Hello, kids, welcome to the Phile for a Friday... another weeks worth of Phile entries. Pretty cool, right? Hear about the paleontologist who got the Holocene mixed up with the Pleistocene? Two words: Epoch Fail. Hahaha. Well, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi lashed out yesterday at Trump administration officials and congressional Republicans seeking to slow work on a fresh round of coronavirus relief. The White House responded minutes later with a threat that President Donald Trump would veto the 3 trillion dollar economic package Democrats have proposed. The bill already had zero chance of passing the GOP-controlled Senate and reaching Trump, making the veto threat a symbolic gesture. Along with caustic criticism by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, the exchange underscored the deep election-year gulch over what Congress’ next response to the crisis should be. But Pelosi’s proposal served as an opening move and is likely to eventually produce negotiations among congressional leaders and the White House. At a Capitol news conference, Pelosi, lambasted Republicans who’ve said they want to hold off for now on more relief spending. “It’s amazing to me how much patience and how much tolerance someone can have for the pain of others,” she said. Pelosi told reporters she believed both parties “and even down Pennsylvania Avenue”... a reference to the White House... understand “the hardships Americans are feeling.” She called the Democratic proposal “our offer” and said while she’s had no recent negotiations with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, the administration’s chief bargainer, “I’m sure that they’ll come with something.” White House officials quickly released a statement of their own. It said the legislation Pelosi unveiled Tuesday is “more concerned with delivering on longstanding partisan and ideological wishlists than with enhancing the ability of our Nation to deal with the public health and economic challenges we face.” McConnell said later Thursday on Fox News that there was a “high likelihood” Congress would do another bill and said it would include GOP-sought language limiting legal liability for companies reopening for business. He added, “But it’s not going to be a 3 trillion dollar left-wing wish.” The Democratic bill would provide nearly 1 trillion dollars to help financially struggling state and local governments, extend special unemployment benefits and direct payments to individuals, and bolster spending for health care programs and essential workers. The House on Friday plans to approve the measure, which would be Congress’ fifth and largest bill aimed at nursing the teetering economy through the coronavirus crisis. The measure is likely to pass on a near-party line vote and eventually lead to negotiations. Objections listed by the White House and McConnell included provisions rolling back GOP-passed tax increases on residents of states with high taxes and making it easier for people to vote by mail and for immigrants in the U.S. illegally to receive some federal assistance. The White House criticized 25 billion dollars in aid for the struggling Postal Service, a favorite Trump target. McConnell singled out what he called “the cherry on top”... provisions helping legal marijuana businesses. Congress has approved nearly 3 trillion dollars in recent weeks to address the country’s twin economic and health crises, including money for coronavirus testing. Republicans have expressed worries about burgeoning budget deficits and said lawmakers should evaluate how the initial dollars are being spent before moving fresh legislation. They also want to see whether the economy begins to recover as some states begin easing restrictions that have kept many businesses shuttered. Today’s House vote will come as 36 million Americans have applied for unemployment benefits since the virus hit the U.S.. In addition, 1.4 million people in the U.S. have confirmed cases of the virus and more than 85,000 have died. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has said a painful, prolonged recession could take hold unless Congress provides fresh aid to bolster the all-but-dormant economy. Trump’s views on what to do next have been unclear. He’s pushed for a reduction of payroll taxes that’s gained little support in Congress. Trump has also cautioned GOP lawmakers not to box themselves in by opposing aid for state and local governments, according to a top GOP congressional aide who described Trump’s view on condition of anonymity. Many state and local officials of both parties have sought more federal aid as they face eroding revenue and growing costs for unemployment and health programs.
