Avatar News : December 2009
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Season's Greetings Everyone!
Another year has rocketed by, bring on 2010! Contrary to speculation the Avatar team have not teamed up with James Cameron and Peter Jackson to create the blockbuster called 'Avatar'. Although we do sometimes feel like we're part of a sci-fi space epic, they've done this one without us, but we'll be eagerly awaiting the release of this film which promises to be the next big thing.
Seems like things are all going a bit sci-fi at the moment. At the end of last month we had a New Zealand rocket launch and I'm sure many of you will remember Arthur C Clarke's "2010: The Year We Make Contact". |
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Back to planet Earth, before the festivities, remember to make sure your Web site is ship-shape and you have tied up any loose ends before heading off on your summer holidays. We look forward to making contact with you again next year.
In this Edition
 Avatar Christmas Break
The Avatar team will be heading off for a Christmas break at 3pm on Wednesday the 24th of December 2009. We'll be back on deck, refreshed, recharged and ready to tackle the New Year on Monday 11th January 2010.
If you have an urgent Avatar request during this time, then please call our office message service for options. Our Contact details can be found on our Web site.
Hello and Goodbye at Avatar
This month, Avatar is delighted to welcome a new member to the team, Anna Cameron (no relation to movie-maker James Cameron). Anna has recently completed her Honours degree at Otago University and has decided to ditch the scarfie lifestyle to live in Christchurch. The ever effervescent and dynamic Anna is our new administrator and content writer.
We sadly say farewell to the lovely Brydie Meek, who is returning to her Australian family farm to live with her newly acquired Kiwi doctor fiancé. She has opened up an entirely new vista for us, we didn't realise that Aussies could be so darn nice. We wish Brydie all the very best for the future.
Page Load Speed to Become Google Ranking Factor
There's been lots of talk about Google's recent suggestion that page load speed may become a new ranking factor in 2010 in order to speed up the Web and improve the user experience. With speed being a large factor in Google's forthcoming Caffeine search tool, and their recent addition of a page speed report in Google Webmaster Tools, the addition of load speed as a new ranking factor seems increasingly likely. Check out our article on how page speed will impact your rankings.
Tidbits
- Avatar goes to Hollywood. As mentioned in the intro, we're finding it fun that our name is up in bright lights and is appearing on movie posters everywhere! Avatar the movie is out this month and we're hoping the sci-fi blockbuster does the Avatar name proud.
- Google Goggles. Have you ever tried searching for something on the web but you have no idea what it's actually called? Google Goggles will help make things clearer, allowing you to find the names and locations of virtually anything using pictures taken off your mobile phone.
- Let there be lights. Cities and towns across the globe have illuminated and unveiled their decorations in anticipation of the upcoming holidays.
- In a spin. Check out this rotating house in Australia that can turn to follow the sun and guarantees a different view every morning.
- Ho Ho Horrible. Be glad you never received one of these sweaters for Christmas.
This Month's Sites of Interest
Adventure Trailrides (Web site design)
Adventure Trailrides offers off-road dirt bike and quad bike tours in New Zealand's South Island. Their new look Web site is attractive, user friendly and brilliantly showcases the exciting range of tours available. |
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White Flippered Penguin Trust (Web site design)
The White Flippered Penguin Trust (WFPT) preserves and protects the White Flippered Penguins, an endangered species that is endemic to Canterbury. The WFPT site has a modern new look that clearly conveys news updates, educational resources and a support register form.
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