Thursday, July 26, 2007

30th Class Reunion


I recently attended my 30th High School Reunion. The photo is of me, Mark Ballard, and my friends Henry Riess, and Raul Aragon. Henry is now a pilot for American Airlines and Raul is a Pharmacist and owns his own drug store in Boynton Beach Florida. We all graduated from Cardinal Newman High School in West Palm Beach Florida in 1977.

In case you're wondering it was a tropical theme.

Monday, July 02, 2007

Messer hooks inshore slam worth $1,000


A total of 133 anglers participated in the Riverside Café / Vero Tackle Inshore Fishing Tournament on Saturday. But no one won as big as Wayne Messer.

Messer took home a $1,000 payout for catching a slam of trout, redfish and flounder, which weighed in at 10 pounds, beating out Bruddy Tyson's slam of 9 1/2 pounds.

Most of the big trout were caught early in the morning on topwater plugs. Derek Seiger won $750 in the trout division, finishing first with a weight of 7 1/2 pounds. Mike Olvey won the redfish division and $750, with a fish weighing in at 6.6 pounds.

Colin Willis won the junior angler slam, catching a ladyfish (.85 pounds), a jack (1.3 pounds) and a sheephead (2.05 pounds) to win a rod, reel, cast net and $100. Cody Ward won a rod and a reel in the junior division as well.

Monday, June 11, 2007

Fish Addict sweeps snapper in TCBA




By ED KILLER
edward.killer@scripps.com

June 11, 2007
FORT PIERCE — The busiest weekend in Treasure Coast fishing tournament history came to a close Sunday as competitors weighed catches in four of the weekend's five events.

A quick scan of the leaderboards revealed that it was a good weekend to target snapper, but maybe not so good to target swordfish, while spearfishing is pretty good right now.

Click here for the full story.

Wednesday, June 06, 2007

Fly Fishing In Martha's Vineyard


Here's a nice article from Steve Grant of the Hartford Courant

May 20, 2007http://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gif
By STEVE GRANT, Courant Staff Writer

MARTHA'S VINEYARD -- We were bouncing down the beach in a big four-wheel-drive pickup, going fishing, when Cooper Gilkes, one of the most respected guides on Martha's Vineyard, stopped to talk to a ranger.

You should have been here this morning," the ranger said. "Six o'clock this morning, it was unbelievable." That is, there were striped bass everywhere. Now, it appeared, they were somewhere else.

"Don't tell me that," Gilkes said. "I don't want to hear that." I was riding shotgun, and I didn't want to hear it either.

I had come to Martha's Vineyard for one reason: to catch a striped bass on a fly rod.

It was early May, after a winter that wouldn't go away. The migratory striped bass and bluefish showed up off the Vineyard more than a week late, and even now were only trickling in. Fishing was agonizingly slow, at the very time of year when anyone who even occasionally wets a line has the itch to be on the water. (More)

Tuesday, June 05, 2007

Breast cancer survivors enjoy fly fishing with event


By DAVID THOMPSON - dthompson@sungazette.com
DAVID THOMPSON/Sun-Gazette

Diane Chesnut vainly attempts to interest a pair of large trout into taking a bite of her Wooly Bugger fly as Trout Unlimited volunteer Rich Masters looks on. On Saturday, the Susquehanna Chapter of Trout Unlimited hosted “Casting for Recovery,” a day-long fishing trip in which volunteer fly fishing experts teamed up with breast cancer survivors for a day of trout fishing on Lycoming Creek.

(More)

Monday, June 04, 2007

Splash and dash: Florida is a haven for seaplanes


Here is an interesting article by By Wes Smith of the Orlando Sentinel. However every time I see a sea plane I can't help but think about the one that crashed off of Miami Beach two years ago.

Thursday, May 31, 2007

Snook Season Comes To An End


Snook anglers have until 11:59 p.m. tonight to keep the season's final two fish between 27 and 34 inches. Snook season will close tonight at midnight until Sept. 1.

While it will be strictly catch and release for snook until September, there is a strong possibility that anglers on Florida's Atlantic coast will have the bag limit reduced to one fish per person and the slot reduced to between 28 and 32 inches.

The proposed changes to the snook rules will be discussed at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's meeting and final public hearing on the matter June 14 at the Radisson Suit Hotel Oceanfront in Melbourne. To see the complete agenda, visit www.MyFWC.com and see the news release.

Wednesday, May 30, 2007

Indian River Lagoon Fishing Report


Indian River Lagoon Coast Fishing Report, May 14, 2007

Complements of Mosquito Creek Outdoors, Apopka Florida

Has anyone bothered to enlighten Mother Nature on the premise that we are approaching the middle of May, because she seems to be a little confused? Like April, blustery breezes have dominated the weather this past week, and by the looks of the long-range forecast, we haven’t seen the end of nasty weather conditions yet. First, we had sub-tropical storm Andrea settle in on us Monday, with gale force winds and seas offshore up to 16 feet, and now a back door front has delivered some well-needed rain followed up by east winds up to 30 knots. Although this report is starting off on an ominous note, I did manage a few nice days of fishing in between systems, and it looks like Wednesday might be fishable as well.

My week started out great on Sunday the May 6th with perfect conditions, and I was privileged to have Mark and his son Matt onboard Three Quarter Time for a day of inshore fishing on the Indian River Lagoon. Both Mark and Matt have fished freshwater, but this was their first experience on the saltwater flats of the IRL, and the thought of redfish occupied their minds.

As usual, I arriver early around 5:30am and launched in Titusville, and instead of hanging around and blocking a busy ramp, I eased out into the Lagoon and tossed out a Chug Bug. Well believe or not, the fish were busting baitfish on the surface in the darkness, and I ended up landed three spotted sea trout and a gafftopsail catfish before returning to the dock to pick up Mark and Matt. Once we returned the previous location, both Mark and Matt experienced numerous strikes, but neither managed a solid hook-up. The bite quickly shouts down once the Sunday morning boat traffic picked up, so we moved on.

Our next stop was a flat on the east shore of the Lagoon, and again the ladyfish and sea trout were all over the Rip Roller and Chug Bug plugs. As we pushed deeper into the flat, I received a phone call from my good friend Mike Bridges, who was calling us in on several schools of nice redfish. Over the years, I have developed many great friendships with anglers on the Lagoon who are of the mind-set I refer to as the abundance mentality. We are all out there for the same reasons, and together we share information and catch more fish, which is what these fishing reports are all about, and in this case Mike made it easer for me to facilitate the desire of my clients, and yes Mike, we greatly appreciate your benevolence. As we poled up on Mike’s position, we started spotting tails, and both Mark and Matt scored handsome redfish with Matt catching the largest at 34-inches.

For the remainder of the week, dangerous conditions were experienced on the water, and I was forced to either postpone or cancel the remainder of my week’s charters.

