Crimes of Industry

[twicketface]

I apologize if this breaks LJ or leads to water shortages. But, here it is:


THE BASICS
Name that everyone knows you by: Brian
What are you most commonly called? Twicketface, Murton, BM, Refill or honey.
Birthplace: Hartford, WI
Birthday: May 10th, 1978
Any interesting facts about your birth? My mom had major difficulties with me. First, I tried to come out three months early. So, my mom had to take some drugs that would keep me in. Then, when it was time for me to come out, I wouldn't. I think most of my (relatively minor) medical problems/conditions are due to these drugs.
Astrological sign: Taurus
Marital status: Happily attached to Marie since May of 1998, married August 4th, 2001.
Siblings : Brad, three years older than me. Issues abound.
If you could go out with anyone, who would it be?: I still have a thing for Aisha Tyler and Tina Fey.
When and who was your first crush: Karter Thompson, 4th grade.
Ideal girl: Marie. Honestly, Marie.

APPEARANCE
Hair: Short and sassy
Height: 6'6"
Weight: A strapping 230 pounds
Natural hair color: Dark brown
Eye color: Blueishgrayish
Figure: Lumpy
Favorite feature: Hands
Least favorite feature: Back hair (just a few strands at this point, but getting worse)
Distinguishing scars (not tattoos): 3 inch scar near my left elbow, 2 inch scar near my left wrist, 1 inch scar above my upper lip, .5 inch scar right under my chin.

STYLE
Clothing: Whatever I can find in my size
Makeup: No fights means no make-ups
Shoes: Large and in charge

Magazines
The Sun, Adbusters, Utne and The Progressive

If you could only eat the same meal (1 entree, 1 side dish, 1 salad, 1 desert, and 1 drink) repeatedly for the rest of your life with health not being a consideration what would it be? Veggie burger, seasoned french fries, garden salad with peppercorn dressing and a big glass of milk.

If you could have 1 superpower (be creative) but had to keep that superpower for the rest of your life, what would it be? Invisibility.

If you had to choose one animal besides humans to rule the world (whichever animal it is would take the average size of a human) what would it be? Ducks. They're 65% of the way there already.

If you had to choose to grow an extra body part (a real one), what would it be? Another ear. My hearing is not so good.

If you could be any natural disaster, which would you be? Hurricane, so I could blow the pants off unsuspecting people.

Have you ever been suspected of committing a crime? One time in high school we got in trouble for being out 'past curfew', despite being at a friend's house for a surprise birthday party and having to walk a few blocks to where we parked our cars. That's about as illegal as I get.

Do you enjoy talking to your self? I've found that it works wonders for talking things out. Just in your head doesn't always do it justice.

What's your most prized possession? Photo albums

What's the funniest word you can think of: Snot

What songs bring back the most memories? I have associations with video games and CDs. Games I played usually correlate with CDs I bought or liked at the time

What's the largest organ in the human body? I would guess the brain. But that's what it wants you to think.

Do you have a bar trick? I can spend hours in them and not drink. Sha-zam!

Does God know who and where you are? My little Alanis...

Who/What are you thankful for? I try to count my blessings often. I'm thankful for the good and the bad and most everything in between.

Do you believe in fate? Whole-heartedly

Do you get along with your parents? For the most part. Since my brother and I have opposing viewpoints, I try to bring them back to reality after they talk to him.

What was the most difficult thing you had to do? Get up this morning. I awoke mid-dream, and I'm groggy.

If you were stranded on a desert island, whom would you want to be stuck with? Marie and a deck of cards.

If you were given one day to live what would you do? Make a video and tell all the people I care for how much I care for them.

What's the kinkiest place you'd have sex? I'd like to have sex outdoors

If you could relive any day of your life either for good or to change it what would it be? I'd go back to when I got the scars on my arm and avoid them

What's the worst feeling in the world? Waking up to the telephone.

If you could meet anyone who ever existed who would it be? why?: Thich Nhat Hanh. If you’ve read any of his works, you’d understand.

What's your best physical feature? My eyes

What is the oddest thing you’ve inherited from your parents? Probably old pictures

What's the biggest lie you've ever told? Mostly the social lubricant types

What was your first encounter with an illicit substance like? n/a

What was the meanest thing you ever did as a little kid? Nothing, but Eric once took a dump on a trampoline of a neighbor who wouldn't let them use it and put the used toilet paper in their barbecue. That's pretty mean.

What was the worst punishment your parents inflicted? Early curfew. I was always the one to 'break up the party', even though we never did indeed party.

What have you learned about love? It's harder than I thought. It takes effort and compromise. And it's totally worth it.

How have you changed in the past year? I think I've gotten to know myself a little bit better. Some of my altruism is wearing off, but I probably could use to be a little more self-focused. I've had some friends become distant and tried to not let it bother me. I've rediscovered reading, which is nice.


Sum up your working philosophical mindset in 10 words or less: Spend more time by yourself. You can learn a lot.

What activity do you spend the most amount of time doing? Does this change on days you work/attend classes/volunteer and on days you have off? Most of my days are working at my full-time job. Free-time is usually with friends, on the computer or reading.

List as many of the contents in your refrigerator as you can think of off the top of your head: Milk, Slim Fast, eggs, tortillas, cheddar cheese, string cheese, yogurt, bagels, cream cheese, butter, jelly, syrup, ketchup, BBQ sauce (it's the boss), honey mustard, mustard, water bottles, Brita, leftover stir-fry, chocolate syrup, mango, and I think that's it.

What is your favorite art form to participate in? Cooking/eating

To observe? Greco-Roman fucking

Do you have any addictions, compulsions, or obsessions? Yes

If so, do you feel comfortable listing some of them? Computers, professional football, root beer, Marie's behind

What is something that you've never done and probably never will do? Get intoxicated, have sex with anyone other than Marie, punch small children in the face (probably, mind you)

What traits do you list on a resume? A firecracker in the sack (wonkily swiped from so_gracefully from a few surveys back)

How often do you clean your home? Is it a continual process or do you do it all at once? I'm a clean-on-the-go type of guy. I do one thing, move onto another room and get distracted by something else, do that, and repeat. It drives Marie bananas.

Do you most often shower, take baths, or clean up in some other way? I'd bathe if I could fit in the tub (my knees get cold), so I stick to the shower.

How often do you exercise, and what form does that exercise take? Not often enough, but I think my strategy of going in the early evening has helped. Usually treadmill or weights

Do you cook your own meals? If so, how often? I do 95% of the cooking, and usually make my own food. Fast food is dreadfully unhealthy and gross.

