Blog Traffic.

BLOG TRAFFIC.

 

Over the past couple of months I’ve used both WordPress SEO by Yoast, and the default All In One SEO Pack on this web site. So far I’ve seen little if any difference in the use of either of these web SEO tools.

 

WordPress

WordPress (Photo credit: Adriano Gasparri)

This tells me that I’ve got no idea what I’m doing with either of the SEO tools, and I’m writing crap, that few if anyone wants to read. Seeing as I’ve been unemployed for 15 months, I’ve been concentrating on writing with the expectation that over the past year, that this and my writing would begin to generate some income. So far that’s not occurred.

 

So now it’s time to take stock and begin to look seriously at the content and what I’m doing writing, and judge as to whether or not, this is a viable income stream potential or not. I’ve also seen options of creating a subscription service where readers will pay an annual fee for access to the site. This is also an option to consider, as I’ve no support or financial backing for my efforts.

 

There is also an ongoing issue to change the format of the web site and it’s current theme. The “WhiteHouse” theme is a free WordPress theme and while I like it, I don’t love it. What type of theme do I want? I can’t fully describe it, and sort of like Porn, I’ll know the proper theme when I see it.

 

Ok enough of my semi rant this Sunday morning. Thanks to all who do stop by and read the content here. I appreciate you time and effort. I’ll continue to provide content here and look for changes in the near future.

 

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Breck Welcomes Summer June 14-16.

Breck Welcomes Summer June 14-16 with Kingdom Days and Fun Park Opening.

Breckenridge Ski Resort and the Breckenridge Resort Chamber officially welcome summer with a 08FhNKKLFi4wr350xGlf89pGxXw5h_oHGhOTv0civYckickoff event the weekend of June 14-16, 2013. The three-day celebration honors Breck’s diverse history, with the signature Kingdom Days festival (featuring the legendary Outhouse Races), the National Repertory Orchestra Opening Night, and the Breck Town Party, as well as the official opening of the Summer Fun Park at Breckenridge Ski Resort.

The Breckenridge Summer Fun Park is back and better than ever this summer, opening June 14th at the base of Peak 8 of the Breckenridge Ski Resort. Uniquely situated on the slopes, the Breck Summer Fun Park will feature activities for all ages including the Gold Runner Coaster, Alpine SuperSlide, Breck Treks guided hikes, 4X4 off-road tours, climbing wall, mini golf and more. The Fun Park will be open daily from 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. through Sept. 2; then Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only through Sept. 15. Free parking will be available for guests in the Gondola North parking lot. The BreckConnect Gondola will start running with FREE service on Friday, June 14 at 9:00 a.m.

Fun Park visitors can also enjoy dining during the day on the spectacular Ski Hill Grill patio conveniently located at One Ski Hill Place at the base of the Fun Park. In addition, the T-Bar next door will be open weekends in June, and daily July 1 – Sept 15, 2013 from 11 a.m. until the gondola closes. Sevens restaurant, on Peak 7, will also be open daily beginning June 14th, from 11 a.m. -10 p.m. for both lunch and dinner.

Kingdom Days, June 14-16, brings a robust lineup of free activities including blacksmithing demos, gold panning, historic hikes and more. The annual Outhouse Races, the centerpiece of the weekend, showcases competitors rolling down Ridge Street to vie for the Gold Throne, Silver Moon or Bronze Bucket awards. “Open House on History” tours of Breckenridge historic sites are FREE during Kingdom Days – explore the house of an escaped slave-turned-prominent businessman, pan for gold and much more. Call (970) 453-9767 to reserve space on guided tours; visit www.GoBreck.com for all other town event information.

For full details on all events taking place in Breck this summer, including new programs for kids, jeep tours and more, and to purchase your Fun Park tickets online, visit www.Breckenridge.com.

Summer on Us: Beat the summer heat and enjoy all the cool things to do in Breck this summer! Get 20% off when you stay 3 or more nights with Breckenridge Hospitality; valid 4/14/13 – 11/7/13, subject to availability. Go to www.Breckenridge.com for all the latest summer lodging deals.

