Zanny

I was at the Arcade Fire concert in Portland, on 5.27.07, and before I went into the venue I saw Colin Meloy stand not two inches in front of me. I could have touched him and my elbow would still have been bent; that’s how close he was. But I didn’t talk to him so I don’t think it counts as “meeting.” I’m still kicking myself for not saying anything. The Decemberists are my third-favorite band.

Because he’s my culinary idol.

I’ve seen a few of his stand-up specials and he’s absolutely hilarious.

Because they’re my favorite band.

I was at a live performance of theirs (opening up for Arctic Monkeys) at the Roseland Theater in Portland, in May of 2006. Near the end of the concert I was getting tired so I went over to the left-hand wall to lean against it. Sometimes I would lean and sometimes I wouldn’t, and once when I wasn’t leaning I saw Keith Murray pass behind me to go backstage, then he came out again, and after the concert was over I passed by Keith and looked over to him (he’s hot, what do you expect, I’m not made of stone) and he saw me and smiled and waved, so I went over and there were a bunch of other people there and when he got to me I was a complete dork and got tongue-tied, and we shook hands, and all I could think of to say was “You guys are good,” and he grinned and said “Thank you very much!” Unfortunately I didn’t get an autograph or picture and I’m still kicking myself for that. I didn’t meet the other two band members.

Because House is one of the best shows on TV (it’s in my top 3, after Lost and Heroes). Also: Scruffy Brit! I have an affinity for scruffy Brits.

Because he’s a f*ing genius.

I’m a latecomer to The Daily Show, but Jon Stewart is absolutely hilarous and I’m addicted to the show now. I also have America: The Book (which I know should technically be underlined but there’s no code for underlining) and I read it twice in a row; it’s that good.

Because I’m almost positive she and I have almost exactly the same taste in music, and I’ve always wanted to talk about indie-rock music with her and make fun of Top 40 stuff. Plus I think she’s smart and funny.