A common game controller is compatible with multiple platforms including game devices and general purpose processors. The interior chamber is divided into a buoyancy chamber and a bait chamber. A second step involves precipitating solids from the digested liquids. The email synchronization conduit ensures that the email state on the portable computer system matches the email state on the desktop personal computer system exactly. The vertical elements are adapted to conduct the liquid phase, are open in the upstream direction, and project outward in the direction of the feed opening through the gas cushion. A system according to one embodiment of the invention includes a thermal energy source and a thermal energy sensor.