Stay connected all year long and learn more about Breckenridge Ski Resort at www.facebook.com/Breckenridge or @breckenridgemtn on Twitter.

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Kred Lacks Credibility.

Kred lacks credibility. I recently received and email with the following graphic. Kred lacks credibility.

Now, I’ll admit at first glance this is a nice accolade. However I’m completely inactive on Kred. I’d don’t check in, and while I admit I might have at one time checked out the site, I’ve not done so since that initial time.

Also interesting is that this announcement is for an event that I’ve never attended. That raises the question on just how accurate the information Kred is using for this announcement. While I do follow some friends who have attended the SXSW Conference, I don’t drop everything for the time that the event is going on.

I can only surmise that Kred is in trouble and they’re attempting to bait those of us in the Social Media arena to check out their site and to promote their platitudes.

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North America’s Highest Chairlift Set to Open.

North America’s Highest Chairlift Set to Open with New Snow in Breckenridge. After more than 10 Breck_jan_31_snowinches of snow in the past 24 hours, snow continues to fall today at Breckenridge Ski Resort, adding to the 15 total inches reported in the past 48 hours. The good news doesn’t stop there, as Breckenridge has announced plans to open North America’s highest chairlift this weekend.

With the Imperial Express SuperChair opening, skiers and riders will be able to access Whale’s Tail on Peak 8 and upper Peak 7 terrain, conditions permitting. Exact lift opening time and associated terrain updates will be announced on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Breckenridge, with full terrain and weather reports at www.breckenridge.com.

North America’s highest chairlift, The Imperial Express SuperChair, tops out at 12,840 feet after a quick 2.7 minute ride to the top of the Imperial Bowl. It gives skiers and riders easy access to three high-alpine bowls and hike-to access to the famed Lake Chutes and Snow White areas of Peak 8, when open.

Breckenridge Ski Resort requires all skiers and riders to observe all posted signs and warnings. Please keep off closed trails and out of closed areas for safety reasons.

March Vacation Deals

Are you ready for a break? Whether you’re looking for relaxation or exhilaration, Breckenridge has something to offer every Spring Break group. For a full list of deals for March, visit Breckenridge.com.

For the latest terrain openings, snow report, lowest priced lift tickets guaranteed, and more, visit Breckenridge.com follow Breckenridge Ski Resort at www.facebook.com/Breckenridge or @breckenridgemtn on Twitter.

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TransWorld SNOWboarding TransAm.

The TransWorld SNOWboarding TransAm contest presented by Skullcandy is in its 11th year featuringTransWorld SNOWboarding TransAm Presented by Skullcandy Stops at Keystone Resort nine stops, including one at Keystone Resort Saturday, February 9, along its 2013 tour. This inventive and fresh competition allows up-and-coming snowboarders from around Colorado the opportunity to compete head-to-head for the chance to win sweet prizes as well as snag the top-spot.

Event registration and rider check-in at Keystone Resort will run from 8:00a.m.-10:00a.m. at the Mountain House Base Area. The competition will officially kick-off at 11:00a.m. in the mini-park, specially constructed in the Mountain House Base Area. Contestants will compete in a jam-session format, allowing participants the chance to hit the customized TransAM course features as many times as possible in one hour, while attempting to prove to the judges they have what it takes to move on to the finals. The finals will begin promptly at 1:00p.m., after which winners will be crowned at a 2:30p.m. awards party located in the Dillon Room of the Mountain House Base Lodge.

Set-up for the competition will consist of three lines highlighted by eight unique features developed specifically for the TransAm event, giving riders the opportunity to throw down on something new and different. Conveniently located at the Mountain House Base Area, the competition set-up will give easy access to spectators to come out and watch young riders creatively hit the playful and distinctive mini-park set-up.

