The US Postal Service has announced several rate increases to its First-Class Mail, Standard Mail, Periodicals, Package Services and Special Services. The increases will take effect on May 12. In the Standard Mail category, parcels and not-flat machinables will see the largest percentage cost increase, at 9.66%.

Yahoo's board of directors has rejected Microsoft's unsolicited proposal, claiming that it undervalues Yahoo's business. Microsoft sent an open letter to Yahoo's board last month offering to buy out shareholders in a $44.6 billion bid.

Fast Company magazine saw newsstand sales increase by 38% over the six months ending December 31, 2007, according to ABC FAS-FAX reports. This reporting period is the third in a row where the business glossy posted newsstand gains of more than 30%. Newsstand sales now average 30,515 per issue, and the rate base is holding at 725,000.

Microsoft has teamed up with e-mail services firm Cbeyond for a new e-mail service that targets small and midsize businesses. The new e-mail service will come as part of Microsoft's communications package that already includes hardware and air time for mobile phone service, local and long-distance phone service, and T-1 broadband Internet access. Now it will include e-mail hosted on Microsoft Exchange.

Siperian Inc. has been selected to help Vhi Healthcare manage its customer data and customer relationships. Vhi, which provides private medical insurance to 1.57 million members, will deploy Siperian MDM Hub in an effort to reduce call center response times and better tailor its upgrade and cross-sell offers to clients.

The List Place Inc. has introduced Stockbrokers at Major Brokerage Firms, a database of registered and licensed stockbrokers in offices throughout the US. Business and home addresses are available for these individuals who are the highest producing brokers in the country.

DMNews is seeking submissions for its upcoming 2008 DMNews Deliver, which will be published in on March 10, 2008. In a climate of changing postal regulations and mail legislation, as well as consumer environmental concerns and an uncertain economy, today's marketers need to carefully consider every aspect of sending a direct mail piece — from technological developments in production and printing, to improvements in data quality, the development of creative campaigns, and optimal fulfillment practices.

An electronics retailer uses e-mail to get close to customers with a brand-building fantasy football campaign.

In a move to promote its expansion to multiple destinations in the US, a new nationwide Virgin America marketing campaign likens its flight experience to that of a night club. The creative, developed in conjunction with San Francisco-based ad agency Eleven Inc., features a series of head­lines — including "Arrive beautifully," "Everybody needs an outlet," and "Talk behind people's backs" — representative of Virgin America's brand theme "This is how to fly."

NEW LISTS - Sound Beach Marketing - Description: This file contains active Latino consumers. Direct mail and telemarketing surveys are conducted on segments to determine consumer lifestyle and behavior patterns, language and purchasing preferences.

NEW LISTS - Macromark - Description: This file contains a responsive list of consumers who have replied to a direct response offer from an accredited school of independent home study. Penn Foster offers more than 80 courses from pet care and child development to health and legal studies at the career school, college and high school levels.

NEW LISTS - Infocus - Description: This file contains NAHB members, who are responsible for about 80% of the new homes constructed in the US every year and are directly involved in building homes. They include small-volume, production and light commercial builders in addition to remodelers and rehabilitators.

NEW LISTS - Datamatrix Lists - Description: This file contains members of organizations, clubs and associations. They identify by their unique interests.

NEW LISTS - Hugo Dunhill Mailing Lists - Description: This file contains micobiologists — individuals who hold a Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in microbiology or related fields. Many hold advanced degrees as well.

NEW SELECTS - Data Direct Solutions - Description: This file contains a list of executives who are responsible for purchasing office supplies and services.