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

I have a profile on OKCupid. I don't really do anything with it, and rarely respond to messages. When I get a message on OKCupid, the site emails me to let me know. This morning, I received a message from user "dfwjames" --


[He pasted an excerpt from my profile.]
"You should message me if you're looking to meet someone new, without the pressure of 'is this a date?' I have no expectations beyond enjoying time spent with other people."
[End of excerpt]

Riiiight. 'Enjoying time spent with other people' is code for 'I want a CUTE, HOT guy, nothing else matters. Do NOT email me if you don't look like Brad Pitt.'

So, evolve that. :)

Obviously, this guy has some issues. Especially since this is the very first contact I've received from him. Ever.

Twenty two minutes later, I receive a second message from the same guy --

And yeah, I know I'm not him. Doesn't matter. If I were him I would so not be attracted to that kind of attitude. Now buh bye.

I'm not going to give him the satisfaction of responding, but DAMN it's tempting. That poor guy has such a sour attitude - he'll never get any positive response that way. Plus, it's way creepy. What kind of guy goes around social/dating sites and trolls women at random?

1) What's the last thing you bought or sold on Craigslist/eBay?
I sold a bunch of figurines of my mom’s. Made some decent money, too.
I tend to buy from etsy more often than craigslist or ebay these days.

2) What kind of bed (mattress) do you have, and would you recommend it?
Mine was a hand-me-down from my parents’ house when they moved. Not sure what kind. It’s comfortable, but squeaky.

3) Name 3 songs playing in the background of your childhood.
Paula Abdul - Straight Up
Bon Jovi - Blaze of Glory
Chicago - 25 or 6 to 4

4) What's the last movie that made you think "I gotta get this soundtrack!"?
Once

5) BTTW/WTTW
WTTW – Disappointing night at ATSB on Wednesday
BTTW – Lots of stuff! First fire spin last Saturday. Dance class. New contacts/glasses and a massage. School started and my classes look really interesting. Zombie bike ride last night. Coming up this weekend: Kyro’s housewarming, rooftop fun in downtown Dallas, birthday bowling, lunch with the family on Sunday

Top 3 audio
Haven’t been listening to much lately. The radio isn’t doing it for me, so I’ve been listening to the classical station while driving. Heard some neat stuff, but unfortunately, Shazam (iPhone app that identifies music by recording and analyzing a clip) doesn’t seem to work with classical music.

I signed into the Collin County website, because I'd decided I was going to drop the Spanish class for the semester, and wait to take it in the Spring. Except when I got there, it seems that Collin County dropped it for me.

When I dual-enrolled for the fall semester at UNT, I emailed the financial aid departments of both schools, contacted both advising offices, and worked with the transfer advisor who specializes in transfer students from Collin County to UNT. I did all of this (and got it all in writing) because I wanted to make sure there would be no hiccups with financial aid and signing up for classes. Everyone understood that my financial aid was going to the more expensive school (UNT), and that Collin County would not be receiving the financial aid directly. I was told this was fine.

Apparently, though, it's not. Collin County dropped me from the class because I didn't pay. Even though they told me it they'd marked my account appropriately so this wouldn't happen.

Good thing I decided to drop the class anyway. :-/

1. So, how's the weather?
Not as hot as it has been. It’s been great bike/run/spin weather. Wishing it would rain again soon, though, preferably on a day where I can stay curled up in bed.

2. What are you doing this weekend?
Friday – District 9
Saturday – Spinfest, then Burning Man Dinner (I’m a minion, helping the chef)
Sunday – lunch with mom and Granny

3. How's the family?
Granny’s not been feeling well the last month. Hope she’s feeling well enough for company on Sunday. Mom and Dad are good, and busy with their own stuff. Still keeping my fingers crossed that my uncle will come to Dallas for my Granny’s 80th birthday this year.

4. Did you take a vacation this summer, or have one planned?
My vacation came to me, in pieces. My vacation was going to be driving down to Houston to see Brad and Wacey, but I couldn’t afford the gas, so I stopped to see Brad on the way back from Stefanie’s lakehouse, and Wacey drove up to Dallas to visit me last weekend.

5. How about those Philadelphia Eagles?
Are eagles in other states not special enough? What makes eagles in Philly more important? Huh?

6. What've you been listening to lately?
Lots of dubstep, thanks to Pandora.
And the speaker rig on the back of John’s bike makes me grin like a stupid girl every time. AWESOME!

