Abstract: A system and method for having a plurality of participants author and submit segment candidates to create a collaborative work over a computer network. The plurality of participants receive segment instructions for authoring the segment candidates. The candidates are submitted to the system and at least a subset of the submitted segment candidates are distributed to a voting audience over the computer network. In response the system receives votes for a favored segment candidate from the voting audience. Next, a winning segment candidate is selected from the submitted segment candidates for inclusion in the collaborative work based on the votes. This process is repeated by the system until the collaborative work is complete.

Abstract: A system and method for having a plurality of participants author and submit segment candidates to create a collaborative work over a computer network. The plurality of participants receive segment instructions for authoring the segment candidates. The candidates are submitted to the system and at least a subset of the submitted segment candidates are distributed to a voting audience over the computer network. In response the system receives votes for a favored segment candidate from the voting audience. Next, a winning segment candidate is selected from the submitted segment candidates for inclusion in the collaborative work based on the votes. This process is repeated by the system until the collaborative work is complete.

Abstract: The bag dispenser includes a container enclosing a roll of end to end connected plastic trash bags. Spindle elements are fixed to the end flaps of the container and extend in opposite directions towards the interior of the container. The spindle elements are adapted to be received within openings in the ends of the roll to support the roll for free rotation within the container. A retainer is provided to removably secure the container to the floor of the trash receptacle. The retainer defines a recess adapted to receive the container. Gripping members are provided for retaining the container within the retainer recess. The retainer is removably attached to the floor of the receptacle.

Abstract: A system and method for having a plurality of participants author and submit segment candidates to create a collaborative work over a computer network. The plurality of participants receive segment instructions for authoring the segment candidates. The candidates are submitted to the system and at least a subset of the submitted segment candidates are distributed to a voting audience over the computer network. In response the system receives votes for a favored segment candidate from the voting audience. Next, a winning segment candidate is selected from the submitted segment candidates for inclusion in the collaborative work based on the votes. This process is repeated by the system until the collaborative work is complete.

Abstract: An entertainment and refreshment assembly with various arcade games and vending machines including a large housing having an exterior configuration resembling a vehicle. The interior portion includes a plurality of separate receptacles which each receive any combination of the arcade games and/or a vending machines. The arcade games and vending machine may have side panels with a transparent portion. The housing also has at least one transparent panel on the exterior surface. A plurality of panels further define the interior, and at least one of the panels has an aperture. The configuration of the present invention permits a longitudinal and lateral line-of-sight to pass unimpaired completely through the assembly to increase the visibility of the prizes and refreshments to the spectators and players.

Abstract: A system and method for a beneficiary of Social Security payments or other retirement payments to access present value of future benefits to meet current financial and other objectives is provided. A financial institution is designated to be a direct depository and a disbursement agent for disbursing, at the direction of the beneficiary predetermined portions of retirement payments to a funding source or asset or service provider in exchange for access to capital or the acquisition of an asset or service by the beneficiary in an amount or having a value at least in part based on present value of a designated portion of future retirement payments. In the event of the premature termination of the beneficiary's participation in the program, the funding source or asset or service provider may seek reimbursement of a specified amount relating to the capital or asset or service it made available to the beneficiary, but not from subsequent retirement payments.

Abstract: A system and method for having a plurality of participants author and submit segment candidates to create a collaborative work over a computer network. The plurality of participants receive segment instructions for authoring the segment candidates. The candidates are submitted to the system and at least a subset of the submitted segment candidates are distributed to a voting audience over the computer network. In response the system receives votes for a favored segment candidate from the voting audience. Next, a winning segment candidate is selected from the submitted segment candidates for inclusion in the collaborative work based on the votes. This process is repeated by the system until the collaborative work is complete.

Abstract: A system and method for a beneficiary of Social Security payments or other retirement payments to access present value of future benefits to meet current financial and other objectives is provided. A financial institution is designated to be a direct depository and a disbursement agent for disbursing, at the direction of the beneficiary predetermined portions of retirement payments to a funding source or asset or service provider in exchange for access to capital or the acquisition of an asset or service by the beneficiary in an amount or having a value at least in part based on present value of a designated portion of future retirement payments. In the event of the premature termination of the beneficiary's participation in the program, the funding source or asset or service provider may seek reimbursement of a specified amount relating to the capital or asset or service it made available to the beneficiary, but not from subsequent retirement payments.