text:
|Numéro de publication
|Type de publication
|Numéro de demande
|Date de publication
|10 mai 2007
|Date de dépôt
|29 déc. 2006
|Date de priorité
|21 janv. 2000
|Autre référence de publication
|Numéro de publication
|William Adams, Thomas Matthews
|Cessionnaire d'origine
|Exporter la citation
|BiBTeX, EndNote, RefMan
|Citations de brevets (1), Référencé par (78), Classifications (26)
|Liens externes: USPTO, Cession USPTO, Espacenet
This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/344,629, filed on Jan. 31, 2006 which is a divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/308,961, filed Dec. 3, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,025,674, which is a continuation and claims priority of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/489,249, filed on Jan. 21, 2000, now abandoned, all of which are incorporated herein in their entirety and for all purposes. The present application is also related to co-pending and commonly owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/___,___, entitled "GAMING MACHINES AND SYSTEMS HAVING MULTIPLE WINDOW DISPLAYS," having the same filing date of this application, and which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety and for all purposes.
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to awarding, accumulating and redeeming promotional points using an electronic game. More particularly, the present invention relates to an electronic game exhibiting a plurality of display windows or display segments as part of a game display. Each window or display segment of the game display may show a different subject of display such as an interactive game, an Internet connection, a control bar or other element, advertising from sponsors, real time promotional point accumulation totals, promotional or award items for which points may be redeemed, and the like. Game players may accumulate promotional points through a variety of gaming and non-gaming activities and may then exchange the promotional points to purchase promotional or award items, which may be associated with or provided by sponsors. Alternatively, game players may choose to play games where promotional points are tendered instead of money.
2. State of the Art
A number of organizations such as credit card companies, automobile manufacturers, rental car companies, department stores, long distance telephone organizations, financial institutions, casinos and others have offered a number of differently-structured programs for awarding promotional incentives to encourage purchases of goods or services. These incentives have included specific award items or discount offers from catalogs, based on the volume of activity in an account. Other promotional systems have involved discounts on goods or services offered by third parties. For example, discount coupons have been offered for airline tickets based on a minimum level of investment at a bank or savings and loan. Similarly, holders of bank cards have been offered deeply discounted or free air travel based on a certain level of activity using a general purpose charge card or have been credited with frequent flier miles based on activity in a charge card account. Stores or businesses have also issued their own charge cards and awarded store credit based upon amounts charged to the card.
In addition to the promotional awards listed previously, promotional points, which can be exchanged for discounts or promotional items, are sometimes awarded by businesses to encourage customers to spend money on merchandise or services offered by their business. Several decades ago, retail businesses such as department stores, grocery stores and gas stations, began awarding green stamps or trade stamps to customers for purchases made. Promotional points used by many businesses today are similar to green stamps in that they are offered as a reward for spending money. Unlike green stamps, however, many modem promotional points systems electronically store point totals. One example of a promotional point system is found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,537,314 to Kanter (Jul. 16, 1996), the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. Kanter discloses system of networked computers at various local and distant member store locations, all communicating with a central control center. Each of the networked computers records and transmits data relating to sales transactions between program participants and the member stores to the central control center. The central control center then uses the sales data in combination with previous participant performance data, internal award conversion tables, pyramidal association tables, award applicable merchandise UPC codes and other relevant data, to calculate, post and/or issue discounts, raffle entries, store-credit returns, points or cash values in response to the performance of the program participants. Program participants may then collect their award, or redeem their points at pre-selected locations.
Businesses with business sites on the Internet, or "online", have also become involved in awarding promotional points for customers who purchase merchandise online. U.S. Pat. No. 5,937,391 to Ikeda et al. (Aug. 10, 1999), the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference, describes an online shopping mall established through a computer network. Ikeda et al. disclose a system wherein promotional points are awarded corresponding to the dollar amount a customer spends on merchandise at the shops in the online shopping mall. A points storage device stores the number of points accumulated by the customer. The points may be redeemed in the form of discounts on purchases at the online shops. By using an online shopping mall system, customers are not required to carry a magnetic card, the time from issuance and redemption of the promotional points can be reduced, and points issuance ratios can be readily altered to encourage purchases at various shops or during various seasons by awarding relatively more points.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,774,870 to Storey (Jun. 30, 1998), the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference, also discloses an online shopping system wherein a user may access product catalogs through a program for shopping online. The user may electronically place an order, in response for which the program automatically checks the user's credit and electronically issues a purchase order to the supplying company. The program also calculates award points, updates the award account of enrolled users, and communicates the number of awarded points to the user. Enrolled users may browse through an award catalog and electronically redeem an amount of awarded points towards an item in the catalog. The program then electronically places an award redeeming order with an awards distributor and updates the user's award account. The program may also be configured to display what level of award the user has achieved and how many additional points the user needs to achieve a higher award level.
Like other businesses, casinos have also adopted the concept of awarding promotional points for activities relating to the business of the casino. U.S. Pat. No. 5,761,647 to Boushy (Jun. 2, 1998), the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference, relates to a system and method for implementing a customer tracking program to record and store a customer's gaining and non-gaming activity at casino properties. Boushy discloses a computer network system wherein customer information is accumulated at each affiliated casino through one or more local area network ("LAN") based management systems, updated to a central patron database ("CPDB") that is coupled to each casino LAN through a wide area network ("WAN"). Customer accounts are automatically activated and provided with information from the CPDB each time a customer from one casino property firsts visits an affiliated casino property. Customer accounts are updated with new activity data whenever the casino receives customer data from electronic input devices associated with the customer spending money on casino property. Customers are awarded promotional points based upon their tracked activity at all affiliated casino properties. The point awards are redeemable for gifts, meals, cash and the like, at any of the affiliated casino properties. Like the online shopping mall system of Ikeda et al., Boushy teaches that the point award parameters may be adjusted to encourage activity at different casino properties or different venues within a casino.
When playing electronic games in a casino, promotional points may be awarded based upon amounts wagered, games played, or numerous other money transactions between a player and a casino. However, to determine how many promotional points have been accumulated a player must ask casino personnel at an attended booth. To redeem the promotional points accumulated, a player must visit a self-serve kiosk where promotional prizes are displayed. It would be beneficial to enable a player to more readily determine or even track the player's promotional points and redeem them more easily.
In recent years, it has become known in casinos to add second or so-called "bonus" game structures to existing gaming machines, eligibility to play the second game typically being triggered by an event in play of the first game. In addition, some new gaming machines are configured at the inception with the capability for an additional, bonus game. Bonus games are known to be initiated at some point during play of a first, or primary, game where a predetermined combination of symbols has appeared, or a predetermined number of games has been played by a player.
Methods and apparatus for networking or associating a plurality of electronic devices such as electronic games to a common controller and awarding, tracking and managing promotional points based upon account activity are known in the art. Several examples of promotional points systems have already been previously discussed herein. Some additional examples include U.S. Pat. No. 5,983,196 to Wendkos (Nov. 9, 1999) and U.S. Pat. No. 5,398,932 to Eberhardt et al. (Mar. 21, 1995), the disclosures of each of which patents are incorporated herein by reference.
In addition to their use as a game or for awarding promotional points in casinos, slot machines have also been used to advertise sponsors of a casino. U.S. Pat. No. 5,941,772 to Paige(Aug. 24, 1999) discloses a slot machine used to promote a casino sponsor. The invention of Paige discloses a video display slot machine game wherein the familiar "7-7-7" or bells or cherries on the slot rollers are replaced by product logos of a sponsoring company to link the act of winning with the product advertised. Coded member cards and a computer database are used to collect information on member activity for use in awarding promotional points.
Advertising material has also been incorporated into electronic games. U.S. Pat. No. 5,946,664 to Ebisawa (Aug. 31, 1999) discloses an electronic racing game wherein advertising material is incorporated into the racing game display graphics as if it were part of the original game programming. The advertising material of Ebisawa can be remotely updated by modifying the advertising codes or graphics. U.S. Pat. No. 5,643,088 to Vaughn et al. (Jul. 1, 1997) discloses an interactive game wherein interactive advertising is transmitted to a television or associated display in conjunction with a broadcast of an interactive game event. The game event is rendered interactive by allowing viewers to predict what will happen to the other players in the game, or play along with the game. The advertising is interactive in that a viewer can request additional information about a product or service advertized through an associated keyboard and receive immediate information.
For each of these examples of advertising in electronic games, however, the advertising is not directly before the game player throughout the game being played. The advertising displayed is either intermittent throughout the game (as with Ebisawa and Paige), or alternates with, or is on a separate monitor, from the game (as with Vaughn et al.). Thus, sponsors' advertising material is not before a game player continuously throughout game play.
Electronic games and their methods and apparatus for use are also well known in the art. Electronic games include games of chance, games of skill, and games involving both skill and chance. Examples of several patents describing games of chance include U.S. Pat. No. 5,833,536 to Davids et al. (Nov. 10, 1998), the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference, U.S. Pat. No. 5,769,716 to Saffari et al. (Jun. 23, 1998), U.S. Pat. No. 5,820,460 to Fulton (Oct. 13, 1998) and U.S. Pat. No. 5,947,820 to Morro et al. (Sep. 7, 1999).
Electronic games may also be coupled to one or more other computers such as a central computer 120 of a casino, e.g. via a network card 122 and link 124, modem 126 and the like. The game parameters 128, such as how, when and where particular images will appear on the display screen 110, how the game works and how to operate the various elements operably coupled to the computer 104, are stored in the memory 108. The electronic game 102 may be housed in a game housing such as, by example only, those shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,820,460 to Fulton (Oct. 13, 1998) and Des. Pat. No. 404,436 to McGann et al. (Jan. 19, 1999).