7. bttw/wttw
bttw: Almost every minute of the week has been awesome.
wttw: Feeling sick after I eat – for about three days now. School red tape.

In almost every dealing with UNT (transfer advising, major/minor advising, and now the bookstore/financial aid), I've had a really difficult time getting satisfactory answers. The only department who has been competent (and genuinely friendly, to boot!) was the Parking Services department.

Two weeks ago, I emailed the bookstore. I let them know that I had financial aid money coming in (the school has it on record officially), but that my refund would not process until close to or after school starts. I asked them what my options were as far as getting books before class starts. Could I purchase my books and they could mark my financial aid account at UNT so that it would deduct from that before my refund (this is how Collin County does it)? Did I need to come up with the money on my own?

A week and a half goes by. No answer. I check the email address against the website (it's correct) and resend my email, with a note asking if I needed to redirect my query elsewhere. Another few days go by and this is the response I get:

From 0143mgr:
Hello Jet,

You can contact the financial aid office for a loan, in the past there was memorial student loan for students.

Have a good day!

--name redacted--
Store Director
University of North Texas

Two weeks, and that's all the response I received. He didn't acknowledge that I already had a loan. He didn't address my questions directly. He didn't even apologize for the delayed response. Just sent me elsewhere.

What does their lack of ability to provide customer service say about the school itself? It's embarassing to me, because when I say, "I earned my degree from UNT," I don't want to come from a school that people identify with incompentence. My experience with the employees of the school has been disappointing so far. I just hope the actual coursework is worth all the effort it has taken to get here.

Am I overreacting when I think that the bookstore director's response was inadequate?

Strange, but it seems there's a physical limit where my body can be tired and exhausted from physical activity and yet not be sore or in pain. This limit has been reached.

I'm taking tonight off, made myself leave my poi at home, so I won't be tempted.

I spun a little last night, and no matter how hard I tried to concentrate, or how I tried to just let it flow, my body refused to cooperate and I just ended up wearing myself down further.

So I think it's time to (reluctantly) give it a rest for a day.

1. This past week I had to get up at 3:30 or 4 am for work. What's the earliest you had to get up on a consistent basis? How long did it take you to adjust?
I’m really not a morning person – AT ALL – but I used to have to be at work at 6:30am, which meant I usually woke up around 5:45 and was running late.

2. Back in the day, the kings had food tasters to make sure it wasn't poisoned. Ever eat anything you were convinced tasted *like* it was poisoned?
I’ve certainly eaten items with unexpected tastes, but I wouldn’t call any of it poisoned. (Unappetizing, certainly, but not poisoned.)

3. What do you think about musicians using their stage time to politic for their causes, whether world peace, sustainable energy, or their candidate of choice?
Some musicians I expect that of (Ani DiFranco, for example). Others, I just want them to play and entertain me (Rilo Kiley). I prefer the latter, but I like Ani’s music too much to be bothered by the fact that she uses the stage as her political platform.

4. What state do you think has the most natural beauty, be it verdant fields of flora, or rolling hills and mountains?
I haven’t seen too many yet, but I’m always amazed comparing the roadsides of the San Francisco Bay area to the roadsides of Texas. I can’t believe how beautiful they are in CA!

5. Best/worst/top 3 music.
Best: Face/body painting and new poi moves and fire spinning (not me – yet – I was a safety) on Monday, more fire toy watching on Wednesday at ATSB, 50’s themed bike ride to the carnival last night. Good friends. Fun times. Elvis themed dfwh3 run tomorrow!
Worst: Nothing (I’m a huge fan of this answer lately!)
Top 3 Audio: I wouldn’t know because work blocked Pandora, so now I have nothing to listen to.

Em twittered part of this earlier, but I wanted to repost the whole thing here.

Man, I was thinking about unrequited love. I figure it's best to just walk that shit off. Find someone else to be excited about. It's like if you love ice cream but your ice cream man friend won't give you any. Maybe he's got a good reason. It cuts into profits. Who knows? But he likes you as a friend and wants to hang out anyway. It just drives you crazy to hang out with that dude, even if he's being reasonable from his point of view. So don't hang out with him. What, you ONLY like ice cream? It's ice cream or nothing? Don't be an asshole. Learn to love donuts.

(from the News section at A Softer World)

I can't remember where or who, but someone told me that Mars would be seen at an unusually large size in the sky at the end of the month (as large as the moon, even!).

