Luke Hawthorne asked:


Have you heard of LSI?

Latent Semantic Indexing, otherwise known as LSI, is a new way for search engines such as Google, MSN and Yahoo, to view and rank websites content in a manner much more like you’d expect a human to rank a site. Behind the scenes these new LSI algorithms analyze pages not only for keywords, but also for similar words AND other RELATED words which might be expected to be present.

For example, a web page about golf, when analyzed using LSI, should expect to contain related words, such as “cart”, “clubs”, “courses”, “green”, “fairway” etc. In general, while we do not know the exact mathematical formula used for LSI, we do know that its real function is to determine if the content of a site is of value to the visitor or not

Why, and how, did LSI come about?

A few years ago, Google purchased a company called ‘Applied Semantics’ whose software was used to organize information from websites in a manner similar to the way that humans might do. Google bought this company so that they could match Adwords advertisers with the appropriate web pages where the ads would be shown as Adsense ads. Initially, Google matched keywords on the webpages to keywords in the ads and a website owner earned money for every click he received from the Adsense ads on his or her site.

However, people are always trying to find quick and easy ways to make money online (and elsewhere) and a problem soon arose that millions of websites were being created simply to contain relevant long-tailed keyword phrases to capture traffic from Google. Content on these, often machine-generated sites, was third-rate at best. Imagine searching for ‘Golf’ and finding a website with nothing more than advertisements for products, when all you wanted was information about golf. Google could not differentiate between this fake “content” and the sites which actually contained valuable content, with REAL information about what was searched for.

Other ‘Black Hat’ techniques, such as filling WebPages with keywords and using linking strategies to increase rankings started being used, which made the problem worse still. This reciprocal linking, however, was soon given the now famous “Google-slap” and even Yahoo and MSN started changing their algorithms to make reciprocal links have a far lower ‘weight’, so they weren’t worth as much to the ranking status.

One of the ways LSI has changed the way Google looks at sites is a shift from “keyword” to “themes”. Today, and in the foreseeable future, it will be more advantageous to build sites around a number of related words and synonyms instead of around a single keyword.

Because we humans are not looking for pages that contain specific keywords, we are looking for information about a subject. Remember, realtors talk about “Location, location, location” but internet marketers think in terms of “Information, information, information”. After all, without the right content on your site, attracting the wrong visitors will NOT make you any sales, nor will it help he person looking for that information.

In the recent past, Search-engine Optimization has been all about the focus on a keyword or keyword phrase. The idea was that if one particular keyword was bringing in the most traffic, it should be the one used throughout the site, and as often as possible. But now, with the introduction of Latent Semantic Indexing, websites that were once ranked high because of hundreds or thousands of external, internal or reciprocal links based on just one keyword, have now found their rankings have plummeted.

This new system looks for more humanized linking and more humanized thinking. Instead of one keyword or keyword phrase being used, a variety of words are favored.

Though we don’t know what the future holds for search-engines, we do know that the world’s information IS being both indexed AND made available to anybody with an internet connection and a computer at an ever increasing rate. So, for now, what can you do to help get the rankings in the search-engines that you need? Here are a few pointers:

Create themed sites on a broader area, rather than just concentrating on one keyword or keyphrase.

Rather than artificially stuffing your pages full of keywords, write in a more natural style.

Concentrate on the subject matter and stop thinking about the keywords. Make the CONTENT the most important aspect of your articles and posts and include synonyms, related words and plural words.

Spend less time looking for reciprocal links and more time creating inbound links are the key now. Writing quality articles and posting comments on other related blogs are two great ways to get these links.

Google is definitely at the head of this new wave, but MSN and Yahoo are quickly realizing the value of LSI. What does the future hold for search-engines? Hang-on for a moment while I Google that question.



Jerome

Kelli Smith asked:


You’ve seen the actors on CSI: Miami use high-tech gadgets to solve crime. Now, meet the real-life experts of Miami criminal justice.

“Television certainly makes things very simple,” Dr. Joanne Leoni tells South Florida Times, “solving a crime just by collecting a bit of evidence. There is much more to it than that.” The reality of a criminal justice degree may not be as glamorous as what you see on television, but training for one of these lucrative, challenging careers has its own rewards.

Working in Criminal Justice

On a recent visit to a Miami youth center, Detective Ignacio Vila tried to separate television myth from the reality of working in the Broward County Crime Scene Unit. “On an education level, it gives them career orientation to criminal justice, forensics and criminalistics, as they see that police work is more involved than the common police officer driving down the street.” In reality, working in the criminal justice field means choosing among careers in private investigation, security, crime scene investigation, correctional treatment, and more.

Popular Criminal Justice Careers

Check out some of the top jobs for criminal justice graduates, with degree and salary information provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics:

Crime Scene Investigator

Your attention to detail and knowledge of the law comes in handy at the crime scene, where a single fingerprint can make or break a case. Real-life CSIs, also known as forensic scientists, traditionally work long hours and may specialize in ballistics, fingerprinting, handwriting, or biochemistry.