Initiating an electronic game can be done as simply as by inserting a coin or, more comprehensively, for example, by inserting an identification card, such as a "smart card" having a programmed microchip or a magnetic strip coded with a player's identification and credit totals. See U.S. Pat. No. 5,265,874 to Dickinson et al. (Nov. 30, 1993), the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. U.S. Pat. No. 5,806,045 to Biorge et al. (Sep. 8, 1998) uses a writeable identification card, such as a "smart card" to eliminate the need for a network or direct connection between remote systems and a common controller or point database. Promotional point and credit information may be retrieved, recorded and updated using the "smart card.' Alternatively, it is known to transfer money to a game through an electronic funds transfer as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,902,983 to Crevelt et al. (May 11, 1999).
Existing electronic game displays include multiple images representing various aspects of a game such as a game portion, a credit total portion and a wager amount portion. Other electronic game displays include an additional bonus award portion to indicate an amount of a bonus award which may be won, typically through multiple games. See U.S. Pat. No. 5,851,148 to Burne et al. (Dec. 22, 1998) and U.S. Pat. No. 5,911,418 to Adams (Jun. 15, 1999).
The Internet also includes casino or game host sites offering displays similar to those found in conventional electronic games. Generally, to play an Internet game, a software file is downloaded to a player's computer or terminal, which may then be used to install the necessary software for the game and/or access the casino or game host Internet site. As with a conventional electronic game, Internet electronic games may be accessed using an identification code or name to identify a specific player and retrieve that player's credit total or play history. Unlike standard electronic games, however, many Internet electronic games provide an option to play for free, usually in the context of a "demonstration" game or to teach a potential player about a particular game. Thus, a player may access an electronic game such as a casino game through the Internet, and use "play" money instead of "real" money to enjoy the thrill of playing, without the risk of loss. Any "play" money won, however, has no actual monetary or other value outside of the game context.
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for awarding and redeeming promotional points using an electronic game, such as a casino game, a video arcade game, or other game of skill or amusement. According to a first aspect of the invention, an electronic game comprises a game display having multiple distinct windows or display segments, each window or display segment displaying a different subject in the form of one or more images. The display may include a touchscreen or alternatively, or additionally, the electronic game may include, by way of example only, an external input with keys, a touch-sensitive surface and/or a moveable control element.
According to a second aspect of the invention, an electronic game display may include a real time promotional point total. The total may include, without limitation, an all-time, or cumulative, point total for all of a player's activities, a total for the present activity, or both.
According to a third aspect of the invention, sponsor advertising material may be constantly displayed on a portion of the game display, such as within a window or other display segment. The advertising material may include, by way of example only, video clips, scrolling letters or icons, or any other advertising material which is capable of being shown on a display.
According to a fourth aspect of the invention, a display segment showing various awards for which promotional points may be exchanged may be included in a portion of the game display, such as within a window. In one embodiment, the award displayed may be associated with sponsor advertisement material shown in a sponsor advertisement window. In another embodiment, the promotional points value of the award shown may intentionally be selected to be greater or less than the promotional points total of the current player to stimulate further play. In a third embodiment, a player may select a particular award for which to redeem the player's promotional points and redeem the points at the electronic game. In all instances, the system may be configured so that the award may be automatically ordered and sent to the player.
According to a fifth aspect of the invention, promotional points accumulated through activities associated with a casino may be exchanged for promotional awards directly with a sponsor.
According to a sixth aspect of the invention, a promotional points system awards promotional points both for activities involving commercial transactions and for those not involving commercial transactions. In other words, players may accumulate promotional points by simply allowing themselves to be exposed to sponsor advertising material or by undertaking other activities where money or equivalent monetary credit is not required to be tendered.
According to a seventh aspect of the invention, an electronic game and method for its use are disclosed wherein promotional points are tendered instead of money, or in addition to money or machine credits. In one embodiment, a game player wagers promotional points for a chance to increase promotional point totals. In another embodiment, a wagering game awards a portion of the player's winnings in money or machine credits exchangeable for money, and a portion of the winnings in promotional points. If the player does not win, the wagering game may change to a second, bonus screen or game where players may randomly select icons or play a different game to determine a promotional points award value. Alternatively, a win may be required to initiate a second bonus screen or game to be played in whole or in part for promotional points. Further, the play of a given number of games or the wager of a given amount of money may be employed to initiate a game using as well as awarding promotional points. In yet another embodiment, a non-wagering electronic game, such as a video arcade game, is initiated using promotional points in exchange for credits to play.
According to an eighth aspect of the invention, an electronic game is disclosed wherein the electronic game may be used to access the Internet. In other words, rather than using a personal computer as an Internet portal, a game machine, either for gaming (wagering) or otherwise and either on a stand-alone basis or through a server, is configured for communication with the Internet. Such communication may comprise a continuous, secure link to a remote server with which the gaming machine is associated, alone or in combination with links to sponsors, to an on-line catalog of awards serving the display of the gaming machine to provide examples of awards redeemable for promotional points, to websites of sponsors or others from whom categories of awards (i.e., books, electronics, gourmet foods, etc.) may be redeemed, and other desirable contacts.
Yet another embodiment of the invention contemplates and includes retrofitting conventional electronic and electro mechanical games with displays and interactive communications capability with remote sites, either through the addition of a secondary or bonus game module or other hardware possessing such features, or a remote communications module or other hardware without an additional gaming feature.
Various combinations of the aforementioned aspects of this invention are described further in detail hereafter. As one of ordinary skill in the art will understand, numerous combinations of these aspects are possible, and those provided are for illustrative and exemplary purposes only and are not in any way limiting the present invention.
The nature of the present invention as well as other embodiments of the present invention may be more clearly understood by reference to the following detailed description of the invention, to the appended claims, and to the several drawings herein, wherein:
Distinct from the prior art are the game parameters and display. The game parameters 158 of the present invention include programming to define multiple windows or display segments, or programming to direct internally produced or externally received signals to various window image emitters so that different subject matter may be displayed in different windows on one or more game displays 2, as depicted in
A game display 2, such as that which would be used in the electronic game 132 shown in
As shown in
Employing separate, multiple windows or display segments, or at least a separate window or display segment for a wagering game, is significant because a separate and secure signal may thus be transmitted to and received from the wagering portion of an electronic game. By using a separate and secure signal for interaction with a game at the player's remote location, the odds of winning or any other aspect of the game cannot be manipulated, adjusted or otherwise altered by other signals initiating changes on the display, or by the player interacting with the display other than playing the game. Thus, the integrity of the game is maintained. Another advantage of using separate, multiple windows to display different aspects of a game display is that one or more of the multiple windows can change and be controlled without affecting the performance or appearance of the remaining windows. Using a single window having different sections may be less preferred than multiple windows because each time an image is modified in a single window, the remaining images in that window are affected in either appearance, redraw speed, or other performance-related parameter. As will be clear to one of ordinary skill in the art, separate windows may also be formed on a plurality of separate displays and still be in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.
Multiple, separate windows may be formed on a single or multiple displays by using standard HTML, Java or other programming code as is common and well known in relation to Internet page programming. To promote security, however, the electronic game portion of the display is most preferably received as a separate signal from the remainder of the game display. Further, and for additional security and flexibility in signal transmission, multiple, separate windows may be formed using a display or displays having multiple tuners or receivers, each receiving separate display signals. An example of a display configured for receiving and displaying multiple display signals is that associated with picture-in-picture technology, such as that available from Sony, Inc. Another example of a display capable of receiving and displaying images from multiple signals is a plasma display such as that distributed by Gearhouse Multimedia of the United Kingdom. Displays such as plasma displays and picture-in-picture displays, though more expensive than ordinary displays, allow for greater versatility and security than ordinary displays.
Another possible alternative for creating a game display with multiple windows or display segments would be to use a flat panel LED display with discrete, separately-controlled sub-arrays fabricated on a semiconductor substrate or a plurality of arrayed semiconductor substrates, employing technology developed by Micron Technology, Inc. of Boise, Id. By incorporating multiple windows or display segments in a single display through sub-arrays at predetermined locations, each of the different sub-arrays may be activated simultaneously using different signals. This approach would allow a user to display multiple distinct images responsive to distinct signals on a single display, to easily integrate images from multiple sources, or relating to multiple topics, and manipulate one or more of those images without affecting the others.
The window or display segment 8 of the game display 2 of
By including a "real time" promotional points total 12 on the game display 2, a player may see how different behaviors at the game affect the promotional point total. As used herein, the term "real time" means and includes "substantially real time" or relatively rapid, intermittent (e.g., every 15 seconds, every minute, at the conclusion of each game, etc.) but not necessarily instantaneous updating of points totals. In this way, a player is not required to contact casino staff for a current point total or check the total at a location remote from the game he or she is playing. The player can know the promotional point total at any given time during play by simply checking a game display 2 with which he or she is interacting. Additionally, by having the promotional points total 12 displayed and increasing in real time while the player is playing any given game or at least at the conclusion of each game, the player is constantly encouraged to continue playing the game in a way to maximize promotional points.
