Abstract: Improved graphical user interfaces and techniques for providing remote media content to users are disclosed. According to one aspect, an application window display on a display device can expose a user not only to local media content but also to remote media content that is associated with the local media content. The local media content is stored locally, while the remote media content is stored remotely and available from a remote media server. According to another aspect, the remote media content to be displayed can be determined in a manner that is dependent on a user interaction with the local media content. According to still a further aspect, the manner by which the remote media content is displayed can be dependent on the availability of remote media content at the remote media server.

Abstract: Methods and systems that facilitate data delivery to electronic devices are disclosed. One aspect pertains to data delivery to electronic devices that are portable, such as, mobile devices. In one embodiment, one mobile device discovers another mobile device within its vicinity. The mobile devices can then wirelessly transmit data from one mobile device to the other. The mobile devices, or their users, can control, request or influence the particular data content being delivered.

Abstract: Methods and systems that facilitate data delivery to electronic devices are disclosed. One aspect pertains to data delivery to mobile devices. In one embodiment, a local server is provided at a particular location, such as at an establishment, venue, etc. The local server can operate to locally wirelessly transmit data to mobile devices within its vicinity. Typically, the mobile devices are associated with persons (users) at the particular location. The mobile devices, or their users, can control, request or influence the particular data content being delivered. The local server can also provide customized data to the mobile devices, individually or as a group. The customization can be based on location, characteristics, interests, preferences and/or requests of the users of the mobile devices.

Abstract: A hair styling apparatus including a magnetron and a styling base in communication with the magnetron for styling a moistened lock of hair is provided. A shield removably encases the styling base for shielding microwave radiation emitted from the magnetron. The lock of hair is heated upon activation of the magnetron. Methods of curling and straightening hair are also provided.

Abstract: Techniques for facilitating purchase of media items, such as digital media assets, are disclosed. A computing device, e.g., a portable media device, can save media indicia pertaining to one or media items of interest to a user. The media indicia can thereafter be use to purchase the one or more media items or other products associated therewith.

Abstract: This invention is a method for straightening and curling hair using microwaves that is also permanent. The magnetron produces a beam of microwaves that produces heat from moisture in hair. When used in a hair appliance the microwave beams heat the moisture in the hair causing a long lasting or permanent curling or straightening effect without the use of harsh chemicals. To protect the patron whose hair is being styled from the microwave radiation, shields are built into the appliance and the appliance. Small perforations are built into the appliance to allow steam to escape so the patron is not burned.

Abstract: A method for sharing information between users of a media management application is disclosed. In one embodiment, a server computer receives a media information share request, retrieves artist or album information according to the media information share request, constructs a media message form containing artist or album information according to the media information share request and blanks boxes for the user to enter a plurality of recipient e-mail addresses, the user's name and e-mail address, and a message to the recipients, and sends the completed media message form to the client computer. The server computer then receives a completed media message form from a client computer, constructs a media message containing artist or album information according to the media message form, extracts a list of e-mail addresses from the media message form, selects an e-mail address from the list of e-mail addresses and sends a media message to each e-mail address in the list of e-mail addresses.

Abstract: There is disclosed a hollow reinforcing element for casting into composites, which in use defines passageways that may communicate to the exterior of the composite and that can serve as conduit arrays in structures formed from the composite. Benefits include superior strength to weight ratios, reduced thermal stresses, suppression of crack propagation, and improved corrosion protection. The hollow reinforcing elements may also be used to provide antennae, drain systems, leveling devices, containment structures and pneumatic levitation of vehicles.

Abstract: There is disclosed a hollow reinforcing element for casting into composites, which in use defines passageways that may communicate to the exterior of the composite and that can serve as conduit arrays in structures formed from the composite. Benefits include superior strength to weight ratios, reduced thermal stresses, suppression of crack propagation, and improved corrosion protection. The hollow reinforcing elements may also be used to provide antennae, drain systems, leveling devices, containment structures and pneumatic levitation of vehicles.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for removing gases and liquid from containers. The ice punctures the bottom of a container for purposes of exhausting gases and liquid from the container without their escaping into the atmosphere. The device includes an inner cup or cylinder having a top portion with an open end for receiving a container and a bottom portion which may be fastened to a disposal or waste container in a substantially leak-proof manner. A piercing device is mounted in the lower portion of the inner cylinder for puncturing the can bottom placed in the inner cylinder. An outer cylinder having an open end and a closed end fits over the top portion of the inner cylinder in telescoping engagement. A force exerted on the closed end of the outer cylinder urges the bottom of a can in the inner cylinder into engagement with the piercing device in the bottom of the inner cylinder to form an opening in the can bottom, thereby permitting the contents of the can to enter the disposal container.