• Recommended Training: Most forensic science technicians need a bachelor’s degree in addition to specialized criminal justice training.

• Median Annual Salary (2007): $50,310

Private Investigator

As a private investigator, you use your skills and training to locate lawbreakers, track missing persons, and collect information for your clients. Your reputation of success can help earn you new business, and you can have the satisfaction of a career that rewards your quick-witted skill.

• Recommended Training: Targeted coursework leading to an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.

• Mean Annual Salary (2007): $42,660

Security Guard

Security guards monitor armored cars, casinos, and businesses to prevent theft and damage. Industries paying above average for private security include natural gas distribution, couriers, and oil and gas extraction companies.

• Recommended Training: Criminal justice coursework or certificate programs relative to your specialization.

• Mean Annual Salary (2007): $24,840

Correctional Specialist

Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists ensure that prisoners on parole are completing the terms of their release. Many parole officers meet with offenders in their homes, increasing the level of personal accountability.

• Recommended Training: A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or social work is suggested by the BLS.

• Mean Annual Salary (2007): $47,980

While no career training program can guarantee a particular career or salary in the criminal justice industry, competitive careers and those with high growth potential are typically targeted by graduates of criminal justice degree programs. If you hope to enter the rewarding world of criminal justice, formal training in the area may be your most logical first step.



Gertrude

Groshan Fabiola asked:


CSI star Gary Dourdan who plays Warrick Brown on the hit television series recently got into trouble with the law. TMZ, a site known for bashing celebrities, has claimed that the 40 year old actor viciously attacked one of their cameramen on the night of July 17.

The website had narrated the incident, saying that after Dourdan arrived on his Ducati motorcycle at Hyde Nightclub, he approached the cameraman and ordered him to put off the camera. The cameraman in turn pointed the camera down, however did not shut it of, thus it continuing rolling and shooting scenes. Dourdan then allegedly took hold of the TMZ cameraman and began slamming his head on the pavement. Other paparazzi could be heard in the video, pleading for Gary Dourdan to stop.

“I know all the cops around here, they’re my friends. You’re violating my privacy… You publish my pictures that are not good. I know everyone here,” the CSI star defended himself after the incident.

Dourdan momentarily then left the club and returned some time later with a few friends, intending to further attack the cameraman. The cameraman then got away from the group of men by riding a passing cab.

The video of that night was posted on TMZ’s website, however Zap2it reported that it isn’t working. Furthermore, E! Online described the video as having “lots of shaky shots.”

The cameraman, whose identity has not yet been publicized, intends to file a police report.

CBS Entertainment President Nina Tassler hasn’t released an official report regarding the issue, but a spokesperson for the CSI star told E! News, “Gary has always been respectful of the media and the paparazzi but also values his privacy. It’s our belief that this is a minor incident exaggerated by an eager paparazzo in order to create a story.”

For more resources about CSI or for the full story of CSI Star Attacks a Cameraman please review this link http://www.buddytv.com



Edna

Groshan Fabiola asked:


Fans and viewers alike have yet to watch out of Jorja Fox will indeed leave CSI within its new season, and furthermore, if her departure would prove fatal for the hit crime series. On Thursday, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation premiered its ******** season 8 freshman, and right now, we have the results as to how it dealt with another returning hit, Grey’s Anatomy.

More or less, CBS was able to yield great numbers last week, as Nielsen Media Research reports what they have gathered as preliminary data on Saturday.

The much awaited debut of CSI’s season 8 soared to the top of the list, garnering 25.2 million viewers on its second year as Grey’s Anatomy’s competitor. The forensic drama had a margin of more than four million total viewers, and Grey’s Anatomy closely followed, placing itself second with 20.9 million viewers.

Delving into the details, Grey’s Anatomy went past CSI’s 8.2 million demographic bracket of viewers between the ages of 18-49, while the medical drama swept 8.8 million. Backtracking to a year ago, CSI set a record as its ratings did soar from its previous 7.7 million, while Grey’s Anatomy slowed down from its former 11.1 million.

In other news, CBS recently concocted another publicity stunt with the new editing studio named EyeLab. The EyeLab enables fans and content producers to collect and edit footages from various CBS programs and create video collages of their own.

CBS recently used results from a research which concluded that short-form videos, such as that which the EyeLab can produce, are today’s most widespread and popular online material. Therefore, clips combined and rearranged into something creative could possibly used as an effective marketing and promotional tool for their shows.

Anthony Zuiker, CSI creator and executive producer, supports this new marketing campaign, saying, “Using the Web as a direct engagement platform with those who care the most about the show is a perfect way to bring the TV experience online and in turn, to learn from fans.”