What do you spend the most amount of time online doing? Do you multi-task? Email or live journal. Spend a lot of time looking at football stuff too

List one dream, or fantasy, for the future: Financially secure enough to have a stay at home parent for our future child/ren

Who are some of your role models or idols? (fictional, historical, famous, or otherwise) My dad

How many different places have you lived? A lot. Always in Wisconsin and mostly confined to the Fox Valley
List your greatest fear, your most common worry, your biggest pet peeve, and your greatest joy: Losing my friends (along the lines of losing touch instead of driving them away), war, people who complain instead of seek solutions, waking up next to Marie

Favorite season? Fall, as of late.

Holiday? Thanksgiving. Do the eat.

Time of day? Late afternoon. Usually things are quiet at work and I can watch the sunset

How do you normally dress? What about for special occasions? And just around the house? I'm most comfortable on the casual side, but I like to dress up too. They make special occasions all the more special

Describe, briefly, one poignant memory from your past? When Marie and I got together. It was the closest thing to magic I've ever experienced.

What qualities do you look for in a friend or lover? Compassionate, understanding, giving, thoughtful, inquisitive, huge jugs

GIMME FIVE

Five details about you...
[x] I still pick my nose
[x] I was the first in my group of friends to get married, despite not really ever having a girlfriend before Marie
[x] I've got straight edge
[x] I’m rather tall and lanky
[x] I can be cranky sometimes

Five memorable things you did in the last year...
[x] Went to Seattle
[x] Learned how to play the drums (kinda)
[x] Felt pretty good about myself
[x] Worked a job I really didn't like
[x] Started the Interview Project

Five favorite groups...(in no apparent order)
[x] The Dismemberment Plan
[x] face to face
[x] Alkaline Trio
[x] NOFX
[x] Pearl Jam

Five favorite movies...(let's go non-Kevin Smith this time)
[x] Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
[x] The Usual Suspects
[x] The Princess Bride
[x] Memento
[x] Wet Hot American Summer (!!!)

Five things that make you happy...
[x] Being alive
[x] Marie
[x] Good music
[x] Eating
[x] Making people laugh

Five things that impress you...
[x] Women
[x] People who follow their own rules
[x] People who aren't dependent on cars
[x] People who are more interested in other people than themselves
[x] Henry Rollins

Five things that don't impress you...
[x] SUVs
[x] People who are fake
[x] People who are selfish
[x] Obsessing on the small things in life
[x] People who don't take the time to enjoy being alive

Five things you cant live without...
[x] Oxygen
[x] Water
[x] Food
[x] Shelter
[x] My glasses

Five people of the same sex whose babies you want to have…(Ok, I added this one myself)
[x] Travis Morrison
[x] Jason Lee
[x] Jon Stewart
[x] Dave Attell
[x] Lewis Black

GOOD THINGS COME IN THREES

THREE THINGS THAT SCARE ME:
01 | gravy
02 | war
03 | Republicans

THREE PEOPLE WHO MAKE ME LAUGH:
01 | Marie
02 | Terry
03 | Jon

THREE THINGS I LOVE:
01 | Marie
02 | having my back scratched
03 | my friends

THREE THINGS I HATE:
01 | ignorance
02 | slothfulness
03 | sitting in the back seat

THREE THINGS I DON'T UNDERSTAND:
01 | makeup
02 | politics
03 | how most things work

THREE THINGS I WANT TO DO BEFORE I DIE:
01 | travel
02 | retire early
03 | give Thich Nhat Hanh a zerbert

THREE THINGS I CAN DO:
01 | make people laugh
02 | give good hugs
03 | a poor impression of Kitt from Knight Rider

THREE WAYS TO DESCRIBE MY PERSONALITY:
01 | quiet
02 | sincere
03 | pleasant

THREE WAYS TO DESCRIBE MY LOOKS:
01 | great
02 | grape
03 | ape

THREE THINGS I CAN'T DO:
01 | give birth
02 | tell some colors apart
03 | be impolite

THREE THINGS I THINK YOU SHOULD LISTEN TO:
01 | your mother
02 | the Dismemberment Plan
03 | yourself

THREE THINGS I DON'T THINK YOU SHOULD LISTEN TO EVER:
01 | anything on the radio besides NPR
02 | MTV
03 | people yelling 'hey baby'

THREE THINGS I SAY THE MOST: (online anyway)
01 | thanks
02 | what?
03 | hmmmmm

THREE OF YOUR ABSOLUTE FAVORITE FOODS:
01 | apples
02 | veggie burgers
03 | ice cream

THREE THINGS YOU'D LIKE TO LEARN:
01 | how to break dance
02 | how to attain peace
03 | how to make a really good omelet

THREE BEVERAGES YOU DRINK REGULARLY:
01 | water
02 | juice
03 | milk

THREE SHOWS YOU WATCHED WHEN YOU WERE A KID:
01 | G.I. Joe
02 | The Smurfs
03 | COPS (the cartoon, not the trailer trash show)

POLITICS

What is your opinion of the death penalty? If the death penalty could be instituted fairly, I might be more in favor of it. Even still, I don't think we should have the right to judge a life based on minimal circumstances. Even faced with the option of my life or someone else’s, I don't think I could kill someone else.

What is your opinion on abortion? I'm pro-choice for everyone else, but pro-life for myself. I think that women should have control over their own bodies. However, I think using abortion *as* birth control is terrible.

How do you feel about the legalization of drugs? Upholding the straight-edge philosophy, I think drugs are a dead end road. I do think that there is a lot of hypocrisy and double-standards when it comes to tobacco/alcohol vs. harder drugs. I do think drugs should be legalized since it would lead to a smaller government and less crime.

How do you feel about censorship? When is it okay and when isn't it?: Everyone has the right to their opinion, even the unpopular ones. Trent Lott has every right to hate minorities, but the general public also has every right to rip him a new one.

What is your opinion on pre-marital sex?: It was pretty great.

Do you identify more strongly as a pacifist or as an "eye for an eye" person?: Despite my enjoyment of video games that inflict Deep Hurting on others, I'm a pacifist.

Do you feel that Bush is a good president? Bitch, please.

Did you vote in the last presidential election? Who did you vote for?: Indeed I did. Nader got my vote because even with no chance of winning, it beats the Two Headed Monster and apathy hands down.

