From xinexine72 :

1. In one of the Bridget Jones books, there is a short passage that says the reason gay men and straight, single women in their 30s get along so well is that they’re both used to disappointing their parents. What are your thoughts on this statement?

Hmm. I wonder. I’ve seen these friendships in tons of movies, TV shows, and even among personal acquaintances. But I don’t have any friendships like this myself. I guess it’s sort of sad. I think it’d be fun, refreshing. I guess that explanation makes sense though, even if it is a bit simplistic. I think what’s more likely is that gay men and single straight women get along well because neither feels the need to be either competitive or flirty.

2. You share a birthday with Dorothy Parker AND my mother. How do you feel about this?

I didn’t know about Dorothy Parker! But I also share a birthday with Ray Bradbury and Cindy Williams (and Tori Amos). I think it’s interesting. But unlike a lot of people, I think that astrology is a bunch of hooey. Anyway, I guess you’ll always be able to remember my birthday!

3. Have you/did you ever go to the Mashed Potato Club? It was a nightclub, but also a restaurant that specialized in, yes, Mashed Potatoes. It was sort of like an ice cream parlor; you ordered however many scoops of potatoes you wanted, and then added your toppings. Meats, cheeses, spices, veggies, as well as more sundae-style toppings, such as whipped cream and cherries. How many scoops would you order and what would your toppings be?

Yes! The one and only time I ever went was with my family after my college graduation ceremony. They were visiting Chicago; none of us had ever been there. I liked it but everyone else seemed rather indifferent. I love mashed potatoes with butter and gravy. But also with cheese (cheddar & swiss), bacon, scallions, roast turkey, garlic. Mmmm.

4. What is your ultimate fantasy as a writer?

Paul Auster hears about “100 Spinning Plates” and passes a copy onto David Byrne, who also loves it. I get a call from McSweenys (who both guys have connections with); they’re interested in reprinting it, and they want to give me an advance to finish “Tiny Apocalypse.” Word gets back to David Byrne that my new book is named after a song from his last album, and is incredibly flattered. I take the advance, quit my job, finish the book, eventually go on a book tour. Auster, Byrne and I collaborate on a screenplay and I finally get to direct a film. I turn into Renaissance Man Rob: writing, directing, throwing cocktail parties, serving as guest programmer for various film venues, and eventually releasing compilation CDs of my favorite music. Yeah, right.

5. And in conclusion, the cliche question: You can only watch one movie and listen to one album for the rest of your life. What are they and why did you choose those?

Dear Lord. Okay, umm, “Lawrence of Arabia” and “Einstein on the Beach” … I figure they’re both long & vast enough to yield enjoyment for a long time. But it would be hell.