More than 30,000 flee fighting in Sudan's Darfur: U.N.

KHARTOUM (Reuters) - More than 30,000 people have fled during two weeks of fighting in Sudan's Darfur region, the United Nations said after some of the worst clashes between government troops, rebels and rival tribes reported there for months.
Conflict has raged in Darfur, a vast arid region in the west of Sudan, since 2003 when mainly non-Arab tribes took up arms against the Arab government in Khartoum, accusing it of political and economic marginalization.
Fighting between the army and rebels - and divisions among the insurgents - have scuppered years of international mediation and several rounds of peace talks.
Violence has ebbed from the peaks of 2003-4 but has picked up in recent weeks and banditry has also spread.
Around 30,000 people fled their homes in Golo and Guldo towns to escape two weeks of fighting that began on December 24 in Darfur's Jebel Marra area, prized for its fertile land, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said in a report.
Some 2,800 people fled to a camp in Nertiti in central Darfur, already home to 42,000 displaced people, the report said late on Thursday, citing figures from the government and a community leader.
Rebels from the Sudan Liberation Army (SLA) faction led by Abdel Wahed Mohamed al-Nur have seized the towns of Golo and Rockero, Darfur's international peacekeeping force UNAMID quoted a local leader as saying on Wednesday. The government denied losing the territory and said it had repelled a rebel attack.
Several thousand people also fled when fighting broke out this week between two Arab tribes over the use of a gold mine in the Jebel Amer area of North Darfur, UNAMID said on Friday.
"The fighting has ... resulted in a number of casualties, looting, burning of nearby villages, and the displacement of thousands of civilians forced to flee towards Kabkabiya, Saraf Omra and Al Sereif towns," UNAMID said in statement.
OIL STATE FIGHTING
On another front, Sudan's army told state news agency SUNA it had repelled an attack from SPLM-North rebels in the country's main oil-producing state of South Kordofan on Friday.
South Kordofan borders Darfur and rebels from both regions, who all complain of government discrimination, have formed a alliance vowing to topple Sudanese President Omar Hassan al-Bashir.
Armed forces spokesman al-Sawarmi Khalid said SPLM-North (Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North) forces had attacked the army in the area of al-Hamra. "Fifty of their forces were killed," he said.
Yasir Arman, one of the exiled leaders of the SPLM-North, declined to comment, telling Reuters he needed to check first with the military command on the ground.
Events in Darfur and South Kordofan are hard to verify as Sudan restricts travel by journalists and diplomats.
The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Bashir and other Sudanese officials to face charges of masterminding war crimes in Darfur. They deny the charges and refuse to recognise the court.
Human rights groups and the United Nations estimate hundreds of thousands of people have died in Darfur's decade-long conflict, although the toll is disputed by the government which says around 10,000 people have been killed.

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Berlusconi gains in Italy polls, leads in key region

ROME (Reuters) - Silvio Berlusconi's center-right coalition is gaining ground ahead of next month's elections, which could make it harder for Italy's left to form a stable parliamentary majority, polls showed on Sunday.
The center left still looked on course to get most seats after the February 24-25 vote and lead efforts to tackle recession and unemployment in the euro zone's third-largest economy.
But days after Berlusconi's appearance on a critic's television show attracted almost 9 million viewers, a survey by the Tecne research institute for SkyTG24 showed the former prime minister's alliance on 26 percent overall, up 1.6 percent compared to Saturday.
His center-left rivals, led by Pier Luigi Bersani, were still far ahead with 37.8 percent, though that was down 0.8 percentage points compared to the previous poll. The centrist grouping of outgoing Prime Minister Mario Monti fell 1.3 points to 14.5 percent.
"I believe we are on a good path to get back all the people who voted for us in 2008 and also to convince some more. We sincerely think we have the possibility to win," Berlusconi told the Domenica Live program on his own Canale 5 TV channel.
His image will be under close scrutiny on Monday when the nightclub dancer who is the main witness in the sex case against him is due to testify in a Milan court.
One of his lawyers said on Saturday he was considering asking for the trial to be suspended until after the election.
On Sunday the media mogul's People of Freedom (PDL) party unveiled its logo for the vote, with the words "Berlusconi President," written in bold beneath stripes in the colors of the Italian flag.
The use of his name surprised some Italians as Berlusconi said last week that he would withdrew as candidate for prime minister as the price of a pact with the pro-devolution Northern League.
League leader Roberto Maroni said he was not concerned by the logo and that the words just reflected the fact that Berlusconi is the head of his own PDL party, rather than suggesting he would seek his fifth term as premier.
LEADING IN LOMBARDY
A separate survey in the Corriere della Sera on Sunday showed the center-right alliance was leading, with 35.7 percent support, in Lombardy, home to Italy's financial capital Milan.
If Berlusconi does win the northern region, that would make it more likely that Bersani's Democratic Party (PD) will be forced to seek a power-sharing deal with Monti's centrists.
The center-left bloc made up of the PD and its leftist allies had 32.3 percent support, the poll by the ISPO institute showed. Lombardy has more seats in the 315-member Senate than any other region so is one of the keys to control of the upper house.
The bitter experience of the last center-left government under Romano Prodi, which collapsed less than halfway through its term in 2008 because its wafer-thin Senate majority disappeared, underlines the importance of the race.
The PD is expected to win control of the lower house, helped by a complicated electoral system that guarantees the biggest party a 54 percent majority of seats, but the Senate make-up is decided by separate battles in each region.
The PD has pledged to stick to public finance targets that Monti has agreed with Italy's European partners and says it will maintain his broad reform course if it wins the election, but it also wants greater emphasis on social justice and growth.
Monti has criticized some elements of the left as hostile to reform, prompting increasingly acerbic responses from Bersani and other center-left leaders, but relations between the two sides have been much more cordial than those with Berlusconi.
Neither side has said openly that it would form an alliance if the center left cannot control the upper house and many on the left are deeply opposed to Monti's austerity policies.
But failure to gain outright control of the Senate would leave Bersani with little choice.