Do you think that Martha Stewart should go to prison for her involvement in insider trading?: I think she should just give her money back.

What is your opinion of Howard Stern? How often do you listen to his radio show, if at all?: I've caught his show on E once or twice. You really won't be unpopular catering to the Lowest Common Denominator of the population.

Are you a feminist?: I think that people deserve equality, regardless of pretty much everything. Call it what you will

How do you feel about homosexuality? Are you homophobic, gung-ho queer rights or somewhere in between?: Saying that I wish I had more gay friends sounds pretty stupid, but I do wish I had that perspective from time to time. Equality for all, yo.

Do you believe homosexuals should be able to get legally married and receive the same benefits as heterosexual married couples receive?: Affirmative.

How do you feel about gays in the military? As boy scout leaders? As teachers? As church leaders?: Fine by me

Would you say you are more racist or more open-minded about other peoples' races and cultures?: I think I have some racist tendencies/impulses simply due to my environment. Being a "small town boy" has its disadvantages. The point is to recognize and examine those instances and move forward.

What kind of art do you like?: Mostly photography. I wish I was better at taking pictures, so I admire those that can do so with talent.

Do you enjoy going to see plays/musicals or any other kind of live theater? I like seeing plays and such. We saw The Nutcracker in November and I didn't like it so much.

Do you like to read? How often do you read? Are you a fast reader?: I like to read a lot. I usually have two or three books in various stages of completion around the apartment. I realized I've gotten into the bad habit of sometimes skimming and not being an attentive reader. Then, five pages later when I have no idea who some character is, I have to go back. I'm getting better.

What sorts of books do you like to read?: Mostly political/topical/social issues, with some Henry Rollins and Calvin and Hobbes thrown in for good measure.

Who are your favorite comedians?: Lewis Black, Dave Attell, I'll include Rollins in here, as well as Aaron McGruder

Do you like to play sports? Which are your favorites to play?: Tennis is about the old sport I'm mildly unhorrific at.

What are your favorite sports teams, if any?: The Packers and Jaguars are still my favorite teams.

What are your favorite sports to watch?: American football

If you could receive one small package this very moment, who would it be from and what would be in it?
A really good photograph of Marie and me from any of my friends

If you could possess one supernatural ability, what would it be?
Being able to ‘travel’ into pictures and relive the past.

If you could have only one piece of furniture in your house, what would it be?
Our gigantic, comfortable bed

If you could read the private diary of someone you know personally, whose diary would it be?
I'd go for either my brother's or my grandmother’s. I could learn a lot about the family from both

If you could have one person you know as your slave well-paid and cared for domestic laborer for one month, who would it be?
Once we get a house, it would be Terry. He could totally fix it up and make things awesome. He's got mad skills like that.

If you could choose the way you will die, how would you want it to happen?
After a fun night with friends (dinner and long conversations). Something quick.

If you had to choose the worst home you've ever lived in, which one was it?
The last apartment Marie and I were in was pretty crummy. It had character, but the neighbors were pretty much straight out of COPS.

If you could have prevented one thing from happening between you and a friend, what would it have been?
My falling out with Heather in high school. Either that or losing touch with people. To my defense, I think I put in most of the effort when it comes to staying in touch, but sometimes I doubt myself.

If you had to describe yourself as a child in one word, what would it be?
Self-sufficient

Do you like stuffed animals? Yes. I still have all of mine from childhood.
Can you quote Shakespeare? “I bite my thumb at thee”
Have you ever fired a gun? Only the water-dispensing variety
Do you like swimming in lakes? Never have, but sounds nice
Have you ever streaked at a football game or any other public event? Only very special people get to see my goods
Have you gone on many blind dates? Not a single one
Has someone done something extra nice for you? I posted a question about buying a bike in one of the question communities and someone responded with three pages of help. That was extra nice.
Did you have a crush on any of your teachers? Yeah, but just in high school.
Do you have road rage? I'd prefer to call it road frustration. I'd prefer to have road head.
What's your favorite childhood memory? Being at the cottage, playing GI Joe in the sand
Do you ever eat food right out of cans or jars? No, except for marischino cherries.
Have you ever met anyone interesting at the laundry mat? Not met, but observed
Which song do you wish you had written? Who Let the Dogs Out (so I could tear it up and never release it)
Could you kill if your life was threatened? No

WHAT'S YOUR POLITICAL PERSPECTIVE?
Socialist at heart

WHAT DO YOU WANNA BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
A catalyst of good times

DO YOU DROOL IN YOUR SLEEP?
Yes

DO YOU LIKE ONIONS?
You have no idea

DO YOU BELIEVE IN REINCARNATION?
Yes

Do you.....
KISS ON A FIRST DATE? No
IF YOU GOT A TATTOO, WHERE WOULD YOU GET IT AND WHAT WOULD IT BE? the f2f maze on my back
HOW DID YOU SPEND LAST SUMMER? Working and taking a trip to Seattle
WHEN'S THE LAST TIME YOU SHOWERED? a scant 6 hours ago
ARE YOU HAPPY? Pretty much
WHAT IS YOUR ASTROLOGICAL SIGN? Taurus
WHAT IS THE SIGN OF YOUR CRUCH/INTEREST/SPOUSE? Sagataries

I am happiest when: around my friends/family
I feel lonely when: people don't return phone calls/emails
The ideal relationship would be: the one that Marie and I have
Favorite author: Thich Nhat Hahn
What makes you cry: Suffering
Introvert or extrovert: Introvert to the maxx
Do you think too much: Yes, but not nearly enough
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be: Someplace warmer than here
Do you believe in organized religion: Somewhat, but it's not the whole picture
Pro-life or pro-choice: Pro-life for myself, pro-choice for anyone else
Are you a vegetarian: working on it
Do you support the death penalty: Hell no
If you won $50,000,000 what would you do with it: Start my own country
Any bad habits: low tolerance for things, not being as nice as I should
Do you believe in destiny: Yes
Is world peace attainable: Yes
Would you classify your hair as a deadly weapon? I suppose you could cut it and choke on it, but that's be pretty far fetched.

