Letters - Proper setup for Billboards

Letter Visibility Chart
Viewing Distance in Feet with Minimum Required Letter Height in Inches

50 ft 2” high letters

100 ft 4” high letters

250 ft 10” high letters

360 ft (city block) 16” high letters

500 ft 22” high letters

750 ft 33”  high letters

1000 ft 43” high letters

1320 ft (1/4 mile) 57" high letters

Calculations based on externally (or naturally) lit sign with all upper case Helvetica letters utilizing optimal negative space. Factors that may affect required letter size are: color scheme, font selection, traffic and weather conditions, or sign standoff.


This letter visibility chart has been made based upon information provided by Pennsylvania Transportation Institute, Penn State University and the United States Sign Council (USSC). 

Turn the Art of Looking Good into a Career at Florida Career College

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in the field of cosmetology is expected to grow much faster than the average for other occupations. That’s good news for students in the School of Cosmetology at Florida Career College (FCC).

            At FCC campuses in Hialeah, Lauderdale Lakes, Boynton Beach and Jacksonville, cosmetology students learn from industry professionals in a hands-on classroom setting where they practice innovative, creative and stylish beauty techniques.  At each campus The Spa at The College features a fully equipped salon beautifully appointed with hair washing, styling and drying areas, nail and pedicure stations and facial spa.  Soft, warm-hued tones, mirrors and decorative artwork evoke a total feeling of relaxation for clients.

            While the salons in Lauderdale Lakes and Jacksonville are already open to the public, Boynton Beach will open to the public on October 4 and Hialeah on November 1.  The Spa at The College offers salon services that pamper clients at inexpensive prices. All services are performed by students who are nearing graduation, and are under the strict supervision of instructors.  The Spas are operated just like professional salons.  Appointments are suggested but walk-ins are welcome.

            “Cosmetology is a $60 billion industry and even in challenging economic times people want to feel good about themselves,” said Theresa Jacobs, Program Director of Cosmetology at Florida Career College.  "We offer the community a fantastic alternative to higher-priced salons."

Services and treatments offered at the Spa at The College include:

                                    Shampoo and conditioning for $5

                                    Cuts for $10

                                    Blow Dry for $10           

                                    Styles from $10 to $35

                                    Hair Extensions from $10 to $45

                                    Coloring from $15 to $40

                                    Permanents from $25 to $35

                                    Chemical Relaxers from $25 to $40

                                    Manicures from $10 to $20

                                    Artificial Nails – full set for $20, fills for $12

                                    Pedicures from $15 to $25

                                    Facials from $15 to $25

Exfoliation for $50

                                    Make-up Application for $15

                                    Waxing $5 each for Eyebrows, Lip, Chin (other waxing services available)

           

            The Spa at The College has just added brand new daily specials.  Monday is Senior Day for residents 55 older who will receive half off on all services. On Tuesday, 30-minute facials are $10. Then on Wednesday and Friday haircuts are offered for $3. On Thursday, customers who bring in friends who purchase services will receive 50% off their own services.  On Saturdays, customers will receive a free hair cut with a chemical treatment.

         "This is a win-win for the community and for our students,” Jacobs added. "The Spa at The College affords our students the opportunity to show off their skills, which have been honed during months of training, while the community enjoys fantastic, friendly, professional-type services for a fraction of the cost of high-end salons. Our focus is to prepare our students for their new careers in cosmetology and at The Spa at The College they gain valuable experience.”

            Florida Career College offered its first Cosmetology Program in Lauderdale Lakes in August, 2009.  Since then, hundreds of students have enrolled at the campuses in Lauderdale Lakes, Hialeah, Boynton Beach and Jacksonville.

            The FCC Cosmetology Program at Lauderdale Lakes, Boynton Beach and Jacksonville offers three sessions, day, afternoon and evening, which is perfect for students who also are employed.  The Hialeah Campus offers day and evening sessions and also offers classes in Spanish. The programs at Hialeah and Boynton Beach do not require enrolling students to have a high school diploma or GED.

