Abstract: A multimedia content system operates to manage mobile blogs created by users of communication devices. The mobile blogs may include content objects, which may be formed of audio components, text components, image, and/or video components. The various components may be formed from features of the communication devices. A user operating a mobile and/or non-mobile communication device may contact the system and provide one or more content objects for a mobile blog. The user may specify or create a community for accessing the mobile blog, and the multimedia content system publishes the blog for the community. Members of the community may view, edit, or augment the content objects of the mobile blog. Augmenting commands may be done through text messaging, email, or voice prompts. Users may access the mobile blogs through various communication devices. The content objects of the mobile blogs may be shared between users and indexed for easy retrieval.

Abstract: A conference system operates to provide conference capabilities for discussion groups that include multiple members. The members provide registration information to identify themselves as well as their communication device. An initiating group member forms groups of registered and unregistered members. When a conference is desired, the initiating group member of a discussion group sends a request to the conference system, which subsequently provides the request to each group member. Group members are validated and joined to the conference without the need of prior coordination or exchange of access codes. Messages may be created and stored for all members of the group or those members unable to participate in the conference. The messages may be controlled by the initiating group member or other members. Members belonging to more than one discussion group having concurrent conferences may participate in all or any desired conferences at the same time.

Abstract: The picker stick holding grip of a loop picker is significantly increased, and overall picker performance is materially improved through superior wear characteristics, by interposing a layer of thermoplastic material (e.g., nylon fabric) in the course of building the picker body by wrapping layers of rubberized fabric about picker loop and face block portions in preparation for molding the same during a vulcanizing cure.