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Asia stocks higher on China recovery optimism

BANGKOK (AP) — Asian stock markets rose Monday on optimism that China's economic recovery is firmly taking root.
Many analysts expect China's fourth quarter and 2012 growth figures due Friday to show the world's No. 2 economy continuing to bounce back from its worst slump since the 2008 financial crisis.
Sentiment improved last week after Japan announced a $224 billion stimulus package to boost its recession- and deflation-mired economy. A strong economic recovery has eluded Japan for more than 20 years since the bursting of its financial bubble in the early 1990s.
China, meanwhile, reported improving exports and imports last week, a sign of higher demand both inside and outside the country. More signs of improvement are expected when China releases a slew of data on Friday, including factory output, investment and retail sales.
Hong Kong's Hang Seng rose 0.7 percent to 23,421.25. South Korea's Kospi added 0.3 percent to 2,002.22 and Australia's S&P/ASX 200 advanced 0.2 percent to 4,718.90.
Mainland China's Shanghai Composite Index gained 2.1 percent to 2,289.23 while the Shenzhen Composite Index for China's second, smaller stock market jumped 2.5 percent to 908.20.
Japan's financial markets were closed for a public holiday.
Dariusz Kowalczyk of Credit Agricole CIB in Hong Kong said China's growth likely picked up in the fourth quarter of 2012 to 7.9 percent from 7.4 percent in the three months ended in September. He expects first quarter growth in 2013 to hit 8.5 percent. He said such figures should put to rest worries that China's economy might be in for a hard landing.
"Risks have diminished both externally and domestically, and if they rebound, China has sufficient resources to manage them, so we are upbeat that a relapse will not occur," he said in an email.
Still, a bobble in trade could cause a reversal, while inflation pressure is rising because of poor winter harvests, which would make it harder for Beijing to embark on new stimulus measures without pushing prices up more.
Analysts at Societe Generale have not ruled out a hard landing, which they define as real GDP growth falling below 6 percent, partly because of China's vulnerability to trade shocks.
Among individual stocks, South Korea's SK Telecom soared 5.8 percent while Hyundai Heavy Industries fell 2.3 percent. In Shanghai, gold retailer Lao Feng Xiang Co. Ltd. jumped 6 percent. China AVIC Avionics Equipment soared 8.5 percent.
In the U.S., stock indexes were mixed Friday as company earnings reports started to come in. The Standard & Poor's 500 index dipped slightly below its highest close in five years, which it reached the day before.
The Dow Jones industrial average rose 0.1 percent to 13,488.43. The S&P 500 fell marginally to 1,472.05. The Nasdaq composite index rose 0.1 percent to 3,125.63.
Benchmark oil for February delivery was up 59 cents to $94.15 per barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. The contract dropped 26 cents to finish at $93.56 a barrel in New York on Friday.
In currencies, the euro rose to $1.3391 from $1.3338 late Friday in New York. The dollar rose to 89.54 yen from 89.20 yen.

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"Fiscal cliff" turmoil could hit 100 million taxpayers: U.S. IRS

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. tax authorities warned on Wednesday that as many as 100 million taxpayers - far more than previously estimated - could face refund delays if lawmakers' "fiscal cliff" negotiations fail to fix the alternative minimum tax (AMT) before year-end.
The Internal Revenue Service said in a letter to lawmakers that it was raising its estimate on AMT impact from 60 million.
"It is becoming apparent that an even larger number of taxpayers - 80 to 100 million of the 150 million total returns expected to be filed - may be unable to file," IRS Acting Commissioner Steven Miller wrote.
The AMT is a levy designed to ensure that high-income taxpayers pay a minimum tax. Democrats and Republican typically agree to adjust the tax for inflation to prevent unintended taxpayers from being hit by it.
This year, however, its fate is tied to heated negotiations - primarily between President Barack Obama and House Speaker John Boehner - over future taxes and federal spending as they try to avoid the automatic tax increases and spending cuts known as the fiscal cliff.
The AMT fix for calculating 2012 income tax has broad bipartisan support, but so far been drowned out by the larger federal budget questions.
Without action soon to fix the AMT, there could be "lengthy delays of tax refunds and unexpectedly higher taxes for many taxpayers," Miller said.
The IRS needs congressional authority to update tax-filing software and forms so that Americans can start their tax returns next year. Inaction by Congress on the AMT has left IRS unsure which taxpayers will need to pay the AMT tax.
An IRS spokesman declined to comment on the agency's AMT preparations to date.
"Failure to act on the fiscal cliff will throw the 2013 tax filing season into chaos," Representative Sander Levin, a Michigan Democrat, said in a statement.
About 4 million taxpayers pay the AMT now because Congress routinely "patches" it for inflation to keep it from reaching down into middle-income tax brackets.
Without a patch for 2012, up to 33 million taxpayers will have to pay the AMT, according to IRS.
Obama's most recent offer to Republicans included a permanent AMT patch.
House Republicans plan to vote Thursday on a bill to address the fiscal cliff that also includes an AMT patch.