Most preferably, the promotional points total 12 will increase whether the player is winning or losing games. Thus, even if the player is losing games (and consequently the money tendered to play those games), the player's actions are rewarded by an immediately increased promotional points score. For example, a player may be awarded 10 promotional points for wagering one coin, or 20 promotional points for wagering two coins. Alternatively, the promotional points awarded per wager may be enhanced for larger wagers (e.g., 10 points per one coin wagered, 22 for two, 35 for three, etc.). Even though the player may lose more coins for wagering more, because the promotional points increase faster by wagering more coins, the player is encouraged to wager more coins.
Additionally, a game may be configured so that a portion of a player's winnings may be awarded in money, or machine credits convertible to money, while a portion of the winnings is awarded in promotional points. For example, if a player won what would ordinarily be paid-out as 20 coins, the system may be configured to pay out 10 coins and 100 points. In this way, the tendency of a player to associate the game with accumulation of promotional points and thus with sponsors' products may be promoted, and players can play to accumulate points faster. If a player wins 0 coins, the game, rather than simply awarding promotional points based on the amount wagered or game played, may be configured to change to a bonus screen comprising an additional game, such as a random icon selection, which reveals a player's promotional point award for that game's play. Further, a monetary win may trigger a second, bonus screen or game to be played in whole or in part with promotional points. With this award system, a player is rewarded whether the player is winning or losing. Thus, a player is encouraged to continue play by the promotional points earned through game play, and further encouraged to continue play by the bonus games in excess of those played for money which may be triggered by continued game play. It is contemplated that paying winnings as part money and part promotional points rather than all money or all promotional points may be established as a player-selected option, or may be associated with only particular games or events triggered during the play of games as desired for a given application. Optionally assigning a monetary value assigned to a promotional point may also assist in determining the number of promotional points required for a particular award. Obviously, any of such payment techniques is equally applicable to the use of debit and credit cards, and other forms of monetary exchange.
Conventionally, promotional or advertising information is placed on a wall, a separate television monitor, or the housing of a game. However, as players play electronic games, their attention is heavily focused on the game display 2. By placing and maintaining a sponsor advertising display 14 on the game display 2, the players are constantly exposed to sponsor advertising material. Although the sponsor advertising display 14 is shown as a banner in
The game display 2 shown in
It is also contemplated that from the window or display segment 6 exhibiting the awards display 16, promotional points may be redeemed by a player at that particular game for a desired displayed item once a point total has been reached. In this way, once a player has accumulated a sufficient number of promotional points, the player may immediately redeem those points at the electronic game and again begin accumulating points for another award. By coupling the game controller to an awards database and providing interactive award selection control elements and instructions on the display 2 or adjacent housing of the game, a player can redeem points through the electronic game, and even while playing the game. In other words, the player may proactively select a redemption activity in the midst of the game, or a particular game event occurrence may be programmed to trigger a point redemption wherein an award may be redeemed at a promotional point "discount" during the pendency of that particular game or for a give period (for example, 5 minutes) thereafter. For example, if a given award usually requires the redemption of 10,000 points, a "wild card" redemption event could reduce the award to 8,000 points if completed immediately. Further, such wild card redemption events may be programmed to be triggered randomly, or for a given number of games played, or money wagered, over a selected period of time (for example, twenty-four hours, 30 days, one year).
Once a player indicates a particular award for which the player would like to exchange promotional points and confirms an award redemption, the promotional point total 12 displayed may be replaced with an updated promotional point total in real time. The central controller 30 (
In further reference to
Returning to
As should be clear to one of ordinary skill in the art, the foregoing description of a game display may be implemented through a single display, or group of displays housed in a decorative casing or casings and coupled, directly or indirectly, to a common central controller 30 such as through a local area network ("LAN") and/or through a wide area network ("WAN"). Alternatively, multiple central controllers 30 may have access to a common promotional points database 40. Single or group displays and housings would particularly be useful in a casino, a shopping mall, a grocery store or other retail store, or the like, where a variety of customers are passing or spending money and may desire to play a game. With the electronic game system as illustrated in
The game display and interaction may also be implemented through an Internet or Intranet server 44 as an Internet or Intranet display to be viewed by at least one Internet browser 46. In this way, connection to a game and accumulation of promotional points, may be accomplished with only a connection to the server 44 through a conventional phone or other data transmission line, digital signal line ("DSL"), T-1 line, coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, or other connection known in the art. It is will also be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that enhanced bandwidth of digital wireless communications may render such technology suitable for some or all communications according to the present invention, particularly if such communications are encrypted. It will be further understood and appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that higher data transmission speeds may be useful for enhancing the sophistication and response of the display and interaction with the player. Even in an Internet embodiment, the game display may be housed in a decorative housing. One advantage to this embodiment, however, is that players may access an Internet game page from any location where an Internet connection and computer, or other Internet facilitator such as the so-called "WebTV" boxes, are available. The expansion in the number of computers and number and speed of Internet connections in recent years increases opportunities for players to play and increase their promotional points from home or work, as well as in the casino.
In another aspect of the present invention, it is contemplated that players may accumulate promotional points through a variety of gaming and non-gaming activities. A significant concern and desire of sponsors, is for players to become familiar with the sponsors' names and products. Awarding promotional points to players for playing games having images of the sponsors' names, logos, products and marketing information on the game display directly before the players helps to familiarize players with the sponsors displayed.
Moreover, sponsors may award promotional points for non-gaming activities, both where money is spent, and where it is not. For example, to encourage customers to shop more at their stores or websites, sponsors may award promotional points for spending money in the sponsors' stores or websites, or using the sponsors' services or products. Additionally, sponsors may award promotional points for customers merely visiting locations where the sponsors' products are sold or used, or where the sponsors' advertisements are shown. For example, sponsors may award promotional points to customers who merely visit a sponsors' store, shopping mall, casino, theater, sales promotion, demonstration, Internet site, ATM machine, bank, city, theme park, car dealership, or any other venue or site where a sponsor would benefit simply from a customer's attention, regardless of whether the customer has the specific intent to spend money at that time. This approach may also encourage customers to spend money in a particular location even though the promotional points are awarded simply based upon the customer's presence and not the money the customer spends. For example, by awarding promotional points for time spent in a sponsor's retail store, shopping mall, car dealership, city, etc., customers who are there for any duration of time are more likely to spend money than if they never visited. By a further example, a sponsor who awards promotional points to all attendees at a grand opening of a retail business is likely to encourage more customers to attend. In this way, just by allowing themselves to be exposed to sponsors' names and products, or by familiarizing themselves with a sponsor's business, facilities, location, methods of transaction or other goods or services, customers can accumulate promotional points.
As used herein, "commercial transactions" are those interactions between a customer and a business or other where money or credit is required to be exchanged between the customer and the business. Activities other than commercial transactions are those where money or credit is not required to be exchanged between the customer and the business.
Electronic game systems may be configured to award promotional points, money or any combination of points and money based on any combination of factors which a sponsor may deem point-worthy. Additionally, established money or promotional point award combinations may be modified in response to those same factors. Such factors may include, by way of example only: the duration or frequency of game play at a particular game, casino or casino chain; the amount of money or promotional points exchanged or wagered at a particular game, casino or casino chain; a pattern of player behavior such as patronizing certain businesses, Internet sites, or other locations, or spending certain amounts of money at those locations.
By awarding additional promotional point award combinations to those players who act in ways sponsors desire, players are encouraged to patronize particular stores or buy particular products they may not have chosen without such incentive. Promotional point groups or levels may also be formed based upon the factors previously mentioned, or similar factors, to additionally reward a desired behavior or lifestyle. For example, a player may upgrade to a more beneficial promotional point group, and thus enjoy the benefits of that group, by reaching a certain level of total accumulated promotional points, or a total amount of money spent at a sponsoring business. Group benefits may include, by way of example only, such benefits as: reduced rates on rooms, food, entertainment, airfare, rental cars or the like; advanced promotional point or money accumulation rates; access to particular electronic games, desirable locations, Internet sites and reserved seating; entry into prize drawings; higher promotional point exchange rates; and the ability to exchange promotional points for particular prizes. By adding benefits for levels of promotional points earned (or earned and spent) by a player within a year (or over some other period of time), players and customers are further encouraged to act in ways to obtain more promotional points.
In yet another aspect of the invention, promotional points may be awarded in greater quantities to those patronizing sponsors within a selected group of sponsors. For example, a group of ten sponsors may be identified, and those individuals patronizing at least five (or some other threshold number) of the ten sponsors within a given time period (for example, a month) will receive a points "multiplier", such as 1.2, for all promotional points earned during that period. Alternatively, loyal participation by an individual in the program at a selected number of sponsors within the group during a selected period of time may entitle the individual to an "upgraded" award program in which the points accumulated are assigned greater value for award redemption purposes (e.g., the points become "platinum" points as opposed to "gold" points) as long as the individual continues his or her participation. Such a program may be extended to groups of individuals with linked identifiers, for example to a husband and wife, to encourage modification of behavior of the group and not just the individual.
Yet another alternative embodiment of the invention involves linking specific merchant sponsors through the Internet to the player of the game for award redemption. As illustrated by
Another advantage of linking the player 80 directly to the sponsor website 88 through the Internet is that by redeeming promotional points directly from the sponsor, the player becomes familiarized with the sponsor's website and learns how to "buy" merchandise using the sponsor's normal product or service purchase procedure in the context of promotional points. Thus, the player is educated about the sponsor 88 and its product offering, is more likely to return directly 90 to a sponsor's website 88 for other purchases, and less likely to go to a competing merchant whose website may be unfamiliar and thus more intimidating when purchasing online in the future. In addition, this technique may be employed to educate and familiarize non-Internet "literate" individuals with the ease of purchasing through the Internet, thus eliminating fears about making such "purchases" and making such individuals more likely to patronize the Internet merchant in the future in lieu of physically visiting a retail establishment.