On Friday, I loaded up my pick-up with three Freedom Hawk Kayaks, and it was off to Jacksonville to attend the Forth Annual Jacksonville Kayak Fishing Classic Tournament. The Classic is a catch, photograph, and release paddle fishing event organized and promoted by the Internet forum www.jaxkayakfishing.com, with all proceeds benefit the Daniel Foundation. This event is the largest CPR kayak-fishing tournament in the world and it included 282 registered anglers and over 60,000 in prizes. Although I didn’t make the board or win one of the 17 kayaks awarded, I have to admit this was the most fun I have ever experienced at any tournament, and some of the friendliest anglers I’ve had the honor to fish with, and I would like to thank Mike and Michelle Kogan and all of the other outstanding volunteers and sponsors who made the event such a great success.

John and Jeff Cameron from Freedom Hawk Kayaks in Michigan and I established Team Freedom Hawk, and although we have never fished in the Jacksonville area, the excellent weather and some great tips from other anglers set the stage for some assume fishing and a great angling experience.

As always, if you have any question or need more information, please contact me.

Good Luck and good fishing,

Captain Tom Van Horn

Thursday, May 24, 2007

Ed's Best Bet: Tarpon on the prowl


By ED KILLER
edward.killer@scripps.com
May 24, 2007

They're here! That was the email I received last week from Capt. Joe Massaro with a photo of a leaping silver king at the end of someone's line.

In the background appeared to be High Point — the tip of Sewall's Point marking the spot as the Crossroads — the intersection of the St. Lucie River, Indian River Lagoon, St. Lucie Inlet and Manatee Pocket.


The annual migration of tarpon begin to show in good numbers along the Treasure Coast anywhere from late April into late May and generally the tarpon fishing can be quite good throughout the entire summer until the end of the fall mullet run in late October.

The windy weekend will likely prevent anglers from sight fishing opportunities for the silver kings, but with luck, we'll be able to start chasing them next week. Until then, look for them in residential canals and spots where land-based anglers can cast to them.

Here I'll try to run down a few spots to be on the lookout for the tell tale roll of the king of the game fish.

1. Roosevelt Bridge, Stuart. How is it that no matter what I'm writing about, this spot comes up.
2. C-23 Canal spillway, Bessey Creek, Palm City.
3. Crossroads, Stuart.
4. Big and Little Mud Creek, Hutchinson Island. Have to go into Big Mud down the road on the north side.
5. Blind Creek, Hutchinson Island.
6. North Fork, Five Fingers area, Port St. Lucie.
7. C-24 Spillway, Port St. Lucie.
8. Fort Pierce Inlet Jetty.
9. Taylor Creek, Fort Pierce.
10. Barber Bridge, Vero Beach.
11. Sebastian River.
12. Sebastian Inlet Jetty.

Wednesday, May 23, 2007

Indian River Fishing News

The Indian River Bass Anglers fished Saturday on Lake Pierce near Lake Wales. Good fish were caught by the 10 anglers and five boats that made the trip.

Lee Turner and Joe Kubik of Vero Beach caught a total weight of 19 pounds, 1-ounce, with Turner's 7-pound, 12-ouncer the big fish of the day.

Other catches included 14 pounds, 5-ounces for Robert and Terry Kimbrough of Vero Beach; 10 pounds, 8-ounces for John Fink and Mert Dillard; 5-pounds, 15-ounces for Edwin and Joy Kimbrough and four pounds for Rob and Paul Maddaloni.

The next meeting of the Indian River Bass Anglers Club will be June 5 at 7:30 p.m. at Mrs. B's Restaurant, 8245 SR 60 in Vero Beach. For information call Robert Kimbrough at (772) 559-2547.

HBCA inshore fishes; offshore now June 8-9

Rough seas forced the Home Builders and Contractors Association of Brevard to postpone its offshore fishing tournament until June 9, but 80 anglers fished the inshore portion of the tournament Saturday.

Don Patterson, of Melbourne, won the HBCA Double Slam's slam award with 18.55 pounds of snook, trout and redfish including the event's first place redfish of 6.7 pounds. He collected $500 for the slam and $400 for the redfish. Fishing partner Roland Jones won the trout category with a 9.5-pounder worth $400. John Langdon won the snook division with a 12.70-pounder edging Jerry Seidel's snook of the same size based on time in to the scale at Squid Lips Restaurant in Sebastian.

The event was sanctioned by the Treasure Coast Flats Circuit and 69 anglers received TCF points. For TCF standings after four events visit www.tcfcircuit.com. To sign up for the HBCA Double Slam Offshore event call (800) 370-3720. Entry is $150 per boat.

Fishing Frenzy Moves to June 15-16

The St. Lucie County Chamber of Commerce announced it has rescheduled its 11th annual Fishing Frenzy dolphin tournament for June 15-16. Anglers can still pickup entry forms at area tackle shops in Fort Pierce and Port St. Lucie, at the Chamber office, 2200 Virginia Ave., Fort Pierce, or online at www.stluciechamber.org. Entry is $225 per boat and the event will pay $10,000 for the heaviest dolphin caught. Call (772) 595-9999.

Hobe Sound chamber moves up summer sizzler


The Hobe Sound Chamber of Commerce announced it will move its annual Summer Sizzler fishing tournament to July 13-14. The captain's meeting will be at 6 p.m. Friday, July 13 at Harry and the Natives, 11910 S.E. Federal Highway, Hobe Sound. Weigh-in and awards will be at Blowing Rocks Marina in Tequesta.

Anglers will compete for cash prizes in dolphin, kingfish, wahoo, grouper and snapper divisions. Entry fee is $200 per boat and $225 after July 6. Proceeds will benefit Hobe Sound Chamber community programs.

Tuesday, May 22, 2007

All About The Indian River Lagoon


A Lagoon is by nature a very shallow body of water. The Indian River Lagoon has an average depth of only 2 1/2 feet. Many of the mangrove islands were formed in the 1920's when the Army Corps of Engineers first dredged the ICW to allow safe inland navigation for large vessels. Vero Beach and the Indian River Lagoon is also the home of the famous Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute.

Using giant dredges they would suck the bottom soil from middle of the lagoon and simply deposit it to either side. Eventually these deposits would sprout life in the form of mangrove seedlings, Autrailian Pine trees, and assorted types of palm, and palmetto shrubs. In time it has produced a beautiful and scenic ecosystem.

Mature coastal fish like the snook, redfish, sea trout, tarpon, various types of sharks, barracuda, and jack cravalle migrate into the lagoon after spawning to deposit their eggs or to simply feed. It's in this lagoon that many fish will spend the first 3 to four years of life before reaching maturity, thus replacing the previous stock, and then it all happens over, and over again. As you may suspect these predatory fish aren't the only ones to take advantage of the estuary.

The prey fish use this ecosystem as well, mullet, threadfin herring, grunts, croakers, pinfish, glass minnows as well as shrimp and assorted crabs. The current estimate is that more than 4,300 types of fish and animals utilize the lagoon at one time or another over the course of their lives. Bottle nose dolphin, manatees and otters are just a few of the mammals that also share this very bountiful universe.

Let's also not forget the additional life above the water line. The sea birds; Pelicans, gulls, the fish eating cormorants, Herons, Ibis,' mammals like; Raccoons, Squirrels, Opossums, Bobcats, reptiles such as; Green and Brown Anole lizards, Snakes like the Black Racer, the Banded Water Snake, along with numerous toads and insects even alligators.

