For my next library science class, we are using a program called InMagic. It's a database program, apparently Windows-based. From what I understand, we will have to download and use the program on our own computers throughout the semester.

I have a Mac OS. I was thinking of wiping and reinstalling over the holiday anyway, but am now considering making use of Boot Camp. It is likely that this PC/Mac thing will be an issue for future classes, as well, so this isn't just for one semester.

Could someone throw out some pros/cons of BootCamp over Parallels (or other virtual Windows program) in this situation? Should I just borrow a friend's computer for the semester? Where can I find an inexpensive version of Windows? Should I get Win7, XP, Vista? I haven't used Windows since XP...

1) Who is your favorite singer-who-also-acts/Actor-who-also-sings? Who should stick to their day job?
Zooey Deschanel; Billy Bob Thornton should probably stick to acting, though I’m not sure I prefer that to his singing.

2) How 'paperless' is your life?
Mostly paperless. Just bills in the mailbox – everything else is paper-free. I’m working on scanning and archiving family photos, so those will be stored digitally as well.

3) To what degree have you given up vinyl/CDs for digital music?
If I want a whole album, I buy the physical CD; otherwise, I digitally purchase single songs.

4) Are you going to see "New Moon"? ;)
Probably not. No interest.

5) BTTW/WTTW
BTTW: Getting to know some new friends. Getting a surprise ice cream delivery last night while my brain was melting from homework.
WTTW: Kinda lonely this week.

Top 3 audio?
Osaka Line Loop – Discovery
Jeff Buckley – Hallelujah
A Fine Frenzy – Stood Up

Bonus Video of the Week: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNj2HUbzJhk

1. You just got a magic tree. What does it grow?
Logical answer: money
Fun answer: fairies, like in Fantasia or Fern Gully (you guys can start making fun of me now)

2. What tourist attraction near you have you never seen?
Up until Bill visited, my answer would be the JFK Sixth Floor Museum (it was awesome!). I’ve still never been to the Nasher Sculpture Center.

3. What is the most surreal experience you’ve ever had?
The first time I lit my poi wicks and heard the whooshing of the fire beside my head. Whoa.

4. Have you ever walked out of a movie because it was so terrible? Which movie?
I don’t think I have ever walked out of an actual movie theater. I would’ve walked out on Idiocracy, but I kept hoping it would get better. (Great premise, disappointing execution)

5. Are you superstitious? Do you have a good luck charm?
I’m generally not superstitious. I had a pendulum pendant that I carried around for a while for “good luck” but really, I just liked the way it felt in my hand.

BTTW / WTTW
Best: Went to Houston to visit some friends last weekend. Had fun catching up and spinning poi and eating some yummy food out by the bay.
Worst: Getting people-overload at the same time as I wanted to go out and do stuff with friends.

Top 3 Audio
I have a perforated eardrum (not one, but TWO holes in my left eardrum), and sound isn’t pleasant for me right now, so I’m only listening to what I can't avoid.

1) What band/artist makes you say "DAMN I wish they'd come out with some new material already!"?
I’m always up for some new Ben Folds. But since he just released Way to Normal, I’ll say Rilo Kiley (when did Under the Blacklight come out?). I’m greedy. :)

2) What home/car repairs can you do all by yourself?
Just about anything with the right tools and a good instruction manual. I’ve replaced drywall and some bathroom plumbing (ugh), I can change my own oil and spark plugs, helped fix the brakes on my car, and assembled forks on a bike (this is a STUPID idea, don’t do it).

3) Describe a childhood art/crafts or school project you remember making. (It's diorama time in 4th grade, folks!)
Is it sad that nothing comes to mind?

4) What are your plans for Halloween?
They keep changing. I have no idea. It’s guaranteed to be a fun time, though.

BTTW/WTTW
Best: MYSCHIEVIA
Worst: readjusting to the default world

Top 3 audio
Osaka Loop Line - Discovery
A Fine Frenzy – Stood Up
Ben Folds (w/Regina Spektor) – You Don’t Know Me

1) What's your favorite music video?
Enigma’s Remember the Future dvd

2) What's a food/meal you've been hankering for lately?
Venezuelan food – been craving Pabellon Criollo and fried plantains

3) What's a bad thing you used to do as a child?
I was a really well-behaved kid.