As will be clear to one of ordinary skill in the art, so long as a customer has a unique identifier, sponsors are able to award promotional points, and thus encourage customer behavior in real time, anywhere the sponsor can access the promotional points database, or alternatively, record the customer's number and activity. With respect to sponsors encouraging behavior, it is also contemplated that sponsors may also award promotional points to customers for reading sponsor selected material related to a sponsor's interests or to achieve a sponsor goal such as promoting education or other cause or organization.
As a player approaches a game display and desires to play the game and accumulate promotional points, it is necessary for the player to somehow indicate to the game the unique identity of the player, such as through a unique identifier, so the game can access the player's promotional point total. There are many methods of indicating a player's unique identifier including, but not limited to, bar codes, magnetic encoded data strips, "smart" cards with embedded microchips, personal identification numbers ("PIN"), "Bluetooth" technology electronic communicator, and any other form of identity verification including, magnetic, physical (i.e., thumb print, retinal scan, etc), digital, electronic or optical.
The "Bluetooth" technology, such as that manufactured by Motorola of Phoenix, Ariz., may be used to indicate the player's identification through as a small, short range, low-power, unlicensed, wireless transmitter or transceiver to a corresponding receiver or transceiver within a game. Through this, a player need only approach a game and the game will automatically register the player's identity and promotional points total. Bar codes, magnetic encoded data strips and "smart" cards would require additional game attachments to read the player's identification from identification cards presented by the player. PIN entry may be accomplished within a portion of a window for a touchscreen, or through an external PIN entry device such as a keyboard, keypad or cursor manipulating device such as a touchpad, rollerball or mouse. The use and function of readers and external PIN entry devices are well known in the art.
Another aspect of the present invention is a method of awarding and redeeming promotional points using the promotional points system shown and described in reference to
According to another aspect of the present invention, promotional points acquired through gaming and non-gaming activities are used instead of money during game play. In one embodiment, after a player has accumulated any number of promotional points, a player of a casino or other game may choose to wager promotional points rather than money. In this way, the player may significantly increase a promotional point total or, consequently, lose promotional points rather than money. For regions where gambling for money is contrary to the laws of the region, wagering using promotional points offers an attractive alternative. Similarly, casino operators can familiarize players with a casino or casino games by awarding promotional points and offering players a chance to increase their promotional points toward redeeming them for an award. In accordance with other aspects of this invention, because an electronic game display may be displayed through an Internet server, players may play casino games using their promotional points from home, work, or even other locations, as facilitated by the increased availability and bandwidth of digital and cellular phones and other wireless technology.
As will be clear to one of ordinary skill in the art, either a primary, a secondary, or both a primary and a secondary electronic game may be played for promotional points. Furthermore, a secondary or bonus game may be activated responsive to either a win, a loss, or some other event in a first game.
In another embodiment of this aspect of the invention, a player of a non-gaming electronic game may use promotional points as credits for the game rather than money. In this way, as discussed in relation to other aspects of this invention, sponsors of a game organization may choose to award promotional points for a variety of activities, such as visiting sponsors' Internet sites or stores. The promotional points accumulated by a player may then be used for entertainment rather than for redeeming toward specific award items.
As will be clear to one of ordinary skill in the art, in accordance with other aspects of the present invention, because the invention contemplates awarding promotional points for activities other than playing games, the main window 50 of the display 52, as shown in
As used herein, the term "electronic game" means and includes not only completely electronic games including a display driven responsive to a signal. The term "electronic game" also means and includes portable games which may be physically connected to a host system by a permanent or removable connection, or which may be connected or in communication therewith using wireless technology. Further, the term specifically includes, without limitation, conventional, existing electronic or electromechanical machines to which may be added an electronic display. For example, and without limitation, a bonus or secondary game retrofit may be made to a conventional electromechanical game to detect game activity and payouts from the conventional game for purposes of accumulation and display of promotional points, redemption of awards through tendering of promotional points, and display of non-game related images such as sponsor advertising and awards display. Optionally, a retrofit of what may be termed a remote communications module in accordance with the invention may be made to a conventional, stand-alone electronic or electromechanical gaming or other game machine for accumulation and display of promotional points, redemption of awards, and display of sponsor advertising and awards.
The term "electronic game" also means and includes an apparatus according to the present invention which includes features other than electronic ones. For example, an electromechanical slot machine apparatus comprising a plurality of adjacent, rotatable wheels may be combined and operably coupled with an electronic display of any suitable type, and an associated signal linkage to one or more remote sites. In this instance, the electromechanical device would constitute one of the "windows" of the overall display exhibited by the apparatus.
In a further aspect of the present invention, the tracking of an individual's gaming habits in accordance with the method and apparatus of the present invention may be extended to table or other non-electronic games played in a casino setting or the like, such as through the player tendering his or her identifying indicia in conjunction with legal tender to be wagered at a game site or other site within a casino. Optionally, the same methodology may be employed in conjunction with redemption for money or credit of chips, tokens or other value elements employed in games such as, without limitation, Blackjack, Poker, Roulette and Craps.
Although the present invention has been shown and described with respect to preferred embodiments, various additions, deletions and modifications that are obvious to a person skilled in the art to which the invention pertains, even if not shown or specifically described herein, are deemed to lie within the scope of the invention as encompassed by the following claims.
|Brevet cité
|Date de dépôt
|Date de publication
|28 nov. 1994
|4 aoűt 1998
|Smartlight Ltd.
|Viewing apparatus and work station
|Brevet citant
|Date de dépôt
|Date de publication
|14 avr. 2006
|15 juin 2010
|Intralot S.A.
|System and method for entertainment game
|6 nov. 2006
|7 sept. 2010
|Gaming system and method having award distribution using shares
|24 aoűt 2006
|16 nov. 2010
|Cfph, Llc
|Secondary game
|17 mars 2004
|19 avr. 2011
|Wms Gaming Inc.
|Accounting service in a service-oriented gaming network environment
|30 juil. 2007
|21 juin 2011
|Gaming system having multiple gaming machines which provide bonus awards
|30 juil. 2007
|26 juil. 2011
|Gaming system and method for providing an additional gaming currency
|30 juil. 2009
|16 aoűt 2011
|Cfph, Llc
|Amusement device for secondary games
|30 juil. 2007
|20 sept. 2011
|Gaming system having multiple gaming machines which provide bonus awards
|11 juil. 2005
|4 oct. 2011
|Wms Gaming Inc.
|System, method, and apparatus for presenting media in a wagering game machine
|1 mars 2007
|6 déc. 2011
|Cfph, Llc
|Automatic game play
|20 aoűt 2008
|27 mars 2012
|Cfph, Llc
|Game of chance processing apparatus
|7 aoűt 2007
|8 mai 2012
|Wms Gaming Inc.
|Configurable wagering game manager
|10 juil. 2012
|Cfph, Llc
|Card picks for progressive prize
|6 mai 2011
|10 juil. 2012
|Gaming system and method for providing an additional gaming currency
|16 oct. 2009
|31 juil. 2012
|Vergence Entertainment Llc
|Network-based contests having multiple participating sponsors
|30 juil. 2007
|28 aoűt 2012
|Gaming system having multiple gaming machines which provide bonus awards
|5 mars 2004
|13 nov. 2012
|Wms Gaming Inc.
|Discovery service in a service-oriented gaming network environment
|6 oct. 2006
|4 déc. 2012
|Cfph, Llc
|Remote play of a table game through a mobile device
|8 nov. 2007
|22 janv. 2013
|Gaming system and method providing third party promotions
|9 févr. 2007
|29 janv. 2013
|Wms Gaming Inc.
|Wagering game server availability broadcast message system
|7 févr. 2007
|12 févr. 2013
|Wms Gaming Inc.
|Wager gaming network with wireless hotspots
|26 sept. 2007
|26 févr. 2013
|Systems and methods for portable wagering mediums
|29 déc. 2006
|12 mars 2013
|Cfph, Llc
|Top performers
|31 aoűt 2006
|19 mars 2013
|Cfph, Llc
|Secondary game
|5 avr. 2007
|19 mars 2013
|Cfph, Llc
|Sorting games of chance
|26 janv. 2010
|9 juil. 2013
|Cfph, Llc
|Game of chance systems and methods
|9 nov. 2007
|16 juil. 2013
|Wms Gaming, Inc.
|Wagering game award system
|29 aoűt 2007
|6 aoűt 2013
|Cfph, Llc
|Game with chance element and strategy component that can be copied
|8 nov. 2007
|6 aoűt 2013
|Gaming system and method for providing team progressive awards
|21 sept. 2011
|13 aoűt 2013
|Gaming system, gaming device, and method providing advertising messages to players based on a determination of a positive winning gaming session
|5 oct. 2010
|17 sept. 2013
|Cfph, Llc
|Secondary game
|21 mars 2008
|22 oct. 2013
|Gameplay-altering portable wagering media
|22 janv. 2013
|3 déc. 2013
|Systems and methods for portable wagering mediums
|7 oct. 2005
|14 janv. 2014
|Wms Gaming Inc.
|Gaming system having exchangeable bonus token accumulation-redemption feature
|7 nov. 2011
|28 janv. 2014
|Cfph, Llc
|Automatic game play
|7 juil. 2011
|11 mars 2014
|Cfph, Llc
|Amusement device for secondary games
|13 févr. 2009
|1 avr. 2014
|Cfph, Llc
|Method and apparatus for advertising on a mobile gaming device
|25 juin 2013
|8 avr. 2014
|Wms Gaming, Inc.