            Florida Career College identifies the skills needed for today's job market by working closely with industry experts, professional associations and employers to continually develop and update programs and courses according to industry needs. Classrooms, computer and medical labs and clinics are designed with real-world equipment and software programs to give students the advantage of "hands-on" training. FCC's goal is for students to move directly from the classroom to a career by encouraging students to build on their strengths and to study what specifically interests them in an environment designed to foster individual goals and learning styles.

            Eight academic starts allow for year-round study. Small classes and programs are designed to create a positive learning environment where student individuality is recognized enabling students to meet their unique educational goals.  Morning and evening sessions allow students to maintain jobs and attend classes.

            At most campuses, The Spa at The College has hours from Monday through Saturday.  Hours vary per campus.  The Spa at The College gift certificates are available at each campus. For information and to make appointments, call 1-877-250-6727.

            In addition to the Cosmetology Program, Florida Career College offers Nursing, Clinical Skin Care, Business Administration, Information Technology, Physical Therapist Assistant and an array of Allied Health programs at nine campuses throughout Florida. Program offerings vary per campus.

            FCC campuses in Brandon, Boynton Beach, Jacksonville, Hialeah, Lauderdale Lakes, Miami, Pembroke Pines and West Palm Beach are accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS) to offer Diploma, Associate of Science degree and Bachelor of Science degree programs. The Clearwater campus is accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education (COE) to offer Diploma and Associate of Science degree programs. 

            For more information about FCC, call 1-888-852-7272 or visit www.careercollege.edu.

GOOGLE

Google Instant Changes the Game
by Irina Slutsky
Published by AdvertisngAge: September 08, 2010

SAN FRANCISCO (AdAge.com) -- Google rolled out the most significant change to its search page since the advent of search ads on Wednesday with what it calls "Google Instant." Rather than requiring searchers to hit "enter," results pop up -- along with corresponding search ads -- as you type a Google attempts to predict queries from the very first character. (click here to see sample)

The results evolve as you type and change in real-time, allowing users to adjust their string of queries as they type. "It's like power-steering in a car; once you get used to it, you won't be able to search without it," said Google Search VP Marissa Mayer, adding that it's a fundamental shift in search technology and "a step into the future of search."

The tagline for Google Instant (click here to see sample) is "Results as you type. Fewer Clicks" -- and the company predicts the product will save users more than 350 million hours a year, or two to five seconds per search, on average. So with all that time-saving, will users be spending less time in search, meaning less time with search ads, now a $23 billion business for Google?

"Overall, this will be a much better experience for our users, so they will actually be searching more," Ms. Mayer said. "Google Instant will grow the size and scope of search in general."

But there will be some concrete changes for Google's search advertisers. Since the real-time results can change on a millisecond basis, Google had to come up with a new way to define an ad impression. They decided that a cognitive pause was three seconds long -- meaning that if a user paused on a results page for three seconds or more, he or she was comprehending the contents of the page long enough for it to count as an impression. Google, of course, only gets paid when there is a click, but it will change the calculation for advertisers who carefully tailor their ads to reach a hoped-for click-through rate.

"It could be a 5% increase or a 5% decrease in average impressions, but it should not change the amount of money advertisers make," said AdWords head Jon Diorio after a splashy press event at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. "If anything, we believe users will be more engaged and drive more value for the advertiser. It shouldn't change the total number of clicks."

Analysts and marketers have just begun sorting through what it all means for brands that spend millions a month on search advertising. At first blush, the real-time results appear to give more prominence to the web's biggest brands. Just typing the letter "a" into the search box and doing nothing else auto-completes the first word as Amazon, or, AOL, depending on browser history and geography. As a result, almost the entire page is a list of Amazon links. The same goes for the letter "t" and Target and the letter "f" with Facebook.

While results appear to differ a bit based on a variety of factors, the advantage to those attached to a letter are a lot more search impressions.

"You can't ignore the fact that the first letter is a high exposure spot," said Rob Garner, senior strategy director at iCrossing, a unit of Hearst. "If I'm typing in 'a,' technically Google doesn't know if I'm going to Apple or Amazon, and even if it doesn't last three seconds on the page, there's going to be a flash of an ad or a result there. I cant help but think that's going to make a tremendous difference for the brands that come out at the top like Bank of America, Best Buy, Wal-Mart, etc."

