Abstract: A method for scheduling an operation comprises the steps of providing a schedule of available time slots, submitting a reservation, the reservation identifying a plurality of the time slots suitable for the operation, and providing a notification, the notification either declining the reservation or accepting the reservation at one of the plurality of time slots identified in the submitting step.

Abstract: A software architecture that provides applications with uniform access to data that is available from heterogeneous data sources. Applications access Liquid Data through a set of unified XML views that have been derived from the schemas of the underlying data sources. Liquid Data provides data independence in that applications can write components that do not have to change if an underlying data source changes.

Abstract: A puzzle is provided including a plurality of portions each with an outer surface defining a portion of a three-dimensional geometric figure. Also included is a plurality of grooves and protrusions formed on inner surfaces of the portions for allowing the portions to be releasably coupled such that the outer surfaces defines the geometric figure.