Tell me more, tell me more, was it love at first sight?! Yes, yes, it was. It was love at first sight whenever I saw Grease for the first time. CBS has decided to give us a little gift this summer and added a Grease sing-along to the schedule of its revived Sunday night movie franchise. The classic 1978 movie starring Olivia Newton-John as Sandy and John Travolta as Danny Zucko will air at 8:30 p.m. on June 7th and will feature sing-along lyrics for all songs, including "Summer Nights," "You’re The One That I Want," and "Greased Lightning." The classic film has continued to be a worldwide phenomenon due to its memorable moments, which features an explosion of dances and songs, as well as star-making performances from great actors that have still been around for decades. The sensational soundtrack is still and enduring favorite and still manages to pull in fans of all ages, who follow along with the classic love story. Let’s not forget about songs such as "Hopelessly Devoted to You," which received an Oscar nomination, "Beauty School Dropout," and yes, the title track "Grease." The sing-along Hollywood version is set to head to the network on the day that was initially reserved for the 74th Annual Tony Awards. The ceremony was unfortunately put on hold indefinitely. So, which better way to fill that void than with a classic movie that we all love by singing those unforgettable songs. Grease was directed by Randal Kleiser and was based on Warren Casey’s and Jim Jacobs’ musical which was nominated for five Golden Globes and an Oscar. It was also the winner of The People’s Choice Award for best musical. The movie also features Didi Conn, Stockard Channing, and Jeff Conaway. A sequel, Grease 2, was released in 1982 starring Michelle Pheiffer and Maxwell Caulfied with a few of the original cast members reprising the roles. In 2016, Fox decided to air a live version of the iconic film, using components from both the original Broadway musical and the 1978 film. The TV show starred Aaron Tveit, Julianne Hugh, and Vanessa Hudgens who received praise for her rendition of "There Are Worst Things I Can Do." The live rendition received several positive reviews and a total of 10 Emmy nominations. But wait, there’s more, according to HBO Max, as of 2019 a series based on the film is in production. Annabel Oaks is set to write the pilot episode, and executive-produced "Grease: Rydell High," which will be HBO’s Max’s musical series inspired by the film, from Paramount TV studios. Make sure to tune into CBS on June 7th for a timeless feel-good celebration!
There’s no doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic has truly brought out the absolute worst in people. And weirdly enough, as more stories of coronavirus-caused tantrums being thrown in fast food restaurants surface, you would think you had seen or heard it all. Well, if you have heard a story like this one already, then God bless your soul. This Taco Bell had no idea what was coming for it. Choosing whether the coronavirus is the reason behind what drove this lady mad or why she suddenly felt so inclined to do such a thing is beyond me. With that being said, police in Augusta, Georgia, are looking for a clearly angry woman who threw a bottle of bodily fluids through a Taco Bell drive-thru window. Richmond County Sheriff’s Office was called to a local Taco Bell on Peach Orchard Road, only to be informed that this Georgia woman has thrown a bottle of urine and feces through the window. With a man driving a silver sedan with what looks like possible South Carolina tags, this crazy lady, wearing a white tank top, reportedly leaned out of the rear passenger window to squeeze out the bodily wastes at the Taco Bell drive-thru before allegedly throwing the bottle inside. According to the Augusta Chronicle, when an employee opened the drive-thru window, the lady squeezed the contents of the bottle at him before completely throwing the bottle inside. Another employee reported that some of the bottle contents got on him too, and the Taco Bell closed two hours earlier due to the contamination. Now, it’s not exactly clear why the lady and her sidekick did this, but it’s still safe to say that COVID-19 is exposing people’s worst sides. I don’t know what would drive me to bottle up my or anyone else’s bodily fluids to throw at someone else, but maybe I’m biased on how I would act on my tantrums. Although, I don’t know many other people who would do that either.