But Google execs argued that the impact of those first-letter impressions will be small. Othar Hansson, senior staff software engineer for Google Instant, said the ad metrics should remain almost exactly the same because of the users' intent. "Our overall metrics show the users still get results they are looking for," he said. "Some people might be distracted by the results, but normally, they have an actual intent, and they keep searching for that. We haven't directly analyzed if people are distracted by the top or intermediate results, but if they're looking for aardvarks and Amazon comes up, if they go shopping at Amazon, I think its a very small effect."

Mr. Hansson and other engineers argued the reason those big brands are the top results is because those are the results most often looked for when users type that letter into the search box, so Google continues to give the most relevant results. When pressed further, Mr. Hansson said, "Obviously Kohl's is interested that Kmart is first -- I think people have brand preference, but these things do change over time."

Google execs were quick to note that natural search results, and techniques companies use to land higher in Google search results, won't change. But Johanna Wright, director of product management for Google Instant, said one difference is that they will direct users to "page two" results faster. "As you continue typing and narrowing your search, the instantly changing and refreshing results below the search box will be giving you more relevant results," she said. "So if you previously looked on the second page, now those same results come to the top of the pile for you."

Proving exactly how futuristic the product is, Ms. Mayer showed a slide of Google's 2000 April Fool's joke, an upgrade that was supposed to predict what you were searching for without you having to type. At this point, it's just one keystroke away.

Internet Access

Say No ... to traffic Priority!

After week on going over the free internet access Google /Verison proposal. Finally the joint endorsement of exempting wireless services from net neutrality is a significant victory for cellular broadband providers such as Verizon, which have said that excessive regulation of those services would stifle their investments.


What could be really behind of the proposal is profit. Cellular Internet access is becoming an increasingly important profit center for telecommunications companies as more consumers adopt mobile Web tools such as smart phones like the iPhone and phones based on Google's Android software


Traffic priority could be easily convert to pay for more access and become a nightmare for internet user it the common use of the traffic priority charges spread out to the world.


Some consumer advocates slammed the proposal, saying it could result in the creation of private, closed broadband networks akin to cable TV systems, as opposed to today's open Internet in which anyone can create a website or online service.


Logo from Gevil.org, the website dedicated to educating the public about the Evil nature of Google and the inherent flaws prevalent throughout their business model.

Come for the art, stay for the drinks at RedBar on Brickell

RedBar Gallery is a casual, gem in Brickell's burgeoning art scene. Yes, there's art in Brickell.

BY LATOYA BURGESS

LBURGESS@MIAMIHERALD.COM

When one thinks of scantily clad women, martinis and loud music, an art gallery isn't the first thing to come to mind.

But for two South Florida men, this was their dream turned reality.

As the art scene in Brickell expands, owner Courtlandt McQuire says RedBar, 52 SW 10th St., offers what patrons won't find in South Beach: the chance to sit down, have a drink and enjoy art at one's leisure.

``We have lots of seating here, and most art galleries don't have that,'' said McQuire, of Fort Lauderdale. ``Most galleries are too private and exclusive. It's intimidating. When you're able to sit back and relax, you can enjoy art better.''

RedBar sits in the heart of Brickell among other galleries such as Green Grass, a boutique that doubles as an art gallery; Artrageous Gallery; Beux Gallery; and Spirit del Art.

Arthur Porosoff, owner of Artrageous in Mary Brickell Village, opened his gallery almost two years ago and says his goal is to sell affordable, high-end art to educate young professionals in the area.

Artrageous showcases more than 70 pieces of local and international artwork, all under $1,000.

``I looked for a location for two years, and I didn't choose South Beach because it's kind of played out and the galleries are so far apart from each other that people don't know where to go,'' said Porosoff, 34.

RedBar presents more than 200 paintings on its walls, including about two dozen of nude women. The gallery/bar sells at least five pieces each month, and McQuire said he changes the selection every four to six weeks.

``We don't charge for wall space like most galleries, and we have a full liquor license,'' he said.

McQuire says he is most excited about the RedBar Gallery Bar-top Mural Contest, in which local artists submit their work to be judged by customers who buy $5 raffle tickets to cast their votes.