|Wagering game award system
|14 avr. 2010
|24 juin 2014
|Cfph, Llc
|Game of chance systems and methods
|28 juin 2012
|24 juin 2014
|Cfph, Llc
|Game of chance systems and methods
|26 janv. 2010
|1 juil. 2014
|Cfph, Llc
|Gaming devices and methods related to secondary gaming
|19 sept. 2006
|1 juil. 2014
|Cfph, Llc
|Secondary game
|15 févr. 2007
|8 juil. 2014
|Cfph, Llc
|Zone dependent payout percentage
|12 juil. 2012
|26 aoűt 2014
|Gaming system having multiple gaming machines which provide bonus awards
|20 avr. 2011
|26 aoűt 2014
|Lamplight Games
|System and method for providing interactive content for multiple networked users in a shared venue
|13 déc. 2012
|2 sept. 2014
|Gaming system and method providing third party promotions
|18 févr. 2014
|9 sept. 2014
|Wms Gaming, Inc.
|Wagering game award system
|13 sept. 2012
|16 sept. 2014
|Cfph, Llc
|Sorting games of chance
|6 juil. 2012
|30 sept. 2014
|Cfph, Llc
|Card picks for progressive prize
|3 oct. 2011
|4 nov. 2014
|Wms Gaming Inc.
|System, method, and apparatus for presenting media in a wagering game machine
|8 déc. 2010
|13 janv. 2015
|Cfph, Llc
|Game of chance systems and methods
|10 avr. 2013
|17 mars 2015
|Method and apparatus for displaying gaming content
|17 mai 2013
|17 mars 2015
|Method and apparatus for displaying gaming content
|30 mars 2009
|19 mai 2015
|Method for disabling and re-enabling third-party ads
|19 janv. 2008
|30 juin 2015
|Lamplight Games
|System and method for providing interactive content for multiple networked users in a shared venue using short messaging service communication
|12 févr. 2014
|4 aoűt 2015
|Gaming system and method for accumulating and redeeming community game tokens
|18 févr. 2015
|4 aoűt 2015
|Gameplay-altering portable wagering media
|26 févr. 2004
|18 nov. 2004
|Blackburn Christopher W.
|Gaming management service in a service-oriented gaming network environment
|26 févr. 2004
|18 nov. 2004
|Gentles Thomas A.
|Service-oriented gaming network environment
|26 févr. 2004
|25 nov. 2004
|Blackburn Christopher W.
|Game update service in a service-oriented gaming network environment
|17 mars 2004
|2 déc. 2004
|Blackburn Christopher W.
|Time service in a service-oriented gaming network environment
|8 mars 2004
|2 déc. 2004
|Blackburn Christopher W.
|Authentication service in a service-oriented gaming network environment
|8 mars 2004
|2 déc. 2004
|Blackburn Christopher W.
|Authorization service in a service-oriented gaming network environment
|17 mars 2004
|9 déc. 2004
|Blackburn Christopher W.
|Accounting service in a service-oriented gaming network environment
|15 avr. 2004
|23 déc. 2004
|Gentles Thomas A.
|Remote authentication of gaming software in a gaming system environment
|15 avr. 2004
|30 déc. 2004
|Gentles Thomas A
|Secured networks in a gaming system environment
|29 mars 2004
|30 déc. 2004
|Blackburn Christopher W.
|Event management service in a service-oriented gaming network environment
|15 avr. 2004
|30 déc. 2004
|Gentles Thomas A
|Gaming software distribution network in a gaming system environment
|28 févr. 2005
|13 oct. 2005
|Blackburn Christopher W
|Gaming network environment having a language translation service
|11 juil. 2005
|26 janv. 2006
|Wms Gaming Inc.
|System, method, and apparatus for presenting media in a wagering game machine
|26 févr. 2004
|29 juin 2006
|Blackburn Christopher W
|Progressive service in a service-oriented gaming network environment
|31 janv. 2006
|29 juin 2006
|Adams William R
|Universal player rewards system
|14 avr. 2006
|9 nov. 2006
|Spyridon Pachnis
|System and method for entertainment game
|15 févr. 2008
|21 aoűt 2008
|Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited
|Gaming Apparatus And Method Relating To Linked Terminals
|30 mars 2009
|8 oct. 2009
|Method for disabling and re-enabling third-party ads
|4 nov. 2010
|Konami Gaming, Inc.
|Gaming machine and method of providing a game
|11 aoűt 2011
|Tim Konkle
|System and method for providing interactive content for multiple networked users in a shared venue
|29 aoűt 2011
|4 oct. 2012
|Ravi Shankar Mishra
|Method for distributing promotional offers using an electronic game application
|Classification aux États-Unis
|Classification internationale
|Classification coopérative
|Classification européenne


text:
Kettlebell Windmill Exercise
1. Press a kettlebell overhead with one arm.
2. Keeping the kettlebell that arm locked out, push your butt in the direction of the kettlebell.
3. Bending at the torso, lower yourself until your other hand touches the floor or front more foot.
4. Pause for a second and reverse the motion back to the starting position.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Automating the world one-liner at a time…
Fellow Scripters,
We've heard that some of you think our PowerShell sample scripts on the TechNet Script Center stink. Do you have any idea how much that hurts? We slave over hot keyboards day in and day out trying to help you ungrateful scoundrels learn more about scripting. And how do you repay us? Nasty emails and smear campaigns, that's how….just a sec…what's that?...what do you mean they have a point? Really? Oh. OK.
Ahem. Yes, well then…as I was saying, in my official capacity as someone writing an email message to a fellow named Lee, that I hope he'll post on a blog for me, I'm here to explain why the PowerShell sample scripts on the Script Center are not at all elegant and basically look like VBScripts translated into PowerShell scripts. For those of you who haven't experienced the horror first hand (you might want to chase your offspring out of the room at this stage), here's one of the offending scripts.
$strComputer = "."$colItems = get-wmiobject -class "Win32_LoadOrderGroup" -namespace "root\CIMV2" `-computername $strComputer
foreach ($objItem in $colItems) { write-host "DriverEnabled: " $objItem.DriverEnabled write-host "GroupOrder: " $objItem.GroupOrder write-host "Name: " $objItem.Name write-host}
If you happen to be into this sort of vulgarity, here's a link to the entire repository of the beasts: http://www.microsoft.com/technet/scriptcenter/scripts/msh/default.mspx.
So what, exactly, were we thinking? And when are we going to get our act together and post some elegant scripts? Don't we know that PS:>get-wmiobject Win32_LoadOrderGroup would have accomplished the same thing and demonstrated some of the Power in PowerShell?
Here's the deal. Our performance is judged by the number of lines of script we write. We needed to figure out a way to keep the line count up and the bonuses rolling in. (you would not believe what it costs to fill up a Ferrari these days!). So, we told management that we wanted to create PowerShell scripts that looked exactly like the typical VBScripts you find on Script Center.
We spun this tale about how we wanted to help ease our beloved Script Center customers into the PowerShell world by showing them how their existing knowledge translates easily to PowerShell. They can still set a strComputer variable to "." to reference the local machine, they still have a For Each loop, there's still a statement that let's them display information on the screen. Heck, if they look at the two scripts side-by-side, they'll surely see the parallel statements and thereby be gently introduced to a bit of PowerShell syntax.
On Error Resume NextstrComputer = "."Set objWMIService = GetObject("winmgmts:" _ & "{impersonationLevel=impersonate}!\\" & strComputer & "\root\cimv2")Set colItems = objWMIService.ExecQuery("Select * from Win32_LoadOrderGroup") For Each objItem in colItems Wscript.Echo "Driver Enabled: " & objItem.DriverEnabled Wscript.Echo "Group Order: " & objItem.GroupOrder Wscript.Echo "Name: " & objItem.Name Wscript.EchoNext
Of course we expected to be found out eventually and, apparently, eventually has arrived early this year. So, what are we going to do about it? We'll we're not going to take down those existing scripts anytime soon. (we need the line count, remember?). We are, however, working another scam. We're soliciting elegant PowerShell scripts from internal folks at Microsoft who do have a clue. This is brilliant. We claim that we want to "leverage their expertise" or benefit from their "understanding of real-world customer scenarios" or some other buzz-word-laden suck up sentence and they do our work for us.
Unfortunately, we still have to organize what we get and do the production work required to get the samples posted. We're a tiny little team and we're currently working on improving the command line help in PowerShell. Though we've tried, we can't figure out a way to make that work easier or to get someone else to do it for us. So, the new PowerShell script samples are on hold until we're done.
Now, in case you haven't picked it up, we're pretty open to benefiting from the hard work of other people. If you've got some elegant PowerShell scripts that you'd like to see on the Script Center, we'd like to help you help us. Just click on the following link, click Submit a Script, agree to donate all of your future earnings to us and fill out the form. No promises, but we'll do our best to post the submissions (only if they're elegant of course).
Many thanks (ungrateful scoundrels),
Dean Tsaltas
Official Spokesman for the Script Center team ….on this one particular, inconsequential issue….only because the rest of the team didn't have time and Lee demanded something by the end of the day
[Edit: Fixed some typos]PSMDTAG:TYPE:WMI:
How to get the line number of one flat file in PowerShell?