Sixty-two-year-old Georgia resident Dr. Nancy Shaw was found dead in a ditch on the side of the road by a law enforcement officer in the small town of Lyons, Georgia, southeast of Atlanta. According to the police officer patrolling the area, Dr. Shaw’s abandoned car was spotted on the side of the road with the engine still running and the door open. Upon closer inspection, the officer found Dr. Shaw’s body. Authorities are unclear what caused Dr. Shaw to get out of her car but they believe she was killed by a pack of dogs that had been seen roaming the area, as her injuries were consistent with those of an animal attack. Police were able to determine that some of the dogs had collars and may belong to residents, and were ultimately able to track down and seize the dogs involved in Dr. Shaw’s death. The Lyons mayor and city council put out a press release addressing the beloved doctor’s death. Upon finding her body Lyons police officers immediately recognized Dr. Shaw, who had worked at the Meadows Regional Medical Center for years and was known to routinely stop in at the local police station to make sure all the officers were healthy and feeling well. Officers say the news of her death was devastating. Dr. Shaw, an Ivy Leaguer, received her medical degree from the Brown University School of Medicine in Providence, Rhode Island.
Bad news if you hate oppressively hot weather or high electric bills, summer 2020 in the United States is going to be a scorcher according to the Farmer’s Almanac. The time tested weather forecast is predicting that the entire country is going to hot, using adjectives like sweltering and oppressive to describe how summer is going to play out this year. The Farmer’s Almanac is at least predicting that most of the country will have a relatively normal amount of precipitation, but the west coast can look forward to a “bone dry” summer, which will likely not bode well for wildfire season. Meanwhile, Texas and its immediate neighbors will be getting a lot more precipitation than usual, with a “showery” summer. The southeast will also get its fair share of rain and thunderstorms. Hurricane season, meanwhile, is going to hit the eastern United States in two waves, according to the Farmer’s Almanac. Florida should experience a hurricane in the first week of June, just as spring officially turns to summer. A few weeks later, near the end of June, the Atlantic coast is likely to get hit with a hurricane as well. July and August should be uneventful but the Gulf coast and east coast will both get hit with tropical storms again in September. So stay cool and stay safe this summer, U.S.A.
Movie theater marquees have been very creative since this whole COVID-19 mess.
Clever. Man, those protestor signs are really getting under my skin like these two...
If I had a TARDIS I would try and meet Marilyn Monroe but knowing my luck she'd be too busy shaking the Queen's hand.
Do you remember the "My Big Little Golden Books"? I bet you don't remember this one...
Hahaha. That's looks like me when I was a kid. Same hair cut. I'll show you...
See? Hahahaha. I think I was about four there, So, when I get bored I like to go on Twitter and look up certain words. One of those words I look up is "Foghat" and this is what I saw recently...
Now from the home office in Port Jefferson, New York here is...
Top Phive Things Said By Parents Mocking Their Teenage Kids
5. Be kind to the people you meet... you never know who's raising a teenager.
4. How is it that my teenager feels free to scroll through my phone, check out my entire camera role and read every last one of my text messages, but has a literal stroke if I make eye contact with her lock screen?
3. Can anyone recommend a good wine that pairs well with a teenager's shitty attitude?
2. "Mom, have you lost weight?" is teenager for "I broke something really expensive that you don't know about yet."
And the number one thing said by parents mocking their teenage kids is...
1. Raising teenagers makes you age in dog years! I think I look pretty good for being 343!
If you spot the Mindphuck let me know. You know I live in Florida, well there's stuff that happens in Florida that happens no where else in the universe. So here is...
A Florida man who was already in the midst of having a pretty standard Florida night decided to kick it up a few notches after he spotted a gator on the side of the road while drinking and driving around with his buddy and a female friend. After spotting the gator and, presumably, because the house in the area that has been doubling as an unlicensed bar ever since it was abandoned after the family that used to live there was murdered in it by a cult, and because there were no high school dance after parties to crash, the Florida man and his friend decided to get the gator drunk and see if it would bite them. Just some good old fashioned swamp fun. Twenty-seven-year-old Timothy Kepke of Hobe Sound, Florida and his friend, 22-year-old Noah Osborne, spotted the gator on the side of the road while driving around back in August. Upon seeing the gator Osborne hopped out of the vehicle, caught, and subdued it with his bare hands. From there Kepke force-fed the alligator beer and attempted to entice the animal to bite his arm. After these two got bored of their own DNA subconsciously attempting to take itself out of the gene pool in order to make the human race stronger they released the animal and went right along with their evenings. How were they caught, you ask? They filmed the whole thing, of course. Though a video isn’t available to the public it was submitted to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, who eventually tracked down the pair. Both were arrested on October 3rd and each of the men was charged with the felony of unlawfully taking an alligator. So what can be learned from this? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. That’s like asking what can be learned by watching a video of a man let his friend shoot bottle rockets into his mouth. Just enjoy the stupidity.
