filled with Southern pecans, this striped beauty has all the elegance & intensity of a prowling tiger.
Xan Chocolates: Ladybug Truffles (Milk Chocolates) Overview
Decadent, Dessert-Sized Delights! All natural Ladybug truffles were named after a lucky little ladybug who joined us one day .
Available at Amazon Check Price Now!
*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Apr 06, 2010 05:43:14
Xan Chocolates: Ladybug Truffles (Dark Chocolate) Review
Xan Chocolates: Ladybug Truffles (Dark Chocolate) Feature
- Raspberry Ladybug: Our signature Ladybug! Deep raspberry and dark chocolate filling in a whimsically decorated shell.
- Sea Salt: Crystallized sea salt & buttery caramel combined with luxurious dark chocolate if you close your eyes, you can almost smell the ocean.
- All Dark Truffle:Rich, intense, dark chocolate ganache covered in a dark chocolate shell decorated with dark chocolate swirl
- Grand Mariner: Dark chocolate swirled with citrus-sweet juiciness you could be in the middle of an orange grove!
Xan Chocolates: Ladybug Truffles (Dark Chocolate) Overview
Decadent, Dessert-Sized Delights! All natural Ladybug truffles were named after a lucky little ladybug who joined us one day .
Available at Amazon Check Price Now!
*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Apr 06, 2010 05:42:13
Little kid gets beat up because of Godiva Chocolate
Xan Chocolates: Saintly Sins Collection Review
Xan Chocolates: Saintly Sins Collection Feature
- Raspberry Sin: Manna from Heaven - Pure Raspberry and 100% Organic Blue Agave Nectar encased in Signature Dark Chocolate.
- Strawberry Sin: A bursting liquid blend of pure strawberry, 10-year old balsamic vinegar and 100% organic blue agave nectar encased in signature blend dark chocolate.
- Pineapple Sin: Liquid Gold - Pure Pineapple is blended with 100% Organic Blue Agave Nectar encased in Signature Dark Chocolate.
- 29 Calories, 1 Gram of Fat per piece
- Low-Glycemic, Gluten Free, Diabetic Friendly (not Sugar-Free), Non-Dairy & Vegan
Xan Chocolates: Saintly Sins Collection Overview
Sometimes it's Good to Be Naughty! National Award Winning Chocolates that fit anyones lifestyle.
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*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Apr 05, 2010 05:28:54