I have two unrelated problems. First, I lost the "to do" icon on the workspace. I've tried switching themes, and ensuring all applications is marked, but I can't find it.

Second, I somehow created an awful background or wallpaper for my e-mail -- it looks like an old-fashioned barbershop pole making mail very difficult to read. How do I get rid of it

Options > Themes for the theme.

For the wallpaper, find a picture you like and SET AS WALLPAPER.

And for your missing application I would start with a hard reset (Battery Pull while the device is on).

E-

are you using Empower or BB Smart for your email? if not then it should be a standard white background.

ahhhh... the striped background for BES mail...

^^Good catch... it's those bionic eyes!