Mix all this together and what you get is a macrocosm for all types of wildlife. Plenty of food for the smaller prey fish to eat around the mangroves, crabs, shrimp, and small minnows making up the majority of their diet. In turn while they're fattening up under the protection of the mangroves the predatory fish are feasting on them.

The lagoon system is a unique environment a constant migration of life, and naturally death. Now granted this is not a very scientific explanation but I'm not a scientist I'm a fisherman, and all I know is that it's beautiful system that nature has devised. The only natural enemy threatening it are humans.

Summer Fishing Patterns In Florida

Trout action will continue to be good in the early mornings. That hour or so after the first light appears is the best time to fish. Calm waters with a top water popper and/or slider are both going to be what to look for. The early bird gets the worm as they say.

Snook are going to be under any kind of shade during the day. Mangroves with some good over hang and docks will give them plenty of cover. In the early mornings, the snook will still be on the flats, following the bait pods. Nighttime action will be the best time for the snook to take flies. Under any of the bridge and dock lights will be where to cast your fly. Moving water on an out going tide will be the best situation.

Tarpon fishing of the beaches will get better and better as the summer goes on. The "Cove", is a great place to go, if the conditions are right. Calm winds or a west wind will make the ocean nice and calm to make the run a little easier. Most of the residential canals will also be a good place to go for the tarpon. Early mornings and right up until dark is a great time for them, but don't rule out the night.

During the night, the jacks and ladyfish will also hit very well. Small minnow and small shrimp patterns work best. These fish on a 5 or 6 weight rod can be a blast.

Tight Lines,

Capt. Mark Ballard

Monday, May 21, 2007

Microsoft To Acquire Aquantive

Software giant Microsoft is to acquire the digital marketing company Aquantive for $6 billion, it has been announced. The move is part of a wider effort from the company to expand its presence in the lucrative world of online advertising.

After the acquisition, Microsoft will acquire Seattle-based Aquantive's Atlas Media Console and Drive PM solutions for advertisers and publishers. Microsoft chief executive Steve Ballmer said: "The advertising industry is evolving and growing at an incredible pace, moving increasingly toward online and IP-served platforms, which dramatically increases the importance of software for this industry.

"Today's announcement represents the next step in the evolution of our ad network." Microsoft will also gain control of Aquantive's own interactive advertisement agency, Avenue A Razorfish. In April, Google won the race to acquire the ubiquitous internet advertiser Doubleclick, paying $3.1 billion for the company.

The New York-based Doubleclick was founded in 1995 by Kevin O'Connor and Dwight Merriman.

Tuesday, May 15, 2007

Broadband users spend half of free time surfing the net

People who have broadband end up spending almost half their free time surfing the internet, according to recent research.

During the week, users with high-speed internet spend approximately 48 percent of their free time on the net, a survey from Media-Screen shows. And 48 percent of young users of the broadband go on the internet to find out information about the entertainment sector, compared to 25 percent who rely on TV, the survey discovered.

Josh Crandall, managing director of Media-Screen, said: "Many broadband consumers go online for entertainment and to talk about entertainment with other fans. "Marketers need to leverage that interest and focus on catalysing a conversation now, instead of just talking to their fans via traditional advertising channels."

Of the time spent on the internet 27 percent is spent communicating with others, while 12 percent is spent shopping and nine percent searching for news or information. Meanwhile, a fake version of the next book in the popular Harry Potter series has hit the internet and fooled thousands of readers.

With a length of 250,000 words, the fake version of the book is similar enough to the real books that it took in legions of fans of the teenage wizard.

Tuesday, April 24, 2007

Yahoo! Expands Online Music Library

Internet giant Yahoo! has substantially expanded its music library, the company has announced.

Now music fans will have access to a database of the lyrics to over 400,000 songs, the largest online lyrics library in the world. Songs from approximately 9,000 different artists, including the Beatles, Bob Dylan, Beyonce and Radiohead are featured in the library. While many other websites offer the lyrics to songs, most have not obtained the permission of those that own the copyright and so are technically breaking the law, Yahoo! stated.

Ian Rogers, general manager of Yahoo! Music, said of the service: "It fills a huge, gaping hole out there." Yahoo! is to share revenue generated by the ads that will be shown next to the lyric with those that own the copyrights to the songs. Meanwhile, online music site Napster has announced that it is to start offering a subscription service for access to its online library of songs. Napster has allied with electronics retail giant Circuit City to deploy the service, which will be called Circuit City + Napster.

"Music and video continue to drive the Internet," states Mark Weibel, EVP of Marketing for Broadband National Inc. who operates the industries leading comparative website. "With companies like Apple, Yahoo, Napster and Rhapsody this trend will continue to grow along side video, VoIP and IPTV"

For more information on broadband and other digital related products and services visit www.broadbandnatinal.com

Tuesday, April 10, 2007

AT&T To Offer Free Napster To Go

Communication giant AT&T has offered its wireless and broadband Internet customers a year free access to the Napster To Go service.

From April 1st broadband subscribers that add wireless phone service, or vice versa, will be able to use the Napster service, which offers over three million songs. Currently AT&T's wireless unit, Cingular, is America's largest cell carrier, boasting in excess of 60 million subscribers.

Rick Welday, chief marketing officer of AT&T Consumer, said: "By tying Napster To Go to AT&T's robust communications network, we're turning up the volume nationwide on both consumer value and added convenience." By joining communication with entertainment, AT&T is showing that it is committed to delivering content at home and "on the go", added Mr. Welday.

AT&T has also announced that residents of Kansas City will now be able to its U-verse services. U-verse features AT&T's fiber-rich network with television and high-speed Internet services available on demand.

"Napster concludes their fiscal year 2007 with over 830,000 paid subscribers, which many believe makes them the largest on-demand music service in the industry," states Mark Weibel, EVP of Marketing for Broadband National Inc. who operates the industries leading comparative website. "This would make Napster larger than Rhapsody, and larger than all of the other remaining competitors combined."http://www2.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gif

For more information on broadband and other digital related products and services visit www.broadbandnatinal.com

One Third Of Americans Do Not Want Internet

Less than one-third of American households have access to the Internet and do not want it, according to recent survey.

Most of these people do not see the Internet as being able to help their lives in any concrete way, the research from technology research firm Park Associates found. Some forty-four percent of households without the Internet said that they were not interested in anything it had to offer, while 22 per cent said they could not afford a computer or the service.

And 17 percent said that they did not have the Internet because they did not know how to use it and three percent said that the Internet did not reach their house. John Barrett, director of research at Parks Associates, said: "The industry continues to chip away at the core of non-subscribers, but has a ways to go. "Entertainment applications will be the key. If anything will pull in the holdouts, it's going to be applications that make the Internet more akin to pay TV."

Meanwhile, new research from the Pew Hispanic Center in the U.S. has found that Hispanics are falling behind other cultural groups in the use of the Internet because their English skills are lacking. A full 56 percent of Hispanics in the US use the Internet, but this figure is well below that of other groups, the rhttp://www2.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gifeport from the Pew Hispanic Center and the Pew Internet Project found.