For more resources about CSI Triumphs in Thursday’s Fall Premiere Ratings War or for the full story of CSI please review this link http://www.buddytv.com



Thomas

Groshan Fabiola asked:


Last night on One Tree Hill, the cocky rocker wannabe Jason, played by Kevin Federline, got punched in the face. If you’ve been following his television appearances, this wouldn’t be the first time that he got into trouble and moreover, got hurt physically. Audiences were amused to see him punched in the stomach by Nick (George Eads) on CSI, and wrestling fans won’t forget that John Cena literally threw him to the ground on WWE Raw. Come to think of it, K-Fed’s entire television career (except for his best forgotten reality show) has featured him getting kicked down to the ground. This makes us wonder, what is with Kevin Federline that makes us want to see him in pain?

Comparing all his television roles, the one he got on One Tree Hill may be the worst. Jason was cocky, arrogant and refused to take any criticism about his work. It’s funny thinking about how Mark Schwahn got K-Fed just to be hated on-screen, as we all secretly dislike him and would only want to see him play a completely obnoxious character. If this is the case, the strategy completely worked. K-Fed is a sold out obnoxious *** whom we did not want to see ever again. But he did come back in last night’s episode, in which he basically did nothing and stood there in that usual, annoying way he does. So he makes some cheap trouble and ends up getting punched in the face. Of course, we all double over in laughter and fulfillment that he was again put down.

Previously, Federline made an appearance in WWE Raw, where he taunted wrestling superstar John Cena. He immediately regretted it as he was picked up, thrown to the ground, and left there, writhing in pain. That was one stupid appearance.

And of course, who would forget his CSI appearance where he played a thug, who again taunted Nick in that obnoxious way he does. So far, Federline has built an impressive career with a common trend in all his appearances. Makes us wonder: Is Mr. Britney Spears enjoying the pain?

For more resources about One Tree Hill or for the full story of One Tree Hill Takes a Swing at Kevin Federline please review http://www.buddytv.com



Anthony

Glady Reign asked:


J.D. Power’s annual studies unravel the best dealerships in the automotive realm. The firm’s annual Sales Satisfaction Index (SSI) delved into the ability of a brand’s dealerships to manage the sales process - from product presentation to negotiation and even reaching as far as financing and delivery.

Additionally, the annual Customer Service Index (CSI) measures the satisfaction of customers who have brought their car in to the service department during the first three years of ownership. The latest study revealed that the dealerships are not all luxury brands.

The most recent surveys came out November last year. The 2006 CSI is based on experiences with 2003-2005 model year vehicles. The 2006 SSI, consequently, is based on those who registered new vehicles in May 2006.

“This is something that the customer probably wouldn’t want to see,” said Brandon Vlaew, a technician at Rasmusse, while he was holding the dash top out at an awkward angle and wires hanging. “In all, it’ll be about a two-hour job by the time everything’s back together - and free of charge to the customer - all for the sake of a dash rattle. But they’ll notice their rattle is gone.” Additionally, the service did not end in the eradication of the rattle - the car is also clean and spot-detailed. These services are part of the ordinary convenience at the said Mini dealership.

“Even though that rattle is covered by the factory, we spend thousands of dollars a month covering things that aren’t covered by warranty” just to keep the customer happy is what Bob Wells shares. Wells is the service manager at Rasmussen Mini.

In 2002, when BMW launched the Mini brand, it shared facilities with existing BMW dealerships. But Mini thrust for its own committed locations. Andrew Cutler, the spokesman of the company, said that customer satisfaction really started hitting its stride after the brand’s dealership experience synchronized with the message that Mini was sending out in its advertising and its products.

“We really catered all aspects of the dealership experience to our target customers,” added Cutler. “And they’re a different kind of customer in that they’re very hands-on and technically tuned-in and want to know about their car.” He continued that the brand now uses a single sales person through the entire sales process, and requires exclusive Mini service writers and service bays even when some of the facilities are still shared with BMW dealerships.

Aside from Mini, GM’s Saturn dealership is also marking a good record. For years, Saturn has been ranked alongside top luxury brands for satisfaction with the dealership experience. This reputation is boosted by personalized customer service, cutting-edge facilities and the no-haggle pricing policy. Other non-luxury top satisfaction dealerships include Buick and Mercury.

Mini and Saturn stand out because they set up their dealerships to meet or exceed customer expectations, said Alexander Edwards, the president of Strategic Vision’s automotive division. Customer service at the dealership level has not always been the priority that it is today, he said, and it is much harder to enforce new standards on a dealership body that is already established.

“The dealer’s main job is to move metal, not build brand equity,” Edwards said. And that creates an inherent conflict because “the manufacturer is trying to build a lifetime relationship, but the dealership might just be looking to make its next sales target,” he continued.

J.D. Power’s Tom Gauer said that dealers as a whole are getting better at respecting customers’ time, but that this is still a major point of contention that separates the best from the worst. “Quick lubes really caught on because the customer knows the time frame,” Gauer noted.

A well-assisted customer inquiring about the Volvo heater core could make a big difference in dealerships. Viral marketing could also do the magic…



Ronald