Thinks I Am...
My Father thinks I am: a good son
My Mother thinks I am: a special person
My Brother thinks I am: competition
My Grandma thinks I am: a shining example of what a grandson should be
My Grandpa thinks I am: capable of running the world
My Girlfriend/Boyfriend thinks I am: beyond help, but she tries
My best friend thinks I am: funny

All About You....
Three best qualities = open minded, inquisitive, true to my convictions
Three worst qualities = judgmental, selfish and lazy
Three things you are often complimented for = my advice-giving skills, my attitude and my handsome penis
A compliment you got that made you blush = I tend to downplay most compliments or turn it back around on the compliment-giver
You get embarrassed when = I realize the time I've wasted or stupid things I've said/done
What makes you happy = Marie and realizing that I've got the life I want, for the most part

Have you...
ever been in a fist fight = No violence for me. Wrasslin' with my brother on occasion, but not for a while
Ever been arrested = No. Almost got the beat down for jumping the turnstiles in New Jersey, but cooler heads prevailed

Number...
of times I have been in love? Just once.
of times I have had my heart broken? Probably a few times
of boys I have kissed? One or two. But just on the cheek.
of people I've slept with? In a bumping uglies sense? Just one special little lady
of CDs' that I own? I'd guess about 150 or 170. Of those, a good 85% are of the non-burned variety.
of times my name has appeared in the newspaper? At least five times (HS grad, College grad, engagement announcement, marriage announcement, and some article about human resource practices in the local area)

Were you raised in a particular religious faith?
I was raised Roman Catholic. My parents are religious, but not really strict. I think they have a good balance.

Do you still practice that faith? Why or why not?
I’ve been drawn to the Methodist faith and also draw from Buddhism, because I think it connects us to the universe/our surroundings better than Christianity.

What do you think happens after death?
About a million and one things. I’d like to think we still get to participate in life, on some level, if it’s watching over people we love or smitting people who are jerkwards or something. I’ve really got my hopes up that we spend a good 100 years learning before anything else. Like what would have happened if I had taken Job B over Job A or married someone else. Like Choose Your Own Adventure, but more interesting.

What is your favorite religious ritual (participating in or just observing)?
I would say weddings are my favorite. Each one is different and there is almost always cake!

Do you believe people are basically good?
I used to, but I’ve begun to feel that people are less and less born a certain way and they more make decisions (or have decisions made for them) to influence their outlook. I think there is something to be said for how little of the population the US represents compared to resources consumed or violent tendencies.

Ever broke/sprained/fractured anything: No, never. I think I sprained my ankle in college, but never went to the doctor for it. It cracks weirdly every now and again.

Do you have more guy friends or gal pals: It used to be female, but now I realize I’m closer to the boys.

MORE STUFF
Been in a car accident? One time I ever so slightly rear-ended a car when driving Marie and her brother back from their grandparent’s cottage. There was no damage to either car and I felt like a massive butt wipe afterwards. I also used to scratch up the sides of my car at our old apartment, since there was about .128 centimeters clearance between the building and a chain link fence. I was living in the ghetto and didn’t even know it.

Name the person that you are friends with who lives the farthest: so_gracefully lives all the way in Los Angeles. That’s a long way away.

Would you be willing to embarrass yourself just to see your significant other smile? This is the story of my life

Would you ever have sex with a person before you fell in love with them?
No, I don’t think I could

Stuck on an island
You're shipwrecked on a deserted island with little or no hope of being rescued. Assuming that food and shelter are plentiful, name five things you'd want with you.
A journal (with pen)
A deck of cards
A photo album
My glasses
A cell phone (that probably doesn't count, but I say it does)

As luck would have it, you're not alone on the island. Three of your friends are trapped with you. Who are they?
Marie
Terry
Liz
(the reunion of the four of us would provide for much entertainment)

Of the four of you, who is in charge?
Probably me, but I could see Liz taking over.

Which one of you is most likely to get a coconut cracked against your skull by one of your "friends?"
Probably Liz

There's enough pen, paper and bottles for each of you to send one message out into the ocean. Assuming that the letter would actually reach it's intended recipient, but they could do nothing to save you, who would you send that letter to?
The President at the time. I'd say something to the effect of "Even though I trapped on an island with no hope of rescue, there is a lot you can do about poverty in America. End the war on the homeless and make sure everyone has a safe place to live." It would result in mass media coverage and I'd be a hero. A hero with a tan.

Through an odd twist of fate, a sea chest washes up on shore a year after you've been on the island. What's inside it?
A mirror, a frisbee and some pornography. Hey, I didn't pack the chest, I'm just telling you what's inside.

Every island is bound to have some danger. If you could pick from the following list, which would it be? Cannibals, poisonous snakes, monsoons or an active volcano?
I'll take the monsoons. I can take a little water every now and again.

One morning, you wake up to find an empty dingy on the beach. It appears to have just washed up on shore all by itself. It's only big enough for two of you. What do you do?
Take bets on if Terry would kill Liz first or if Liz would kill Terry first. They wouldn't last very long together in a dingy. I would then rename the island Marie and Brian's Empire of Love.

You're getting a little tired of bananas and coconuts every day. How do you feel about hunting down a wild boar and killing it with a sharp stick?
But think how healthful I'd be! I could last without boar meat. I honestly don't think I could kill an animal.

Miraculously, you find a solar-powered CD player on the island, along with your 10 favorite CD's. What are they? (Note: They can't be custom compilations.)
The Dismemberment Plan - Emergency & I
face to face - Ignorance is Bliss
Billy Joel - Greatest Hits 1 and 2
Foo Fighters – The Colour and the shape
Alkaline Trio - Alkaline Trio
Pearl Jam - Binaural
Weezer - The Blue Album
Green Day - Dookie or Nimrod
Tom Petty - Greatest Hits

What movie have you seen the most times?
Clerks, most likely.

One question for Jesus, or Buddha or Muhammad, etc:
When I kill people in my head, that doesn't really count, does it?

Comfort food of choice:
Cheese or anything with dip.

Who do people say you look like?
I'm pretty unique looking (that's a kind way of saying oooo-guly)

What's the bane of your existence?
The feeling of powerlessness. That or the leftover cereal milk. Blech

Where would you like to grow old?
I'd like to live out West, but will most likely stay in the Wisconsin borders.

Do you have a completely irrational fear?
I won't flush the toilet while I'm sitting on it.

What is the little physical habit that gives away your insecure moments?
Blushing, most likely. Repeating things generally means I'm nervous, like saying the same thing but using slightly different words.

Do you know anyone famous?
I pressed the flesh with Lewis Black and got free stickers from Trever of face to face.

Describe your bed:
comfortable cloud
caressing my tired frame
alarm must perish

Have you ever been in a school play?
I was Hansel in 5th grade. I think this is the second survey asking about this and I said I would post the picture last time. I'll have to raid my parent's photo collection next time I'm home and live up to my promise.