After some digging, I've found nothing to support the claim, and in fact, Snopes.com has discounted this as a misinformed rumor.

Here's the scoop: http://www.snopes.com/science/astronomy/brightmars.asp

I'm kind of disappointed that it's not true.

1. If you had to do "it" over again, would you change a thing?
I wouldn’t change anything. All of my prior decisions led me to where I am now, and I love where I’m at now.

2. Would you rather have many many multitudes of 'friends'...one in every city...or a few close friends that know all about you and what makes you tick?
I’d rather have a handful of close friends, and a lot of fun social friends/acquaintances. My life is pretty much like that right now. I dig it.

3. Are you pretty much doing what you 'thought' you'd be doing ten years ago...if you had ever thought about it, that is?
I change my mind about everything so often, so, no, I’m not doing what I thought I would be ten years ago. Ten years ago, I wanted to be a professional musician. I love playing music, but not enough to support myself doing it.

4. Twitter: love it, hate it, don't get it.
I love it. I use it often to let people know what I’m up to. I like watching some of my favorite celebrities’ accounts, and some websites’ updates. (Nathan Fillion, Texts From Last Night, Rhett Miller, Post Secret, etc)

5. What song sounds like "home" to you?
“Clean Getaway” by Maria Taylor. I know it sounds like a sad song, but it feels nice and makes me feel comfortable.

---

1. How do you blow off steam?
I don’t really have a good answer for this. Usually I just vent to someone.

2. What is your comfort food?
Vietnamese Noodle Soup (pho)

3. What is your happiest memory?
Lately, my happiest memories have been associated with being outdoors, meeting people, and having fun (and exercising in the process) – trail running, biking, singing silly songs… These new memories are pretty heavily covering any older memories, but the first thing that comes to mind in my past is when I was accepted to Abilene Christian University with a full scholarship. I wanted to go there so badly, but we couldn’t afford it – so I was thrilled when their offer enabled me to go.

4. Tell us about a local shop that you would encourage everyone to support, should they visit your area.
There’s a family-owned fresh seafood place just a few blocks from my house. The guy that owns it is always behind the counter and is genuinely friendly. The food is amazing, and the staff are always polite, casual, and efficient. Sea Breeze Fish Market: www.seabreezefish.com

5. What kind of comedy makes you laugh?
When I tell people that I don’t enjoy most “comedy” movies, they look at me funny. But the thing is that I DO like to laugh… When asked what kind of funny I like, I’m usually at a loss. But I think I’ve realized that I just enjoy real-life, spontaneous laughs, much moreso than manufactured ones. I like my movies to make me feel and think… not purely to make me laugh. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang is an example of my kind of comedy.

BTTW/WTTW
BTTW: As mentioned above, meeting new people who are passionate about having fun. Being outdoors. Getting exercise. Going new places and getting new experiences. Got to see Rev Horton Heat last weekend with a good friend. Also went to a Mexican dive bar for an all-Spanish-speaking variety show. We were the only two gringos in there (they made sure to point us out and give us a hard time) and it was SO. MUCH. FUN. (And the most awesome part is that I pretty much always understood what was going on!). Also, went to a local bar to see fire spinning, learn some new poi moves, and watch the drum circle.

WTTW: Trivial stuff that isn’t worth remembering. :)

Top 3 Audio + your favorite roadtrip song
Pandora – Girl Talk station
Pandora – Ben Folds station
Rev Horton Heat + Nekromantix (live)

Road trip song:
Snake River Conspiracy’s cover of The Cure’s “Love Song”

I just got an email at work from our IT department warning iPhone users about a vulnerability... It sounds fake - anyone have anything to back it up?

A new iPhone bug has the capability of compromising all iPhones through text messaging. It affects all iPhone devices regardless of hardware revision or version of iPhone OS running. Currently, Apple does not have a patch for this flaw.

If you receive a text message on your iPhone containing only a single square character, turn off your iPhone immediately.

You only have to receive the message to get hacked - you don't even have to do anything with the text message.

Once a hacker has control of your iPhone, your device can be used to dial calls, visit web sites, turn on the camera and microphone, and most importantly, send more text messages to hijack other iPhone devices. You will not be able to make phone calls, send text messages, and and Wi-Fi or Bluetooth capability would be disabled.

Contact Apple or AT&T for technical support.

Sounds like an urban legend to me...

(googling it now)