Question about sending gifts to soldiers in Iraq

[bif]

A friend here at work is sending a care package to her cousin. It encludes some music she burned--is that going to be a problem? It's not downloaded music but from CDs she purchased.

[havocmom]

1. If she is gonna risk the penalty for violating copyright laws, might as

well send a digital camera too.

[Alpharetta]

2. I wouldn't sweat it

thousands of CD's are getting sent to the troops each week.

the CD's have home movies, pictures, etc., all the files that are too big to email.

the authorities are not reviewing the CD's individually.

[Xithras]

3. I sent several to my sister

Nobody said anything. I honestly doubt they review the contents of CD's.

Oh, and from personal experience: If you send CD's, make sure you also send some fresh batteries. My sis was a bit upset after receiving a dozen CD's from me and watching her Walkmans batteries crap out the very next day. As you can probably imagine, AAA batteries are VERY hard to come by in Iraq right now. My next care package included a few more CD's, a set of rechargeable batteries, and an inexpensive charging system. When she got back she told me that it was the best gift she'd received the whole time she was there :)

[Xithras]

4. One quick follow up on that

FYI, if you do as I did and send a rechargeable system, make sure it's the "quick charge" type. Electrical outlets are available to the soldiers, but typically not for long periods of time...a 5-15 minute charging cycle is OK, but those 2-3 hour chargers can be a problem because there's a lot of demand and a limited amount of power outlets.

[voice of reason]

5. REI has some nice solar rechargers