Name three life altering events from your past: Meeting Marie, joining LiveJournal and getting Big Choice for my 18th birthday. Not so much the events themselves, but what happened as a result

A song that makes you feel good every time you hear it: Back and Forth – The Dismemberment Plan

The band/musical group/singer that you think you would be best friends with if you met them: Trever Keith

The celebrity that you think you would be best friends with if you met him/her: Jason Lee

One person who had a great effect on you but is no longer in your life: Heather

If you had three wishes and they had to be selfish, non-World Peace type wishes, what would you wish for? 1) Safety and happiness for my friends and family, 2) The ability to function on 1 hour of sleep with no side-effects, 3) A clear, positive impact on the world.

Name five people you know and pick a quality you admire about each one of them:
Marie - She's the most giving person I know
Terry - The best friend I've ever had
Jeremy - His ability to always look on the positive side
Andrea - Fighting for love, despite opposition from her family
Brian B - Always has a kind word to say about most everyone and is sincere


TEN Movies I Can't Live Without:
Chasing Amy
Dogma
Clerks
Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back
Mallrats
American Beauty
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
The Usual Suspects
face to face - The First Seven Years
Breakfast Club

NINE Albums That Are Important to Me:
face to face - How To Ruin Everything
face to face - s/t
The Dismemberment Plan - Emergency & I
The Dismemberment Plan - Change
Alkaline Trio – Alkaline Trio
Pearl Jam - Vitalogy
NOFX - Punk in Drublic
face to face - Ignorance is Bliss
Foo Fighters - s/t
Foo Fighters - The Colour and the Shape

EIGHT "Bands/Artists" I Couldn't Live Without:
face to face
The Dismemberment Plan
Pearl Jam
Foo Fighters
NOFX
Alkaline Trio
Billy Joel
Weezer

SEVEN Things that Annoy Me:
Allergies
People who are excessively wordy
People who are afraid of computers
Bad drivers
Meatheads
Office politics
Capitalism

SIX of My Favorite Songs at This Moment:
Alkaline Trio - Queen of Pain
face to face - Double Standard
The Dismemberment Plan - The Ice of Boston
Jawbox - Empire of One
Alkaline Trio - Radio
Wheat - Don't I Hold You (so_gracefully = hell yes)

FIVE TV Shows I Watch Regularly:
Home Movies
The Simpsons
Football American
Futurama
Seinfeld


FOUR of My All-Time-Favorite Books:
A People's History of the United States
Stupid White Men
All About Us
Eyes of the Dragon/The Stand

THREE Albums I've Bought Recently:
Weezer - Maladroit
Bruce Springsteen - The Rising (for Terry, stupid cribbage tournament)
Alkaline Trio - s/t

TWO People That Have Influenced My Life the Most:
Marie
Parents

ONE Thing I Could Spend the Rest of my Life With:
My glasses (how positively emo)

What do you think of the way you look?: Other than looking gross naked, I’m pleased
What do you think about life after death?: I’m not afraid of death, I just don’t want it to come too soon.
What do you think about karma?: i don't know. I’m a firm believer in karma, but most of the time people don’t recognize it when it occurs
What do you think about love?: 20 years of frustration, loneliness and sadness melt away quite nicely
What do you think about fate?: I think the best fate is the kind you create, but maybe I’m just trying to rhyme
What do you think about your self?: a fantastic answer was already here: a work in progress.
What do you tell yourself if times get hard?: Make the best of it and be glad it’s not any worse. It’s all about perspective
What would you give your life for?: A few choice people or causes
What do you think about your first love?: Confusing and wonderful. She was my first girlfriend, but probably not my first love though.
What do you think about the first person that loved you?: I’m guessing that would be the parental units, so I think they are pretty great. Appreciate comes with time.
What are you scared of?: the American public and Carrot Top. In that order.
What was the saddest moment of your life so far?: Realizing that my dad never knew his dad and feeling sorry for his dad in missing out on knowing a wonderful man. But maybe his absence turned my dad into who he is today…
What would life be without friends?: No one to feign laughter at my jokes? That would be pretty harrowing.
Without family?: I would miss out on learning a lot about my past, which I hope to do from my parents and grandparents in the near future.

*The Dream Side of You*
1.Do you dream a lot at night?: yes, but I don’t remember them all that often.
2.Do you dream in black and white, or color?: color, as best I can remember
3.Do you remember any of your dreams?: I report some of them here, but most evaporate before I can put them down on screen.
4.Where is your dream make out spot?: Someplace outside, a park maybe.
5.What is your dream kiss like?: Just like Marie kisses me
6.What is your dream job?: Misunderstood writer, although I hear that is a popular career goal
7.Where is your dream house?: Someplace with a big porch and lots of room for people to come over and stay for a while
8.Where is your dream vacation?: Back to Hills Lake, at the cottage that isn’t there anymore
9.Do you believe that your dreams are a gateway to your soul?: I think dreams are a direct result of what you ate before bed.

*Do you...*
1.Do you write in a journal or diary?: Only dumb people keep journals
3.Do you believe in love at first sight?: I don’t think it exists. Boners and love are not synonymous
4.Do you believe that every person has one soul mate: I’d like to believe it
Do you believe in the traditional god? Most of the time. I go back and forth on the issue. I believe in “something” and 95% of the time, that is god.
6.Do you believe in everyone (even the beyond helpless)?: Sometimes, more than myself
7.Do you believe in having a good education?: Yes, but I should have done more while in school. My study habits aren’t the best and luckily I’ve been able to get by on looks.
8.Do you believe in horoscopes?: Not really


*When you hear ___ you think of..*
1.Baseball: How much I abhor baseball
2.Jeff: Marie’s step dad or Jeff Bissing (Affectionately nicknamed Shaved Pussy Head).
3.Dog: How much I want one
4.Warm apple pie: My grandmother
5.Socks: Stink
6.Fish: stink too
7.Nail: Diggs
8.Amanda: I just thought of Amaya, that ridiculously ridiculous castmate of the Hawaii Real World season.
9.Swimming: the Sea Hags that inhabit our pool
10.Bologna: Homer Simpson
11.Giant Eagle: not much
14.School: roll call

*Relationships*
Things you like in the opposite sex: a kind heart and the ability to be themselves. The rest is just gravy.
The most romantic words anyone has said to you were: “…because I’m in love with you” – Marie. That just gave me goosebumps all over again
Which is more important- personality or looks?: I think you know the answer to this question, but I just wanted to say I found out I have a pimple on my collarbone and it hurts like a mother when you bump into it. So please, watch where you are going for the next week.
First boyfriend/girlfriend: Her name was Erin and it was 8th grade. She had a lisp and she got made fun of for it by a lot of people, but she had sufficiently woo’ed me. She was my first kiss en francias and moved away at the end of the year. I remember crying on my paper route the day I heard the news.

