Google's Recent Algorithm Change Resets Playing Field

As a web marketer, I know the value of ranking high in Google's search rankings.  A simple shift in position can result in the loss or gain of tens of thousands of visitors a month.  Hence, a lot of time is spent by companies to optimize their sites to appear higher in Google search rankings.  This is difficult as Google doesn't share the specifics of their algorithm, and while Search Engine Optimizers know things like number of inbound links will be good for them, they don't know most of the hundreds (thousands?) of variables like the optimal numeric use of keywords on a page, for example. 

Google has been active in changing their algorithm in the past, and made a major change last week in an effort to drive better results for their users' searches.  Unfortunately for some sites (The Huffington Post being one of the more higher profile), their SEO activity was penalized in Google's most recent release.  Likewise, two major retailers (JC Penney and Overstock) were found to be acquiring inbound links in a fashion that Google deemed inappropriate and contrary to their Webmaster Guidelines, with both being issued Google's "death penalty," - both have basically been buried in search results. 

This action will literally cost each company millions.  Some in the SEO and business community bemoan Google changing their algorithm, as even slight shifts can have massive impact in website performance.  To them, I say "tough bounce."  The Webmaster Rules are fairly clear, and should you choose to tread into a grey or black area, you'll eventually be found out and punished.  As you're not paying Google for the service of appearing in their natural rankings, they owe you nothing, and you'll be the one that needs to explain to your stockholders what happened (and in JCP's case, blame all of it on their agency while unbelievably disavowing any knowledge of how their SEO rankings got so good so quickly).  Those of us playing the game correctly by building our content appropriately will ultimately leapfrog you in the rankings, and will ultimately reap our rewards.      

Rockford Hideaway

The city of Rockford, IL has taken advantage of their notoriety as the home for coward and negligent politicians and turned it into a great opportunity to talk about their location from a tourism perspective.  And Rick Nielsen steals the show

Summit Brewing Company Beer Dividend

My dad, for a portion of his career, was a very successful investment banker. He helped companies in their merger and acquisition activities, and also helped to take private companies public. Many times, as a form of compensation, dad received equity in these transactions. At times these became worthless, as the companies didn’t thrive and failed, but sometimes things worked out extremely well. 

One such instance was capitalization of Summit Brewery. The stock of this company is now privately held and employee-owned, and dad maintained his stake in his portfolio ever since the initial transaction. Prior to dad’s passing, this stock was transferred to mom, and she’s held it ever since. 

About a year ago, mom let me know that as a stockholder, she has access to two free cases of beer from them every month, as a “beer dividend.” She wanted to know if I was interested. Uh, free beer? Strike that, free Summit beer? Yeah. I’m interested. 

I asked the details behind the whole situation and found out the history. So for years and years our family had access to this benefit, and I just found out about it. Unbelievable. Dad was never a beer drinker, so I’m sure such a dividend meant nothing to him, thus it was easy to forget. Had it been for brandy, Irish whiskey or something like that, he’d have been all over it. Alas, the dividend was also “use or lose,” so there was no option to recover all of the years that we missed. The only thing I could do was to take advantage of it as much as we possibly could. 

I was recently in the Twin Cities for a research project, and my time happened to coincide with a dividend day, so I paid a trip to my favorite brewery.  As it was President's Day, I called ahead to make sure that it was indeed dividend day (their schedule can change due to holidays.)  The nice receptionist informed me that yes, it was that special day, but unfortunately all they had was Pilsener.  You can read the reviews here. 

Only Pilsener, huh?  It will be hard, but I guess I'll be able to make due.  

Thanks, dad.  While you were a decade or so late (hello - your son likes beer) I appreciate the fruits of your hard work nonetheless.

Ever Wanted to Fly Like a Bird?

Check out this incredible footage.  The life that resides here on this planet is remarkable.


 

Revelations from the Battle of Madison

The situation in the capitol of our newly adopted state is totally in flux.  The Battle of Madison is the first skirmish in what will be a war to reign in unsustainable entitlements.  And what have those for continuation of our economic demise shown themselves to be?   

First, hypocrites. 

Second, with the prevalence of the “sick out,” liars. 

Third, abject frauds.



In no other job in the private sector can you have a fully funded pension, a fully funded heath program, job protection via tenure regardless how horrible your performance, and the ability to skip your work, lie about it, and commit a fraud all without fear of reprisal. 

How is this fair?  Anyone in the private sector that did this would be fired in a New York minute. 

Keep it up, unions.  What you’re really about is on display for the whole world to see, and those of us that pay your salaries have had enough.  Soon you will be welcomed back to the real world with the rest of us.

Jeopardy's Watson Computer Kicks Butt

Watson, the IBM computer currently competing on Jeopardy, is doing some amazing stuff.  This is especially significant when you consider the storied histories of its human competitors. 


The competition (quickly turning into a rout), has propelled Jeopardy to their highest ratings in years.  Indeed, it is a sight to see.


Here's a really good background on the technological competitor:

Restaurant Reivew - Lotus Asian Restaurant, Green Bay

I love Thai food.  More than that, I LOVE Pad Thai.  The only problem is that a Pad Thai recipe is a lot like a Bloody Mary recipe - when it is good it is outstanding, but when it is bad (which is more often than not), the disappointment lessens a nice time out. 

When I was here in Green Bay on my own last fall, I ordered take-out Thai from a local restaurant (which will remain nameless), and the Pad Thai I received was nearly inedible.  I began to wonder if Green Bay had a good solution for Thai food, when I happened to drive past the Lotus Asian Restaurant off of Military Avenue. After cajoling my wife for a couple of weeks (she's not a fan of very spicy food), I finally got her to agree to go there to dinner with me last night.  Judging by other reviews I've read on the place, I held out hope that this would be my Thai restaurant solution in Green Bay. 

We started with an order of Thai Spicy Wings, which were the prefect combination of spice, heat, crunch, and flavor.  Just these alone were worth the trip, but for me the true test was ahead.  Fortunately, the Pad Thai more than passed the test - it was outstanding.  Not the best I ever had, but easily in the top five.  Just a great mix of spice, heat, and a hint of sweet.  I also ordered the Pad Prik Khing, a spicy green bean dish, which was done perfectly, with the green beans retaining some crunch, while making my nose run due to the spicy heat.  My wife ordered a traditional Chinese meal of Cashew Chicken which was also very, very good. 

Portions were large (we came home with two containers that will be at more than one more meal for two), and the service, while a touch slow, could not have been more friendly.  It felt great to be in a place with such welcoming, happy, and friendly folks.  The restaurant itself is a touch small, but well appointed, complete with a small bar and flat screen TVs for the sports fan.  Also, they do deliver, so that's an option as well. 

Overall, it was a really nice evening out, and will likely be added to our restaurant rotation.     

The Vikings 2010 Ultimate Embarrassment

Pictures speak louder than words:



What the hell happened to my once-proud franchise? 

Minnesota better find a way to get a stadium deal done.  They need only watch what happens to Minneapolis again this summer when the Twins are in town for any fortitude they need to invest in a source of economic gain and civic pride.

This just turns my stomach...