Showalter's Showalter

Jeanette says:

Meeting Birbigs was the highlight of my college career thus far. Either that or my Film History class. I have to skip my Math recitation for it, but I could really care less. It's a common theme in college I find, the struggle to be two places at once. For the first time I thought how great it would be if I could clone myself. I don't know. I like it, but next semester will be a lot better, I know. Everything will get better with time.

I also don't have strong feelings about Michael Moore. I just happened to be watching Bowling For Columbine while writing that post. Some people can get really riled up about his persona, I think. There was an episode of American Dad (Family Guy) that suggested that, perhaps, Michael Moore and Rush Limbaugh were the same person. Actually, they were made out to be two characters played by Fred Savage. Only in a perfect world, I guess...

But no, I really don't give two shits about him. I agree with snips of what he says and assume the rest is just melodrama.

To answer your question, as you can tell my the title, it would be Michael Showalter. He was the first member of Stella that I really became familiar with through The Baxter, and I fell in love with him immediately. Although, arguably, MIB is more attractive and David is more hilarious, Mr. Showalter seems to be the complete package. He can tell me stories, play piano, conjure mysterious noises and make me laugh for hours on end. So, if I was going to be stuck on that island, he'd be coming along with me. Hands down.

Okay, same question (I am weirdly excited to know your response). Also, tell me your specific feelings/experiences concerning Seinfeld.

Oh, and we need to video chat. Like. For real. Soon.

Jordan says:

First off, YOU MET MIKE BIRBIGS??

love him

so much

I don't really have an opinion about Michael Moore.  The three movies I have seen of his were interesting but a little blown out of proportion.  I left the theater each time without positive of negative feelings about him.  So for the purpose of writing an interesting post, here is what my father says, "Michael Moore? The director?"  

"yeah dad"

"Why are you asking me this?"

"For a blog"

"Oh.  Well I guess I like where he is coming from.  He can be heavy handed though."

"Okay thanks"

"Where's mom?"

"I don't know"

"Oh"

That's about it.  I am eager to hear what you have to say.

I guess this will be a short post.  I promise my next one will be a novel

Another question for you:  If you were to be stuck on an island with one of the members of Stella, who would it be and why?

also, how's college???

Lately

Jeanette says:

First of all, I recently saw the show "Rex the Runt," in which there is a character named Dr. Dog. I assume this is where the band gets their name. It's a freakin' weird-ass show.

Also, in response to the bands you have been listening to...

1. I love the song "Undeclared." They talked about it in Paste a while back and I really enjoy it.

2. "Hospice" blows my mind. Have you listened to it much?

3. Saw the music video for "Lessons Learned" and loved them immediately. There's an art show in downtown Indy and there was an exhibit with pictures from one of their shows. Very photogenic band, if I might add.

4. Dude. Thank God for "Lost In Translation." That was the only cool band I liked Freshman year (or whatever). "Wolfgang" fucking rockkkksssss.

All right...some of mine...

1. Passion Pit ("To Kingdom Come" and "Little Secrets")

2. Ra Ra Riot (alumni to my new school, Syracuse University and are playing a show in Ithaca next month that I have to go to)

3. Phoenix (sameee)

4. Discovery (best of Vamp Week and Ra Ra)


That's pretty much it. I also need to start listening to Girl Talk more before he comes to SU for Juice Jam 09. I don't want to look like a square.

And, as another side note, I would just like to say that I met Mike Birbiglia this weekend, and he's one of the greatest comedians. He's adorable.

Anyways, question: How do you feel about Michael Moore?

Cinemalia

Jordan says:

I saw "the Cove" last night.  It's a brilliantly structured documentary about the horrible treatment of Dolphins in Taiji, Japan.  I admit certain parts are a little disturbing (watching dolphins bleed to death) but what makes it so special is that the story is told as a real-life action thriller.  The people making the movie had to sneak into the area where the dolphins are kept and plant hidden cameras to get the footage.  And what they got is both horrifying and enlightening.  This is one of those movies where you just want to tell everyone you know to go see it so you can talk about how messed up our world is.  However, there is a layer of hope to it because it is an issue that can be stopped if enough people get involved.  

I can't think of a movie that I have hated recently, but I had mixed feelings about Judd Apatow's "Funny People."  I love the comedy that this group produces, but this movie failed to leave me with the satisfied and giddy feeling that I got from their previous films.  The movie was too long, almost 2.5 hours.  The only reason I can think of for it to be so lengthy, is so the billion story lines could be completed.  From what I could tell there were 3 troubled romances, 2 friend conflicts, and 2 self-discoveries.  It all got lost and took away from the great humor.  I have to say I loved the way Apatow wove the stand-up routines into the movie, but I was left confused and a little annoyed.  

My least favorite Woody Allen movie is undoubtedly Melinda and Melinda.  Mostly because of how little Woody I felt in it.  Also I fell asleep at the end.  

OKAY.  I would like to take this opportunity to say that Dr. Dog's 2008 album "Fate" is one of the most perfect records I have heard.... ever.  Every single track is a song worth listening to repeatedly, and the progression from one to the next is magical.  The band has two singers, who are very similar but are able to provide the listener with a wealth of different melodies and emotions.  My favorite tracks are "The Breeze," "The Rabbit, the Bat & the Reindeer," "The Ark," "From," and "Hang On."  But I will say again that every song is incredible.  

Here are some bands I recently started listening to:

1. The Dodos (listen to the album "Visiter")

2. The Antlers (especially the song "Kettering")

3. Matt & Kim (a fun duo from Brooklyn.  Think Mates of State meets MGMT)

4. Pheonix (Just. Fun.)

Talk to me about what you have been listening to recently

Recently Reviewed

Jeanette says:

First off, my favorite Michael Jackson song is "Black Or White."

And as far as what you say about relationships, I agree with you totally. I think we share the same mind.

In response to the prompt...

One movie I saw recently that I loved: "The Hangover"
I am weirdly attracted to Zack Galifinakis. It's just a really, really funny movie. Explicit, perhaps. Boring, never. It hits every beat, on the money. Nearly every line is funny. Todd Phillips got it right.

One movie I saw recently that I loathed: "Gummo"
It had me all in a fit! I mean, yes, I think the rest of the country should know that there are some pretty fucked up places right here in the USA. However, we shouldn't demonize the people who are living this isolated, undereducated, poverty-stricken lifestyle. Filmmakers should be showing an honest representation of the dark corners of our country in order to raise awareness and provoke change, not give us nightmares. Harmony Korine strikes me as a crack-addled lunatic. I saw him in an interview for "Mister Lonely." That movie was shit, but at least he looked liked he had at least tried to clean himself up. Not like that David Letterman interview.

I also saw "Eulogy" which I was totally apathetic to, but if I had to take a stance, I'd say it was crap.

Now, same question. Also: What is the worst Woody Allen movie?