A Global High Five

Showalter's Showalter

2009-09-09T05:33:00.000-07:00

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.

2009-09-01T16:37:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-31T12:08:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-24T13:17:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-02T08:01:00.000-07:00

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?

Quotemania

2009-06-27T23:11:00.000-07:00

Jordan:

When I first saw "Brick", the first thing I thought was 'I wish all of my friends talked like the Brain.' Sadly, most of them don't, and the ones that do, can't really pull it off. But that Ricky Fitts quote from American Beauty is my favorite movie quote ever. I would say I agree with you completely, but when I think about it it's not necessarily focused on dialogue, but often entire personas or even relationships. I mean, as much as I wished everyone I knew talked like the Brain, I also wish they were genius rubix-cube solvers who I had secret phone calls with.

As per MJ, Billie Jean is the only song that I have really been listening to a lot. It's just so good.

Here are some quotes that fit the criteria you laid out for me.

"It's not a question of money. For twenty dollars, I'd plant anybody with a hoop and a holler. But the funeral is off." Chamlee, "The Magnificent Seven"

"I had always heard your entire life flashes in front of your eyes the second before you die. First of all, that one second isn't a second at all, it stretches on forever, like an ocean of time... For me, it was lying on my back at Boy Scout camp, watching falling stars... And yellow leaves, from the maple trees, that lined my street... Or my grandmother's hands, and the way her skin seemed like paper... And the first time I saw my cousin Tony's brand new Firebird... And Janie... And Janie... And... Carolyn. I guess I could be pretty pissed off about what happened to me... but it's hard to stay mad, when there's so much beauty in the world. Sometimes I feel like I'm seeing it all at once, and it's too much, my heart fills up like a balloon that's about to burst... And then I remember to relax, and stop trying to hold on to it, and then it flows through me like rain and I can't feel anything but gratitude for every single moment of my stupid little life... You have no idea what I'm talking about, I'm sure. But don't worry... you will someday." Lester Burnham, "American Beauty."

"I am a golden god!" Russell Hammond, "Almost Famous

"Waiter, there is too much pepper on my paprikash." Harry Burns, "When Harry Met Sally"

"Big time. See the Pin pipes it from the lowest scraper for Brad Bramish to sell, maybe. Ask any dope rat where their junk sprang and they'll say they scraped it from that, who scored it from this, who bought it off so, and after four or five connections the list always ends with The Pin. But I bet you, if you got every rat in town together and said "Show your hands" if any of them've actually seen The Pin, you'd get a crowd of full pockets." The Brain, "Brick"

"You think nobody sees you. Eating lunch behind the portables. Loving some girl like she's all there is, anywhere, to you. I've always seen you. Or maybe I liked Emily. Maybe I see what you're trying to do for her, trying to help her, and I don't know anybody who would do that for me." Laura Dannon, "Brick"

"Excuse me, ladies. You may remember me as the guy who came to dinner a few weeks ago with underwear on my head. My name is Keith Stat from Millburn, New Jersey. State bird, the mosquito. And as you may have heard, I am recently a crowned class B dungeon master. So if any of you would like to play D&D today, please speak now or forever hold your peace." Keith Stat, "Wet Hot American Summer"

On that note, I turn the tables back to you my Indianian(?) friend. What movie have you seen recently that was amazing, and what movie have you seen recently that was horrible?

Like They Do In the Movies

2009-06-25T19:33:00.000-07:00

Jeanette:

I am not listening to Michael Jackson. I feel totally unaffected by his death right now. Instead, I am listening to Kings of Leon. So, sue me.

Jordan, learn Spanish. Please. Start a Manu Chao cover band. I would go to all of your shows and start a fan site. I'm only kidding a little bit.

So, about your new trend, that's cool. I mean, everyone who I went to high school with shopped at Hollister or just wore screen tees from Delia's. However, I am sure LA is filled with mislead fashionistas. I would like pictures of your creations, please and thank you. Also, I only vaguely remember what Klosterman essay you are referencing. All I can think of at the moment is "Three Stories Involving Pants."