The artist with the most votes will keep all of the money raised from the raffle plus $1,500, and he or she will design the bar-top.

``The winning artist will draw a mural directly onto the bar-top, and I will seal it on with acrylic,'' McQuire said.

The customer with the winning ticket will receive an original painting from that artist.

So far, 17 artists have submitted artwork. The winner is to be announced sometime next month, said McQuire, 39.

He prides himself on the bar's design and layout.

Lighting around the bar is directed at the canvases, giving the appearance of colored lights.

McQuire, who is a painter himself, says he thinks RedBar has become popular because art spots such as South Beach and Wynwood tend to favor famous, out-of-town artists rather than locals.

His personal peeve lies with the annual art exhibition Art Basel in South Beach.

``It frustrates me that they sell the work of all these fancy artists but they're not reaching out to the local community.''

The University of Kansas graduate boasts that he once had an ``Anti-Art Basel'' party.

McQuire holds a bachelor's degree in visual communications and opened RedBar with his high school buddy Danny Baez in 2005.

McQuire's wife, Michelle McQuire, says her husband and Baez work as a team: Baez deals with the numbers, and McQuire is a true artist at heart, she said.

``Danny was an economics major, and he really knows how to deal with the business aspect,'' Michelle said. ``This place is different because you don't have anyone around you pushing you to buy art.''

McQuire says he chose to open the art gallery in Brickell because the area has a lot of permanent residents.

``When we were looking for places to open RedBar, we didn't choose South Beach because it was too pricey and crowded,'' he said. ``Brickell was really emerging at that time, and we knew that in five years this would be the right place.''

Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/05/15/1630500/come-for-the-art-stay-for-the.html#ixzz0oC8JbFQk

Low-income teens offered aid for prom

BY JULIE LEVIN

SPECIAL TO THE MIAMI HERALD

For most girls, going to the high school prom is a once-in-a-lifetime, dream-come-true event. One local college is working to make sure financial worries don't put those dreams out of reach.

Florida Career College is offering low-income teens gift certificates for a free hairstyle, nail and makeup service on the day of the big event.

``Memories of your high school prom last a lifetime and every girl deserves to look fabulous on that special day,'' said Theresa Jacobs, the college's director of cosmetology.

The FCC Lauderdale Lakes campus is partnering with Becca's Closet to help pamper girls on prom day. Becca's Closet provides dresses to high school students who want to attend the prom or homecoming, but can't afford dresses on their own.

Becca's Closet is a national, nonprofit organization created to honor the efforts of 16-year-old Rebecca Kirtman, a Davie honor student and cheerleader who died in a 2003 car accident. Before she died, Becca single-handedly collected and distributed more than 250 prom dresses to needy girls in South Florida. Today, there are Becca's Closet chapters in more than 30 states.

Jay Kirtman, Becca's father and the chairman of Becca's Closet, said the program anticipates donating an estimated 1,000 prom dresses this year, just from its South Florida chapter, based at the Festival Flea Market in Pompano Beach. The girls also receive matching shoes.

In May, every girl who leaves Becca's Closet with a gown will also receive a certificate for hair, nail and makeup treatment at the Florida Career College's newly opened spa.

``We knew May was prom month, so we wanted to help make as many dreams come true as possible,'' said Barbara Hewitt, a marketing assistant with the college.

The new facility, which opened in March, offers services to the public for below-retail prices. All services and treatments are handled by students in the college's School of Cosmetology under the supervision of instructors.

Students in the year-long cosmetology program are not allowed to work on the public unless they have completed half the program. Instructors say working with teenagers gives students hands-on training and more.

``I want the students to get connected with the community and reach out, so that our school is known not only for great education, but also as contributor to the community,'' Jacobs said.

Girls interested in a dress are encouraged to make an appointment either online at www.bec cascloset.org or by calling 954-424-9999.

The Spa at Florida Career College is at 3383 N. State Road 7 in Lauderdale Lakes. Appointments are required for each prom makeover. For an appointment, call 877-250-6772. For more information about Florida Career College, visit careercollege.edu.

Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/05/15/1630637/low-income-teens-offered-aid-for.html#ixzz0oC74ZaJi

Florida Career College

Florida Career College Partners with Becca's Closet to Make Prom Dreams Come True

LAUDERDALE LAKES, Fla. – For many girls, preparing for the high school prom is a joyous occasion, which includes finding the perfect dress and arranging for a hair appointment, manicure and make-up application. In May, the Lauderdale Lakes campus of Florida Career College (FCC) will partner with Becca’s Closet to help make these prom dreams come true for girls in need.

Girls who visit Becca’s Closet, which provides dresses to high school students who otherwise might not be able to attend their proms or homecomings, will walk away not only with a beautiful prom dress but also with a gift certificate for a free hairstyle, manicure or make-up application at The Spa at The College at FCC Lauderdale Lakes.

“Memories of your high school prom last a lifetime and every girl deserves to look fabulous on that special day,” said Program Director of Cosmetology Theresa Jacobs, FCC Lauderdale Lakes. “We felt this would be a great way for our campus and our students to give back to the community by helping to make prom dreams come true.”

The Spa at The College offers salon services that pamper clients for a fraction of the cost of high-end salons. All treatments are performed by students from the FCC School of Cosmetology under the full direction of instructors. Additional services also will be available including:

Shampoo and conditioning $5

Cuts $10; Blow Dry $10

Styles from $10 to $35

Hair Extensions from $10 to $45

Coloring from $15 to $40

Permanents from $25 to $35

Chemical Relaxers from $25 to $40

Manicures from $10 to $20

Artificial Nails – full set $20, fills $12

Pedicures from $15 to $25

Facials $15 to $25

Exfoliation $50

Massages from $15 to $25

Make-up Application $15

Waxing $5 each for Eyebrows, Lip, Chin

The Spa at the College is located on the FCC campus at 3383 N. State Road 7. Hours are Monday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 6 to 10 p.m.; on Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Appointments for each prom makeover are required. To make an appointment, call 877-250-6772. For more information about Florida Career College visit careercollege.edu.

###

About Florida Career College (FCC)

Florida Career College (FCC) was founded as Florida Programming and Educational Center, Inc. in 1982 in Miami, Fla. In 2003, the School changed its name to Florida Career College and has grown to nine campus locations. FCC’s newest campus in Boynton Beach began classes on March 29, 2010.

FCC campuses in Brandon, Boynton Beach, Jacksonville, Hialeah, Lauderdale Lakes, Miami, Pembroke Pines and West Palm Beach are accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS) to offer diploma, Associate of Science degree and Bachelor of Science degree programs. The Clearwater campus is accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education (COE) to offer diploma and Associate of Science degree programs.

Programs are available in business administration, cosmetology, information technology, clinical skin care, massage therapy, and an array of allied health fields including: medical assistant, patient care technician, health information management, health insurance billing and coding, medical assistant technician and medical office administrator. Program offerings vary per campus.

The Florida Career College administrative offices are located at 3383 North State Road 7, Lauderdale Lakes, Fla. For more information, call 1-888-852-7272 or visit careercollege.edu.

About Becca’s Closet

Becca's Closet was created as a legacy to 16-year-old Rebecca Kirtman and the project she started. Becca's Closet provides formal attire to high school students who otherwise would not be able to attend their prom/homecoming. Our mission is to continue her vision and dream of helping others. In Becca's memory, scholarships are awarded to deserving high school students to advance their education. What began with the phrase, “It's just a dress...but it's so much more,” now honors the life of Becca, a cheerleader, honor student, and caring young woman, who passed away in a tragic automobile accident on August 20, 2003. Today there are Becca’s Closet chapters in more than 30 states. For information, call 954-424-9999 or visit beccascloset.org/

Jingle Contest

Got a song in your heart? This is your chance to showcase your musical talent Send us your original Capitol Lighting - 1-800Lighting.com jingle and you could win $2,500! Plus, your song may be featured in Capitol Lighting TV and radio ads! Enter between April 15th and June 30th at http://www.1800lighting.com/jingle

Calder Casino and Race Course, Hosts Big Kentucky Derby Party

Lots of winners and lots of action at the 2010 Run for The Roses when Calder Casino and Race Course hosted their annual Kentucky Derby Party. Lots of winning tickets from the Green Advertising attendees when word was passed around that Super Saver might be a good mud horse. Same for Icebox. Plenty of prizes awarded for those ladies that really took the ‘Derby Hat Contest’ seriously.