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What's on the table now in 'fiscal cliff' talks

An update on the latest offers on the table in negotiations to avert a year-end avalanche of federal tax increases and spending cuts known as the "fiscal cliff":
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INCOME TAXES
House Speaker John Boehner would allow income tax rates to rise for people making more than $1 million per year and would hold rates where they are for everyone making less. The top rate on income exceeding $1 million would go from 35 percent to 39.6 percent.
President Barack Obama would freeze income tax rates for taxpayers making $400,000 or less and raise them for people making more.
The two sides are moving closer together. Previously, the Republican House leader opposed allowing any tax rates to go up; Obama wanted higher taxes for individual income above $200,000, or $250,000 for couples.
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PAYROLL TAX
Obama has dropped his proposal to extend a temporary cut in Social Security payroll taxes paid by 163 million workers. Republicans want that tax to go back up.
Raising the payroll tax by 2 percentage points to its old level would cost a worker making $50,000 a year another $1,000 — or a little more than $19 per week — during 2013.
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SOCIAL SECURITY
Obama is offering to reduce cost-of-living increases for Social Security recipients. Republicans have been seeking this as a key to long-term deficit reduction. But many congressional Democrats oppose it.
Government pensions and veterans' benefits would also get smaller cost-of-living increases.
In addition, taxpayers, especially low- and middle-income families, would pay more because of changes in the way that tax brackets are adjusted for inflation.
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MEDICARE
Obama continues to reject Republicans' plan to raise the eligibility age for Medicare from 65 to 67. Boehner now says raising the eligibility age is not essential to a deal.
Obama wants to limit cuts in Medicare and other health care programs to about $400 billion over 10 years; Republicans want to overhaul Medicare to save even more money.
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DEBT LIMIT
Obama wants a deal that would raise the amount the government is allowed to borrow to cover the next two years, to avoid another debt showdown with Congress until after the 2014 midterm elections.
Previously, Obama had demanded permanent authority to increase the debt ceiling without congressional approval. Republicans want Congress to be part of the decision-making process so they can demand budget-cutting in exchange for additional borrowing.
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OTHER TAXES
Obama and Boehner both propose raising taxes on dividends and capital gains from 15 percent to 20 percent.
Both sides would reduce the number of deductions and exemptions that wealthy taxpayers can claim.
Obama would also let estate taxes revert to a 45 percent rate, after the first $3.5 million of an estate is exempted. Boehner backs a plan for a 35 percent rate and $5 million exemption.

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Swiss lender ZKB says three charged by U.S. authorities

Swiss lender Zuercher Kantonalbank (ZKB) said two of its bankers and one former employee had been charged by U.S. authorities, which had accused them of helping U.S. clients avoid taxes.
The three were indicted over changes of conspiring with American clients to hide more than $420 million from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, the U.S. Attorney's Office in Manhattan had said on Wednesday.
The indictment did not identify the bank concerned but named Stephan Fellmann, Otto Hueppi and Christof Reist, who it said were all former client advisers for the unnamed institution.
None of the bankers had been arrested, authorities said.
Banking secrecy is enshrined in Swiss law and tradition but has recently come under pressure as the United States and other nations have moved aggressively to tighten tax law enforcement and demand more openness and cooperation.
U.S. authorities are investigating at least 11 banks, including Julius Baer , Credit Suisse and other Swiss regional banks, along with UK-based HSBC Holdings and Israel's Hapoalim, Mizrahi-Tefahot Bank Ltd and Bank Leumi .
In February, Wegelin & Co, Switzerland's oldest private bank, was indicted.
UBS AG , the largest Swiss bank, in 2009 paid a $780 million fine as part of a settlement with U.S. authorities who charged the bank helped thousands of wealthy Americans hide billions of dollars in assets in secret Swiss accounts.
ZKB said in a statement it was cooperating with U.S. authorities. The bank said it could give no details about the employees due to the ongoing investigation and did not confirm what they had been changed with.
ZKB bankers Fellmann and Reist could not be reached for comment. Hueppi declined to comment.

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Business Systems Integrators’ EDI Suite Announces General Release of Integration with Microsoft Dynamics GP 2013

BSI provides EDI integration with newly released Microsoft Dynamics GP 2013 to broaden capabilities and support for Dynamics GP users.

Lawson, MO (PRWEB) December 27, 2012
Business Systems Integrators, LLC, (BSI) a best-of-breed EDI solutions provider for the Microsoft GP, AX and NAV marketplace, today announced the general release of integration of its BSI EDI Suite with Microsoft Dynamics GP 2013. BSI’s EDI Suite provides Electronic Data Interchange capabilities for multiple versions of Microsoft Dynamics GP, and now also for GP 2013. This integration provides the same user-friendly capabilities and support for numerous industries and usage scenarios, including 3PL, retail/grocery and supplier onboarding, with one of the deepest, most robust integrations in the market. The additional integration that BSI has with Microsoft Dynamics GP 9.0, 10.0, 2010 and AX 3.0, 4.0, 2009, 2012 and NAV shows the company’s parallel positioning with Microsoft’s history of providing cutting-edge, agile and easy-to-use solutions for the Microsoft Dynamics user community.
“This general release broadens our support for our Dynamics GP users--for our on-premise EDI users as well as our SaaS users with our partner, SPS Commerce,” said Larry Knoch, CEO and founder of BSI.
About Business Systems Integrators
Business Systems Integrators, LLC. is a Microsoft-Certified software and service provider who has been involved in ERP and EDI for nearly 24 years. BSI provides on-premise EDI as well as SaaS EDI in conjunction with SPS Commerce. BSI, LLC prides itself on quality solutions and service that meets customers’ needs and exceeds expectations - whether it's implementing one of BSI’s software products or for custom integration development.

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Global Technology Transfer Group (GTT Group) Releases December Patent Market Outlook and Q3 2012 Patent Market Index (PMI)

Global Technology Transfer Group, Inc. (GTT Group), the world leader in patent transaction advisory and patent analysis services, releases the Q3 2012 Patent Market Index (PMI), an index tracking patent transaction activity and trends in the patent marketplace. The Q3 2012 PMI continues the steady growth trend set since Q3 2009, growing 13.1 points in Q3 2012 over the previous quarter.

