Wow...I have never heard of "no personal photos on the first floor." Ever. And I've actually never met a person in the flesh-and-blood that had a "decorator." Heck, most of my friends don't even having cleaning ladies (me either!). I am an avid amateur photographer and have been for years--since I've had children, the focus has obviously been put on them. I absolutely LOVE my candid B&W shots of my kids...lots of sandy, windswept days at the beach, in our garden, or asleep in bed...wherever or whenever. I proudly display them, in matching, tasteful frames all around the downstairs of our home--kitchen, living room, playroom, etc. I would say the only room that won't probably have pictures of the kids is maybe the dining room...since it is the most "formal" of the rooms in our big, sprawling Victorian. I love going to other people's houses and seeing the same types of photos--funny, touching, memorable times. Makes life (and people) seem real and worth cataloging. Personally, I'm not a big fan of formal photography (the studio kind, anyway)--most likely because I NEVER like the pictures they take of my kids (or me for that matter!) as much as the ones I've taken! I do agree that it does take a little money, time, layout, and planning to make them look good. I love matching frames but mismatched sizes. Not a big fan of collage frames. LOVE LOVE LOVE white matting (why can't I convince my mom? Does she feel like she's "wasting space?"). I try to glean ideas from Pottery Barn, Restoration Hardware, and especially Exposures--then I try to recreate in a less-expensive way (pretty much my mantra for decorating, I guess, if I have one!). Anyway, just didn't want anyone to feel badly about their pictures all over--I love seeing them! Keep 'em coming! Sarah from Albany, NY

Search in the Photography forum and you'll get plenty of answers. In the mean time, I'll try to give you my 2 cents worth. Cameras are like cars. There's a maker for each person's individuality. 1st, You'd need to determine what is his level of photography knowledge? In any brand, there's intermediate, medium and professional level cameras. If he's a pro, you may just want to ask him what he'd like. A pro knows what he wants and mostly will not settle with just anything. If he's not, most intermediate and medium level cameras has both features: auto focus and manual focus. They're made for those that want to grow and learn about photography beyond autofocus features. 2nd, Does he owns any previous 35mm camera lens? Would these lens capable to be mounted on the new DSLR body? Such brand as Canon has been a favorite for many because of its interchangeable lens. Meaning, we can invest into the more expensive lens knowing that if we ever upgrade the camera, the old lens would still work with the new camera body as well. I have a few that I owned from the mid 80's and still work very well with the new DSLR. 3rd, The camera body and weight must feel comfortable in one's hand. It makes a different with the result of a photo. If all possible, take him to a camera store and let him play around, ask questions and make a choice of the Digital SLR (DSLR). Then, go online and purchase from one of the reputable online store. Normally, their prices are less expensive. Watch out for import (gray market) vs. US warranty cameras (price varies). Personally, I've always owned Canon. I had several Canon 35mm cameras and had since upgraded to digital: from the Canon Rebel XT to currently the Canon 40D (had it for a little over a month). As mentioned, I have a few lens from the 35mm cameras that works well with both DSLRs. I've upgraded to the Canon 40D because it has some image stabilizer built into the camera. Although, Canon also makes some lens with Image Stabilizer (IS). The lens kit of the Canon 40D camera comes with a 28-135mm lens that has the IS feature (mainly in the US). I don't plan to upgrade the camera body for a long while. I'm quite satisfied with the Canon 40D. Instead, I'm investing on better lens. And, that's what I'd recommend for you to do. If money is not an object, buy a medium price range camera but invest the rest on a good lens with low aperture capability such as f/2.8 or less. Good lens give the flexibility to take crispy clear photos in low light situation. I strongly recommend to read reviews from the 2 websites that Susan posted above. They also has forums in categories of camera brands. You may find some useful information from the users. Good Luck! Natalie

