I built the Lego Space Police Smash’n’Grab model 5982 with my son. It took us a little over 30 minutes to build but in this video we build it in around 1 minute

Since Google has secret algorithms for determining the organic search results there ends up being lots of conjecture about how it works. Everyone has a theory and much of it is contradictory. Even though the algorithms are secret, there is still a ton of gaming of the search engine so Google spends a lot of time and resources trying to identify those who are breaking the rules. Trying to get a handle on how to proceed can be difficult. Many make a living just help websites with their SEO.

When I comb through so much of the information out there it starts to feel like some mystical entity exists called Google that millions a people spend a ton of time trying to understand. Whether or not Google is pleased with your website can determine a lot about how successful a website becomes. So I came up with some of the mystical laws that we all need to follow in order to please Google.

1. Matt Cutts shall be the voice of Google. All shall attempt to divine the meaning of his every word.
2. If you publish too many gateway pages you shall be removed from the Index.
3. If you violate the law of Google you may be sent to the Sandbox and someday may be allowed back into the Index.
4. Strive for many backlinks that are not nofollow and your Page Rank will be great.
5. If you try to gain SERP placement through hidden page content you will be removed from the Index.
6. If you stray into the darkness of Black Hat SEO you shall be removed from the Index.
7. Strive to create great content and you shall be blessed with many backlinks and Google will be pleased.
8. If you are removed from the Index you can request reconsideration through Google’s Webmaster Tools. Google may have mercy on you and allow you back into the Index.
9. If you buy backlinks Google will know and you will be removed from the Index.
10. Do not question Google about removal from the Index, repent and hope for reconsideration.
11. Beware links to and from bad neighbors, Google shall reduce your SERP placement.
12. In the end Google shall own the world through the power of AdWords.

So please follow these laws and you might just end up with great Google search engine placement.

The Chaser’s are a group of Australian comedians that I had not heard of before. From what I’ve watched on Youtube they tend to push the edge a bit and seem to upset a lot of people. But I can’t help it, these guys are freakin’ hilarious

My cousin Fran wrote and sings her original song Angel of My Dreams. I think it is a great song. She has an original voice and sings with heart and soul. I wish her all the luck in the world

I’m sick again :-(

One difficulty about being a parent that is getting sick all the time! It used to be I’d be sick maybe a couple times a year. Now it it seems like 5 plus time a year. It is especially hard with a baby or toddler as they are all over you all the time sneezing everywhere with snot running down their face all day. You can only wipe their nose so many times a day I realize it is part of building a child’s immune system, but I just wish it didn’t mean building mine as well

Before kids, when I was sick I’d just lie in bed and sleep or lay on the couch watching the tube most of the day. Now you have to deal with a sick kid, contract their sickness, then deal with a kid while sick :-(

Parenthood has so many great aspects, but the sickness is one of the bummers.

I recall one day years ago when both my wife and I had a really bad stomach flu. My son was around 2 years old. We were both laying on the floor taking turns getting to the bathroom while trying to take care of our son! The good part was I remember him being really good about the whole situation. He’s such a good kid That was a tough day I’ll never forget

Fortunately my wife and children get over being sick very quickly Unfortunately I don’t :’(

But hey, it’s all good!

I just finished reading Dan Brown’s book The Lost Symbol. I tend to like his stories and The Lost Symbol is no exception.

The story kept me interested from start to finish. At times it is a bit hard to accept Langdon’s search engine like memory skills, but a bit of willing suspension of disbelief makes it reasonably acceptable. Langdon’s off the cuff puzzle solving skills are in full form throughout his current adventure. Langdon also seems to innately possess certain ninja escaping skills. He is very tough to catch

Brown has found a certain sweet spot by melding interesting scientific concepts (albeit not always factual), mysticism, symbols, and conspiracy theory. The Lost Symbol wraps the story around Masonic legend and symbols. I’m not sure of the accuracy of any of the content, but I guess it really does not matter as it is fun to read.

One thing I found interesting was the incorporation of Noetic Science in the story. It is not a major part of the book, but it brings forth some interesting ideas. Personally I’ve always wondered about the physics of consciousness. Consciousness is as much a part of the universe as electricity and magnetism so there may be some deeper physics about it that we do not yet understand. Brown presents an interesting idea about the physics of consciousness. I think Brown does a good job of presenting interesting scientific food for thought in addition to the conspiracy theories. Even if everything is not factual, it all feels plausible.

Bottom line, if you liked The Da Vinci Code I’d recommend this book. If you didn’t care for The Da Vinci Code then you won’t like this one. If you haven’t read any of Dan Brown’s Robert Langdon books, then I’d recommend you start with The Da Vinci code and see what you think.