Where do you work? Describe your job history: My career has been in human resources, which is fulfilling to a point. It’s enjoyable work for me and I’ve had nice co-workers everywhere I’ve gone.

What kind of pressure do you feel about your future?: I feel pressured about kids. Mostly, from myself. How many do we want and is this a world we want to bring another life into are the questions that keep me up at night. Am I fatherly material and how much will it change our lives by having kids?

What artistic talents do you have? How skilled are you?: I'm not very artistic but have become better at taking pictures as of late. I attribute it to having a nicer camera, but I'll take what I can get.

What about you will make an interesting roommate?: I don't think I'm a particularly good roommate in that during the two years of college that I had a roommate, I spent the majority of my time in the room. I can imagine that got on Jeremy's nerves at times. I'm a mostly private person when I'm in person, so I like to have my space and my own agenda.

How would someone who really knows you describe your best traits?: Loyal, funny, caring and honest/moral.

How would someone who really knows you describe your worst traits?: I can be very selfish, pacify others instead confronting an issue and I can be uncomfortably shy at times.

Do you have a boyfriend or girlfriend? No, but I have a wonderful wife. Much better.

What qualities do you seek in a mate?: Someone who challenges me and someone who I can be myself around

How important is sex to you? Do you have it only when you're in a relationship or do you seek it out at other times?: I think sex is important, but intimacy is vastly superior. You can have sex with pretty much anyone but intimacy is something that is earned. Still, I'm almost always in the mood for it. And I've only had "it" while in a committed (re: current) relationship.

Describe your fantasy date: I don't fantasize about dates all that much. Something interesting that involves lots of communication, getting dressed up and good food.

What do you do for fun?: lately, scan in pictures. Usually, read, listen to music, spend time with friends and spend lots of (re: too much) time on the computer.

Describe a typical Friday or Saturday night: Most of my time is spent at home with Marie. We're more prone to spend time together or get caught up on things we didn't do during the week. The quiet life works pretty well for me.

Other than your boyfriend or girlfriend, who is the most important person in your life right now?: Other than Marie, I'd say that my friends are most important to me. I've found it difficult to cope with the ways friendships change after high school/college but I'm managing. It means so much when people not only make time for you; but also seek you out and I've found that lacking from people I used to be very close to.

What are some ways you have treated someone who has been important to you that you are proud of?: I'm proud of the way that I've put other people ahead of myself. It's not always been this way for me; I tend to be selfish with my time and also with my friends. I think it comes from understanding that people are often in a different mindset than I am and I need to see things through their eyes.

Describe your mother: I've always been closer to my mom and she's been a large influence in my life. Within the past year or so, I've been able to be much more honest with her on my views and ideals and I think we've both changed for the better as a result. She's a wonderful woman who spends too much time worrying about everyone else and not enough time devoted to making herself happy.

Describe your father: My dad is my hero in every sense of the word. Someone who can come from his background and upbringing and turn out the way he has gives me hope for a lot of things. While he's not perfect, he's someone I try to emulate in everyday life.

If you have any brothers or sisters, are you close?: My brother and I have never been close in that we are such different people. I think there is a lot of resentment on his part because I've succeeded where he has not. And I've found myself feeling like I need to apologize for the things I've accomplished. Things have gotten better and I think it's going to be a lifelong struggle to reach common ground. I love him and want the best for him but I think he's made some bad choices that have held him back.

What is the most important issue or problem facing you today?: The impending question of "Who am I?" has been prevalent in everyday thought and wonder.

Do you believe in God? Are you religious or spiritual?: I have a strong belief in a higher power and that our actions on earth determine what happens after we die. Call it what you will.

Do you have any habits we should know about?: I still crack my knuckles, I find it impossible to sit still while having a phone conversation and prefer to wander around the apartment, I drink lots of water and always have to sit with one leg crossed.

What bothers you most about other people?: Inconsideration and egos. The fact that we've got the potential to be wonderful, truly happy people and that so much of that is lost in favor of a larger car or a new marketing technique. I also hate the fact that people don't take enough time for themselves, especially after they break up with someone else.

How do you handle conflicts? Do you feel that this approach is effective?: Downplay it, put the burden on myself and then stew about it for long periods of time. Horrendously ineffective.

If you could change one thing about the way you look, what would it be?: Just one thing? I'd like to have a body I'm not ashamed of. But, since this is something that I *can* change about me, maybe that doesn't count. I'd also like to have fewer moles.

If you could change one thing about your personality, what would it be?: Be more willing to accept people for who they are instead of wishing they would be different and thus, make me happier

If you had Aladdin's lamp and three wishes, what would they be?:
1) That everyone had fulfilling work to do that made a positive contribution to society
2) Equality everywhere
3) Everyone to experience true love and life-long friendship

Favorites
Cocktail: Kiddie, please
Breakfast: Cereal or a bagel with cream cheese. Or both.
Fast food item: French fries
Cuisine: Mostly pasta or pizza
Scent: Rain or just before it's going to rain or bakeries
Car: I really like my old Buick, but it's starting to wear down. It's just really comfortable and smooth to ride in.
Brand of Clothing: Whatever is on sale at Kohl's or Shopko.
Item of clothing: Shorts. Comfy shorts
Accessory: wedding ring or glasses
Sneakers: I like my new sneakers. I could actually buy them off the shelf and not special order them from the circus supply store.
Hour of the day: Noon to one, I'm usually eating and doing something I like (reading or relaxing)
Song to do karaoke to: Pass
Actress: Tina Fey (ooh baby) or Aisha Tyler (ooooooooooooh baby)
Cartoon character: Milhouse or Brandon Smalls
Sports team: Packers or Jaguars
First date: My first with Marie, when we went out for Italian food and The Truman Show
Video game: Paperboy or Diablo

What’s your favorite day of the week and why?
I rather like Saturdays. The only day you can really do what you want and be able to sleep it off the next day.

How many dead people have you seen?
Real dead people? About 4 or 5, with my great-grandmother being the only one I was related to.