Between the mint juleps and the great horse race, it was a memorable, fun, and profitable day for all!

I have always wanted to experience the Kentucky Derby. Being a Churchill Downs owned company, Calder gave me the closest experience without actually being in Kentucky on race day. There was such a level of excitement in the air it was contagious (a little too contagious as I bet probably more than I should have). It was my first horse racing experience and will definitely not be my last. Thoroughly enjoyed it.

Matt Doyle - Senior Account Executive

A great time was had at South Florida's Biggest Kentucky Derby Party at Calder Casino & Race Course. The green team showed up and celebrated the 136th running of the derby. For some of us it was an introduction into thoroughbred horse racing and wagering. I bet on the races. Won some, lost some but had a great time doing it. We finished the night off in the casino, which by the way is stunningly beautiful. Looking forward to next year.

Octavio Guzman - Creative Director

Mission statements set an organization’s current and future ideals

When Mark Perlberg arrived at Oasis Outsourcing in 2003, the company lacked one key component: “a real rallying point,” said Perlberg, CEO of the West Palm Beach-based workforce solutions company.

So, Perlberg set out with his employees to draft what became the company’s mission statement. Now in print and posted to Oasis’ Web site, the passage is crafted from real-life examples, client success stories and company accomplishments.

It reads: “We are an innovative and service-obsessed organization that exists to develop and deliver constantly evolving workforce solutions which contribute substantially to our clients’ success.”

One of the most popular mission statements was typed by actor Tom Cruise’s character in the movie “Jerry Maguire.” The sports agent has an epiphany and starts on a new path – but not before writing a document of what he hoped would become the guiding principles for his industry. Titled “The Things We Think and Do Not Say: The Future of our Business,” the document came to guide Maguire’s new company.

Many businesses don’t have a mission statement. Some business and marketing executives would say companies without a mission statement also lack the focus the document can bring to the company and how its people think about the purpose of the business, the products or services it delivers, and the markets or clients it serves.

Usually no more than a paragraph or two, a mission statement serves various purposes. It tells customers or clients, investors or funders, and even employees or job seekers what a company stands for. Used on the Web site, it’s part marketing document, part company profile. People often come away knowing more about the business or organization’s purpose, said Greg Salsburg, founder of STIR-Communications, a Miami-based marketing firm. It provides company executives with brand clarity, objective, the topography for success, and its goals, he said.

The Weston Business Chamber of Commerce began in 2002 with a mission statement highlighting its purpose: “The Weston Business Chamber of Commerce Inc., a voluntary organization of businessmen and women, is organized for the purpose of promoting and advancing the economic development and the commercial, industrial, civic and general interests of the business community of the city of Weston and its residents.”

“We were new and trying to come up with so many activities, but we had to keep our enthusiasm in check,” said Todd Templin, a founding member of the chamber and executive VP at Boardroom Communications in Plantation. “We always brought the discussions back to the mission statement and made sure that what we did was in line with it.”

Mission statements should evolve as the company grows and serves new markets, said Phyllis Green, chairwoman at Green Advertising in Boca Raton. Review it several times a year. If it needs adjustment, don’t abandon the initial direction; nimbly react to changing marketplace conditions.

“Today’s most successful businesses, whatever the size, are rarely the same business they were 10 years ago,” she said. “Every business should continually evaluate their mission statement, to answer two key questions: Who are we? What makes us unique? The continual review and revision of a well-crafted mission statement is a gratifying and rewarding task. It should serve as an ongoing audit of the principles by which a company is managed.”



by Jeff Zbar - marketing, technology

Social Behavior

Government drive to get 7.5 million more people online

March 2, 2010

Older people and the less well-off are to be the target of an ambitious campaign to get 7.5 million new internet users online by 2014, Stephen Timms, Minister for Digital Britain announced today.