V for Vendetta was P for Psychic.
Okay, let's take a look at Port Jeff and see what's going on, shall we?
Just a blue car driving by. Looks like a nice day there.
President Donald Trump says the coronavirus pandemic highlights the importance of U.S. manufacturing and moving supply chains out of China, as he blamed that country anew for not doing enough to slow the pandemic. “These stupid supply chains that are all over the world... we have a supply chain where they’re made in all different parts of the world,” Trump said in an interview with Fox Business’ Maria Bartiromo that aired yesterday. “And one little piece of the world goes bad and the whole thing is messed up.” “We should have them all in the United States,” he added. Trump’s comments came before he travels to Allentown, Pennsylvania Thursday to highlight a U.S. medical equipment distributor that is contributing to the effort to manufacture and ship personal protective gear across the country to help with the coronavirus response. It’s his second trip in as many weeks as he tries to convince the American public that it’s time for states to begin to reopen, even as the virus continues to spread. Trump will tour Owens and Minor Inc., which the White House says has sent millions of N95 masks, surgical gowns and gloves to hospitals across the country. While security precautions around the president have been stepped up in recent days, Trump has yet to be seen in public wearing a mask. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that Americans wear cloth face-coverings in public in situations where social distancing is difficult to prevent unknowingly spreading the virus. Trump gets tested daily. Trump in his remarks is expected to discuss efforts to use the Strategic National Stockpile for coronavirus testing, as well as efforts to “replenish and bolster the stockpile so that the America is never caught off guard again,” the White House said. Owens & Minor says it has implemented new procedures because of the virus, including restricting visitors to its distribution and manufacturing facilities to “business critical service and suppliers,” and requiring employees to wear personal protective equipment and undergo temperature checks. The state also has put masking and social distancing requirements in place for all businesses that are allowed to operate... requirements that apply to employees, customers and visitors, unless that business meets a narrow exception in the governor’s order. Pennsylvania’s Democratic Governor Tom Wolf is under increasing pressure to roll back coronavirus restrictions after effectively containing the state’s outbreak early on, battling a Republican revolt over his stay-at-home orders and business shutdowns. Counties have threatened to defy his orders while at least a few business owners have reopened their doors despite his warnings. Around 2 million people in Pennsylvania have lost their jobs since mid-March, with food and milk giveaways drawing lines miles long. Meanwhile, some of the out-of-work have gone two months without money because of the state’s problem-plagued online unemployment benefits portal. Allentown, with highways connecting it to New Jersey and New York City, has become one of Pennsylvania’s coronavirus hot spots. Wedged between Philadelphia’s suburbs, Pennsylvania’s anthracite coal country and the eastern border with New Jersey, the Allentown area has been rebounding from the collapse of the steel industry and is growing quickly. It is a politically moderate city that has a higher household income than the rest of Pennsylvania and is attracting more high-end employers. Trump captured the state by a mere 44,000 votes four years ago. But in a backlash against him, in 2018 the area voted for a Democrat to represent it in Congress for the first time in two decades. Trump’s campaign has been warily watching the trio of Rust Belt states that carried him to the presidency in 2016. The so-called Blue Wall of Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin, meant to provide electoral college insurance for Hillary Clinton, all broke for Trump by very slim margins. Many in the Trump campaign have all but written off Michigan, a state battered by the virus, and whose governor has repeatedly clashed with Trump. But advisers believe Pennsylvania, like Wisconsin, could be captured if the economy rebounds before November. That may mean pressuring the states’ Democratic governors to ease restrictions on business, travel and public spaces... even if it risks a resurgence of the deadly virus. Trump’s trip to Allentown will be his 18th visit to the state of