When was the last time you threw up?
I spent some quality time with the toilet about 18 months ago. A few sphincters were going off at the same time. I hope you're reading this after lunch.

Guess how old you'll live to..
I'm guessing into the 90s. Modern medicine is a crap shoot

And on your gravestone it will say?
"We, at the gravestone factory, fucked up. Brian was actually cremated. Our bad!!"

Who is your worst enemy?
As opposed to my best enemy? I think time is, in some way, everyone's enemy.

What’s the geekiest part of your music collection?
The fact that I used to have Bryan Adams, Genesis and Boyz II Men in it. Emphasis on "used to".

What do you eat when you raid the fridge at night?
I'm big on not sleeping until my teeth are brushed, so that would just complicate matters

Do you have a completely irrational fear?
I have a fear that when I'm up high or on a bridge or something the slightly odd urge to throw my self off. Not toss myself off, throw myself off. Like if I stand to close to the edge I'll be taken over by myself. It's gotten better in recent years, but still strikes me now and again.

What is the little physical habit that gives away your insecure moments?
My heart thudding in my chest, probably.

Describe your bed:
It's a king-sized bed, which is awesome. Two pillows (squishy for Marie, firmer for me), striped sheets with a black/white kinda tanish stripped comforter. It's got one of those runners that hangs down in the front so you can't see under the bed and the very infrequent times I vacuum I get it caught there. I also have issues with the fitted sheet. If there is any give to it, I practically can't sleep. I need my fitted sheet to be snug like a bug in a rug chugging drugs

Do you know how to play poker?
Yes. The sport of kings

How do you drive?
About 3-5 mph over the limit, windows down and radio (broken) off. One arm out the window and the other on the wheel. I think I'm a very careful driver

What do you miss most about being little?
Having no responsibilities and a strong imagination

Are you happy with your given name?
It gets a little dorky in the middle, but overall yes.

How much money would it take to get you to give up the internet for a year?
Quite a bit. I'm still (and always will be) an email junkie.

What color is your bedroom?
White walls with cream carpeting with mysterious orange stains on it (damnit!)

Do you like yourself and believe in yourself?
I have grown to like myself and I believe in myself in a lot of different ways. I get frustrated easily but it's a work in progress (like most things)

Have you ever done any illegal drugs?
I don't even do legal drugs

Do you think you're cute?
I'm more handsome than cute.

Do you consider yourself to be a nice person?
Unfortunately, not consistantly.

Do you spend more time with your girlfriend, boyfriend, or your friends?
wife, self, friends, mostly in that order.

Are you an innie or an outie?: Sufficiently innie
Have you ever worn bell-bottoms?: Not since I've been in charge of dressing myself
Have you ever written a song?: Not yet
Can you make change for a dollar right now?: Yes. Yes I can
Have you ever been in the opposite sex's bathroom?: One time when I was a lot younger, at a church function. The doors of the bathrooms were open and I think I just saw toilets and assumed it was the men's room. I wondered why as I was walking out a woman gave me a dirty look (at a church function, no less). But purposely? No.
Have you ever smelled your own feet?: Yeah. They're not too bad.
Do you like ketchup on or beside your french fries?: Neither. BBQ sauce or Honey Mustard, all the way.
Can you touch your tongue to your nose?: I can touch it to your nose.
Have you ever been a boy/girl scout?: Boy scout for a few years. It wasn't all that great.
Have you ever broken a mirror?: No. My rear view mirror fell off my car while I was at work a few months ago, but it didn't break
Have you ever put your tongue on a frozen pole?: Ralphie taught me not to
What is your biggest pet peeve?: People who can't articulate what they want to say
Do you slurp your drink after its gone?: No.
Have you ever blown bubbles in your milk?: Yeah, but that tended to make the milk warm. Ick.
Have you ever gone skinny-dipping?: I've "pulled it out" in a pool before, does that count?
When you are at the grocery store, do you ask for paper or plastic?: I bring my own cloth bags.
True or False: You would rather eat steak than pizza: False
Did you have a baby blanket?: Yeah.
Have you ever tried to cut your own hair?: I shaved my arm hair once. Just a little strip, to see what it was like.
Have you ever sleepwalked?: No
Have you ever had a birthday party at McDonalds?: No, I had Chucky Cheese instead
Can you flip your eye-lids up?: Ewww.
Are you double jointed?: Double-jointedness doesn't exist; it's just a condition of flexibility. However, I can touch my thumb to my mid-forearm on the same arm. Also, my elbows are weirdly flexible too. I'll have to show you sometime.
If you could be any age, what would you be?: I think 24 is pretty good. Maybe a little older.
Have you ever gotten gum stuck in your hair?: No, thankfully.
Have you ever thrown-up after a roller coaster ride?: We had our 9th grade band trip to Great America. For some reason I wanted to go, despite being terrified of roller coasters. I only went on "The Whizzer", which I believe has a top speed of 18 miles per hour. Now, I love to go on everything multiple times. As for puking, no. I'd be more apt to throw up on the way than on the actual ride.
How many cavities do you have?: I think you mean "fillings", and more than I care to mention
If you were in a car sinking in a lake, which would you do first: unbuckle your seat belt or open your window?: Window, it's much harder to open with all of the pressure compared to the seat belt.
Have you ever ridden in an ambulance?: No
Can you pick something up with your toes?: Mostly just socks.
How many remote controls do you have in your house?: Three
Have you ever fallen asleep in school?: No, but I've done that head jerk thing in practically every class since high school
How many foreign countries have you visited? 2, Canada and St. Lucia.
Do you ask for directions when you are lost?: Going against my genetic imperative, yes
Have you ever been in a car that ran out of gas?: Come very close, but no
Would you rather shovel snow or mow the lawn?: Probably shovel
Would you rather be bitten by a poisonous snake or constricted by a python?: I'll take the poison
Would you climb a very high tree to save a kitten?: I think I'd ask a grown-up for help
Can you tell the difference between a crocodile and an alligator?: Probably not
If you were a car, would you be an SUV or a sports car? I'd be KITT, except far wittier.
Would you blow your nose at the dinner table?: I have before. I try not to, but when duty calls...
Have you ever slipped in the bathtub?: Yes, but not fell
Do you use regular or deodorant soap?: Doesn't all soap technically de-odorize?
Have you ever locked yourself out of the house?: If house=apartment, yes
Would you hang out with someone your best friend didn't like?: Yes
Would you hang out with someone your best friend liked, but you didn't like?: I have before. Not the best situation, but I think most of my friends have the same taste. Sometimes we can learn a lot from people we don't like.
Would you give someone else a gift that had been given to you?: I've thought about it. I think that's how most gift baskets from Bath and Body Works make their rounds... our generation's fruitcake.
If your grandmother gave you a gift that you already have, would you tell her?: No.
Do you sing in the car?: When my radio is working
If you were a bicycle, would you be a stingray or a mountain bike?: My cousin calls me Mountain, so I'll have to stick to my namesake
What is your least favorite fruit?: Melon
If you won a $5,000 shopping spree to any store, which store would you pick?: An independent bookstore. Little Professor, probably
Among your friends, who could you arm wrestle and beat?: Probably not many. I'm rather weak.
How many members do you have in your immediate family? 7 (Ma, Pa, Brad, Muffett, Savannah, Marie and me. Soon to be 8 with the addition of a nephew – within two weeks)
Which of the five senses is most important to you?: Sight
Would you be a more successful painter or singer?: Singer
How many years will/did you end up going to college? 4.5
Have you ever had surgery?: Stitches in the face and arm, but no surgery. Knock on wood.