We've identified two groups of people that are resistant to the Internet," states Mark Weibel, EVP of Marketing for Broadband National Inc. who operates the industries leading comparative website. "Hispanic's that don't speak or read English and the elderly that feel computers are too difficult and complicated to use. The industry needs to take greater steps to embrace theses market segments because the growth potential is enormous."

For more information on broadband and other digital related products and services visit www.broadbandnatinal.com

Friday, April 06, 2007

Verizon Business Named Top Service Provider

Verizon Business Named Top Service Provider

Verizon Business has been named the best service provider to big companies and the government by a consulting firm.

Frost & Sullivan awarded Verizon Business its Product Line Strategy Award for enterprise wide area networking (WAN) services. The company was recognized for its ability to introduce new WAN products in a strategic way to compliment the products already in place. Nancy Gofus, senior vice president and chief marketing officer at Verizon Business, said: "Our product set underpins the next-generation services our customers require to do
business better around the world. http://www2.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gif

"As a global networking and IT leader, we will continue to invest in and lay the right foundation for large businesses and government agencies to communicate and operate reliably and seamlessly around the globe." In rewarding Verizon Business, Frost & Sullivan particularly highlighted the company's 2006 expansion of its Ethernet Virtual Private Line service from the US to six countries in Asia as a crucial improvement of its Enterprise WAN portfolio.

Meanwhile, a jury has ruled that the Internet phone giant Vonage must pay Verizon Wireless $58 million for infringing three patents. The patents were among the technologies that made it possible for Vonage to offer its much-touted low-cost telephone service over the Internet, Verizon contended.

For more information on Verizon Business Products and other broadband services visit www.broadbandnational.com

Thursday, April 05, 2007

WildBlue Boosts Broadband With Satellite

For the first time ever, Denver-based satellite broadband company WildBlue has turned on its very own satellite, thereby substantially expanding its capabilities.

The company predominantly provides broadband service to homes and businesses in rural areas of the U.S. that previously used dial-up services. Dubbed WildBlue-1, the new satellite will allow the company to take on new subscribers in coastal states that previously it could not service.

David Leonard, WildBlue's CEO, said: "The launch of WildBlue-1 went extremely well, and we are now utilizing the additional capacity that this new satellite provides. "WildBlue is eager to offer WildBlue's high-speed Internet service to those rural consumers across the United States who have been waiting for an affordable alternative to dial-up."

The company has approximately 130,000 customers and offers broadband for a minimum of $49.95 per month. Currently, HughesNet is the predominant satellite broadband supplier in the US, with 325,000 subscribers, reports the Associated Press.

“Although not as fast as cable, satellite broadband services are far superior to dial-up connections,” states Mark Weibel, EVP of Marketing for Broadband National whose website broadbandnational.com is considered the industry leader for users shopping for broadband and related digital products and services. “Broadband opens the door to other exciting digital products and services.”

For more information on broadband and other related products and services, or to comparative shop for the best possible broadband deal visit www.broadbandnational.com

Slacker.com Makes Internet Radio Mobile


San Diego-based Slacker.com has debuted its own satellite-based radio service, which combines Internet radio, portable music and satellite distribution.

Currently the service is only in the testing stage, but when it is fully functioning could provide over 10,000 stations to users.

And by using the Slacker DJ function, the service also makes it possible for listeners to devise their own stations based on the kind of music they like.

Slacker co-founder and chief executive Dennis Mudd, said: "The only problem is that until now, personalized radio has been stuck on the PC.

"Slacker solves that problem."

Though Slacker is ad-based and therefore free of charge, the company is set to launch a premium service costing $7.50 per month, which will be ad-free and provide more flexibility to users.

In addition, the company is also to release the Slacker Personal Radio Player, which will be Wi-Fi enabled and able to play the user's personal playlists.

“Slacker has a taken a unique approach to the radio business,” states Mark Weibel EVP of Marketing for Broadband National whose website broadbandnational.com is considered the industry leader for users shopping for broadband and related digital products and services. “It’s much like an MP3 player but instead of play lists of songs Slacker.com offers customized radio stations.”

For information on broadband and other digital products and services visit www.broadbandnational.com

Wednesday, April 04, 2007

iTunes Most Recognizable

Apple's popular music downloading site iTunes was the most recognizable music brand among teenagers in the US in 2006, according to a new survey.

A full 66 percent of people aged 12 and over were aware of iTunes last year, according to the Tempo Digital Music Brandscape study from Ipso Insight. This number is up from the 57 per cent who knew about the site in 2005. Matt Kleinschmit, author of the Tempo study, said: "While iTunes' awareness gains in 2006 have been salient, many industry watchers had anticipated them."

Social networking site MySpace also had a good year in 2006, with recognition rising from 16 percent in 2005 to 54 percent last year. Napster was not so fortunate however, with its recognition declining from 79 percent in 2005 to 68 percent in 2006. The Tempo study surveyed 1,501 downloaders over the age of 12 from August 21st to 30th.

"Music continues to be a driving force behind the Internet," states Mark Weibel the EVP of Marketing for Broadband National who operates the leading comparative shopping website for broadband and other digital related products and services. "Due to the expansion of broadband Internet users can quickly download and start to enjoy music and videos."

For more information on broadband and downloadable music visit www.broadbandnational.com

Tuesday, April 03, 2007

U.S. Hispanics Avoiding Internet


Hispanics in the U.S. are falling behind other cultural groups on using the Internet because their English skills are lacking, according to a recent report.

A full 56 percent of Hispanics in the U.S. use the Internet, but this figure is well below that of other groups, the report from the Pew Hispanic Center and the Pew Internet Project found. By contrast, 60 percent of black people in the US reported being on the Internet and 71 percent of white people said they regularly used it.

Susannah Fox, one of the co-authors of the report, said: "For many people living in the U.S., the Internet is the go-to source for information and for staying in touch with friends and family. "We find that significant portions of the population are cut off from online resources." The study also found that while 32 per cent of adults who only speak Spanish use the Internet, 76 percent of those who are bi-lingual use it regularly.

"This is precisely why we created our Spanish language website 'comprabroadband.com," states Mark Weibel, EVP of Marketing for Broadband National whose website broadbandnational.com is considered the industry leader for users shopping for broadband and related digital products and services. "There's a void that we're filling," states Vinny Olmstead CEO of Broadband National. "Our providers haven't been moving fast enough to address the market pressures so we saw and opportunity for us."

For information on broadband and other digital products and services visit www.broadbandnational.com or www.comprabroadband.com

Monday, April 02, 2007

AT&T Announced $750 Million Global Investment

Communications provider AT&T is to invest more than $750 million this year in delivering global IP services and solutions to businesses across the world.

The extra money will help the company to extend its global IP network and capabilities, allowing it to provide more services to business customers in the US and elsewhere. It will also allow for the extended deployment of key access technologies, such as DSL, Wi-Fi, Ethernet and satellite, to help companies connect to AT&T's global IP network.

"In a global environment where IP network and convergence trends continue to transform companies and whole industries, we're well-positioned to meet our customers' needs," said Dick Anderson, AT&T group president for global business services. The company will focus its investment on key markets in fast growing economies in Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Latin America, as well as developed markets in Europe and Canada.

AT&T offers, among other things, IP-based business communications services, high-speed wireless Internet access and voice services.