Anyways, I just watched the movie "The Go-Getter." I thought it was pretty good. I didn't understand the main character's romantic relationship with Jena Malone. She was off-putting and, really, just gross. My favorite scene was when Lou Taylor Pucci was in the car with his fabricated image of Zooey Deschanel in a miner's helmet, discussing if they'd really want to know what their pets were thinking. I had the same thought that I often do in the middle of a movie. I really wish people spoke like they do in movies. Like in Wes Anderson movies. Like in Woody Allen movies. Like in Kevin Smith movies (and that movie "Brick" too). I wish everyone was so poetic. Here are some lines that I wish people said in real life from movies I have recently seen.

"I always had a problem with Huckleberry Finn. I mean, I liked the story, I read it, but the river; it made me feel stuck." Mercer, "The Go-Getter"

"It was one of those days when it's a minute away from snowing and there's this electricity in the air, you can almost hear it. And this bag was, like, dancing with me. Like a little kid begging me to play with it. For fifteen minutes. And that's the day I knew there was this entire life behind things, and this incredibly benevolent force, that wanted me to know there was no reason to be afraid, ever. Video's a poor excuse, I know. But it helps me remember...and I need to remember. Sometimes there's so much beauty in the world I feel like I can't take it, like my heart's going to cave in." Ricky Fitts, "American Beauty"

"I think she's the saddest girl to ever to hold a martini." Sofia, "Vanilla Sky"

"When I asked my mother where babies came from, she thought I said 'rabies.' She said you get them from being bitten by a dog. The next week, a woman on my block gave birth to triplets. I thought she'd been bitten by a great dane." Miles, "Sleeper"

"Like I'd marry you! You'd be the meanest wife ever, okay? And I know that you weren't bored that day because there was a lot of stuff on TV, and then 'The Blair Witch Project' was coming on Starz and you were like 'I haven't seen this since it came out and if so we should watch it' and then 'but oh, no, we should just make out instead la la la.'" Bleeker, "Juno"

"So don't. Stay here with me. We'll start a jazz band." Charlotte, "Lost In Translation"

"Let's never come here again because it will never be as much fun." Charlotte, "Lost In Translation"

Do you have any examples, Jordan? Or do you even agree with me? What do you have to say and so on? Elaborate.

Easy As That

2009-06-24T16:34:00.001-07:00

Jordan:

What is one band that I am ashamed to say I'd want to be a part of?

Manu Chao. Definitely.

They have the most dedicated following, and I would only have to learn ones song (all their songs are the same). Also every time I hold up the peace song, everyone would cheer. Now that's the American dream. ....If only I spoke Spanish...

I have decided to start wearing things I find on the street instead of normal clothes. Why? Fashion seems to have come to a point where the line between someone incredibly awesome and a homeless guy who just escaped from an institution is blurring. Therefore, I, by wearing people's old food wrappers and trash bags, will be the coolest person anyone has ever met. I thank Chuck Klosterman for the inspiration. Your thoughts?

Goo Goo Dolls, really?

2009-06-21T06:38:00.000-07:00

So, this Top 5 is difficult. I think I will have to split is up.

No order, by the way.

Top 5 Driving Songs During the Day:
1. "Mouthwash" by Kate Nash
2. "Here (In Your Arms)" by Hellogoodbye
3. "Since U Been Gone" by Kelly Clarkson
4. "You Can't Hurry Love" by The Supremes
5. "Electric Avenue" by Eddy Grant

Top 5 Driving Songs on the Interstate at Night:
1. "Violent Dreams" by Jump Little Children
2. "A" by Cartel
3. "Against the Grain" by City and Colour
4. "Sixty-Eight" by The Ready Set
5. "After Hours" by We Are Scientists

Top 5 Driving Songs When I'm In a Funk and It's Raining:
1. "Elephant Guns" bu Beirut
2. "Arizona" by Pedro the Lion
3. "Flume" by Bon Iver
4. "Broadripple Is Burning" by Margot and the Nuclear So and So's
5. "Iris" by Goo Goo Dolls

Top 5 Driving Songs to a Party:
1. "Undone (The Sweater Song)" by Weezer
2. "Wow I Can Get Sexual Too" by Say Anything
3. "Long Distance Call" by Pheonix
4. "Electric Feel" by MGMT
5. "Harder to Breathe" by Maroon 5

What does all of this mean? Oh, just that I'm the shittiest hipster in North America. I'll probably realize I missed an obvious one later. You get the general idea though.

