Outside of work, I’ve almost completely stopped using Windows. Unfortunately there seems to be nothing worthwhile in the way of personal finance software for Mac, so I’m stuck running Microsoft Money in Parallels. I’ve been trying to get some financial data in order to use for our 2008 taxes, which gave me a good excuse to finally upgrade Money and go to Parallels 4.0. The new version of Parallels prompted me to try something new.

I got it installed on the laptop and setup a new virtual machine using the Windows 7 Beta. I wasn’t really sure what to expect, but most of the reaction has been pretty positive. I have to say, I would agree. I haven’t done a lot of tinkering or complex tasks, but I’m impressed so far. A few more days should give me a better idea of the whole package. I don’t know that I would actually buy Windows 7 if it were available now; I’d probably only pay for it it if we were getting a new computer (yes, Amber, I know this isn’t happening anytime soon). Still, the beta is a unique chance to play around with it for free, so I figured I’d take advantage.

Now for some Daily Show inspired thoughts….How do you rebrand stupid? Representative Steve King (R-Iowa) actually said that by closing Guantanomo Bay it would be possible for Khalid Sheikh Mohammed to be tried in a U.S. court, get off on a technicality, receive asylum, and get “on a path to citizenship.” I think Jon Stewart had the only appropriate response to such ridiculous speculation:

Then, let’s say Khalid Sheikh Mohammed runs for congress. He wins because he’s an expert on terror. Then a couple of years later, a crazy governor makes him a Senator. Then as Senator, he hypnotizes everyone and takes over the Army. Now he has access to Area 51, and here’s where it gets weird…He uses alien technology to seduce Scarlett Johansson and only Will Smith can stop him! Bruckheimer, are you listening?!

You know, sometimes crazy politicians actually lose their jobs. Farewell, Blago.

Update: This was too good not to share. If you don’t see the image, try turning off AdBlock.