Lavoro eccellente! ..ringraziamenti per le informazioni..realmente lo apprezzo: D
Haha, this made me laugh. People should be constructive in their criticism, and if you're getting crap from people for trying to help them learn scripting, then that's uncalled for. God forbid you actually be a little verbose and show us the cmdlet property names so that we learn them! *sigh*
Good job Powershell Team.
One thing that would help PowerShell immensely is if the help references actually worked (e.g. "get-help about_variable" command returns an error when I try it on my XP machine.)
I think if frustrations like this were cleared up, people would just start writing scripts, and not complain.
BTW, I'm trying to figure out a way to get PoserShell to restart my comp


text:
While Erdem might be best known for its stunning, floral-printed collections, this time around, the label decks out its feminine frocks with feathers. Designer Erdem Moralioglu's idea was to bring a sense of boyhood cadet rigidity to the world of womenswear. Fashion constantly interprets and refines androgynous dressing – usually just culling and coopting from menswear – but Erdem takes a different approach with this collection. He refines androgyny by pulling tiny details from the genre, but keeps each look astutely feminine. There were stiff little collared button-downs worn with textured vests, slubby jackets and sheer overlays, and tough motorcycle jackets touched with delicate raised embroidery. Feathers sprouted from maxis, toppers and shift dresses, giving this minimalist, monochrome vision a delicate aura. Erdem is an embroidery wizard and he applied his skill to head-to-toe sheer looks, giving them visual depth with intricate patterns. Formalwear is as fantastic as it is scaled back – there's a tiered dress with corset boning details that alternates between miniscule polka-dotted sheer fabric and metallic floral prints; there's a sleeveless top and short combination overlaid with a flower-embroidered maxi dress, and a stunning black damask embroidered dress that ended in a frothy ruffle of gathered organza. This is Erdem's softer side comprised of a gentle fragility that will resonate deeply with his fanbase.
Watch our exclusive video coverage below:
written by GRACE GORDON|photos: courtesy of GoRUNWAY
-September 16, 2013
- More in:
- Collections
- Runway
- Savoir Flair TV
- Videos


text:
Notice of 2014 Annual General Meeting
The Annual General Meeting 2014 of Gingerbread Northern Ireland will be held on Friday 28 November 2014 at 10.30am (venue to be confirmed) to adopt the audited accounts and annual report for the year end 31 March 2014; to elect the Board of Directors; to appoint auditors, and deal with any other business which the meeting is competent to transact.
Return to work with Marks & Start
Places are limited in the successful Marks & Start programme. We've had a lot of interest and are currently running another this April. If you're interested please contact Gingerbread NI and register your interest for future dates!
Choices Plus
Choices Plus is open to lone parents throughout Northern Ireland who would like to return to training and education in their local area. Â Choices Plus offers lone parents the opportunity to choose a level 3 course in their own area. All participants will have the opportunity to gain work experience with an employer of their choice and have access to financial support with the cost of travel, childcare, and course fees.
For the last year Gingerbread has been involved in The WOMEN-IN project – this is a transnational project to promote Teleworking as a tool for improving work-life balance and promoting women's participation in the labour market. The project aims to encourage women's participation in the labour market by promoting Teleworking as a flexible workplace programme which has potential benefits to both women workers and to companies at an institutional level. Find out more here http://www.women-in.eu/index.php/en/
Celebrating Lone parent Creativity
Gingerbread celebrated the achievement of all the lone parents who took part in its training programmes over the past year at the Annual Training Awards, which was held 16 November 2012 in The Baby Grand, Grand Opera House, Belfast. This year's event focused on the theme of creativity as some of the trainees who were receiving awards had taken part in Gingerbread's Film Skills training – SuperMom. We used the opportunity to showcase the film and it was enthusiastically received by all those in attendance.
Welcome to Gingerbread Northern Ireland
Becoming A Member
If you're a lone parent, or are interested in the issues faced by lone parents today in Northern Ireland why not join as a member of Gingerbread NI?
Free Loneparent Information & Advice
Our qualified, experienced advice workers can provide confidential, free and impartial advice on a wide range of issues affecting Lone Parents.
Career & Education Training Services
If you haven't worked for a while, or even if you have never worked, we'll help you brush up your skills, gain new qualifications and boost your self-confidence.
High Quality Childcare
Gingerbread NI promotes and supports the availability of high quality childcare for pre-school age children of lone parents.
Possibilities NI is a social enterprise which has been set up to generate income for Gingerbread NI in the future.


text:
|1/2" x 3-1/4" 6LFT Natural Horizontal Bamboo Baseboard
Reviewed by 2 customers
Sort by
Best Uses
Comments about 1/2" x 3-1/4" 6LFT Natural Bamboo Baseboard:
price is high
nice look to finish the project
Service and delivery comments:
delivery was exceptional
product arrived in great condition
best delivery service out of all home improvement sites used
Comments about 1/2" x 3-1/4" 6LFT Natural Bamboo Baseboard:
We did 1/2 of our duplex in natural bamboo, since only natural and baked were the only 2 colors availiable at the time. When we were ready to do the other 1/2 of the duplex, we saw the cherry stain bamboo in the store and loved it. We did the upstairs and the staircase and it is as beautiful as any cherry wood I've seen.
Do you have questions about this product?
AnswerBox - Get answers from Staff Experts and real customers by clicking "Ask a question" or click here to ask our Customer Service Team
Q:Regarding TOBACCO ROAD ACACIA - HAND SCRAPED: I'm very interested in this product, but am finding reviews that board widths are not consistent and this makes installation more timely and more difficult because the installer has to ensure same-width boards are grouped to complete each width-sized row across the floor. And, if you don't have enough of the width size to complete rows, or your floor, in your order - you end up having to buy more of this product to fill in the row gaps, and have extra non-used/non-usable wood that doesn't match up when the project is completed. QUESTIONS: 1)Is there a quality control money-back guarantee if boards aren't the same width when delivered? 2) Can I get a guarantee that any boards of non-matching width can be exchanged (no charge) for correctly (and matching) width boards?
1 answer
A:Wood by "NATURE" is not perfect.
Q:What is the maximum length of this product, the minimum length and the average length. Are the ends also tongue and groove.
1 answer
A:The minimum length is 11-3/4", max length is 35-3/8", average length is 21-5/8".
Q:sub floor. can you lay this floor down on press board? IF not what kind of sub board is recommended?
1 answer
Q:What is the best way to repair light scratches?
1 answer
A:The way a floor is treated or maintained can affect its longevity. In addition, there is no relationship between the hardness or denseness of exotic species and its resistance to surface scratches. Wood floor manufactures do not offer warranties of protection against denting or scratches, rather product warranties refer to milling defects and finish wear within specified periods of time.
Q:How should you clean this product?
1 answer
A:Our wood floors are manufactured for maximum durability, easy maintenance and finished with a high quality aluminum oxide water base urethane UV cured finish. This step protects the wood and helps keep the flooring looking beautiful longer. While highly durable, the finish is NOT considered indestructible. However, by observing a few precautions like setting up a regular cleaning routine and simple maintenance program to protect the finish, you can expect years of performance and beauty from your wood floor. All wood floors can show signs of wear over time. There are many factors that can affect the amount of wear. These include the size and lifestyle of your family and product location.
Q:What is the range of lengths or average length of each individual plank?
1 answer
A:The minimum length is 11-3/4", max length is 35-3/8", average length is 21-5/8". Thank you for your inquiry.
Q:Is there any detailed information of this wood regarding LEED compliance?
1 answer
A:Please call our Tech and Installation Dept. @ (800) 366-4204 for a detailed answer to your question. Thank you for your inquiry.
Q:i purchased a box of this product a week ago and began installing it tonight. I am using 2" cleats with a Kobalt flooring nailer that I just purchased from Lowes. I cannot prevent the nail from splitting the tongue off the board. What could i be doing wrong?
1 answer
A:Please call our Tech and Installation Dept. @ (800) 366-4204 for a detailed answer to your question. Thank you for your inquiry.
Q:I just purchased this wood and the installer said that it is very tough to cut because he said it was teak. We actually purchased Tobacco Road Handscraped Acacia wood. Also, I just noticed on the invoice that it says teak but I know we ordered the Acacia. Can you explain?
1 answer
A:Your Virginia Mill Works Tobacco Road is an Acacia wood product, Botanical Name: Acacia Confusa
Q:Can you use a steam mop on this floor?
1 answer
A:We can only recommend our Bellawood Floor Cleaner, or cleaners that are safe for water based urethane finishes. Never use any polish, wax, oil soaps or cleaners that add shine to the floor. In addition, we do not recommend using steamers or wet-jet cleaning systems for hardwood because spraying can collect moisture in between board edges. The use of these products is at your own risk.


text:
Rochelle Maize, a resident of Beverly Hills has been involved in the Real Estate business since 1986. She began as an investor, has developed many residential properties, and now specializes in marketing and selling high-end homes.
Rochelle has a strong background in the investment arena. After graduating UCLA in 1982 with a BA in Economics, Rochelle began her career as a stock & commodity broker with Prudential Securities in Beverly Hills. She eventually joined Smith Barney Shearson to become Senior Vice President of Investments. Rochelle was among the nations top 5% of brokers for over a decade and the top woman broker in the entire country.
Rochelle is committed to provide proficient and professional representation and an unparalleled level of personal attention. She displays a purely ethical domineer in an otherwise "cutthroat" business. If you are looking for an experienced realtor for your buying or home selling needs, look no further. Rochelle is here to help.