HAVE YOU EVER HAD A MAKEOVER?
No, but I got Marie a footspa on the recommendation of vegasdemilo and it's fabulous!

HAVE YOU EVER WITNESSED DEATH?
Video games, movies, TV, etc., but not in real life. I've been to funerals but never seen anyone die. Knock on wood.

WHAT'S THE LONGEST TIME YOU'VE STAYED OUT OF THE COUNTRY/WHERE?
One week, on our honeymoon to St. Lucia

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE HIGH SCHOOL MEMORY?
Senior year was my favorite year, despite half of my friends going to a different school. I think I really came out of my shell that year and became a stronger person.

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE DOING WHEN YOU ARE 60?
Pushups. Hundreds of pushups. Old people that can do pushups are amazing.

WHAT IS YOUR FIRST MEMORY?
Probably of the cottage my parents used to take my brother and I to. The memories I have of the cottage most realistically represent heaven on earth in my mind.

MY FIRST HEARTBREAK HAPPENED WHEN I WAS...
in 8th grade.

HOW MUCH MONEY DOES IT TAKE TO KEEP YOU FOR A YEAR?
That's a tough question. I have this love/hate relationship with money, because I think it just fucks things up. I guess as little as I need. Socialism now!

DO YOU HAVE ANY WEIRD PREFERENCES?
Tons. Room temperature soda over soda with ice is the only once that comes to mind.

WHAT IS ONE THING YOU WILL NEVER UNDERSTAND ABOUT THE OPPOSITE SEX?
The need to change outfits multiple times a day.

WHAT PIECE OF TECHNOLOGY DO YOU WANT MOST RIGHT NOW?
A stereo would be cool, but it's really not necessary.

NAME ONE TV CHARACTER YOU'D MOST WANT TO BE.
Milhouse.

FAVORITE GEMSTONE?
Uh, pass.

GIVE YOURSELF A PORN STAR NAME.
Ronald Hawes (using the time tested method of middle name + childhood street name)

WHAT'S YOUR WORST FLAW?
Self-righteousness. Ick.

DESCRIBE YOUR DREAM HOUSE.
A multi-story house with lots of cool rooms. And a secret passage, please.

YOUR TYPICAL SLEEPWEAR:
As a jaybird

WHAT'S IN YOUR BAG?
I'm guessing you mean my work bag, so here goes: "Executive" folder with a notepad, pen holder, etc, copy of cover letter and resume (you never know when you'll need it), medium sized notebook, a rubber banded stack of business cards, two blank floppy discs, a to-do list, a small notebook (good for writing on while in the bathroom), CDs (Foo Fighters - TINLTL, Pearl Jam - Yield, Dismemberment Plan - !, Emergency and I, Change, Alkaline Trio - From Here to Infirmary, face to face - How To Ruin Everything and bonus CD, 4 compilation CDs I've made and a pen. A little too sterile for my liking.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF IN YOUR LIFE?
My awareness of the world around me, I guess. So many people seem to go through life in a trance. I've got a lot of work to do (snotty fuck yous and all) but I'm proud of my open-mindedness.

HOW WAS YOUR SENIOR PROM?
Pretty terrible. I think that my date (Claire) thought I "like like"'d her, so she spent most of the night avoiding me. I shoulda asked Andrea, my date for damn near every other dance, but for some reason, I didn't. Damn hindsight! I spent the night alone in a big tent afterwards.

TELL US ABOUT ANY OF YOUR BIRTHDAYS.
My birthdays are pretty fun. I most enjoy when people call me and wish me well. I like my grandpa, who informs *everyone* about his birthday months in advance. "Did you know it's my birthday in five weeks? Yup, it's coming up soon", etc. Grandparents are the best.

WHAT DO YOU MOST ENJOY ABOUT LOOKING AT OTHER PEOPLE?
Mostly their mannerisms. How they sit, if they express themselves with their hands, if they maintain eye contact, etc.

WHAT ARE THE FIRST FIVE THINGS YOU WOULD SPLURGE ON IF YOU WERE A BILLIONAIRE?
A large apartment complex, with half for my friends and I and the other half for people who can't afford rent and need a place to stay. No one should be homeless. Ever.
face to face to play a private concert at said apartment complex (we'd have a stage/cafe/something or other in there too). Local bands could play for free and stay there if they need to. I'm starting to think this is a good idea.
Pay off all of the debt from my friends (education-wise...I ain't paying for your SUV or credit card bills, suck ass!)
Take 5 or 10 years 'off' and travel and live in other countries. I regret not studying abroad during my college years and think it would open my eyes even wider.
After taking modest (and I mean modest) living expenses for the rest of my life, donate it all to a host of good causes (Food Not Bombs, Amnesty International, NOW, Sierra Club, etc.) and in turn, volunteer my time for a year at each of the good causes. Money can only do so much.

WHAT IS YOUR DAILY BEFORE-GOING-TO-BED RITUAL?
Empty bladder, wash face, brush teeth, double-check front door is locked, turn on the fan, turn on the nightstand light and read for about half an hour before turning in.

WHAT IS THE WEIRDEST/FUNNIEST NICKNAME ANYONE HAS EVER CALLED YOU?
"Murts" was my nickname in junior high. Then my geography teacher started calling me by it, thus eradicating all coolness.