The event is not only a great place for young riders to get their name out there, but will also feature sweet prizing, music and the camaraderie of friends snowboarding together in an unpretentious atmosphere. Keystone’s top-ranked A51 Terrain Park has always been an excellent place for riders and pros alike to progress their skills with friends in a park created for everyone to learn and have fun, so the Resort is pleased to host the TransAM that re-creates this friendly atmosphere in a competition format.

Registration costs $15 for the event and will open Friday, January 25 here: http://www.highcascade.com/events/trans_am/trans_am_register.html.

For more information about Keystone Resort, visit keystoneresort.com or call (877) 204-7889. Follow Keystone’s A51 Terrain Park @keystoneA51 on Twitter or at www.Facebook.com/KeystoneA51.

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Breck Mardi Gras Ball with Hazel Miller, Brazilian Dancers.

Breck Mardi Gras Ball with Hazel Miller, Brazilian Dancers. Tickets are now On Sale for the Mardi%20Gras%20Carl%20Scofield%20%2826%29February 9, 2013 Breck Mardi Gras Ball with Hazel Miller, Brazilian Dancers.
Ski, stay, celebrate packages starting at $145; Float registration open for Fat Tuesday parade, Feb. 12

Revel in the snow with fellow carnival goers this season as Breckenridge celebrates Mardi Gras. Complete with beads, a Mardi Gras Ball, boas and a parade, Breck’s Mardi Gras mixes New Orleans style with lodging specials and mountain town celebrations.

Feb. 9, 2013: Mardi Gras Ball – Hazel Miller’s soulful vocals provide the backdrop to this mountain-formal masquerade ball at Beaver Run Resort and Conference Center. New this year, catch the moves of Brazilian samba dancers. Guests can spot local royalty at the crowning of the 2013 Rex and Queen while sampling New Orleans-style cuisine.

Get into the carnival spirit with costumes, beads and masks, which will be sold at the event. Tickets are $55 each, $100 per couple, or a table of 10 for $450. Purchase online, at the Breckenridge Welcome Center (203 S. Main St.) or call 970-453-5055.
Feb. 12, 2013: Fat Tuesday parade – Summit County’s only Mardi Gras parade begins at 4:30 p.m. on Fat Tuesday. Free float registration is now open.

Join the party on Main Street to see floats and colorful characters handing out trinkets to the crowd. Stop by Holly’s Pizazz Boutique, 101 N. Main St. #D, for bead, mask and boa needs. Post-parade parties will be held at restaurants and bars around town; celebrate the night with drink specials, music and more.

Mardi Gras Adventure Stay and Play Package

Four people stay four nights in a two-bedroom condo with three-day lift tickets and two couple tickets to the Mardi Gras Ball, starting at $145 per person, per night. Call Breckenridge Central reservations at 8888-251-2417 or visit GoBreck.com for package information.

How did Mardi Gras find its way to the mountains?

Some 15 years ago, a tight-knit group of New Orleanians decided to trade Mardi Gras crowds for skiing and sunshine in Breck. It wasn’t long before they realized they couldn’t do without hometown traditions; but since the group loved Breckenridge too much to leave, they brought a little bit of NOLA to 9,600 feet. Today, the Town of Breckenridge has expanded upon the revelry to include the Mardi Gras Ball with live music and more. Join the Breckenridge community to honor Rex in true mountain style: with skiing, snow play and an all-out party on Main Street.

GoBreck is the destination marketing organization for the Town of Breckenridge. Connect on Facebook or Twitter for the latest Breckenridge photos, news and updates. Visit GoBreck.com or call 800-Go-Breck (800-462-7325) for event lodging.

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Valentine’s Day Is for Colorado Skiers.

