SEO is not something that I'd ever want to get into. At the end of the day your efforts are centred around trying to get the best out of a hidden search algorithm. There are guidelines for how to do it, but the algorithm and sites can change at the whim of the algorithm writers.

I've started using Google Webmaster Tools, and part of what it reports is which searches find your site. As it turns out, I must use the words 'touch' 'man' and the phrase 'how to' a fair bit throughout this blog, hence I'm scarily high up on the google rankings for 'How to touch a man.'

I found it amusing - has anyone else got funny search queries that return their site in the top 10? Please post below.

It's a little bit funny. On facebook a couple of months ago, Freya Valentine started this group. It's not the most exciting of ideas, but has generated a bit of a cult following. It's been mentioned on Sky & the BBC's Steve Wright Show.

I'd be interested to hear on how the Panic buying is getting along, therefore suggested setting up a twit-feed to monitor it - however, twitter has been down for the last couple of hours.

Just goes to show that a de-centralised system is needed. A free, open source, de-centralised mechanism for twittering.

Oh well, I'll just have to remain ignorant, and enjoy my carrot soup.

I recently was introduced to www.ted.com, a site which hosts a number of inspirational talks given at the TED conference each year.

TED has been happening for a few years now, and is touted as a chance for some of the greatest minds to get together and share something unique - their ideas.

I'm quite a fan of lay-science, and getting to know more about stuff that's really advanced.  We all have very different backgrounds and skill-sets - and I think it's the ability to appreciate these differences that makes things really special.  When I look at the wonderful invention of the StrandBeest by Theo Jansen, I can't help but feel inspired.

It's fantastic to see how people's minds tick, and this site is likely to provide me with hours of distraction in the future.  The phrase 'standing on the shoulders of giants' is something that can be overused.  However, in sharing these ideas, we're given access to a wealth of information.  It's precisely for these reasons that I advocate the use of Free/Libre Open Source Software.  Enjoy the site.

Once in a while there is a fairly new and inventive solution to an old problem.

First we had networks.. then we had wireless networks.. and now we have wireless wired networks?

Ok, they're not technically wireless - but install of having a central wireless access point in the centre of your home, you can now buy the Devolo HomePlug - and have networking points wherever you have electricity.

You see, electricity flows through your power cables at a certain frequency. The HomePlug sends your data through the wires at a different frequency. It's quite simple really.

Anyway, you can but 14Mbps to 200+Mbps adapters for the HomePlug - and it's n open standard, so you don't need to just buy from devolo.

They also have wireless plugs, so instead of the plug interfacing to a network connection on your PC/laptop - you can plug in a devolo wireless homeplug adapter and get a low-range wireless base in your house too.

However, they are pretty expensive ~£80 for 2. They're also very addictive. So much better than wifi that soon you'll be buying them for all you computers (like I did...)

Oh well.. the more we buy the more the price will start to drop.. right?

So BUY!!!

Ah man.. It took some time to make this decision - but I've decided on my course of action.

I'm off on holiday from Saturday 9th, until Sunday 17th Feb.  I'm going skiing in the French Alps, and despite their being an internet connection - think it's best if I don't blog for the rest of the week.

Hopefully it'll provide people with a nice break from my post on the relative planets - and hopefully wanting more when I return.

I'm really looking forward to my break, as I feel I need to go and recharge my batteries.  Working in the open source world isn't a normal 9-5.  Many times I've been up past two doing random 'generic' FLOSS stuff - and it's taken it's toll.  I'll probably have to start keeping timesheets for my general activities to stop me from going overboard.

If anyone has anything they'd like me to cover when I return - it'd be good to have some direction for when I get back.

I hope anyone else going on Holiday has a good time, and those of you at work - just wait until you're on holiday and I'm not.

Peace.