4) How did your parents discipline you?
All my mom had to do was look at me, with her stern “I’m disappointed in you” face, and that was enough. I still have guilt over that face.

5) BTTW/WTTW
BTTW: Last night’s zombie bike ride in the flash flood, our last-second detour to Tim’s house to towel off and pile in the car, then the Zombieland premiere, complete with Thriller-dancing zombies, and 200 of my closest zombie friends.
WTTW: Having to be the bad guy / bearer of bad news.

Top 3 audio
Kings of Leon (on repeat today!)
Telegraph Canyon’s The Tide and The Current
Anticipating the Telegraph Canyon / Seryn show in Fort Worth tonight. Seryn is a new band that blew me away a couple weeks ago. The band is only a few months old, but their sound is SO GOOD. No recorded stuff yet, except for a couple tracks on MySpace. But keep your eyes peeled, folks!

1. Tell us about your favorite piece of furniture.
The chaise lounge I purchased at Ikea. So comfortable, and by far the cutest piece of furniture I’ve ever owned. The color makes me happy.
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S49839592 (in Myrby dark turquoise)

2. You just moved to Sesame Street (or Avenue Q, take your pick). Which Muppet (or monster) is your new roommate?
Ernie

3. Name a movie that frightened you.
I like this question because so few movies actually do scare me. The Descent was pretty intense. I like the ones that get in my head. Se7en had me pretty worked up for a few hours.

4. Describe a skill you'd like to master.
small talk, comfortably

5. What do you have to have with you when you travel? Let's say that a laptop and cell phone are a given. :)
my facewash is my favorite travel accessory. Hotel stuff just isn’t the same. (it’s Bliss Fabulous Foaming Face Wash, in case you’re curious) If I’m really spoiling myself, I’ll bring one of those poofy loofah things.

BTTW/WTTW
BTTW – Getting my homework done in time for camping this weekend.
WTTW – Missing the free Polyphonic Spree show last night to make sure stuff got done.

Top 3 Audio
Polyphonic Spree – Atlantis (Donovan cover)
Telegraph Canyon – The Tide and The Current
Grand Archives – Grand Archives

The Mars company (makers of M&Ms and other chocolate candies) is having a promotion where you can sign up to get free chocolate every Friday in September. Neat idea - I like free chocolate.

So today, I go to the site to sign up for my coupon. I enter my name, address, and email, and click the button for my coupon. It then tells me that my coupon is being mailed and will arrive in about SIX WEEKS.

Okay. First of all, free chocolate isn't that big of a deal. I don't eat it that often, and have no problem spending a couple bucks for my own bar. So I'm not pissed about the free chocolate.

Reviewing some of the comments on the site, many people haven't even received their coupon, and yet, Mars is sending them emails asking them how they enjoyed their free bar.

Let me get this straight. First, you entice us with free chocolate. Then, you get our addresses and emails. Then you snail mail us a coupon that may or may not show up six weeks later?

I feel used and decieved. You get what you want, but we have to wait? Not exactly the way to inspire customer confidence.

We now live in a world where I could give you that info, click the button, and INSTANTLY have a coupon on my screen to print. I know. It's magic.

1. you've just won a dream vacation for 4. Who are your companions?
Kyro, Holly, my uncle Scott, and Maggie Mason from MightyGirl

2. Defend your vice. Would you quit?
Smoking, I guess. I’ve quit a few times.

3. What store do you wish was in your town?
When “Hold Everything” existed, I was always disappointed there wasn’t a store in Dallas. Now, I suppose it’s Agent Provacateur.

4. What movie have you seen that took multiple viewings to *get* or appreciate?
While I greatly enjoyed Kiss Kiss Bang Bang the first time I watched it, I get much more out of the movie every time I watch it. Same with Boondock Saints.

5. Name a book you've found helpful.
Since I’m at work, I can’t list the most helpful. It’s by Dossie Easton and has “Ethical” in the title, if you care to look it up.

6. bt/wt
Best: My mailbox. Received my moonblaze wicks and my kitty hat. Also on the way: a slackline, an awesome Threadless t-shirt (“When your pants are on fire, lying become less important.”), and my dfwh3 name necklace.

Worst: Sudden flood of homework this week. Luckily, the information is really interesting (genetics and anthropology). Still, though, it’s a lot of work.

