We all have a suspicion and hope that we've just been part of something special, something that may eventually change our lives. That no one else knows this makes it seem like we are living with a secret that we would like to share, but can't, sort of like having a superpower that's not come online or being president elect. For the moment, our lives proceed as usual, but within a month, we think, everything will change. It's a frustrating, if exciting, disconnect.

Sampling, statisticians have told us, is a much more effective way of getting a good census.

The really good thing about my career is that I never went through a phase where I played characters who had names like "Partygoer," "Waiter," or "Guy #1."

Any time an opportunity scares you that much, you should seriously consider saying yes.

I was sick of playing high-school kids. I liked being a teenager, but I would not go back for all the tea in China.

I had no regrets when I did it, I have even less regret now because I can't imagine staying on the West Wing show and then, six weeks later, Aaron Sorkin leaving.

I believe in ceremony. I think ceremony is important, pomp and circumstance, tradition. I'm into those things.