If you're lucky enough to have a basement, then you better make use of it. Us poor folks in California and Louisiana and states that can't go underground are really missing out.

I remember my childhood basement - I grew up in Detroit. My parents finished it and turned it into a play room, a game room and a multi-function most everything room.

First, they set us up with a TV and a few sofas down there to (now I know) get us out of their hair. Then they added a foosball table, a ping pong table and a pool table. Yeah, nice! Finally, my mom had a canning station where she made jams and jellies and my dad had his workshop which could be closed up and locked - lots of tools in there. Afterall - where do you think I learned my handiness from?!? I knew how to get through that lock!

What have you done to your basement? Or what cool ideas do you have to create a special place for you or your family? Ideas wanted!