I am trying to get back into vidding again, and to do so I'm using Sony Vegas on a Windows machine. There are two things that are frustrating me (and that escape me from the last time I vidded, many years ago).

Can anyone recommend me some software to do the following:


1) Convert AVI files to MPGs (Vegas only lets you work with mpg source files, right?)

2) Clip my source files with.


Characteristics I would like the software to have:

- streamlined interface - it's relatively intuitive to use (eg. for clipping, simple "start clip here/end clip here/click here to export selection" controls)

- doesn't result in unexpected/unwanted changes to the source - e.g. altered aspect ratio, visible compression

- is free.

Software can be for Windows or Mac.

Halp?


ETA: Slightly unrelated, but um - if I bought Parallels, I would have to buy a copy of Windows as well, wouldn't I? Parallels doesn't come bundled as the parallel software + Windows? The site is very unhelpful in answering this.

I know, I know; first I'm talking about pro writing, now I'm talking about branching off in ANOTHER direction. But I have been thinking about this for a while, so.

I want to get into drawing. I have had training in fine art, which I always forget to remind myself of, a freaking creative arts degree with a massive component of visual art practice which included about a semester of life drawing, amongst other things. I really just need to knuckle down and get more practice in. So, a couple of questions:

I am thinking of buying a new graphics tablet, because I think ultimately I want to be able to pen digital art right into my computer instead of on paper and then scanned to work on. And I know from playing around with a tablet a couple of years ago that I already feel quite comfortable using one; I like the results on a tablet more than I do on paper.

I used to have a wacom graphire tablet, but they're not making them any more; their amateur range now seems to be the "Bamboo", with the Bamboo Fun being their creative/art one.

Does anyone have any opinions on it? Is it worth forking out way more to get a Wacom brand tablet? Is the Bamboo range any good?


Right, now stepping away from tablets, another art question: I have been pondering doing a portraiture or life drawing class, but then remind myself - I've DONE that. And also, I'm not interested in doing photorealism, I want to do more illustrative stuff. So what I'm after is a book or website that is a good reference for the 'basics' of that kind of drawing. Something I can go through to cement the principles of drawing back in my mind, and refer back too if need's be. Any recommendations?


In slightly tangential news, I can't wait until I'm settled down somewhere again and I can try to discipline myself a bit more - schedule my non-working weekdays to do things like freelance work and more deliberate creative development.

Does anyone have a red currant jelly recipe that doesn't require pectin?

We have half a kilo of red currants fresh off the bush, here. Halp?

ETA: found this one, but still welcome any other suggestions!