Valentine’s Day Is for Colorado Skiers. Here are some great tips and deals for guests to make this Valentine’s Day a mountain getaway to remember at Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge and Keystone in

Valentines heart

Valentines heart (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Colorado, and Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood in Lake Tahoe. Using the guide below commitment seekers can hunt the best backdrops for getting down on one knee; lovebirds can plan a trip to remember with lodging packages and romantic itineraries that will make them want to break out the champagne; singles can escape Valentine’s Day and find the best après parties and opportunities to meet “Mr./Ms. Right”; and everyone can capture special moments with EpicMix Photo, which allows guests to get their photos taken by professional EpicMix photographers and share them socially on Facebook and Twitter.

Places to Propose.

Mountain Decks, Vail.
Vail’s outdoor decks are a perfect locale to soak up some sun and enjoy a picnic for two surrounded by beautiful scenery. Inside tip: Henry’s Hut, located at the top of the Mountaintop Express Lift (#4) also offers an outdoor deck and grill along with a warming yurt. Belle’s Camp high above Blue Sky Basin not only offer stellar views but also public grills for guests to enjoy their own barbeque. www.vail.com

Game Creek Restaurant, Vail

At Game Creek, Vail has taken fine dining to new heights. Literally. Located in Vail’s scenic Game Creek Bowl, this European chalet is the perfect for a romantic, cozy dinner for two. Take a short ride up the Eagle Bahn Gondola to Eagle’s Nest, where you will be taken by snowcat to the restaurant. The magnificent setting is matched with a gourmet, multi-course meal and a superb wine list. This is truly a dining experience not to be missed, and the perfect place to propose. www.vail.com

Peak 8, Breckenridge

Earlier this season, Shea called the Breck team for help proposing to his girlfriend Hollie on her birthday trip. The day started with upgraded VIP parking at the base of Peak 8, complete with a welcome crew holding a birthday sign, and hot chocolate. The crew walked the couple to the Colorado chair, pointing out the special birthday message on the electronic sign boards in the base area. An already surprised Hollie emerged back from the mountain an engaged woman, to find the resort’s sign boards changed to congratulatory messages. www.breckenridge.com
At the couple’s request a photo of newly engaged Shea and Hollie with the Breck team was captured by an EpicMix photographer and uploaded to EpicMix.com.

Document your date or proposal without hiring a photographer.

Nobody wants to bring friends along on a romantic date. With EpicMix professional photographers, guests can take free on mountain photos that can be delivered to their EpicMix account and shared with family and friends via Facebook and Twitter instantly. www.epicmix.com.

 

Best Mountain Packages and Itineraries for Romance

A Luxury Break in Beaver Creek

Morning: Couples ride up the Strawberry Park Express chairlift (#12) together, for a morning of privately guided snowshoeing around McCoy Park’s expansive terrain overlooking the valley. Before they embark on their snowshoe adventure, they’ll strike a pose for the EpicMix photographer at the top of the chairlift to capture this special moment and setting forever.

Afternoon: A private picnic on the sun-soaked deck in McCoy Park, complete with champagne, followed by a stroll arm in arm through the village, ducking into the various boutiques and jewelry shops before strapping on ice skates for a romantic twirl on the ice rink. Couples can warm up with a cozy pomegranate cider at Toscanini, located next to the ice rink.
Evening: Couples snuggle up under the warmth of a blanket and soak in the stars while traveling to dinner by open-air sleigh ride. When they arrive at Beano’s Cabin, nestled in a quaint valley on Beaver Creek Mountain, they’ll settle in by the crackling fire with a glass of Prosecco and toast to their love. Once seated at a romantic table for two tucked in the corner, they’ll select five courses from options including oysters, fried rabbit, Colorado lamb and sinfully rich chocolate desserts, pairing dinner with a well-chosen wine recommendation from one of the expert sommeliers on staff. www.beavercreek.com

Beaver Creek Resort Properties offers up to 33% off lodging accommodations at The Pines Lodge A RockResort, The Osprey A RockResort and select Beaver Creek condo properties. This special package can also be customized at an additional cost to include discounted lift tickets, ski school and more. To book visit our Celebrate the Snow Sale.