Read the National Plan for Digital Participation (PDF, 665 KB)

Digital Britain blog on the National Plan for Digital Participation

The Government has set a target of 60% reduction in the 12.5 million people who are not online in the UK. The target underpins a new drive to reduce the digital divide in the Government’s National Digital Participation Plan (PDF, 665 KB), published today.

The Plan is supported by the skills and expertise of the Consortium for the Promotion of Digital Participation – 60 public and private organisations that work to help people gain the confidence to get online, reap the benefits the Internet brings and get the most from today’s digital society.

Minister for Digital Britain, Stephen Timms, said:

“Being online is crucial for participation in the 21st Century society – the Internet unlocks a wealth of information and services, giving people more choice in life and access to a range of education, health and financial opportunities.

“That is why we have set an ambitious target to get 60% of those 12.5 million people who aren’t online, online in four years. Our National Plan is an exciting project which will provide the leadership and framework for existing and emerging digital participation projects to drive a more inclusive Digital Britain.

“Bringing people online for the first time and enabling people to interact more creatively will enrich our society and we will ensure no one is left behind.”

from BIS

Housing

South Florida Business Journal

Florida home, condo sales rise, price decline.

Sales of existing homes and condos in South Florida rose in January, though prices continued to fall.

Statewide, existing home sales were up 28 percent last month, to 10,465 homes sold from 8,174 homes sold a year ago, according toFlorida Realtors. Existing condo sales rose 81 percent statewide compared to the previous year's sales figure.

West Palm Beach saw the biggest jump in home sales in the tri-county area, up 48 percent to 546 in January from 369 a year before. But, prices were down, with the median price falling to $238,600 from $343,200 in January 2009.

Existing condo sales in West Palm Beach rose even higher – 56 percent, year-over-year – to 585 from 375, with the median price down 14 percent, to $93,700 from $108,900.

Existing home sales in Fort Lauderdale were up 5 percent in January, to 492 from 467 a year earlier. The median price, however, fell 6 percent, to $180,000 from $191,000.

Existing condo sales in Fort Lauderdale were up 47 percent, to 780 from 531. The median price fell 18 percent, to $69,500 from $85,000.

In Miami, single-family home sales rose 7 percent to 436 from 407. The median sales price dropped 12 percent to $183,400 from $208,100. Existing condo sales in Miami rose 42 percent, to 540 from 379. The median sales price slid 5 percent, to $141,700 from $149,100

"Now is the time for anyone thinking of buying a home in Florida to make that decision," Florida Realtors President Wendell Davis said in a news release. "Markets across the state are seeing increased sales, yet conditions remain very favorable with still-low mortgage rates, a range of housing inventory and attractive prices.”

Statewide, the median sales price for existing homes last month was $130,900, down 14 percent from a year ago, when it was $151,500.

Statewide, 4,631 condo units sold last month, up 81 percent from 2,554 units sold in January 2009. The statewide median sales price for existing condos last month was $97,300, down 14 percent from January 2009, when it was $113,300.

The national median sales price for existing single-family homes in December 2009 was $177,500, up 1.4 percent from a year earlier, according to the National Association of Realtors.

"With inventory levels trending down over the past 18 months, we expect broadly balanced housing market conditions in much of the country by late spring with more areas showing higher prices," NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun said in a news release

TV Production with a reasonable cost.

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Online Marketing

Leveraging Weekly Internet Traffic

by Daniel Scocco

If you are writing a “top notch” article for your blog, it would be a good idea to publish it on the most trafficked day of the week. This will maximize the number of potential readers, also increasing your chances of receiving backlinks and appearing on social bookmarking sites.

But what is the most trafficked day of the Internet? Getting an accurate answer for this questions is quite difficult, specially if we consider the large variations that might appear from country to country and during different seasons of the year.

That being said there are some studies around the web, and most of them agree that Monday and Tuesday are the most trafficked days of the Internet, followed closely by Wednesday. Below you will find the numbers provided by OneStat in 2004 (apparently that is the most recent report):

A good rule of thumb, therefore, is to publish your popular posts early in the week. Bear in mind that your blog readership might behave differently, so check your statistics and adapt this strategy accordingly.