An embodiment of the present invention provides a method for authenticating an identity of an individual received from an approved entity against a centralized multi-modal biometric database in an anonymous process. The heat pipes extend over the evaporator such that the first end and the second end of the heat pipes couple to the cold plate and condenser at a location not over the heat-producing electronic component. The protective goggle further includes a pad attached to a rear end of the goggle body, while having a plurality of uniformly spaced protrusions functioning as a cushion. The hand-held device is programmed to selectively make one of the first user interface input elements of the first user interface and the second user interface input elements of the second user interface active while making the other of the first user interface input elements of the first user interface and the second user interface input elements of the second user interface inactive. The agent or contact center may additionally have a representation in the game so that the player can interact with the agent or contact center. The hinge or hinges can be provided between ladder sections with one ladder section having a male hinge element, and another having a female hinge element.