take away my freedom to choose / vid file format / comix

( not nearly so dramatic as all that, perhaps )

for people who know about video formats: What program(s) does a person use to change a file from, say, .avi format to something smaller? I'm fiddling around with a DVD-maker program that came with my burner (which, for all I know, converts formats) hoping to make my to Cowboy Bebop files into disks I can watch on the nice, big TV instead of the laptop, but they're .avi files and I can only fit two-and-a-half eps on a disk. I'd like that to be otherwise.

comix & manga: Reading The Losers, Y - The Last Man, and various permutations of Sin City. Downloading Hellblazer in huge quantity. I have no commentary yet, but I'm enjoying myself. Wondering if anyone has seen the first volume of YnM, AKA Descendants of Darkness on sale. I feel I have been very patient (purported release date 08/18/04), and I want a copy NOW. The only CLAMP title I am interested in Gohou Drug is supposed to be released soonish, too, I think.

if you lived here, I wouldn't be home now...

...because we'd be going out and doing something fun.

[Poll #344302]

I kind of love going out by myself, but I also kind of hate it. I like flirting, but it's of limited utility, you know? Rhi lives too far away to come hang out with me on a whim. Jacyn lives way too far away. I got Coffee Rachel's phone number today, but I don't feel like I can call her up and ask her to go out for a beer...

I'm tending toward "stay home and mope" but that's just because it's easiest. Help me.

ETA: looks like I'm spending my evening with Joan...thanks for your help ;)