DrJunk

Our old camera "died" and we are no longer filming or able to view our old movies. Would like to get them digitally, but may have up to 20 tapes. I know some companies can do this for us, but wondering if there is technology that can help. Perhaps buying "the device" (whatever it is) to do this would be cheaper than paying a piece rate for multiple tapes. Any suggestions? If nothing else at least let me know of services that COULD do it "piece rate" for me. I need something!

My 10 year old, who we don't yet allow to have a facebook account or myspace etc., wants to setup a Yahoo Answers profile. Is that good for him? Is that good for the community (I know I've seen some junk from younger members that has been 'iffy')? If we do, what guidelines should be imposed on him (willl he really read and follow the full-blown community guidelines etc. - don't know!?!)?

We live in East Central Indiana, and my 10 year old son wants to try playing yu-gi-oh tournaments. Any suggestions?

I'm looking to "DJ" a class reunion from songs I have in my collection. WAY back when I used to do mix tapes (fade ins, overlaps, comment drops etc.) with an analog mix board I had - what free or inexpensive tool might help me do this in the "MP3 Virtual" world? I've heard of "Virtual DJ" the most, but never used it (nor seen it used) - and I don't believe it is free. Is it what I want? Best option? Anything 'free or cheap' to try out first/instead? Maybe even fit in Karaoke options at some future date (but don't get side-tracked here...)

I'm looking to "DJ" a class reunion from songs I have in my collection. WAY back when I did some simple DJ'ing and had a mix board with a few record & CD players. Also made a lot of mix tapes (fade ins, overlaps, comment drops etc.) - what free or inexpensive tool might help me do this in the "MP3" world?

The pond is about 15' by 6', yet only about 4" deep (in fact we've been dry lately and it's down to rocks and completely dried out - it's shallow enough that it does that easily). If I keep it full, I have enough water to run a little bit of a waterfall pump through it, but not much else. I had hoped to have it deepened to be able to get Koi etc., but it seems it's more expensive to do that now than it would be if we started from scratch. Perhaps we could convert to a fire pit? The pond is right off our wood deck and has a small copse of pines across the other (narrower) side from the deck. Anything creative? It simply has a plastic liner w/River rock, and then it is encircled by basic flagstones.

Looking for creative landscaping ideas - again, I'd love to find an inexpensive way to keep it as a pond, but it can't really stay the way it is - one solution is to simply fill it in completely...

I know this is difficult without pictures, but just looking for ideas.

Recommendations?

I'm looking to install something to at least monitor, and likely block a bit, some of the computer activity from my children (ages 12 & 8). We have 3 computers on a home network w/both Win98 (for older games) and XP. I'm seeing reviews for eBlaster, XPCSpy Pro, Cyber Patrol, CyberSitter, Guardian Monitor etc. but the more I see the more confused I get. Any insight or current experience with tools that might be helpful? The main concerns would be things like some particular "YouTube" videos, more obscure kid-centric websites (that may link to 'others' or download spyware or adware+) and what IM 'chats' are happening (email? - password protected websites like or "MySpaces"?).

Price is important and I do already run basic "Norton SystemWorks" virus protection - but does not need to be "freeware".

I'm looking to install something to at least monitor, and likely block a bit, some of the computer activity from my children (ages 12 & 8). We have 3 computers on a home network w/both Win98 (for older games) and XP. I'm seeing reviews for eBlaster, XPCSpy Pro, Cyber Patrol, Guardian Monitor etc. but the more I see the more confused I get. Any insight or current experience with tools that might be helpful? The main concerns are things like particular "YouTube" videos, more obscure kid-centric websites (that may link to 'others' or download spyware+) and what IM 'chats' are happening.

I'm not sure it's the cost, I think in Italy where they are prevalent they are fairly cheap (reviewed "bidet" on wikipedia), and newer styles can install within a toilet.

Is it water wastage? Seems like that would be more of an issue in nations that DO use them than in the good ol' US of A.

What would be the cultural rationale? I've NEVER used one, but can certainly envision where they might even be preferrable to our "toilet paper only" system.

Probably no definite answer to this major dilemma, but I'm interested in your perspective.

How large an SD memory card would be needed (or other peripheral items really needed to make it work 'right') for your suggestion and what price would that add (if any)?

Daughter wants to dabble (and play a bit) but I don't want to break the bank. She'd like it to have "mini-video" capabilities as well (ability to film a short digital video) via the same device. I saw some Vivitar Vivicams (4100? 5100?) that might fill the bill - is that series any good or are there others you'd suggest?

MicroSoft will be pushing this out VERY soon, but sounds like significant changes so it's likely (knowing MS) that somethings won't work or will at least work significantly different. What things should I know and watch out for once it gets installed?

Probably in the 17 inch range, room and space is not that large. Have not yet delved into ANY flat profile TV purchases so I'm a bit of a novice at what to look for, but the room does have many windows so that will play into selection (a small sunroom). What brands, models, types should I be looking for? No other components will need to hook into it . . . Assuming I will need some sort of bracket to mount it with (probably want to swivle a little, maybe 30 degrees) - would that come with some models and/or any specific issues with that?

Wouldn't it be interesting to see them essentially play a 2-man scramble and all the birdies/eagles that go with it? Why is that not one of the formats, anyone have any insight or opinions?

Moved into a house with a very shallow 12' x 5' pond (almost dries up if it doesn't rain in a week), with a liner topped by basic stone (about 1" diameter "river rock" type stuff). It does have a very basic "pump/waterfall" but thats it. What steps or process would I need to undertake to convert into something suitable for fish, turtles etc.? I would like to do this as inexpensively as possible. I live in Indiana and already have some sliders, crawdads, minnows etc. in a 125 gallon tank...

The house I moved into already has a VERY shallow 15' x 4' "pond", tends to dry out quickly (and algae up) and I'd rather have a deeper one with plants 'n critters and more 'control'. Was created with some sort of liner and rocks (basic river rocks, 1" diameter give or take). Assuming I have to completely empty all rocks and pull liner and then just "dig" - but any other suggestions? New liner vs. prefab stuff (can I mix)? How deep? Filters? Had landscaping company give me a basic estimate and it exceeded 6K, want to do something for (quite) a bit less than that....

How do we compare? What's "good"? We've never done a cruise before, so what do we need to know? Good websites to get this type of information? (Kids are girl 11, boy 7).

...probably some sort of mismatch w/transformer?? Seems to last for a while before the internal plastic 'clapper' ends up getting stuck and melting somewhat. What do I need to look for, either with replacement bell or on transformer, to select correct parts?

Specific scenario - opponents serving to me; serve obviously good in my mind, skidding on line by the alley (away from partner - I had better view in my mind). My partner called it "out", and I felt strongly it was not; how should that be handled?

Wasn't he going to put out a "We Are the World" style song with lots of guest artists? Whatever happened to the song or am I off track here??