Portland, OR (PRWEB) December 27, 2012
Global Technology Transfer Group, Inc. (GTT Group), the world leader in patent transaction advisory and patent analysis services, releases the Q3 2012 Patent Market Index (PMI), an index tracking patent transaction activity and trends in the patent marketplace.
The Patent Market Index grew 13.1 points in Q3 2012 over the previous quarter, from 96.5 to 109.6. The Q3 2012 PMI continues the steady growth trend set since Q3 2009.
“One important indicator of the current quarter PMI strength is the significant number of small and medium sized transactions,” explained Michael Lubitz, CEO and Chairman of GTT Group. “Our expectation when reporting the Q2 2012 PMI was for a significant uptick in Q3 and Q4, and it came through for Q3. We remain optimistic to report continued growth in Q4 through the first half of 2013. ”
The number of Patent Asset Transfers jumped in Q3 2012, but this was due to a large backlog at the USPTO. The PMI should maintain its 100-plus level into the first half of 2013 with secondary transfer returning to recent representative levels. Twelve transactions made the Notable Patent Transfers list this quarter, a reflection of the current activity in small and medium sized transaction. Most Active Dealmakers of Q3 2012 included Intel, Samsung, Microsoft, Cisco, and Facebook.
To obtain a complete copy of the Patent Transaction Market Report, subscribe to the Quarterly Patent Transaction Market Report and Patent Market Index by visiting the GTT Group website. GTT Group makes this information available as a courtesy to the community.
Additional research and analysis studies are listed in the Quarterly Patent Transaction Market Report. For access to any of these studies, or to inquire about developing a study for a specific company, please contact Dan Buri, Director Asset Services at GTT Group.
About Global Technology Transfer Group, Inc.

Global Technology Transfer Group, Inc. is a patent transaction advisory and consulting firm. GTT Group combines core competencies in patent valuation with its global network to deliver unparalleled results. GTT Group’s services include Patent Valuation, Patent Brokerage, Patent Acquisition, Patent Licensing Support, Patent Related Standards Analysis, Patent Research and Strategic Analysis. The company’s corporate headquarters are in Portland, Oregon, with representation in North America, Asia, and Europe.

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Whisky Marketplace Offering a Wide Range of Aged Whiskies

Online seller of whisky brands WhiskyMarketplace.co.uk is now offering an exciting range of aged whiskies. The seller offers different blends of whisky originating from distilleries around the world that are arranged in order of age between three years and fifty years.

(PRWEB) December 27, 2012
Going into 2013, Whisky Marketplace is now offering its customers a wide range of blends with varying ages. Ranging from three years to even sixty year old whiskies, the website’s extensive whisky collection is appreciated by whisky lovers in many parts of the world. For those keeping score, the age printed on a whisky label denotes the youngest possible age of the whisky and makes a perfect gift for any season, or even a way to kick off the new year.
Each bottle is a blend of whiskies from different casks, with each whisky at least as old as the label shows. Most people will be familiar with the range of popular 12 year old whiskies, which are reasonably priced and include popular brands such as Ballantines and Old Pulteney. In its 15 year old range, some of the most popular brands on Whisky Marketplace in 2012 included Ardbeg, Dalwhinnie, Glenfiddich, and Old Elgin among several others.
The website boasts an extensive collection of 18 year old whiskies such as the Glenfiddich, Glenlivet and Glenrothes. Beyond that, favourites in the 21 year range include brands such as Highland Park, Gordon & MacPhail, Mortlach, Benriach, and Bladnoch. The seller’s 25 year old whisky collection is an enviable set of fine blended and well aged brands like Glen Grant, Benromach, and Linkwood. Ideal for special occasions, the 25 year old whisky collection at Whisky Marketplace is a great place to find presents for all seasons.
For lovers of slightly rare, exclusive and expensive whiskies, there are 30 year old whisky blends from Carsebridge, Glentauchers, Strathclyde, and MacPhail. Forming some of the finest and more expensive whisky blends, the 40 year old whisky collection includes classics such as the Bunnahabhain 1972, Abbey Speyside and Linkwood 1970.
And it goes further back than that, with almost 30 different versions of 50 year old whisky. Some of the most popular blends with the 50 year old mark include North British 1962, Glenfarclas 1959 and 1961, MacPhail 1937, Pride of Strathspey 1937 and Glen Grant 1936.
How far back does it go? Three of Whisky Marketplace’s most prized whiskies include the Macallan 1949 priced at £15,000, the Macallan Lalique Crystal worth £17,500 and the Springbank 1919 priced at a whopping £50,000.

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CitizenShipper.com Members Find Delivery Jobs That Drive Them to the Moon and Back....Twice

CitizenShipper.com, an online marketplace of shipments that connect with drivers passed a major milestone this year, with drivers on the site clocking up over a million miles. For those looking to find delivery jobs and driving jobs, CitizenShipper.com offers a cosmic solution.

Denver, CO (PRWEB) December 27, 2012
Denver based startup company, CitizenShipper.com, is a new peer-to-peer marketplace that connects people who have shipping requirements with people who can actually do the driving. The site has been serving the US market since 2009, and recently expanded into Canada helping Americans and Canadians find driving jobs in a down economy.
Citizenshipper offers companies and individuals a better alternative to high priced, time-constrained and inflexible conventional delivery/courier services. CitizenShipper links people who want something delivered (the customer) with the people wish to do the delivering (the driver). It can be anything, a letter, a package, to something as large as a big-screen TV. Pets are also popular things that are transported on the site.
This year, CEO Richard Obousy announced a major milestone for the company. "We tallied the total number of miles drivers registered on our site have driven shipping stuff." Explains Obousy. "It turns out, you could get to the Moon and back...twice!" It's a nice metric when you think about it, and just goes to show how active the drivers are who are registered to the site.
CitizenShipper has grown quickly into a marketplace where drivers planning on making a trip somewhere anyway can leave quotes on thousands of online shipments. Payments for these completed shipments range from as low as $20 for local delivery jobs, to as much as $5,000 for heavy equipment and difficult to move items
"This is a great way for people to get stuff shipped, and also great for people looking to find driving jobs and delivery jobs." Closes Obousy.

