takabanana

What software (FREE preferably) can I use to just simply play sounds through the PC using something like an Akai LPK-25 as a basic MIDI Controller/Keyboard?

I don't need any editing/recording capabilities (for now) - the simpler the interface, the better. If it had recording capabilities, it would be nice, but definitely not a necessity. Extremely basic/simple interface is a must...

Thanks for any help!

I'm looking for a beginners (but serious) keyboard for my 7-year-old son who wants to start taking piano lessons.

I *think* I narrowed it down to one of these 2 (others are welcome, but I'm trying to stay under $150, preferably under $120):

Yamaha YPT-220 or Casio CTK-2100.

I'm trying to see which of these 2 is better or more appropriate.

Any pros/cons to each? Opinions and thoughts welcome!

Thanks!

What type of connector is this? (make and model)

I need to purchase these connectors, and what they mate to (on a PCB). But I cannot find the make/model of it so that I can look them up on places like Digikey or Mouser.

It is some type of serial or power connector.

Here are the pics:

http://www.simplemedia.com/connector/

From the home buyer's perspective - how would one explain the impact and value of an HOA-managed neighborhood over one that is not HOA-managed? Are there any studies or articles out there that describe/define the positive and/or negative impact of an HOA-managed neighborhood to its individual properties/homes' selling values? Does an HOA *typically* add or subtract to the home value in a neighborhood - and where can I find studies related to such research or facts?

I'm looking for objective and factual data - not your personal opinion please. Anything that can back up either argument (pros/cons of a neighborhood with and without an HOA and HOA management/fees) - so please include any links to articles and/or data.

In the past year, our V6 2000 Caravan has been "eating" oil very fast. I change its oil and oil filter every 3000 miles; yet between changes (close to its 3000 miles), I have had to put more oil in it (after it "dinging" that it was low on oil) - usually an extra 2-3 quarts before the oil in the pan reaches the dip stick's "full/high" mark. There has been no oil leaks/puddles that I can find on our driveway. When I change the oil/filter, I make sure it is at the "full/high" mark. What could be causing this?

I read this below on Bankrate.com, and am not understanding it - It's saying I should go Traditional->Roth->Traditional->Roth, and pay taxes on the 2nd conversion from Traditional to Roth? Does the value of the Traditional go by its actual value when moved from Roth to Traditional? And if so, can all of these transactions be done within the same year - and wouldn't each conversion cost lots of fees?:

Convert your conversion:

"If you converted a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA, you may want to convert it back," Bogosian says.

Here's why: If that $10,000 IRA has dropped in value to $7,000, you still have to pay taxes on $10,000. To pay taxes on its actual worth, you need to convert it back to a traditional IRA, then convert it back again to a Roth, he says. The result is you pay tax on what the account is actually worth.

http://www.bankrate.com/brm/news/retirement/200812...

Which is better and why? Which is better for resale-ability?

I realize they both have pros and cons, but - we're looking at it for the 1st floor - above ground, and not in the basement (no moisture problems).

I'm taking prescription Diclofenac. Can I also take Ibuprofen (Advil) or Acetaminophen (Tylenol) with that?

One day, I was using Excel. My computer (Win XP) started acting weird in that, I was trying to click on the View menu, and it did not show it - instead, if I clicked it and dragged it a few pixels, it duplicated the menu. Like an idiot, I thought it was funny and did it multiple times. The problem actually did not go away until I rebooted my machine. But now, my Excel has a menu bar that goes: File, Edit, View, View. View. View. (View 16 times!!), Insert, Format, Tools, Data, Quicksheet (a Palm app), Window, Help. Each/all of the View menu items work identically - now I'd like to remove the extra ones :-). This is in Office 2003 under Windows XP.

Specifically, I'm looking for American companies that have expatriate embedded software engineering (firmware, RTOS, drivers, applications) positions available in Japan.