Couples Cat Skiing in Keystone

Morning: Those looking for a little adventure to spice up the weekend should try Cat Skiing with Keystone Adventure Tours. Endless acres of powder and terrain while taking in breathtaking scenery with a loved one, is the perfect start to a romantic Keystone weekend. $240 per person (includes lift ticket, powder ski rental and lunch).

Afternoon: Lovers can indulge in a laid back lunch for two at the Inn at Keystone, before settling in for a Champagne & Chocolate Indulgence package at The Keystone Spa. Includes a 50 minute customized champagne massage, luxurious facial, and pedicure, glass of champagne and decadent truffle. The weekend continues with dinner at the historic Ski Tip Lodge, voted “best place for a romantic date” in the Best of Summit County, complete with a rotating four-course menu and celebrated service, including dessert served fireside. www.keystoneresort.com

Stay at The Keystone Inn: The Keystone Inn features majestic views of Keystone Mountain, a cozy martini lounge and rooftop hot tubs perfect for a soak under the stars after a long day on the mountain. Lodging at the Inn starts at just $147 per night.

The Best Spots to Mingle With Other Singles on Mountain

Try Chairlift Speed Dating, Keystone

Keystone wants to help singles find someone to share the mountain with! For those celebrating Valentine’s Day solo, head to Keystone for Speed Dating on the chairlift on Feb. 14. Inside tip: You may find love, but at the very least you’ll find someone to make some turns with! www.keystoneresort.com.

Black Diamonds are a Breck Girl’s Best Friend

While most women across the country are hoping for roses, chocolates and jewelry this Valentine’s Day, black diamonds are a Breck girl’s best friend (black diamond runs that is). With 36 percent of the mountain’s terrain rated as expert, Breckenridge Ski Resort offers all a girl needs this ski season; from cozying up with her partner on the T-bar before linking some turns together in the bowls, to discovering the local favorite stashes on the south side of Peak 10, or the never-ending runs of the Peak 7 Bowl via the Imperial Express SuperChair, the highest chair lift in North America.
Not ready for the double-black diamond terrain just yet? The Breckenridge Ski and Ride School is there to help guide and give pointers on navigating romantic runs such Sizzler, Forget-Me-Not and Rendezvous. Whether in the singles line or sitting close together on the E chair, men and women agree – they love Breck! www.breckenridge.com

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Breckenridge Ski Resort and The Winter X Games.

Breckenridge Ski Resort today announced the roster of Breck Pro Team athletes that will compete atBreck Pro Team this weekend’s Winter X Games live on ESPN. Among the six Breck Pro Team athletes competing across multiple disciplines are recent Grand Prix Free Ski Slopestyle winners James Woods and Keri Herman.
Bobby Brown returns to Ski Big Air as the only athlete to win this event twice, having claimed gold last year with his switch double 1440 mute grab and a switch double cork 1260 high mute grab. Anna Segal, also a top podium contender in this year’s games, has repeatedly earned gold medals in Women’s Ski Slopestyle since 2009.

The full list of competing Breck Pro Team athletes and their mountain events are as follows:
Bobby Brown – Ski Big Air and Men’s Ski Slopestyle
James Woods – Men’s Ski Slopestyle
Keri Herman – Women’s Ski Slopestyle
Anna Segal – Women’s Ski Slopestyle
Brett Esser – Men’s Snowboard Superpipe
Eric Willett – Snowboard Big Air and Men’s Snowboard Slopestyle

Check out the Breckenridge Blog, or @breckenridgemtn on Twitter for live updates, results, photos and more info. on all the Breck Pro Team athletes competing at X Games and throughout the season.

The Breck Pro Team

The Breck Pro Team is an elite cadre of 27 ski and snowboard professionals and amateurs, both male and female, sponsored by Breck, who represent the Breckenridge Ski Resort and the Town of Breckenridge with professionalism and heart at competitions world-wide. The Breck Pro Team is recognized as the top resort team in the ski industry today, comprised of some of the most exciting young talent in action sports from around the world. This year’s team features athletes from 5 different countries, 15 Coloradans, and 7 local heroes who were born and raised in Breckenridge, and who now all call Breck their hometown.