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PSA/DNA Forgery Experts Warn: Elvis Presley, The Beatles, Babe Ruth Top 2012's "Most Dangerous Autographs"

The signatures of Elvis Presley, The Beatles, Neil Armstrong, Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig and Mickey Mantle were among the most forged autographs in the collectibles marketplace the past year, according to PSA/DNA Authentication Services in their new report on the "most dangerous autographs" of 2012.

Newport Beach, California (PRWEB) December 28, 2012
There's probably less than a 50/50 chance autographs offered in the marketplace of Elvis Presley, The Beatles and Babe Ruth are genuine, according to a year-end report by PSA/DNA Authentication Services (http://www.psadna.com) of Newport Beach, California, the world's largest third-party autograph and memorabilia authentication service. The company has issued a consumer advisory about the "most dangerous autographs" of 2012 (http://www.psacard.com/MostDangerousAutographs/2012/), and the names on the list are familiar.
PSA/DNA officials caution there was a significant increase in forgeries submitted to them of Apollo 11 astronaut Neil Armstrong's autograph. His death this past July sparked renewed interest and demand for items he personally signed. According to PSA/DNA, a genuine autographed Armstrong photograph can sell for $5,000 or more, a contract or letter signed by Elvis might be worth $35,000 or more and a high-quality Ruth-signed baseball could be valued at $60,000 or more.
"Whether it's the signature of a famous sports hero, an entertainment star or an important historical figure, it's important that consumers buy from reputable sellers who use credible, expert third-party authentication," advises Joe Orlando, President of PSA/DNA.
"There are a lot so-called 'deals' for autographs that can be found online, at local flea markets and even at some collectibles conventions, but most of those 'deals' are simply too good to be true. Genuine autographs do not often sell for a huge discount," warns Orlando.
In 2012, PSA/DNA experts evaluated over 350,000 autographs submitted by collectors worldwide.
"Unfortunately, a large portion of them were forgeries. In fact, it's not uncommon for our experts to reject 50 percent or more of the signatures submitted to our company, especially when it comes to the more prominent names," said Orlando.
The company has issued an advisory entitled 2012 PSA/DNA Autograph Report: The Ten Most Dangerous Autographs. It is available free online at http://www.psacard.com/MostDangerousAutographs/2012/.
Among the most frequently submitted counterfeit signatures of historical and entertainment figures the past year were:
    1) Elvis Presley

    2) The Beatles

    3) Neil Armstrong

    4) John F. Kennedy

    5) Michael Jackson
The "most dangerous" autographs of sports stars' autographs in 2012 were:
    1) Babe Ruth

    2) Lou Gehrig

    3) Mickey Mantle

    4) Michael Jordan

    5) Muhammad Ali
"What is most startling about the number of fake autographs in the marketplace is that PSA/DNA does not often receive obvious forgeries for evaluation. So, if our rejection rate for a particular autograph approaches 50 percent, then you can only imagine how high that percentage of forgeries actually might be in the overall marketplace," cautioned Orlando.
The public can see and compare hundreds of genuine sports, historical and entertainment autographs free online at http://www.PSAAutographFacts.com, including examples of how a person's signature may change over the years.
"With the proper precautions and education, collectors can participate in a safe hobby environment and avoid becoming prey for unscrupulous sellers," said Orlando.

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New Years Day Metal Print Sale: Metal Photo Company Announces First Annual Metal Print and Personalized Gift Sale.

New Years Day Sale: Metal Photo Company Announces Annual 50% off Metal Print and Personalized Gift Sale.

Dallas, TX (PRWEB) January 01, 2013
MetalPhotoCompany.com is announcing a first annual 50% off sale New Year's Day only. Custom Monogrammed iPhone 4, 4S, 5, Samsung Galaxy 3, Nexus, Note or Blackberry case including custom photo cases are all included in the annual sale. Consumers will also be able to purchase matching iPad and device cases for as little as $25.00. Metal Photo Company offers Metal Murals up to sizes 48 x 48. Metal Prints are waterproof, archival, and are available in a variety of shapes and sizes. Consumers should use code: NEW YEAR at checkout to receive discounts.
Visit MetalPhotoCompany.com

Follow them on Facebook at [http://www.facebook.com/metalphotocompany
About Metal Photo Company

MetalPhotoCompany.com specializes in printing images on metal. Simply upload your photos or digital art and let Metal Photo Company turn them into beautiful prints on metal. Whether you want to put a picture on metal to decorate your home or office, give as a gift, or simply want to turn your very own photos to metal art, Metal photo Company has unique options for you. You can order a single metal print, stack two metal pics on top of one another for a unique three dimensional affect, or use several metal photo panels to create a photo mural for your wall. Your print on metal comes ready to hang or display so there is no need for a frame. We also take a personalized approach in creating each individual customer's metal print by inspecting each digital image to determine if editing or touch-ups are recommended before we print it to metal, ensuring that your final product will be the best it can be. Metal Photo Company has a complete line of personalized phone and device cases, as well as, photo ornaments.

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Kyriba Releases New Industry Inside: Demonstration of the Kyriba Treasury Management System

http://www.kyriba.com --Watch the demonstration of Kyriba's best-in-class, cloud-based solution that delivers optimized decision-making, enhanced control and compliance, and increased visibility for treasury and finance professionals.