For more information on AT&T broadband and other digital products and services visit www.broadbandnational.com

Friday, March 30, 2007

Internet Advertising Not Enough For News Sources


News organizations in the U.S. are facing a worsening financial struggle as they look for alternative sources of revenue.

A new study from the Project for Excellence in Journalism, dubbed State of the News Media 2007 has found that the Internet has not garnered new sources for revenue as they had hoped. Internet advertising especially has not lived up to the high hopes that news organizations, especially newspapers, have held for it.

"The hope that Internet advertising will someday match what print and television now bring in appears to be vanishing," the study stated. Charging web users to access news is one possibility that could garner the extra income needed, the study suggests.

In the last few years, newspaper stocks have been steadily declining as consumers turn to other outlets to get their news. Newspaper analyst John Morton told Reuters that newspapers must invest more heavily in new technology and devising ways for it to pay off.

"What we have discovered is that newspapers have moved quicker than broadcast TV stations in adapting to the online video advertising marketplace," states Mark Weibel EVP of Marketing for Broadband National, who operates the industries leading comparative shopping website. "Estimates are that the local online video advertising marketplace will reach $371 million this year or about 5% of total online ad spending. And that traditional media, especially newspapers are playing a significant role."

For more information on broadband Internet access as well as other digital products and services visit www.broadbandnational.com

Thursday, March 29, 2007

Treasure Coast fishing report: March 29

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY

Steve Parsons, at Wabasso Tackle, said the fishing at Sebastian Inlet has been erratic at best and is largely affected by the recent windy conditions. A few whiting are being reported from the beaches. Snook fishing is very inconsistent. Anglers who target a specific tide are finding that they need to cover more time and more tides to get a good catch. Fishing in the river has been on and off with trout being one of the most consistent catches. Offshore information is hard to come by.


ST. LUCIE COUNTY

Justin Coffin, at Billy Bones Bait and Tackle in Port St. Lucie, said the freshwater fishing around area ponds and canals has really dropped off. Most of the spawning period is over, he said. The North Fork of the St. Lucie River has seen a good showing of just-undersized snook in the mangroves and croaker and snapper at Rivergate Park. A good bite of large trout has been had at Bear Point in the Indian River Lagoon. Fish topwater plugs early on the sand bar for best action.

MARTIN COUNTY

<>Anglers are catching snook 10 to 20 pounds near area bridges and upstream in the South Fork of the St. Lucie River. Large jigs and live bait fished on the outgoing tide near the bridges has been the best bite. Trout fishing is fair in areas along the east shore of the Indian River Lagoon, such as Joe's Point in Jensen Beach and along the docks on Hutchinson Island. Offshore fishermen found a good dolphin bite with sailfish mixed in.

LAKE OKEECHOBEE

Capt. Mike Shellen, in Okeechobee, said bass fishing is strong on both wild shiners and Shaky Tail jigs. Fish are in 18 inches of water and low lake level conditions are making it difficult to get into well-known fishing spots. Anglers on their own should stay in areas with ample water depth such as the Kissimmee River, Indian Prairie Canal and parts of the Rim Canal. Mayan cichlids are taking red worms and topwater baits near J & S Canal.

Contact outdoors editor Ed Killer at edward.killer@scripps.com

Wednesday, March 28, 2007

U.S. Still Number One In Online Audience


The U.S. has more people online than any other nation on earth, according to a recent survey.

However, last year the population of Internet users increased the most in India, Russia and China, the survey by comScore Networks shows. There are now 747 million Internet users over 15 years of age around the globe, the wide-ranging survey found.

Bob Ivins, managing director of comScore Europe, said: "The importance of the worldwide internet population continues to grow. "Internet users outside the U.S. now account for 80 percent of the world's online population, with rapidly developing countries experiencing double-digit growth rates year-over- year."

The Canadians spend the most time online, the survey found, averaging 39.6 hours per month online. Israel, South Korea, the U.S. and the UK follow Canada as the users that spend the most time online. These countries all have extremely high broadband penetration rates, which account for the longer time spent online, the survey found.

Meanwhile, Telephony Online has recently discovered that the U.S. is not among the top ten countries with the most Internet protocol television (IPTV) subscriptions. With 896,000 IPTV subscribers, France tops the list of countries with the most IPTV subscriptions, a new report from the marketing researcher Dittberner has found.

"We're seeing tremendous growth in all areas of digital products and services," states Mark Weibel EVP of Marketing for Broadband National, who operates the industries leading comparative shopping website. "As providers expand and upgrade their networks the user base continues to expand."

For more information on high-speed broadband access visit www.broadbandnational.com

Friday, March 23, 2007

Joost To Offer JumpTV Programs


New Internet television outfit Joost has announced that it has forged a deal to offer content from JumpTV over the Internet.

Under the agreement, Joost will be able to offer Spanish-language programming from Chile, Peru and Colombia, in addition to Arabic-language shows. JumpTV is the world's most prolific broadcaster of ethnic television over the Internet and its content library features programming in Spanish, Arabic, Romanian, Turkish, Russian and Bengali.

Kaleil Isaza Tuzman, president and chief executive officer at JumpTV International, said: "We see Joost as a unique and important distribution/programming partner. Like us, the Joost team innately understands the power of viral, high-affinity long-tail content - for example, JumpTV's ethnic TV programming. Because of the high success rate of its founders Joost could completely transform online television, added Mr. Tuzman. Niklas Zennstrom and Janus Friis, the duo behind the highly successful Internet phone company Skype, founded Joost.

"The target audience would be expatriates and ethnic audiences interested in watching TV from their homelands," states Mark Weibel EVP of Marketing for Broadband National, who operates the industries leading comparative shopping website. "The news that online TV platform Joost will be adding more programs to its growing inventory of TV shows with international YV program distributor JumpTV has surely had the media buzzing with speculation of its growing threat to YouTube."

For more information on broadband Internet access as well as other digital products and services visit www.broadbandnational.com

Thursday, March 22, 2007

Nanking, The Movie


My wife and I were invited by our friends Ted and Lynn Leonsis to a private screening of their new movie/documentary entitled Nanking. Ted served as the inspiration and the Executive Producer.

It's a powerful, emotional and relevant reminder of the heartbreaking toll war takes on the innocent, Nanking tells the story of the Japanese invasion of Nanking, China, in the early days of World War II. As part of a campaign to conquer all of China, the Japanese subjected Nanking – which was then China’s capital – to months of aerial bombardment, and when the city fell, the Japanese army unleashed murder and rape on a horrifying scale. In the midst of the rampage, a small group of Westerners banded together to establish a Safety Zone where over 200,000 Chinese found refuge. Unarmed, these missionaries, university professors, doctors and businessmen – including a Nazi named John Rabe – bored witness to the events, while risking their own lives to protect civilians from slaughter.

Often refered to as the forgotten Holocaust this film will certainly move you and promte many question of how thses atrosites could have happened. It is a must seen film.

For more information visit http://nankingthefilm.com/.

