I met Dave Barry at my grandfather's memorial service (so it doesn't really count as a random encounter). He told me with a smile on his face that I have a sick sense of humor.

My grandfather knew a lot of famous authors and reporters; I always hoped that I'd get to meet Tom Harris through him, but it seems unlikely now. My parents had lunch with him once. Apparently he's one big fuzzy bear despite his sick and twisted mind; for those unfamiliar with the name, he authored all the books starring Hannibal Lecter.