New York, US (PRWEB) January 01, 2013
Clcik to view Kyriba Demonstration here: http://bit.ly/VpgIHr
Watch the demonstration of Kyriba's best-in-class, cloud-based solution that delivers optimized decision-making, enhanced control and compliance, and increased visibility for treasury and finance professionals.
Kyriba treasury management solution in the cloud delivers fully integrated cash, treasury, payment, risk management and supply chain finance solutions through a user-friendly, scalable and secure SaaS platform.
See why leading treasuries around the globe choose Kyriba treasury management solution in the cloud: http://www.kyriba.com/resources/videos-podcasts/demonstration-kyriba-treasury-management-system
About Kyriba

Kyriba is the global leader in next generation treasury solutions in the cloud. We enable CFOs and finance teams to optimize their corporate treasury functions by delivering fully-integrated cash, treasury, payment, risk management and supply chain finance solutions through a user-friendly, scalable and secure SaaS platform. Kyriba improves visibility and productivity, enabling our clients to minimize risks and have better control over their treasury and finance decisions. With a client loyalty rate of over 98 percent, we support more than 700 organizations globally including market leaders such as Amway, Electronic Arts (EA), Interpublic Group, PulteGroup, Inc. and Qualcomm. For more information, contact treasury(at)kyriba(dot)com

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Rudi’s Organic Bakery Toasts the New Year with a Pantry Full of Fun and New Facebook App

Toast-A-Gram invites Rudi’s Organic fans to create and share miraculous, toasted masterpieces on a piece of organic sandwich bread

Boulder, CO (PRWEB) January 01, 2013
Rudi’s Organic Bakery® is celebrating the New Year with a burst of creativity that will allow fans to toast the good life. We’ve all see the headlines—Elvis and the Queen miraculously appearing in the scorch marks of toasted bread. Through the new Rudi’s Organic Toast-A-Gram app on Facebook, now everyone can toast and share what or who they love on a yummy slice of Rudi’s Organic Sandwich Bread.
“At Rudi’s Organic Bakery, we’ve been baking on the bright side since 1976, creating scrumptious organic breads the whole family can enjoy,” said Doug Radi, senior vice president of marketing and sales for Rudi’s Organic. “While we’re focused on providing delicious organic bread made with tons of taste and zero added junk, we also believe life shouldn’t be taken too seriously. Through Toast-A-Gram, we’re giving moms the chance to have the best of both worlds—a smiling and healthy family all at the same time.”
Rudi’s Organic fans can participate in Toast-A-Gram starting today by ‘liking’ the Rudi’s Organic page on Facebook. Through the Toast-A-Gram app, Rudi’s Organic bread enthusiasts will be invited to create their own custom Toast-A-Gram by uploading a photo or typing a special message and watching it get miraculously toasted onto a scrumptious piece of organic bread. Fans looking for inspiration can select from a pantry stocked full of creative ideas from Rudi’s Organic. After creating their toasted masterpieces, fans can celebrate by downloading a $1 off coupon good for any Rudi’s Organic product and by sharing their creations with friends and family on their Facebook wall, Twitter, Pinterest or by email. All Toast-A-Grams will be shared in the pantry gallery and selected Toast-A-Grams will be featured on the Rudi’s Organic Facebook wall and in emails to all of Rudi’s Organic bread lovers.
To keep the celebration going throughout the year, Rudi’s Organic will periodically update the pantry with themed Toast-A-Grams for special occasions and holidays. Fans might even see special Toast-A-Grams toasting key moments in pop culture. Fans will be encouraged to keep participating throughout the year with special Toast-A-Gram offers and promotions that give another chance to grab life by the slice.
For more information on Toast-A-Gram and Rudi’s Organic Bakery products, including Sandwich Breads, Tortillas, Wraps, Buns, Rolls, Sandwich Flatz, Bagel Flatz, Bagels and English Muffins, visit rudisbakery.com.
About Rudi’s Organic Bakery, Inc.

Rudi’s Organic Bakery, Inc., has been passionate about baking better breads for families for more than 30 years. Founded and headquartered in Boulder, Colo., Rudi’s Organic Bakery is the only nationally available brand offering a full line of nutritious and delicious, certified organic breads and baked goods. Rudi’s Organic is committed to baking breads using only the best organic ingredients and no artificial additives, preservatives and GMOs. In 2010, Rudi’s Organic leveraged this heritage to create Rudi’s Gluten-Free Bakery, a line of gluten-free breads and baked goods made with wholesome, all-natural ingredients so that each bite tastes like the real thing. Rudi’s Organic and Rudi’s Gluten-Free products are available nationally at natural foods stores and select mainstream supermarkets. For more information, visit rudisbakery.com.

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AViiQ Releases the All New Leather iPhone 5 Wallet Case

AViiQ delivers well-designed protection to the Apple® iPhone 5 with the release of the Leather Wallet Series line of iPhone 5 Cases.

Santa Ana, CA (PRWEB) January 01, 2013
AViiQ, an award-winning brand of fashion, technology and lifestyle accessories has released a new offering for the all new Apple® iPhone 5. With three years of developing trend-setting design and innovation to the gadget accessory industry, AViiQ applies its design mastery to the Apple® iPhone 5 with the release of the Leather iPhone 5 Wallet Case.
AViiQ's Leather iPhone 5 wallet cases is the newest addition to AviiQ's iphone covers, designed to protect the iPhone 5 in style while doubling as a convenient wallet for carry credit cards and ID. The iPhone 5 leather wallet case features genuine sheep skin leather and has the award winning AViiQ Thin Series iPhone 5 Case integrated into it to give it a super low profile designer thinner than most wallet cases on the market today. It offer screen protection and privacy and also can function as a iPhone 5 Stand.
This is a cool iphone cases to match the new Apple iPhone 5 with a touch of elegance and multi-functionality, the AViiQ Leather iPhone 5 Wallet case is perfect. Currently available in black leather but with more color options to come.
Its lightweight polycarbonate material, which is stronger than standard ABS material, maintains a slim profile while providing all-round protection against scratches from everyday use. The AViiQ Leather iPhone 5 Wallet Case for the Apple® iPhone 5 allows easy access to all ports and buttons while protecting it in a luxurious genuine sheep skin leather case with cover. The AViiQ Leather iPhone 5 Wallet Cases is available in black color with a retailing at 34.99 USD.
All AViiQ products come with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, a full refund policy within 30 days of purchase. For more information about this and the entire line of AViiQ products, contact PR representative Alan Yeung at alan(at)aviiq(dot)com
Find it at these online retail partners: AViiQ.com , Amazon.com , Lollimobile.com
ABOUT AVIIQ

AViiQ adheres to the tenet that form should follow function. Founded to create consumer mobile electronic accessories that maximize productivity through enhanced functionality and high-end design, AViiQ offers the finest in function and style.  Laptops revolutionized the computer world by adding the freedom of mobility and AViiQ transforms that freedom into power.  For more information about AViiQ please visit http://www.AViiQ.com
For additional information on this and other AViiQ products, please contact AViiQ PR at alan(at)aviiq(dot)com or at (949) 515-8840. Follow us on http://www.facebook.com/aviiq for current social updates.