Monday, March 19, 2007

Dolphin Denny Dies


I had the opportunity to know and party with Denny Sym also known as Dolphin Denny. The unofficial mascot of the Miami Dolphins. He was a fun guy to hang out with after the games. We would often meet up at a little bar In Dekray Beach after each home game and share beers with the other hundred or so fans that also showed up to party.

Click here for the full story.


"Cheers Dolphin Denny, RIP"

NHL Planning To Broadcast Live Games Over Broadband


The National Hockey League (NHL) could soon be streaming live games over broadband, it has announced.

According to Keith Ritter, president of NHL Interactive Cyber Enterprises, the league's satellite and cable package could be available to high-speed Internet users before the end of the season. He said that the NHL wants to ensure the broadband package is secure in order to protect broadcast partners Versus, NBC and the regional sports networks, reports Multichannel news.

"We've been testing it, but our primary concern is the security of the gating and the ability to make sure our broadcast partners are protected," Mr. Ritter said. "So far, the test is going very well, and I'm hopeful that we'll be able to offer it in the not-too-distant future." Established in 1917 with five teams, the NHL has now grown to 30 teams. The majority is based in the U.S., although there is a small presence in Canada.

National Basketball Association, Major League Baseball and ESPN already offer broadband packages, states Mark Weibel EVP of Marketing for Broadband National, who operates the industries leading comparative shopping website. "It's our understanding that NHL will charge a fee for the service but an exact cost has not been determined yet"

For more information on high-speed broadband and other digital products and services visit www.broadbandnational.com

Wednesday, March 14, 2007

Fishing Report

Treasure Coast fishing report, March 13

By, Ed Killer


Capt. J.C. Henderson in Sebastian said inshore anglers can expect to pick up a few spotted seatrout fishing near sand bars and sandy spots in the grass flats between Vero Beach and Grant. Most of the fish are in 3-4 feet of water and the best action was on soft plastic baits. Included in a day's fishing are sheepshead, small snook, jacks, black drum, ladyfish and a few flounder near Sebastian Inlet.

ST. LUCIE COUNTY

Capt. John Follweiler fished the flats in Fort Pierce near Harbor Branch to record catches of trout to four pounds and big bluefish on topwater lures. Offshore, the action was slim to none. A few dolphin were caught in 160 feet of water along a well-formed line of sargassum weed. Fishing aboard the Twin Vee with Capt. Fox Watkins, Katherine Knauf, 9, and brother Mitchell Knauf, 13, caught a bonito and a barracuda.

MARTIN COUNTY

Capt. Greg Scherer of Bridge Tender Guide Service said action was a little on the slow side inshore although a few keeper-sized snook are being caught near the bridges and under docks. Big jacks are crashing mullet pitched near seawalls, but there is not a lot of bait in the St. Lucie River this week. Snapper, sheepshead and Goliath grouper to 12 pounds round out the catches near structure.

LAKE OKEECHOBEE

Easterly winds are making the lake muddy again. The bass are really biting well, but only in clean water and in areas that are becoming more difficult to get to. In the lake, expect to find bass in 18 inches of water mixed in with the heavy Kissimmee grass. In the river and the canals, the bass are holding in deeper water where a crank bait or spinner bait is more effective. Wild shiners however are still the way to go for sheer numbers.

To file a report, contact Ed Killer at edward.killer@scripps.com or call him at (772) 221-4201.

Skype Teams With Nokia To Provide Broadband

Popular Internet calling service Skype has joined with Nokia to develop a new mobile calling function. Announced at the consumer electronics show in Las Vegas, the collaboration basically consists of making Skype mobile on the Nokia N800 Internet Tablet. As long as there is a wireless Internet connection available, customers can use Skype wherever they so choose, under the new service.

Ari Virtanen, vice president, convergence products at Nokia, said: "Skype is the recognized leader of internet communications with over 136 million registered users worldwide. "Nokia's new N800 Internet Tablet is designed for mobile Internet. Together, we can develop communications devices beyond expectations." The Nokia N800 is to become available sometime in the first half of 2007.

Meanwhile, special software has been developed as an add-on for Skype, which can tell whether a person is lying. The software analyzes the voice stream of the person and shows their stress levels to the user. Skype is currently the most widely used Internet communication service and is available in 28 languages. Users of Skype can avail themselves of free voice, video and instant messaging over the Internet.

"Digital voice is one of the fastest growing broadband services," states Mark Weibel, EVP of Marketing for Broadband National, the industries leading comparative shopping website. For more information on VoIP and digital voice visit www.broadbandnational.com

Monday, March 05, 2007

TV Network Sites Uninteresting And Out Dated

Although television companies are streaming content over the Internet and broadband video is proving a hit with consumers, TV network sites are failing to live up to the standards of more interactive sites, a new study has said.

According to an industry report by Broadband Directions, TV network sites are less interesting because they fail to engage the user and are much less attractive than popular file-sharing sites.

Other problems likely to divert traffic away from these sites are out-of-date videos and promotional clips and their inability to upload video, download clips to portable media players and create personalized playlists.

Broadband Directions has said that TV stations need to realize that online video is not merely promotional but is a self-sufficient medium, reports MediaPost Communications. "Most networks still have not embraced the value of building out robust, deeply interactive, short-form clip properties," the report said. "The most common interactive element we found was the ability to email the clip along to a friend."

Broadband Direction's report follows a warning from Google that the Internet is not capable of supporting TV broadcasts and that the popularity of services like YouTube could bring the infrastructure down.

"If networks want to broadcast, interact and engage viewers over the Internet there needs to be a serious upgrade and build out of existing networks", states Mark Weibel, EVP of Marketing for Broadband National, who operates the industries leading comparative shopping website. "The high data transfer rates required for such interaction is why fiber to the premises (FTTP), also called fiber to the home (FTTH) is the preferred technology that many providers are already intorducing."

For more information on IPTV and other digital products and services visit www.broadbandnational.com

Recording Industry Tackles Illegal Downloads

Recording industry groups have announced a crackdown on illegal music downloading in universities.

The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) has complained to a number of universities across the US and has called on them to take action against the offending students. While it is possible to identify which computer is being used, the RIAA does not know which individuals are illegally downloading copyrighted material.

Jonathan Lamy, a spokesman for the RIAA, said: "We know piracy is most acute on campuses. "Students have high-speed access and have more time than money." The RIAA wants universities to take action against those who illegally download music through various means, such as forcing them to watch an educational video on piracy.

It has also suggested that universities revoke students' rights to use computers on campus if they are found to be downloading unlawfully. In the past year, the number of complaints sent out by the RIAA has increased three-fold to 15,000.

"Illegal downloading is certainly not a new story," states Mark Weibel EVP of Marketing for Broadband National, who operates the industries leading comparative shopping website. "People must remember that along with your music, you are most likely downloading hundreds of nasty viruses that will cripple your PC. They embed themselves right in the music files and begin to go to work damaging your PC while you listen to the music."

For more information on music downloads and other digital products and services visit www.broadbandnational.com

Friday, February 23, 2007

Corporate Acquisitions Transforming The IPTV Marketplace

A recent spate of corporate acquisitions is changing the burgeoning Internet protocol television (IPTV) market, recent research has suggested.

