Last week, I came across a post on Toxel.com (a favorite site of mine) about 15 Examples of Modern Web Design. Yes, these are all cool looking and provide visual stimulation, but they go beyond just looking sweet. Check ‘em out:

Web technology is expanding exponentially in so many ways, and we should embrace it, especially if it makes life a little bit easier. And that is what modern web design is about. Things like Cascading Style Sheets, or CSS, are enabling web designers the ability to create amazing works of art while still enhancing functionality and site efficiency.

And although CSS and other web technologies aren’t necessarily new, they continue to update and change for the better, allowing increased usability. Their usage continues to enhance design and functionality, two things that go hand. And yes, while the sites above are artistic and beautiful, they are more than just pretty. They connect function with identity, which is just good design.

We recently launched a new site for Strayer University at www.strayeru.com. This site focuses on Strayer University campuses in Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia. Strayer focuses on working adults seeking to continue their education with a certificate or degree program. They offer flexible programs that are online or on campus that fit the busy schedules of working adults.

Visitors to the site can read stories about continuing education such as learning which degrees are most financially rewarding in 2009 by reading the blog section of the site. The site allows visitors to interact by leaving comments or filling out a form to request more information about Strayer’s programs. Here is an excerpt from a recent post:

“The recent economic recession has put a squeeze on the national job market, forcing employment hopefuls to reach back into their skill set to seek out jobs they may not have been prepared to go after. FastCompany recently posted a list of the top employment opportunities for 2009. These are the top ten areas to seek employment this year:

1) Nursing and Medical Services….”

Link to their site in your reader and keep up-to-date on continuing education.

This question is answered on a new micro site we launched for Warman Homecare. Visit www.warmanfuzzy.com and watch the video and read about how you can enter to win an iPod by uploading a video or photo that explains what “Warm and Fuzzy” means to you.

We also launched a new website for Warman Homecare. They provide skilled home care for seniors and others who need help to stay in their homes. You can watch a video of actual Warman clients who praise the care they receive at home. Warman Homecare serves Maryland, Washington, D.C., Northern Virginia, Philadelphia and Surrounding Counties in Pennsylvania.

The marketing environment has changed a lot since we started working with the National Chicken Council in 2001, to promote the consumption of chicken and get consumers excited about September as National Chicken Month. Over the past nine years Cyphers has helped promote the brand with everything from national campaigns, to retail promotions, to updating and maximizing their web presence.

Each year we take a fresh look at the brand and the emerging marketing techniques and trends available to us. This year, with the creation of the new Push-n-Pull division we’ve had plenty of new, unique and effective word of mouth options to propose to the National Chicken Council.

Nine years ago we were organizing massive direct mail projects. Today, we’re organizing features on foodie blogs, making twitter friends, and creating a very non-traditional approach to promoting September as National Chicken Month. We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to create some buzz and make some waves for the National Chicken Council using the power of our Push-n-Pull division. To stay updated on all the fun things happening for the NCC this year, log on to Twitter and follow @ChickenFTW and check out www.eatchicken.com in the coming months.

Recently we created a new look for several of Ynot Advertising’s websites. These sites focus on making it easy for hungry college students to get food. Here is one of their newly updated sites:

They wanted a look that would set them apart from the competition and help users quickly order food for delivery, pick up or eating out and provide info on entertainment available nearby.