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IHRIM Unveils Top 10 Predictions for HR Technology in 2013

Industry's Thought Leaders Gaze Into 'HR Tech Crystal Ball' to Provide Next Year's Forecast.

(PRWEB) January 01, 2013
Lynne Mealy, President & CEO of IHRIM, The International Association for Human Resource Information Management), the world's leading clearinghouse for the Human Resource Information Management industry, today unveiled IHRIM's top 10 predictions for HR Technology in 2013.
Before revealing the list, compiled by such industry leaders as Lexy Martin of CedarCrestone, Nov Omana of HR Collective Solutions and Karen Beaman of Jeitosa Group International, Ms. Mealy noted "2012 has been a big year for HR technology. With the growing implementation of HR in the cloud; the rise in popularity of Big Data; the surge of organizations using social networks to engage their workforce; and increasing conversations coming from the boardroom about analytics, 2013 promises to make even more waves in the industry. We are pleased to share our predictions to help organizations capitalize on trends & market opportunities to better plan for future growth."
IHRIM's HR Technology predictions address the trends of:

    Social Networking
    Personal Devices
    Mobile vs Desktop
    SaaS
    Predictive Analytics
    Cloud Computing
    Systems Integration
    Metrics
    Big Data
    Gamification
To read the full article and learn more about IHRIM's Top 10 HR Technology Predictions, visit http://tinyurl.com/IHRIMsTop10HRTechPredictions.
For more than 32 years, IHRIM has helped advance the HRIM industry through its community of industry experts and educational opportunities. With the support and dedication of its volunteer leaders, IHRIM will continue to carry out its mission of being the leading professional association for knowledge, education, and solutions supporting the Human Resource Information Management community.
About the International Association for Human Resource Information Management (IHRIM)

IHRIM is the world's leading clearinghouse for the HRIM (Human Resource Information Management) industry. Since 1980, IHRIM has been the only membership association for HR technology professionals, advancing the industry by providing unparalleled education and professional development opportunities through its annual conference, educational courses and webinars. IHRIM is a community of experts - a dynamic group of practitioners, vendors, consultants, students, and faculty that continues to grow, not just in numbers, but in its scope of knowledge and information.

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Connecticut Job Shops and Contract Manufacturers Join the MFG.com Manufacturing Marketplace

Connecticut manufacturers prove to be uniquely qualified for entrance into the largest global manufacturing ecosystem.

Atlanta, GA (PRWEB) December 18, 2012
MFG.com, the world’s largest online manufacturing marketplace for made-to-order parts, announced that prominent Connecticut-based manufacturers have joined the MFG.com marketplace.
A few of the recent additions include:

Perfection Screw & Rivet Co. is an ISO 9001:2008 certified, family-owned cold heading job shop located in Wolcott, CT. With a foundation of quality customer service, cost reduction and employee education, Perfection Screw & Rivet Co. has an impeccable record of satisfying customers. Capabilities include fasteners and hardware, machining, rapid prototyping, cold forming, cold headed parts, cold head machining, cold form parts, screws, rivets and knurling.
Windmade Products is a turn-key powder coating, sheet metal fabrication and machining service provider. As the exclusive manufacturer of Neumade Products, Windmade Products is a leading provider of high quality projection room equipment for the cinema industry. Windmade Products services a wide variety of industries and customers throughout the Northeast with a simple commitment to provide quality work, at a competitive price, delivered on time and in full. Capabilities and services include in-house powder coating, sheet metal fabrication, machining, assembly, kitting, warehousing and fulfillment.
Nerjan Development Co. is a family-owned, AS 9100, ISO 9001:2000 and ISO 9001:2008 certified precision CNC milling and turning electro mechanical assembly job shop located in Stamford, CT. Established in 1967, Nerjan Development Co. provides manual and CNC milling, turning, and drilling to meet customer specifications. Nerjan machines a wide variety of metals and plastics to sensitive and accurate dimensions.
Shearwater Engineering & Manufacturing LLC (S.E.A.M.) is located in Brooklyn, CT and has been providing manufacturing valves and components for 35 years. Their experience with valve assemblies for the marine and aerospace industries has been extended to power plants, paper mills, railroads, waste management plants and hydraulic manifolds for machines. S.E.A.M. specializes in the manufacturing of complex, controlled geometric parts. By utilizing state-of-the-art programming technology, they have achieved superior results in the processing and machining of strategic materials such as Monel, Inconel, and titanium, as well as the normal alloys of steel and aluminum.
“We are proud to announce the acceptance of these quality suppliers from Connecticut into the MFG.com marketplace. By introducing companies like Perfection Screw & Rivet Co., Windmade Products, Nerjan Development Co. and Shearwater Engineering & Manufacturing into our marketplace, buyers and sourcing professionals are further reassured that they can trust the suppliers in the MFG.com marketplace,” said Mitch Free, Founder and CEO of MFG.com. “MFG.com is excited to work with these suppliers from Connecticut to help them grow their businesses and develop win-win customer relationships with our buyer members.”
About MFG.com

MFG.com is the largest online marketplace for the manufacturing industry, facilitating interaction between buyers and manufacturers. MFG.com enables sourcing professionals and engineers to quickly and easily locate quality suppliers for CNC Machining, Injection Molding, Metal Stamping, Metal Fabrication and many other processes through an easy-to-use online marketplace. With more than $115 billion in RFQs passing through the marketplace, MFG.com has helped thousands of manufacturers - ranging from small machine shops to large conglomerates - increase sales and grow profits. MFG.com is a global business, with offices in the U.S., Europe, Asia and Mexico.