The number of independent IPTV providers is rapidly decreasing, which is creating a wide market gap, according to a report from New York-based ABI Research. Recently Swedish communications giant Ericsson acquired the broadband provider Redband Networks and Motorola announced in December that it was to acquire Tut Systems.

ABI Research principal analyst Michael Arden said: "Those first IP video equipment providers were small startups creating cutting-edge technologies that the larger vendors weren't nimble enough to do themselves. "Lately, as IPTV technology becomes more important - not only for telco TV but also for cable and satellite - the big companies need those technologies."

The larger corporations are now acquiring the smaller companies, which were the first on the market, Mr. Arden added. Recently it was found that the US is not among the top ten countries with the most IPTV subscriptions, reports Telephony Online. With 896,000 IPTV subscribers, France tops the list of countries with the most IPTV subscriptions, a new report from the marketing researcher Dittberner has found.

"There's a natural cycle of consolidation in every industry and the IPTV arena is no different", states Mark Weibel, EVP of Marketing for Broadband National, the industries leading comparative shopping website. "I wouldn't be surprised if this same thing doesn't happen in other high growth broadband products and services, VoIP being one of them"

For more information on IPTV and other digital products and services visit
www.broadbandnational.com

Spiketv.com Debuts Eight New Broadband Series

The popular Spiketv.com has announced that it is to launch eight new TV series via broadband.

Freestyle motocross, sexy bartenders, beautiful co-eds/cheerleaders, demolition and stick fighting are some of the programs that will be made available. Furthermore, Spiketv.com will also continue to operate its user-generated content hub along with its Wild World of Spike show.

Steve Farrell, vice-president of digital media at SpikeTV.com, said: "Spiketv.com is the destination for guys looking to feast on non-stop action and beautiful women.

"Our new broadband original series will satisfy their hunger for this genre of programming and keep them coming back for more." Among the new series will be Miss March Madness, a contest in anticipation of the NCAA tournament, where cheerleaders and co-eds from colleges across the country compete to be dubbed the most attractive.

A program currently running on Spike TV is Reality Racing – The Rookie Challenge, which features amateur drivers in stock racing cars.

"SpikeTV.com is one of the first to truly embrace the concept of IPTV," states Mark Weibel, EVP of Marketing for Broadband National, creators of the industries leading comparative shopping website. " Their male oriented content is not only original but the production value is also outstanding."

For more information on IPTV and broadband connectivity for your home or office visit www.broadbandnational.com

Thursday, February 22, 2007

Music Students Go Online


Berkleemusic.com has become the world's largest online music school, having taught over 11,000 students. The online extension of Berklee College of Music in Boston has over 100,000 registered members involved in the online community. And it is estimated that this year alone another 6,000 students will be taught by the online music school.

David Kusek, vice president at Berklee, said: "In four short years, we have built one of the largest music schools on the planet and our mission is aligned with the general trend in the music industry of everything going online." Several big names from the music industry are studying with the school this year, including Scott Underwood from the band Train and Danny Weinkauf from They Might Be Giants. The school also offers online music scholarships named after great artists like Herbie Hancock and Gloria Estefan. Meanwhile, downloading music online has resulted in more people listening to new music, talking about music and attending concerts, according to a recent survey.

Almost 60 percent of consumers said that since they started getting online they have been listening to more music, a survey from the Digital Media Association (DiMA) found.

"It was the advancement of broadband that really propelled the advent of downloading music online," states Mark Weibel EVP of Marketing for online comparative shopping website Broadband National Inc. "Without a high speed Internet connection the downloading process is just to cumbersome." For more information on connectivity for your home or office visit www.broadbandnational.com

Tuesday, February 20, 2007

Broadband National Promotes Mickey Smith To Chief Operating Officer


Vero Beach, FL—Broadband National announced today the promotion of Mickey Smith from Vice President of Operations to Chief Operating Officer. Smith will be responsible for the operations of the company’s call centers, customer service, and sales.

Mr. Smith has over 20 years of successful management experience in competitive, customer-driven environments. Mr. Smith’s expertise in developing systems and controls that deliver the highest levels of customer service has benefited Broadband National’s goal of becoming the premier online marketing company for digital services and products

“Mickey’s vast experience and management in a customer driven environment makes him the perfect candidate to oversee our fast growing business,” states Vinny Olmstead, President of Broadband National. “His contributions have helped position the company to meet our continued demand which has tripled since his December 2005 start date with the company.”

Broadband National with offices in Vero Beach, Atlanta, Ga, and Orlando Florida is the leading comparative shopping service for digital services such as high speed internet, voip, and cable TV. With a nationwide distribution, Broadband National provides services to both residential and business customers. Broadband National’s proprietary software (IBIS) Integrated Broadband Information System allows customers objective carrier comparisons including service offers, product offers, and guaranteed lowest pricing. Back end integrations with more than 50 companies such as AT&T, Qwest, Time Warner, Comcast, Covad, and Verizon ensures a comprehensive customer solution. Broadband National also licenses the IBIS system to more than 1,500 companies such as retailers, VoIP suppliers, online marketers, and integrators allowing the same robust experience, while monetizing their customer base.

For more information on platform use, business development and strategic partnerships, please visit www.broadbandnational.com. For Broadband National press inquiries, please contact Mark Ballard at 772-539-0618 or email markb@broadbandnational.com

Thursday, February 15, 2007

Islamorada Fishing Report

By Capt. Russ Pellow
Reported on: Feb 13, 2007
Offshore to backcountry from Islamoradasportfishing.com

Offshore:

The first nice day of the week was Wednesday and there was a catch of Dolphin to report! Capt. John on the Suzanne and Capt. Don on the Sea Horse from Whale Harbor Marina both had "double racked" school Dolphin at days end. Both boats boxed about twenty-five 4 to 5 pound Mahi caught "a little off the Hump".

Reefs:

Capt. Rob Corradi on the Southern Comfort from Whale Harbor Marina had a very active and exciting day recently. When the smoke cleared, Rob's anglers released two out of eight Sailfish (at one time they had four hooked at once). As the mate was winding up baits after a Sail was hooked a Wahoo that was estimated at forty pound charged and inhaled the ballyhoo nearly running into the transom of the boat! Of course the monofilament line was cut and the big Wahoo swam away into the sunset!

All in all, Sailfishing has been pretty good!

Gulf and Bay:

Broken record time and the tune is that the Spanish Mackerel are chewing the bottom out of the boat! Capt. Lou Brubaker had a couple from Texas out on a 1/2 day recently. The female counterpart of the duo reportedly could not fish any longer as her wrist and arm hurting too much from battling the four to six pound Mackerel. Tripletail action has heated up too. On the calmer days many guides are cruising the buoy lines in the Gulf and although there are many small "Trips" there are some nice ones too.

A Tripletail must be 15" or better to keep, with a daily bag limit of two per angler. Reports indicate it was an off week on the Cobia probably due to the cool water temperatures and the cloudy water coming out of Florida Bay.

