Archive for January, 2009

31
Jan 2009

Steller, or Northern Sea Lion (Eumetopias jubatus)

Posted by Steve  >  Conservation, Photography, Travel
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The male, or bull, Stellar Sea Lion is a huge animal, growing up to three metres in length and weighing up to 900 kilograms.

In contrast, the females are only about a third as large, and give birth to one pup after a gestation period of one year.

There are three Stellar Sea Lion breeding rookeries in British Columbia, and many haul-out sites located throughout coastal B.C. A prominent local haul-out site is at Race Rocks, off the Western Communities of Greater Victoria.

I took this photograph while traveling through the Broken Island Group in Barkley Sound.

11
Jan 2009

The Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary

Posted by Steve  >  Conservation
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I have recently been asked to sit on the Board of Directors of The Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary.

The sanctuary consists of two distinct areas;

- Marshy lowlands surrounding Swan Lake

- Rocky, oak-forested highlands of Christmas Hill

The marsh around Swan Lake provides good habitat for many birds and small animals. They make their homes in the rock walls, marsh grasses and cattails beside the lake. The highland environment of Christmas Hill is in marked contrast to the lowlands of Swan Lake. The glacially-moulded rock faces, the vernal (seasonal) pond and the majestic view from the hilltop are of special interest to visitors. The meadows surrounding Christmas Hill bloom with a sea of wildflowers in the spring.

Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary is a nature education centre andregistered charitable organization run by the Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary Society.

The Mission of the Society is to manage the Swan Lake Christmas Hill Sanctuary as a focus for fostering an understanding and appreciation of nature through direct experiences that will develop personal responsibility for the care and protection of the natural environment.

For more information, visit the web site here >

7
Jan 2009

Recommendations from my Chrysler Days…

Posted by Steve  >  Testimonials
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My days creating work for Chrysler Canada were some of the best in my career and I am hopeful the company will make the right decisions for their future…

December 11, 2008

“As a commercial photographer, I worked with Steve on several Chrysler projects while he was Associate Creative Director at BBDO Windsor. While Steve was at BBDO, Chrysler’s sales and profits were booming, the PT Cruiser (which Steve helped launch) was the hottest car on the road and the Big Three ruled the road. Then Steve left BBDO and moved to the west coast. And look what has happened not just to Chrysler but to the entire North American Auto Industry. Coincidence? I think not! Don’t let this happen to your company! Hire Steve today!”

Curt Clayton, Owner, Clayton Studio

November 17, 2008

“Steve is an incredibly talented individual with a wide range of skills and abilities. My experience working with him at BBDO Windsor was great. He was able to deliver highly creative solutions that were always aligned with client business objectives. Steve was also a terrific team member thanks to a strong work ethic and positive outlook.”

Greg Sullivan, Account Executive, BBDO Windsor (Pentamark)

July 15, 2008

“Steve is a very talented, creative person who showed great attention to detail with every assignment. He showed a good understanding of our clients business and his creative concepts were always well presented and received. Steve also displayed a great ability to work well with people at all levels or position. He was an asset to our organization.”

Bill Rowe, Senior Vice President, Group Account Director, BBDO Windsor Inc.

July 14, 2008

“Brilliant creative and takes great pride in his work. Strong work ethic with a genuine interest in client success. As well, a fun person to work with, his energy is contagious.”

Sylvain Cote, Manager, Product Information Dept., BBDO Windsor

6
Jan 2009

Traditional Toys Newsletter

Posted by Steve  >  Internet Marketing, Search Engine Optimization, Web Design & Strategy
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Welcome to the first TJ Whitneys Newsletter. TJ Whitneys is a multi award-winning company specializing in reproduction golden era toys. Our mission is to produce classic wooden toys and games with remarkable play value ad this is their first newsletter in preparation for the launch of their new web site coming in January 2009.

See the original web site here >

2
Jan 2009

How successful are our web sites… find out.

Posted by Steve  >  Analytics, Internet Marketing, Search Engine Optimization, Web Design & Strategy
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So, this month we started drilling down into how successful a number of our web sites have been for our clients this year.

Here’s a few of the results;

- In March 2008, we launched a new web site for CVS Cruise Victoria and are pleased to say it has quadrupled in ranking since.

- In May 2008, we really drilled down into Ocean’s Edge to optimize the site and have watched it double in popularity since then.

- Since June, we have been consulting with Partymart and are pleased to see their web site has risen in popularity from sitting in the Top 71% of all global web sites to being in the Top 91% of ALL global web sites… a 20% increase.

- In July, 2008, we optimized the web site of Emmy Award winning underwater photographer and cinematogrpaher, Jonathan Bird, which has increased the popularity by 25% and achieved first page search results rankings for several of the keywords for the first time ever and has remained there.

- In September 2008, we launched a new web site for CondoSky and watched as their grading DOUBLED in one week. In two months, the site has gone from having an overall grading of 39/100 globally to 66/100 globally and increased their lead generation by 67% !

That’s pretty positive results.