Abstract: The invention is directed toward a computer implemented method of providing a group discount to a plurality of consumers comprising establishing a threshold number of consumers required for the implementation of a discount, generating an advertisement to present a discount offer to potential consumers, displaying the advertisement for potential consumers to review, receiving acceptances of the discount offer, determining if the threshold number of consumers has been attained, informing potential consumers whether or not the threshold number of consumers has been attained, activating a discount for one or more consumers who have accepted the discount offer when the threshold number of consumers has been attained or exceeded, accepting the activated discount for a predetermined period of redemption time when the discount is presented for redemption by a consumer during a transaction session, and deactivating the activated discount after the expiration of the predetermined period of redemption time.

Abstract: A data processing network having at least one centrally accessed computer connected to a plurality of PC Client computers of various types containing myriad “content”, defined as any type of multimedia, program and OS elements, files or text and voice and video messages located in accessible storage, the centrally accessed computer having content management software and a database containing one copy of each content element unique to one PC Client and one copy of each content element common to a plurality of PC Client computers, each PC Client computer containing a software agent and numerous content elements in local accessed storage. A method and means for maintaining one copy of each common content element and one copy of each unique content element, stored in the database of the centrally accessed computer and for refreshing the contents of the PC Client computers as required from the database and network resources.

Abstract: A garment comprising a shell having opposed edges along which the garment may be opened and closed and a gusset strip which is detachably securable between the edges to expand the girth of the garment when a thermal liner is used therewith. The liner is secured to the gusset strip adjacent one edge thereof and by a detachable fastener such as a Velcro (TM) fastener to the interior surface of the shell, thereby permitting the garment to be opened and closed along one of the edges of the shell in the same manner as if the liner were not present.