Abstract: Methods are disclosed that include receiving electronic content data associated with an electronic content provider comprising: a content campaign identification associated with a virtual token, and provider-identified platform identifications that identify platforms on which the content campaign may be initiated; receiving input from the user comprising: a user identification, a virtual token identification, a campaign identification that identifies the content campaign associated with the virtual token, and user-identified platform identifications that identify the platforms on which the user consents to be targeted by the content campaign; determining, based on the received electronic content data and user data, the content campaign and platforms the user consents to; and generating a notification to initiate a content campaign targeting the user on the platforms on which the user consents to be targeted; and outputting the generated notification to the platforms on which the user consents to be targeted.

Abstract: A method includes receiving inputs from a plurality of data providers reflecting the plurality of data providers' respective parameters for providing message channel data; receiving inputs from a plurality of data recipients reflecting the data recipients' respective parameters for receiving message channel data; identifying, using a matching engine, message channel data that matches the parameters of at least one of the plurality of data providers and the parameters of at least one of the data recipients; processing the message channel data in accordance with the parameters of the data providers, the processing step comprising segmenting the message channel data into permitted data segments and non-permitted data segments based on the data providers' parameters; delivering the permitted data segments to the identified data recipients in accordance with their respective parameters; and initiating a request for compensation of the identified data providers in accordance with their respective parameters.

Abstract: The present teaching relates to communication related to predictions. A communication chain is created with multiple chain units, each operating independently to provide prediction services related to a prompt with embedded information therein associated with predictions for the prompt to enable prediction services. A request is received for a requested operation related to a query prompt on one of prediction solicitation, prediction entry, verification entry, and prediction access. If a chain unit for the query prompt, the request is directed to the chain unit to perform the requested operation. If not, a new chain unit is created for the query prompt and the request is forwarded to the new chain unit to carry out the requested operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for styling hair includes a latch mechanism for releasably securing a hair styling device about a plurality of hair strands. The latch mechanism is adapted to interconnect first and second pivotally interconnected elongated members of the hair styling device and includes a first latch member disposed substantially adjacent a first end of the first elongated member and a second latch member disposed substantially adjacent a first end of the second elongated member. The first and second latch members are adapted to releasably engage one another. At least one of the first and second elongated latch is elastically deformable. In the preferred embodiment, each of the latch members includes a first segment having a free end spaced apart from an adjacent surface of its respective elongated member. Each free end cooperates with the adjacent surface to define an opening therebetween.