Oh, okay, prompt...What is one band you're ashamed to say you'd want to be a part of?

Mine's Paramore. Self-explanatory.

This is a very embarrassing blog post.

Well,

2009-06-20T23:00:00.000-07:00

Jordan:

One day I watched both Annie Hall and High Fidelity back to back, not expecting to especially compare the two. They are, in fact, so similar, that I sometimes think of High Fidelity as just taking the structure of Annie Hall and placing a slightly different, modern story in it. I would go into specific scenes, but I am too busy watching Stella on my computer. It's funny.

I guess since we are already talking about High Fidelity, we should do some top 5's.

My top five driving songs are (in no specific order):

1. "The Weight" by The Band

2. "Wake Up" by Arcade Fire

3. "Furr" by Blitzen Trapper

4. "No Diggity" by Blackstreet (guilty pleasure)

5. "Elephant Gun" by Beirut

your turn.

Alvy Singer vs Rob Gordon

2009-06-05T08:08:00.000-07:00

"Every time I watch Annie Hall, I appreciate High Fidelity less."

Jeanette:

Right now I'm watching What Women Want, so I guess my cinematic maturity is pretty low today.
I never realized until just now how similar the two movies are. I mean, I realized they were both ballads dedicated to love, lost and found. But I guess I never realized how the narrative style was so remarkably the same.
I guess I wouldn't say I would ever appreciate High Fidelity less. I think I would say I appreciate Annie Hall more. I guess I've always taken High Fidelity as a much more...surface-oriented movie. It's hilarious and adorable and it's John Cusack, but you don't have to dig very deep to get something meaningful out of it. And that's just the way I've always felt. I mean, sure, if you set the two side by side, you realize some of the unique things done in High Fidelity have been done before. But nevertheless, you still have to admire that they made those risky techniques work. A lot of what Woody Allen did in Annie Hall was very innovative, and could only be done at certain times. The fact that these techniques translate into another story (one by Nick Hornby, especially) is pretty neat.
Anyways, I'm interested as to why exactly you feel this way, Jordy. Maybe I'm missing it.

By the way, I love the Roots too. Jimmy Fallon is not good enough for them.

The Other First

2009-06-04T19:43:00.000-07:00

Jordan:

You know the initial girlfriend of Billy Crystal in When Harry Met Sally, the one that introduced them? I always felt bad for her. I mean here is a cute girl who can obviously appreciate Harry's eccentricities and trusts him enough to send him on a cross-country road trip with a blond. Their relationship at the beginning scene seemed so great for both of them, and he just forgets her name. However, it is still one of my favorite movies (of course), and I think Billy Crystal has aged gracefully.

I also don't like Jimmy Fallon's show at all... He's following in the footsteps of Bonnie Hunt and just deciding to host a talk-variety show when job offers stop coming his way. Also, why are the Roots his house band? I like them!

Heres a statement for you to respond to Jeanaynay:

Every time I watch Annie Hall, I appreciate High Fidelity less.

The First

2009-06-04T15:27:00.000-07:00

Jeanette:

So, I'm not really sure how this will work, yet. I don't know what to say. I feel like Garth inWayne's World when Wayne is told to leave the set and Garth's all like, "I'd like leave now," or something like that. Holy heart attack, is Dana Carvey cute, or what? The other day I was watching Clean Slateand all I could think about was how I wish Dana Carvey would age well. Unlike Billy Crystal. I mean, I love the man more than I can describe, but he doesn't look anything like he did in When Harry Met Sally.... Honestly.
That reminds me of Jay Leno's retirement and his last show and how happy I am to see Conan back and how boring I find Jimmy Fallon. What's his deal, anyways? He's pretty annoying. He's a futz.