7. top 3 audio?
Ani DiFranco
Taylor Swift
Rilo Kiley

1. What format did you start listening to music on?
I remember I used to love listening to Eddie Rabbit via the HUGE record player/radio system. “I Love a Rainy Night” was constantly on repeat. Also, when I was a kid, I always wanted one of those kids’ record players that had the books where you turned the page each time the record “ding”-ed.

2. Back to school! Describe your favorite teacher.
I have had a handful of outstanding teachers. The first was probably Mrs. Winans, 4th grade. She encouraged creativity and wasn’t afraid to let kids be kids. Throughout my high school years, my computer teacher, Mrs. Young, encouraged me to learn whatever I could get my hands on. She also let me help analyze, diagnose, and repair computer issues when something wasn’t working right. In college, my Introduction to Logic professor (Dr. Levi Bryant) encouraged conversation throughout the class, and instead of demeaning students for their different views, encouraged them to speak up. He was also quite dry witted, which I loved. My math instructor, Mr. Merrifield, was hands-down the best at actual instruction. He had a way of teaching that made you WANT to ask questions, and when he’d ask questions, he’d always somehow make you feel good, even if you had the wrong answer (“I can see how you got that; it’s great that you tried, but here’s the right answer and why.”).

3. What do you usually want to know about someone when meeting them for the first time?
Are they single (always a good fact to know, so I don’t piss anyone off)? What makes them interesting? What are they passionate about? The sad thing is that many people can’t easily answer this question.

4. What experience did you miss out on and wish you'd been a part of?
Most things I regret missing out on are things I’ll be able to plan in the future (Burning Man, Transformus, traveling outside the US).

5. Go ahead, get a secret off your chest.
I only have one true secret, and it’s someone else’s so I can’t share.
A personal secret: I fall head over heels in love with almost everyone I meet, but hardly ever let people know it, because falling in love in secret is much easier to deal with than not being loved with the same fierceness in return. This type melancholy is much of the reason I love asofterworld.com comics.


BTTW / WTTW
Best: My bestest friend made us tshirts that say we’re not each others boyfriend/girlfriend (we get mistaken a lot lately). He surprised me with the shirt last night. AWESOME. http://twitpic.com/h9k6u

Also BTTW: Remember the poi dilemma I had last week? Well, I ordered a set of MoonBlaze wicks from FireMecca this week! Should have them soon! :)

Worst: I’ve been feeling pretty sick all week. Feeling better now, but not 100%.

Name three songs/albums that remind you of specific people in your life.
Most of the albums I can think of remind me of Twinkie (Third Eye Blind, Sister Hazel).
Most of the songs I can think of remind me of Ryan (Chasing Cars, Sweet Escape, Eskimo)
Rilo Kiley reminds me of Jason

1. What's your favorite part of your abode -- the actual house or apartment you live in?
I like that it’s a small cozy space and even though it’s all one room, it doesn’t feel too cavernous.

2. When's the last time you had dinner outside? What did you have and who were you with?
I ate at Sea Breeze Fish Market on the patio with Mel a while back.

3. What are your plans for the long weekend?
Tonight – Whirlyball; Tomorrow – Homework, Jonathan’s birthday party, Jess’ actual birthday, Becky’s birthday party; Sunday – Canton (meeting mom to shop and Monkey to play); Monday – Labor Day dfwh3 run (now with extra shiggy!)

4. Name three objects you did not have five (or ten?) years ago that you cannot live without.
Technically, I know I could make do without pretty much anything that is currently in my life… But a few things that make my life easier: my iPhone, my car (and its AUX input jack), and my Macbook

5. BTTW/WTTW
Best: Had lunch with my mom, granny, and cousin; got to swim in a rooftop pool in downtown Dallas with some new friends; got to spin more fire and get painted; got to ride my bike in the (almost)rain – lots of pretty lightning, though!
Worst: My lack of patience – trying to figure out whether to buy poi locally (support my local fire friends), buy poi online (faster delivery), or wait for some to be handed down to me (working on this). I’m leaning toward ordering a very basic set online, and then buying something fun (like Isis heads) from Matt.

Top 3 audio ...
Maria Taylor – Clean Getaway
Rilo Kiley – Dreamworld
Gomez – How We Operate