"Rochelle Maize is a very experienced and highly professional real estate agent. In recently listing a Beverly Hills home for sale, she developed a thorough marketing plan. She quickly procured a buyer and handled all escrow related issues in a very efficient manner. I am most impressed with her knowledge of real estate transactions and I highly recommend her." Allen Gilbert, Esq.
"I would like to confirm that as a client I have been most impressed with Rochelle Maize's professionalism, business acumen, enthusiasm, attention to detail and follow through. I would not hesitate to recommend her as an agent to any of my business associates and I certainly look forward to working with her again in the future." Art Barens, Law Offices of Art Barens
"Rochelle Maize is one of the most professional realtors we have ever worked with. We were impressed with her knowledge of the market. She was always available to us. She handled everything from start to finish with such ease. We give Rochelle our highest recommendation and would definitely use her again in the future!" Libby & Marvin Markowitz, Lenmar Properties, Beverly Hills
"I have been a real estate developer for thirty-five years with commercial and residential projects in Beverly Hills, Malibu and on the West side. I have done business with Rochelle Maize in the past and look forward to continuing to work with her on future projects. I have found her to be competent and honest, a real estate agent with integrity and professionalism and I do not hesitate to give her my recommendation." Lyn Konheim, Buckeye Properties in Beverly Hills
Rochelle is committed to providing the expertise, professional representation and superior personal attention that is needed in today's market. She provides her clients with unmatched service and will go the extra mile to make sure their needs are met.
If you are looking for an experienced realtor for your buying or home selling needs, call 310.968.8828 or email email@example.com today or simply fill out the form below for a prompt response.
Nourmand & Associates Realtors
421 N. Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Phone: (310) 274-4000 | Fax: (310) 278-9900


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URBANA, Ill. — It's something you wouldn't believe could happen unless you saw it. You walk out to the barn in the morning and start to panic when you realize your horse has cast itself.
Somehow, someway, your horse has managed to lie up against a wall and is unable to get its feet underneath it to stand up.
Most horse owners know their equine companions can't lie down for long, but exactly why that is remains a mystery to many.
"The longer they are down, the more prone they are to reperfusion injury," said Elysia Schaefer, an equine surgery resident at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine.
Reperfusion injury can happen because horses are such large animals and the weight of their body in and of itself can prevent blood flow to certain locations. This can cause severe problems when they try to stand up again, and blood flow tries to return to normal.
Because Schaefer frequently deals with equine patients that must remain on their backs for an extended period of time during surgery, she knows time is of the essence in the operating room.
While surgeries in smaller patients, including humans, may go on for countless hours, equine surgeons usually have a window of about three hours to get the job done.
"After surgery, we usually give them around one to two hours in the recovery stall and let them try and stand on their own," explains Schaefer.
At the Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Urbana, the large animal surgery recovery room is covered from wall to wall with soft blue pads, and the floor is an inflatable mattress to better comfort patients coming out of anesthesia.
Whether a horse is down because of surgery or it has cast itself in a stall, there are several problems that can occur.
Besides reperfusion injury, muscles on the down side of the animal, as well as nerves, can become damaged from excessive pressure.
Also, the "down" lung of the horse may cause trouble as excess blood pools there due to gravity.
Horses with neurological diseases are occasionally referred to the teaching hospital for intensive care.
In some of these cases, the animal cannot stand.
"With neurological cases where the patient is down, we are very careful to go in and flip them every few hours," said Schaefer.
Although an equine surgeon worries about several issues if their patient were to be on one side for a long time, horses can get bedsores just like humans, too.
While there is no hard and fast rule about how long a horse can be down before permanent damages ensue, the sooner you can get them up the better.
Some owners think it is beneficial to pile wood shavings at least 2 feet high around the perimeter of the stall to prevent casting. However, that isn't fool proof.
If your horse has been down for a long period of time, or it is has cast itself and you are concerned with its health, call your veterinarian.
Some horses may be very scared if they can't get up on their own, so use extreme caution if you try to move them.
Hi, my friend has a horse. The horse was fit the one day and the next she just was laying there. She became very skinny in a matter of hours, and she is just laying there. Its not colic, we did check, and there is no bite marks or fever, she just picks up her head like two inches and drops it again, then thrashes a bit then nothing. The vet doesn't know and we are looking for all possible answers to help poor Muds (its the horses name)
@andries well, I'm no vet but maybe that horse gas epilepsy which means they have constant sezuires I don't think it would happen in a day however. If the horse is around other animals it could have Mad Cow disease which attacks the brain until it dies. It may be a fluke though too hard to say…. remember flys carry diseases too. I sounds nowt lune diabetes though in which case Muds will have to be on incilun shots the rest of its life… but Luke I said I'm not vet that's just what it sounds like to me


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(This corrects a previous version, first published on Friday, which gave an incorrect name for one of Natixis' monoline counterparties.)
LONDON (MarketWatch) -- Shares of French banking group Natixis slumped as much as 17% Friday, selling off following a profit warning as a result of write-downs that caught investors by surprise.
The company (012068) explained that it took write-downs of about 1.2 billion euros ($1.75 billion) on exposure to subprime mortgages and the struggling bond-insurance sector.
Late Thursday, the company said it anticipates a net profit for 2007 of about 1 billion euros, down more than 50% from the 2.16 billion euros earned in 2006 and roughly half what analysts had been expecting.
Natixis said it decided to release the estimate early because of a "sharpening of the crisis" in the banking sector. Several European banks have taken big charges in the fourth quarter as the subprime market has continued to deteriorate and problems have spread to the bond-insurance sector.
French peer Societe Generale (013080), which separately suffered a $7.1 billion loss as a result of unauthorized trading, wrote down 2.6 billion euros related to subprime and bond insurance in 2007, while Switzerland's UBS UBS, -0.20% on Thursday confirmed nearly $14 billion of write-downs in the fourth quarter alone. See full story.
Shares of Natixis closed 11% lower in Paris Friday, after having lost as much as 17% earlier to hit their lowest level in over three years.
Other French banks also stumbled. Shares of Credit Agricole (004507) lost 5.6%, with BNP Paribas (013110) closing down 3.3%. Also see Europe Markets.
Of the write-downs, Natixis said 817 million euros stems from exposure to U.S. mortgage holdings. The bank said that as a "precautionary measure," it had included exposure to mid-prime, or Alt-A, mortgages in calculating the write-down.
Monoline write-down may grow
The remaining 380 million euros of charges came from the bank's exposure to U.S. bond insurers, also known as monoline insurers.
These insurers pay investors in the event of a bond default. But as the subprime crisis has widened, the credit quality of monolines has weakened, leading banks to write down some of the protection they've bought from the insurers.
Natixis said its main monoline counterparties are MBIA MBI, +0.55% and XL Capital Assurance, a subsidiary of Security Capital Assurance SCA, +0.00% which is part-owned by XL Capital XL, +0.16%
Natixis didn't, however, mention CIFG, the insurer it previously owned and recently transferred to main shareholders Groupe Banque Populaire and Groupe Caisse d'Epargne. See archived story on CIFG.
Natixis sought to reassure investors, saying the charges "should not be considered as sure losses, but rather as a value adjustment of these portfolios resulting from market conditions."


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MULDOON, TEXAS. Muldoon is on Farm Road 154 nine miles north of Flatonia in southwestern Fayette County. It is located on a grant of land originally made in 1831 to Father Michael Muldoon, who was the curate for Stephen F. Austin's first Texas colony. The town was not platted until 1886, when the Waco branch of the San Antonio and Aransas Pass Railway extended its line between West Point and Flatonia. A post office was established in 1888. By 1890 the business community was the center of a voting precinct and included a store, a saloon, a hotel, a blacksmith shop, and a physician. Local quarries produced fuller's earth and stone used in the construction of the Galveston jetties. Due to the poor agricultural characteristics of the soil and the proximity of other communities Muldoon grew slowly; it reached a peak population of 200 with eight businesses in 1943. During the 1980s three businesses and the post office remained to serve fewer than 100 residents. In 1990 through 2000 the population was ninety-eight.
Frank Lotto, Fayette County: Her History and Her People (Schulenburg, Texas: Sticker Steam Press, 1902; rpt., Austin: University of Texas Press, 1981). Leonie Rummel Weyand and Houston Wade, An Early History of Fayette County (La Grange, Texas: La Grange Journal, 1936).
The following, adapted from the Chicago Manual of Style, 15th edition, is the preferred citation for this article.Jeff Carroll, "MULDOON, TX," Handbook of Texas Online (http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/hnm72), accessed October 13, 2015. Uploaded on June 15, 2010. Published by the Texas State Historical Association.


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Vital Wheat Gluten is the natural protein found in wheat. It contains 75% protein. A small amount added to yeast bread recipes improves the texture and elasticity of the dough. This is often used by commercial bakeries to produce light textured breads, and can easily put the home bread baker on a par with the professionals. Vital Wheat Gluten can also be used to make a meat substitute known as seitan.
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SWBAT break apart dinosaur names to understand the actual meaning of the word and then use that knowledge to create a made-up dinosaur.
notecards w/ dinosaur names' prefixes, roots, and suffixes
activity sheet
1) How many sides does a triangle have? (3)
2) How many horns does triceratops have? (3)
3) What do these 2 words have in common (tri)
4) What do you think "tri" means? (3)
5) By knowing what parts of a dinosaur's name means, we can learn more about that dinosaur.
6) Who remembers what "brontosaurus" means? (thunder reptile)
7) What do you think "bronto" means? What do you think "saurus" means?
