Year of the Monkey

She's five, I told her I'd buy her a glove this spring and she's excited about that. (We also are about to buy a house near a park with a ballfield!) I'll of course start teaching throwing and catching underhand, but should I ultimately encourage her to pitch overhand? Or just stick to fast-pitching underhand-softball style?

Thoughts welcome.

My 5 year old girl has endured so many changes and trials and disappointments and adjustments this year. She is smart and funny and emotional and brave and I love her with all my heart. What Christmas gift would show her I know how strong and adaptable and incredible she is?

I know I am paraphrasing-

"I hate spending time with musicians, because they only want to talk about jobs and money. I prefer spending time with businessmen, as they only prefer to discuss art and music."

I have a job interview tomorrow near Cleveland. Feeling skeptical.

Planning on Thanksgiving weekend!

Specifically the minimum size a room has to be to house two people. I think my employers are cramming far too many people into the housing that is provided.

The plan is to rent said house after refurbishment, and the refinancing would be to have a slush fund in addition to cash for some minor refurbishment costs. For example: foreclosed house bought for $12,000, appraised and then re-financed for $75,000 - $5,000 fix-up costs, then pay back the mortgage ahead of time (with expected early repayment penalty) whilst renting the house out for small monthly income.

The plan would be to eventually flip the house after renting it out for a few years. Any info on mortgage lenders for small property investors would also be welcome!

I'm performing at the ABC 2 in Glasgow, Scotland. If I want to get discovered (and I do) what A&R and booking agents and producers should I invite? I'm not from here-hence the ignorance.

Just your first name!

I have been living here over a year and just finished a master's degree. I am applying for a post study visa to remain here another 2 years. Might I get denied that visa because of my DUI in the States 3 years ago? It didn't affect my getting a student visa.

I am already here on a student visa.

This is my grandmother's maiden name. I recently met a German girl (where the name originates) who insists that the name is Jewish. DOes anyone know? I'd be fascinated and thrilled to discover that I had Jewish ancestry!

I have a new digital recorder for my 30 gig black video iPod, but it doesn't work! I think I need a software upgrade. What do I do?

I met a girl 3 years ago in Manhattan, we were VERY flirty but I had a girlfriend then. She went back to Paris and we stayed in touch. Now I live in Scotland and I told her to visit anytime, and lo and behold she's coming to stay with me in 3 weeks. Is she coming under a romantic flag? She's very pretty. And French.

Or any instant pancake mix. Any suggestions?

Help! The recordings are good but what do I do to boost the levels?