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Volcom Stone’s Peanut Butter and Rail Jam.

Volcom Stone’s Peanut Butter and Rail Jam amateur snowboard contest returns for its sixth season atKEY7806SNOWBOARDERA51_Chad_Schmidt Keystone Resort giving young snowboarders from around the state the chance to become the next Rail Jam victor.

The event will begin promptly at 8:00a.m. Saturday, Jan. 26 with check-in and registration at the Mountain House Base Area. Volcom’s Rail Jam is broken down into four divisions; 15 and up, 16 and over, girls and open (pro-am) with the contest running in a jam format allowing competitors to hit the rail set-up as many times as possible within their division’s 20 minute heat. Judges will award the top-spot based on the tricks the athletes pull, with the opportunity to move on to the 2013 Peanut Butter and Rail Jam Championships at Mammoth Mountain, CA April 20.

Fostering a positive, friendly atmosphere, Volcom offers up a fresh competition set-up consisting of three rails side-by-side that forces competitors to both ride and hike together. New this year, the feature will be set-up at the Mountain House Base Area granting easier spectator access to view the event.

Keeping the atmosphere social, free drinks, food and PB&J sandwiches will be available throughout the day, plus loads of prize giveaway as well as a free t-shirt and sticker for each participant.

The Rail Jam is not only a great way for young athletes to begin their career in the sport, but it’s also an opportunity for both Volcom and Keystone Resort to give something back to the kids. Keystone’s acclaimed A51 Terrain Park has always been a training ground for pro athletes with the park’s four jump lines and more than 100 features, but it has also been an excellent place for learning where progression is strongly emphasized allowing kids of all ages to continue improving their park skills right alongside the pros.

For more information about Keystone Resort, visit keystoneresort.com or call (877) 204-7889. Follow the resort at @keystonemtn on Twitter or at www.Facebook.com/Keystone.

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Blog Analytics and SEO.

I’m looking at Blog Analytics and SEO this morning, covering the first 15 days of December 2012 and the first 15 days of January 2013. I began the first of this year, concentrating on making sure

Image representing Google Analytics as depicte...

Image via CrunchBase

that my posts were annotated with a green dot, per WordPress SEO by Yoast.

I won’t bore you with all the sordid details but rather a simple snapshot. For my personal blog,

December 1-15, 2012
Visits – 257
Unique Visitors – 156
Page Views – 765
Most Visitors in one day – 29
New Visitors – 57.59%
Return Visitors – 42.41%
Daily Visitor Average – 17.13

January 1-15, 2013
Visits – 253
Unique Visitors – 149
Page Views – 891
Most Visitors in one day – 29
New Visitors – 66.20%
Return Visitors – 33.80%
Daily Visitor Average – 16.86

All numbers are from Google Analytics. There has been little change in the overall numbers for the time period. I know that SEO is a long term proposition, and I wanted to get a feel or sense of what has been happening since I began this process.

For my site, The SwansenReport, which is associated with Liberty News,
December 1-15, 2012
Visits – 472
Unique Visitors – 464
New Visitors – 423
Most Visitors in One Day – 29
Daily Visitor Average – 31.46

January 1-15, 2013

Visits – 2,538
Unique Visitors – 2,440
New Visitors – 2,279
Most Visitors in One Day – 1,737
Daily Visitor Average – 169.92

All numbers here are from GetClicky. The spike, I attribute, to a one day of Twitter and Facebook promotion posting by the national office. As before, I know that SEO is a long term proposition.

Now I’m also reading and posting comments on various sites in the effort of gather some links back to the sites as well. The posting are not promotional comments, rather, specific comments to the blog posting.

I’d like to see a more consistent uptick in visits on both sites during the next two weeks, to see an improving trend in visitors to the sites.

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