Abstract: The invention provides a method, apparatus, computer readable medium and signal which allows the usage of devices containing PKI private keys such as PKI-enabled smart cards or USB sticks to authenticate users and to sign transactions. The authenticity of the user and/or the message is verified. Furthermore the operation (authentication and/or signing) occurs without the need for an application to have some kind of a direct or indirect digital connection with the device containing the private key. In other words a digital connection that would allow an application to submit data to the card for signing by the card's private key and that would allow retrieving the entire resulting signature from the card is not required. In addition the operation occurs without the need for the PKI-enabled device containing the private key (e.g.

Abstract: A system and method to improve data access over a network. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a device for caching data from a server, such as e-mail messages, is provided at a location close to an end user. According to another embodiment of the present invention, a centrally stored address list is provided that may be accessed by a client to determine the best or nearest server for data access.

Abstract: In order to create or emulate authentic shotgun holes in a garment, a garment is subject to a distressing process with projectiles or other distressing apparatuses. A garment may be distressed without comprising critical components of the garment by positioning it in a stationary form in relation to a distressing apparatus and protecting the garment with a garment protection apparatus. A button for a garment is created by utilizing an authentic shotgun shell base attached to a rivet and spacer.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for targeting marketing content to an online user, includes the steps of collecting data describing the user in a user profile, comparing the user profile with a target profile and presenting the user with content based on the comparison. The user profile includes a photographic likeness of the user, as well as information derived from the user's photographic likeness. Certain content may be dynamically created for the user based on the user profile and may include the photographic likeness of the user, which may be altered to incorporate a portion of the content into the photographic likeness. In this manner, personalized advertisements for cosmetics, jewelry, clothing and other items may be created. The user profile also includes data describing the user's browsing habits and responses to context-specific survey questions.