8) If we know that "saurus" means reptile we can figure out the names of many other dinosaurs.
9) Teacher will have dinosaur names on the board. On the side of the board, teacher should have notecards with with meanings of prefixes and suffixes.
10) Teacher will point to and say the dinosaur's name. A picture will be shown of the dinosaur and along with the origin of its name. (ex- ceratosaurus was named for the horn on its head.
11) Teacher will place the notecards labeled "horn" and place it under "cerato" and the "reptile" card and place it under "saurus."
12) Students will take turns doing the same based on the origin of the dinosaur's name.
The student's responses will serve as assessment for the
guided practice. An activity sheet having students match dinosaur
names to their corresponding definition will serve as individual assessment.
Students will then create their own dinosaur using the prefixes and suffixes and draw a picture of it.


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I would invite Tahir ul Qadri to move out of hate politics and focus on academic pursuits.
See, he is spending too much time in dirty politics and very little in preparing his speeches.
In one of my earlier posts, I have exposed his ignorance about biological evolution.
I believe his time and efforts will be better spent in responding to my invitation and in learning something about biological evolution and other sciences:
Exposing Creationism of Zakir Naik, Tahir ul Qadari, Yusuf Estes and Harun Yahya


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We know that you, our loyal MOOsters, have the Eyes of the Hawk. Therefore, we're sure it hasn't escaped your attention that there's been a proliferation of strange little square black and white codes on packaging, on advertisements and almost anywhere else you can look recently.
These little monochromatic matrices of joy are called QR Codes, and can do all kinds of fun stuff when you aim a smartphone at them. From directing you to a website, dialling a phone to hosting an image, these little guys are proving themselves the new popular kid on the block when it comes to getting your deets into other people's hands.
We've been getting a lot of requests to build some kind of QR Code tool on MOO, and we've launched just that. You can now build and insert a QR Code onto your MOO Business Cards right here on the site.
It's dead quick and easy. In fact, if you click here you can give it a try for yourself. You can choose one of three options:
• Make a phone call
• Link to a URL
• Create a vCard (electronic contact card)
You just enter your details, upload your images to the other side and then, lo and behold, you'll see your shiny new QR Code on the front of your cards!
We've taken some time out of our busy day to make a little video run-through of how it works (but mostly it's so you can listen to my sonorous tones). Watch the video and if you still have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us or leave a comment below. We have Ears of the Wolf, and are always listening.
Product Manager and Bravestarr fan
A very timely item. I've just received my new batch of MiniCards from yourselves, complete with a QR code to my 'about.me' page.
Hi. We love QR codes – word of warning though. We printed some Recommendi.com codes on the lovely Moo stickers (and adding a line of text around the code, effectively a border of 3mm). They looked great, but the code was a little too small to focus on with my rather myopic iphone 3G. iphone 4 and others maybe a little better but I would make sure you test the size before releasing into the wild!
Loving the Kittens guys! :3
Fantastic idea – I personally don't have a smartphone but this is good technology to add to cards for people who do!
thank you!!
Hello Adam,
Good point, and something that we tested for when we were preparing this. While our Stickerbook stickers are rather small, and potentially could cause problems with the "scanability" of a QR Code, our Business Card QR Codes are substantially larger. This should mean that they experience far fewer issues.
Obviously, the quality of your QR Code Reader app will have a huge impact on the success rate of your codes, and in addition we'd highly recommend not reducing the code from it's default size. However, you shouldn't have a problem scanning our QR codes with most smartphones. We've tested on every major OS, with all the dominant handsets.
Our only advice is that to maximise the success rate of scanning a vCard code, you use a phone with more than a 3MP camera, as these codes are relatively information dense, and a higher resolution camera will make it much easier to scan them.
Hope that helps.
Product Manager @ MOO
Can I make QR code stickers? If so, where? I don't see the option in the "Stickers" product section.
Hello Angela,
Not right now, no. We would like to in the future, but we are still trying to make sure that the small size of our stickers will work well enough with QR codes to still be scannable.
In the more immediate future we are likely to release them on round and label stickers, but we have some technical issues to get around before we can do that.
So for now, it's just business cards. But be patient and you may get what you want in the future!
Product Manager @ MOO
…Although obviously, you're welcome to create a QR Code on an external generator and upload it to our stickers using our upload tool. We just cannot vouch for how well they'll work.
Sweet code, Moo!
@Moo crew and other interested parties – I generated my QR code myself and added it to my miniCard design. I used the 'print pdf' option to grab a 100% representation of the MiniCards and used my phone to check that the QR code could be read. Only then did I go ahead and order them. And a nice, crisp print it is. Superb quality, guys.
I included QR codes in my last batch of business cards. I used a short link instead of the standard link, which meant the QR encoding process needed less information, which results in easier-to-read codes.
Sadly, while I did just about everything to test it during pre-press, the actual code wasn't readable when I received my cards. Hopefully by shifting the QR insertion process to your side, you end up with a better product.
Just wanted to know if anything is in the works for a similar product for Microsoft Tags????
Great idea about the URL shortener. The less information that you include in the QR Code, the easier it'll be to scan.
In regard to your order, I hope you don't mind but I took the liberty of looking it up so that I could understand where you may have had a problem. While on screen your code looks perfectly readable (I'm on a large screen so the is much larger than the real life business card design), it's actually really rather small, and is also quite data dense. When printed, the code will be too small to scan on a majority of phones.
The good news is that our default QR Code size is somewhat larger than you used, so you will experience far fewer problems.
I hope that helps,
Product Manager @ MOO
At the moment, we don't have any plans to introduce Microsoft Tags to cards. If we find that they are adopted more widely and more customers request it, then we'll definitely look at it.
I am just getting all my info ready to print my first set of marketing materials and I am very happy to hear this! Thanks
little moo hasn't quite got the hang of QR just yet… but his heart is in the right place
That's AWESOME!
I'm afraid I don't get it! I have an iPhone 3GS but not sure how I'm supposed to scan it or what I should be seeing?! Surely if I'm very confused a lot of customers will be too…?!
@ginny – in order to be able to scan the qr codes, you need to download a qrcode reader app (they are free). I have downloaded a few various ones to test out with my ipad, and I find that the easiest and best qrcode maker/reader has been from:
its pretty straight forward and you can create your own codes there too
Another thing to note is that qr codes have a 30% margin of error.. which means that you can alter about 30% of your qr code and it will still be useful. (as long as you make sure the code is on a light background)
so you can always start adding a few more fun design elements to your qrcode to make it a tad more unique.
I think this is an excellent idea. I was wondering if there's a way to code the QR code to go to a page where folks get a discount code when scanning the QR. And also be able to track it when it was scanned.
For example:
20% discount on any EtsyStore product. Code: ABC123
Hello Fiel,
While it's very possible to link to any page you choose, I suspect that you're asking if you can attach a promocode to the QR Code. Currently, the only way I can think of to do that is if you have the ability to add the promocode in the URL somehow. So long as it's in the URL, you can do whatever you like! However, any custom QR Code work will not be possible at the moment.
Hope that helps.
Product Manager @ MOO
Hi Martin,
Great to see how easy you guys have made it to add QR codes to business cards. The above comment on adding a URL shortener option in the URL field would be very helpful to people to optimise their QR codes.
Any plans on adding other options to the drop-down? I'd obviously love to talk to you guys about adding QRky to the drop-down list at some point..
NIck, the idea of using a URL shortener is a good one, and one I'm actively looking at for our implimentation.
In regards to other options, we are always looking. It's just a matter of understanding what people actually WANT. If you have suggestions, please fire them our way in the comments…
Product Manager @ MOO
IMHO, Microsoft Tag is vastly superior to QR code and strongly urge moo to adopt it. The most significant benefit is the data itself isn't fully encoded. So, for example, with QR codes, if you publish a code with you mobile number and it changes, well, the QR code is wrong. With Tag, you update your Tag with your new number and anyone that scans your Tag gets the new number.
That's just one reason. See http://tag.microsoft.com/what-is-tag/2d-barcodes.aspx for more.
It's hard to come by well-informed people in this particular subject, however, you sound like you know what you're talking about!
Pretty! This was an incredibly wonderful article. Thanks for
suppling this information.
I want too to thank you for this great read!! I definitely
loved every little bit of it. I've got youu bookmarked to
look at new stuff you post…
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- Filed Under
About $200 million will change hands at Keeneland in the next two weeks as the world's largest sale of thoroughbred yearlings takes place for the 69th year. But horse owners won't be the only beneficiaries of the flow of dollars from all over the world.
Hotels, restaurants and rental car companies, for example, see a surge.
"It's a tremendous boost in our business," said Debbie Long, the owner of Dudley's, a downtown Lexington restaurant near the Hyatt and Hilton hotels that has been popular with the horse crowd for years. ...


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After a brief separation, Lindsay Lohan's car is back in her possession.
E! News has learned that the 26-year-old actress, who's been ordered to enroll in a 90-day rehab program by May 2, had her Porsche towed while out in New York on Saturday night.
Lohan was spotted today picking up her vehicle from the NYPD's Brooklyn tow yard (it was closed on Sunday)—an experience she apparently wanted to share with others.
"My girls at towing place!" she wrote on Instagram along with a photo of herself in the office.
Lohan's rep couldn't immediately be reached for comment and there's no word yet from authorities on what could have resulted in the actress' ride being impounded.
But, as an NYPD spokesman pointed out, people get towed all the time.
—-Reporting by Baker Machado and Holly Passalaqua