Abstract: A method of operating an e-commerce shopping system includes providing a network host computer hosting a plurality of websites from vendors selling products and/or services. The network host computer receives an information request from a customer who wishes to shop online in the e-commerce shopping system. A community search, via a community search engine hosted on the network host computer, is ran for matching the information request of the customer with identified goods and/or services. The customer is directed to at least one of the websites containing the requested information existing within the e-commerce shopping system.

Abstract: A device for perforating packaged cigarettes, or the like, including a first housing member provided for defining a receiving area having an opening for receiving a package of cigarettes. A plurality of piercing needles are provided which are moveable relative to the first housing member to pierce the cigarettes. A safety plate member is provided covering the opening of the receiving area. The safety plate member is effective at a first position to block the movement of the piercing needles into the receiving area and at a second position to allow the package of cigarettes into the receiving area. The safety plate member is supported by at least two spring members for biasing the safety plate member towards the first position. The spring members are positioned on a central longitudinal axis of the safety plate member and have spring properties effective to allow steady and smooth movement of the safety plate member.