Flats, Backcountry and Flamingo:

A Bonefish report comes from Capt. Dave on the No Politics skiff from Whale Harbor Marina. Dave reports on a mid week trip that his angler released a Bonefish estimated at 13 pounds. Concerned with the health and wellbeing of the fish he catches, Dave does not lift the Bonefish onto a scale or use a tape to calculate the weight, a quick estimate and a quick release is the best way to treat any fought-out fish! The action in the Flamingo area is off and on with the rapidly changing conditions caused by the frequent fronts moving through the upper Keys. Mainly cool water temperatures just after a front subdues the activity.

Good catches of Snook, Redfish, Black Drum and Trout will be had on the balmier days.

Wednesday, February 14, 2007

Treasure Coast Fishing Report

Treasure Coast fishing report: February 13
Ed Killer

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY

Capt. Tom Constantine of the Sebastian Lady party boat out of Capt. Butcher's Marina in Sebastian said sea conditions improved over the weekend and his anglers cashed in on sea bass, triggerfish, grouper and red snapper. The snook bite at Sebastian Inlet turned on along the north jetty for anglers fishing with live shrimp. Trout continues to be a constant bite on the flats. Try using jerk baits or live shrimp and a pop cork when fishing 2-4 feet of water.

LUCIE COUNTY

Capt. Glenn Cameron of the Floridian charter boat out of Fort Pierce City Marina said the weekend produced a decent catch of dolphin and kingfish for his anglers. Bottom fishing has been fair with a few catches of nice-sized grouper, however, snapper fishing has been off the mark through the first two months of the year. Fishing reefs in 65 to 95 feet of water has also produced large triggerfish this year. Cameron suggested fishing with a mix of live and dead baits for grouper.

MARTIN COUNTY

Capt. Kevin Drennan said the re-appearance of live bait and sailfish close to the St. Lucie Inlet has been a welcome sight. Drennan guided angler Jim Couzens of Wallington, Conn., to a sailfish release. Capt. Pete Jakits of Rainbow Runner charters said Sunday's trip out to 90 feet of water yielded a couple of gaffer dolphin and a first sailfish release for angler Sam Wells, 86. Spanish mackerel are down at the Kingfish Hole, but were tough to catch due to clear water.

LAKE OKEECHOBEE

Capt. Mike Shellen of Shellen's Guide Service in Okeechobee guided his Monday party to 27 bass on wild shiners while fishing out in the lake. He said things appear to be getting better, although the water level is still alarming. Fishing with crank baits has been decent as indicated by results from a tournament on Saturday. Nathan Shellen won the co-angler division of the Weekend Bassmasters tossing crank baits in canals. The eventual winner bagged 20 pounds fishing with 10-inch Gambler worms.

Friday, February 09, 2007

Google Most Recognized Brand

A recent survey has shown that search engine Google is the most recognized brand in the world.

Video sharing site YouTube and Internet encyclopedia Wikipedia were both ranked in the top five by online magazine brandchannel.com. The survey asked 3,625 students and branding professionals; "Which brand had the most impact on our lives in 2006?"

Editor of brandchannel.com, Anthony Zumpano, said: "The dramatic debut of these newcomers – YouTube in third and Wikipedia in fourth – is an indication of a larger trend – the growing impact of online brands built on user-generated contents." Apple was ranked in second place by the survey, closely followed by YouTube, Wikipedia and finally the coffee behemoth Starbucks.

Online social networking site MySpace was ranked 15th in the US rankings and the news channel Al Jazeera advanced to 19th place worldwide.

Meanwhile, YouTube may start to pay contributors for their content, according to the company's cofounder. Video clips on the site would show a short advertisement before starting, creating revenue, which would be shared with the creator.

YouTube’s popularity soared with the proliferation of broadband access. The company is credited with fueling the craze of uploading, and sharing video clips across the Internet. With the U.S. broadband household penetration rate at only 33% it’s safe to say that there are millions of new video clips bound for YouTube. Seizing on this fact a handful of companies have come forward to offer comparative shopping websites that specialize in broadband Internet access, with www.broadbandnational.com consistently rated the best in class.

Thursday, February 08, 2007

Broadband Changing The Future Of Advertising

Advertising is being fundamentally changed by the increasing usage of broadband TV, according to a new report from Nielsen Analytics. Television programmers and advertisers are finding fresh and profitable opportunities to advertise over the new medium, the report found.

Broadband TV viewers are young, wealthy and educated to a high standard, the report stated, therefore allowing advertisers to access a more lucrative demographic. Larry Gerbrandt, general manager and senior vice president of Nielsen Analytics, said: "By researching controlled broadband access, this study concludes that programmers have the opportunity to create new revenue models to benefit content owners and their affiliated stations.

"Such ad-supported models are uniquely adaptable to the broadband environment and are potentially superior to existing models because they can take full advantage of the digital environment." With broadband streams, the capability to fast-forward through commercials can be disabled, which forces viewers to engage with them, added Mr Gerbrandt. Of the US households with broadband connections, 34 per cent fell in the 18 to 34 age group and 45 per cent were in the 35 to 52 group, the report found.

For more information on broadband television (IPTV visit the consumer deals at www.broadbandnational.com

The Internet To Revolutionize Television


The internet is to completely change the way we watch TV, according to Microsoft founder Bill Gates. In a mere five years, the internet will have completely revolutionised TV and the two mediums will have merged, Gates said on Saturday.

The popularity of sites like YouTube and the increased availability of high-speed internet are precursors of what is to come, the multi-billionaire stated. Speaking to business leaders at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Mr Gates said: "I'm stunned how people aren't seeing that with TV, in five years from now, people will laugh at what we've had. "Certain things like elections or the Olympics really point out how TV is terrible. You have to wait for the guy to talk about the thing you care about or you miss the event and want to go back and see it."

Accessing such events on the internet is vastly superior, added Mr Gates. Meanwhile, Telephony Online has reported that the U.S. is not among the top ten countries with the most internet protocol television (IPTV) subscriptions. With 896,000 IPTV subscribers, France tops the list of countries with the most IPTV subscriptions, a new report from the marketing researcher Dittberner has found.

For more information check out the Consumer Deals at www.broadbandnational.com

YouTube To Pay Contributors

Popular video-sharing site YouTube may start to pay contributors for their content, according to the company's co-founder. Video clips on the site would show a short advertisement before starting, creating revenue which would be shared with the creator.

Last year the search engine company Google bought YouTube for $1.68 billion. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Chad Hurley, YouTube's cofounder, said: "In terms of paying users revenue against content they're uploading, we're definitely going to move in that direction.

"We didn't want to build a system that was motivated by monetary reward. When you start giving money to people from day one… the people you do attract will just switch to the next provider that’s paying more" YouTube is at the stage now where they could conceivable pay and retain a community, added Mr Hurley.

Last week YouTube was subpoenaed by Fox Television regarding episodes of 24 and the Simpsons that appeared on the site.

Founded in 2005 by 3 pervious PayPal employees YouTube’s popularity soared with the proliferation of broadband access. The company is credited with fueling the craze of uploading, and sharing video clips across the Internet. With the U.S. broadband household penetration rate at only 33% it’s safe to say that there are millions of new video clips bound for YouTube. Seizing on this fact a handful of companies have come forward to offer comparative shopping websites that specialize in broadband Internet access, with www.broadbandnational.com consistently rated the best in class.

www.comcastspecial.com www.timewarnerspecial.com