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Vint Cerf, Award-Winning Computer Scientist and Chief Internet Evangelist for Google, Joins TruthMarket™ Board of Advisors

Dr. Vint Cerf, one of the true “Fathers of the Internet,” an international authority on digital communications and outspoken advocate for a free and open Internet adds global perspective to TruthMarket’s Platform for Crowd-funding Public Challenges to False Political, Commercial and Science Claims.

Atherton, California (PRWEB) December 18, 2012
Today Truth Seal Corp. announced that Vinton G. Cerf, Ph.D. has joined the TruthMarket™ Board of Advisors. TruthMarket is an online Marketplace for Truth Telling™. It provides ordinary citizens with a platform to “crowd-fund” and execute grass roots campaigns that publicly expose misrepresentations and false political, commercial and science claims, while highlighting true claims and offering cash rewards to successful campaign creators, sponsors and challengers.
Widely known as one of the "Fathers of the Internet," Dr. Cerf is the co-designer of the TCP/IP protocols and the architecture of the Internet. He is known for his pioneering insights and innovative contributions to technologies that further advance the Internet and its important role is fostering open, global dialogue. Explaining his decision to join the TruthMarket Board of Advisors, Dr. Cerf notes that, “in a world of false dichotomies and factual denial, the TruthMarket concept seems set to clear away the fog of uninformed debate."
“We’re very enthusiastic about Dr. Cerf joining our Board of Advisors. He will be adding important philosophical and technological insights to a growing cadre of reputable experts committed to challenging manipulative speech, false claims and distorted facts,” said Rick Hayes-Roth, Ph.D., Founder and CEO of Truth Seal. “Dr. Cerf’s contributions to the culture of modern communication and his insightful positions have attracted a strong following of like-minded people supportive of truth in public affairs. We look forward to having them participate in TruthMarket campaigns."
“Truth Seal has been actively recruiting reputable authorities like Dr. Cerf for the Board of Advisors,” stated Mark L. Feldman, Ph.D., Board Member and investor. “Advisors known for their high integrity are important to TruthMarket’s mission to increase truth and trust throughout the information space.” Feldman adds that "more announcements of public figures joining the TruthMarket Board of Advisors can be expected."
About Vinton G. Cerf, Ph.D.
Vinton G. Cerf is vice president and chief Internet evangelist for Google. Cerf has held positions at MCI, the Corporation for National Research Initiatives, DARPA, Stanford University, UCLA and IBM. Vint Cerf is president of ACM and served as chairman of the board of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) and was founding president of the Internet Society. Widely known as one of the "Fathers of the Internet," he received the U.S. National Medal of Technology in 1997, the Marconi Fellowship in 1998 and the ACM Alan M. Turing award in 2004. In November 2005, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom and in April 2008 the Japan Prize. He is a Fellow of the IEEE, ACM, and AAAS, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the American Philosophical Society, the Computer History Museum and the National Academy of Engineering. Cerf holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from Stanford University and Master of Science and Ph.D. degrees in Computer Science from UCLA and holds over 20 honorary degrees from universities around the world.
About TruthMarket
TruthMarket is a division of Truth Seal, a California Corporation. TruthMarket is designed to be popular online platform that enables everyone to campaign for truth in public dialogue. The primary objective is to increase truth and trust throughout the public information space – online and offline – by publicly exposing false claims and highlighting true claims. TruthMarket’s ultimate goal is to predispose all public dialogue toward truth telling.
Trademarks

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Alibaba Becomes Largest e-Commerce Company - Impact for Retail Brands

Simon Jackson, chief commercial officer at brand protection company NetNames, comments on the news that Alibaba has become the largest ecommerce company in the world.

(PRWEB UK) 18 December 2012
“The news that Chinese online marketplace Alibaba has become the largest ecommerce company in the world has important implications for brand owners in the retail and consumer goods industries. The fact that Alibaba’s gross merchandise volume of $157 billion, for just two if its sites, adds up to more than Amazon and eBay combined shows China’s exponential growth into the world’s biggest retail market and reveals just how much retail traffic is moving online.
However, these spectacular figures, bring in to focus the growing threat of counterfeit products available online. Netnames is working in partnership with Alibaba to tackle counterfeit products which, for NetNames customers, can be as high as 70% of products offered on global marketplaces. This is a serious issue for brand owners as these products divert revenue, particularly in retail and luxury goods sectors where replica goods are most common.
So what can brand owners do to protect against this threat? By actively monitoring those selling fake products online via auction sites, organisations are able to identify where the goods are being offered for sale and can work with the platform providers to have them removed from the internet. In the past 12 months, NetNames has worked together with Alibaba to remove thousands of listings of counterfeit items from their websites, equating to millions of dollars of potential revenue – proof that action can be taken to remove a significant proportion of this threat.

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Samsung waves the white flag in European Apple patent suits

Even though Samsung (005930) won an important victory against Apple (AAPL) in the United States this week, the company has apparently decided to abandon some of its efforts on the European front. The Verge reports that Samsung “will drop its lawsuits against Apple for standards-essential patent infringement in Germany, the U.K., France, Italy and the Netherlands.” A Samsung spokesperson told The Verge that the company’s motives for dropping the suits were largely (and implausibly) altruistic and done “in the interest of protecting consumer choice” since “we strongly believe it is better when companies compete fairly in the marketplace, rather than in court.” In reality, The Verge notes that Samsung has been under investigation by European officials all year over allegations that it didn’t license its standard essential patents on fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory (FRAND) terms.

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