Got a quick minute....acid staining my patio - not going as expected:( Squirrel & Jjam, I agree with the lamps making it more of an altar look. I can always switch when the mood hits me. I like the idea of one lamp with a tureen of ferns like Squirrelly showed. My mom has a designer who thinks family portraits should be in the bedroom. Maybe a few frames of family around on shelves/tables - but just a few!! My mom disagreed...putting a big wonderful antique tapestry on the main wall - this thing is gorgeous (I hope it is mine someday:) Then she put mine & my sisters wedding portrait - we both wore simple dresses & not the type of photo that screams we got married in the 90's. Then on another wall she put 8x10 portraits done in the same style as my sons of her 3 grandsons. It makes her smile & she enjoys showing off her kids to her senior friends. That is what it is all about. The designer grudging hung all the photos for her BUT it is her house!! OTOH, I have a friend with young child & they have soooooo many portraits of their chlid on every wall. They also have a very big house - she is everywhere!! My DH calls it a shrine. I thought I had already posted my thoughts on shrines - maybe I did & missed it...Sorry so long!! Les, I DID have that thought about removing the center shade!! Thought I would take them into the lamp shop when I take my chandelier. Spending $10 to keep something I have is worth it to me. I'll probably find a gorgeous expensive lamp for the sitting room, thou - kinda defeats the purpose:) Anyways, one day I'll have to post the pic of DS peeing off the dock at the lake!! He was young & told not to pee in pools....so he would & still does get out & pee off the dock in to the lake!! It is a back shot showing his little cute bottom!! Kinda Hawaiian tropic baby style with the tanned body & white butt:) It is kinda tucked away - not prominent at all - but people that do notice it- get a kick out of it:) Okay, I have babbled enough - must be stalling to go & hit the acid stain!! Dh is probably wondering where in the world I am - I just ran in to put on old shoes:) Smiles:)

All right you fanatics! Harry will not be studying at hogwarts during his 7th year, but will return occasionaly or at some point to visit Dumbledore's (and now Minerva's) office. I believe that this office contains many clues 4 harry to go on to bigger things. Remember that this office was a place of study to DD who collected many objects,and astronomy among other things. Perhaps there is something in the stars harry has yet to learn about. As well don't forget that many portraits remain animated, containing several characters, old headmasters and mistresses whom all have great knowledge and secret portraits hanging around the country.(just a thought) Some people believe the final battle will take place in the dark forest but i think it unlikely. The idea of a final battle risking the lives of hundreds of students on school grounds is not what JK would think appropriate. It's already enough that some characters will not make it to the end... Harry will attend the weasley and delacour wedding before heading off to his personal venture. He will only tell hermione , ginny and ron about the adventure, although, certain members of the order will discover the plans he has and will keep a close watch on his journey...I believe that Lupin and tonks will secretely follow the star trio. Harry will want to learn more about his parents life before death and will discover his grandparents identity and roots as well, from where we will finally understand how harry has become so wealthy throughout his parents. I believe James potter was naturally wealthy because he had noble blood, passed on by a long term royal family, turned sour. Of course their gold will have increased with their daily jobs seeing how talented james and lily were. Harry will not linger too long in godric's hollow for many death eaters will expect him to go there. The death eaters help lucius escape from askaban. The dark lord finds out from an unreliable source that narcissa spilled the beans concerning draco's mission(possibly wormtail who was evesdropping at the door(HBP). V will then personnaly kill narcissa, but lucius will not have the opportunity to stop it. Snape who is now on the run with draco will appear finally at his supposedly masters feet once more, looking like the devoted puppet. Only snape will play his part well for some time, which will put him in the lords good graces. With all this new excitement and rush, draco starts to have mixed feelings about this new dark side he has prepared for all his life. Draco does not like his father anymore for letting his mother die and begins to understand snapes real plan. Draco starts to believe what DD told him about beeing able to hide people so other would think they are dead. He begins to want to join the other side. Remember that Draco has always been a coward and wanted to befriend harry on their first night at the castle. Children are often the products of their parents due to lots of intimidation....