Pop forum: Meet today's featured reader
Today's reader has great taste in music and TV, and he also celebrated a birthday on Wednesday. If you say hello in the comments, wish him a happy one!
Reader of the day: suburbanite
Real name: Evan
Why I chose my screen name: I don't really have a solid reason, but lately I've been realizing the wealth of story that is in suburban America. Also, I live in one, so there you go.
Where I live: In a "suburb" of Des Moines, Iowa. Des Moines was recently voted one of the hippest cities to live in the U.S. or something like that, but I'm not exactly sure why.
Occupation: I work at the only grocery chain in the state where we STILL carry out the groceries. My uniform is a white dress shirt, dress pants and a tie; I joke that three times I week I dress as a Bible salesman.
Favorite TV show: It's pretty cliché, but it has to be Lost for me. I admit I was scared about this season with all the time-travel, but ever since Jughead it's been smooth sailing. I also like Wonderfalls, 30 Rock, Freaks and Geeks, The Office and Firefly.
Three famous people I'd love to meet: J.J. Abrams to learn about his creative process, Tina Fey for her humor, and ... lately, Joss Whedon has become an inspiration for me, so maybe him.
Favorite movie: Minority Report has been my consistent favorite for a few years now for many reasons; its special effects aren't overpowering and the names associated also don't overpower the film. It answers the question: What if Hitchcock had made a movie about the future? Sadly, I don't hear about it that often, so I try to get the word out.
Favorite album: Speak for Yourself by Imogen Heap is really good, and I've never tired of Hide and Seek. My other go-to album is The Con by Tegan and Sara.
Favorite book: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. I love the chapters about Scout's childhood nostalgia more than the courtroom drama.
Favorite website (aside from the Candy): Wikipedia and sometimes the Relevant magazine website.
One famous person I've actually met: My dad worked at a rehabilitation center, and President Bush came to speak one day while on the campaign trail. All I remember were lots of new network cameras and that I shook his hand.
A movie I can't stand (and why): I'd have to say it's Phantom of the Opera. I've never seen the actual stage show, but the soundtrack was amazing. I heard great things about the movie so I watched it, but just couldn't get into it. Poor cinematography, not enough character development, and the whole time I was thinking that Christine was miscast. A better choice would've been Anne Hathaway or something.
People say I resemble: Someone said I looked like Josh Groban; to be honest, I'm not sure if that is a compliment or an insult. They said it was compliment so I'm going with that.
How/when I started reading Pop Candy: My first big purchase was a laptop and the first site explored on it was USA TODAY, and from there I found you, and the rest is history.
Joss, Tegan, Lost, Harper Lee ... I like your style, Evan. I hope you can enjoy the weekend and don't have to spend it working! Also, don't forget to catch the second episode of Dollhouse tonight. It's supposed to be better than the premiere.