Pennsylvania since taking office. The bellwether Lehigh Valley... which saw one of its counties flip from Obama to Trump... will be the focus Thursday as the president’s reelection campaign particularly as it fears an exodus of women voters in regions elsewhere in the state, including in suburban Philadelphia. Trump’s campaign has also prioritized rural and exurban voters and has prepared to blanket the airwaves with attack ads that link Democrat Joe Biden to China. The hope is to tarnish Biden with an association to the country where the pandemic originated and to play up his ties to globalization and trade deals blamed by some for closing factories in regions outside of Pittsburgh. Top campaign advisers briefed the president late last month that his support had slipped in battleground states, particularly among older people in states with aging populations like Pennsylvania. But advisers believe Trump has begun to reverse that momentum in part due to his attacks on Biden, his harsh anti-China rhetoric and the elimination of his daily briefings, which were blamed for rattling viewers. Trump’s visit to Allentown will put him about 75 miles from Scranton, where Biden was born. The Democrat’s campaign has become increasingly hopeful of returning Pennsylvania to the blue column, where it had been since 1992 until 2016. Pennsylvania is 10th among states in overall infection rate... with some 59,000 confirmed cases, or roughly 450 per 100,000 residents, and nearly 4,000 deaths, according to federal statistics. New infections have been trending down, though, and Wolf has been easing restrictions in lightly affected counties... but not fast enough for some. Trump, on Monday, weighed in on the intensifying political fight Monday, tweeting, “The great people of Pennsylvania want their freedom now, and they are fully aware of what that entails.”
The doctor said, "Joe, the good news is I can cure your headaches. The bad news is that it will require castration. You have a very rare condition, which causes your testicles to press on your spine and the pressure creates one hell of a headache. The only way to relieve the pressure is to remove the testicles." Joe was shocked and depressed. He wondered if he had anything to live for. He had no choice but to go under the knife. When he left the hospital, he was without a headache for the first time in 20 years, but he felt like he was missing an important part of himself. As he walked down the street, he realized that he felt like a different person. He could make a new beginning and live a new life. He saw a men's clothing store and thought, "That's what I need... A new suit." He entered the shop and told the salesman, "I'd like a new suit." The elderly tailor eyed him briefly and said, "Let's see... size 44 long." Joe laughed, "That's right, how did you know?" "Been in the business 60 years!" the tailor said. Joe tried on the suit it fit perfectly. As Joe admired himself in the mirror, the salesman asked, "How about a new shirt?" Joe thought for a moment and then said, "Sure." The salesman eyed Joe and said, "Let's see, 34 sleeves and 16-1/2 neck." Joe was surprised, "That's right, how did you know?" "Been in the business 60 years." Joe tried on the shirt and it fit perfectly. Joe walked comfortably around the shop and the salesman asked, "How about some new underwear?" Joe thought for a moment and said, "Sure." The salesman said, "Let's see... size 36." Joe laughed, "Ah ha! I got you! I've worn a size 34 since I was 18-years-old." The salesman shook his head, "You can't wear a size 34. A size 34 would press your testicles up against the base of your spine and give you one hell of a headache."
Today's guest is an American actress and comedian. She played the receptionist Erin Hannon in the NBC comedy series "The Office" and later the starring role of Kimmy Schmidt on the Netflix comedy series "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt." Her book My Squirrel Days is the 124th book to be pheatured in the Phile's Book Club. Please welcome to the Phile... Ellie Kemper.
Me: Hello, Ellie, welcome to the Phile. How are you?
Ellie: I'm great, Jason. Thanks for having me.
Me: So, your book My Squirrel Days is the 124th book to be pheatured in the Phile's Book Club. What do you like better, acting or writing?
Ellie: I like writing because I'm in more control of the material. I fell like I'm in total control of the material until the editor steps in which is necessary and fantastic. But I do like that ability to control what exactly is put down on the page. When I'm performing I think it's more of a collaboration where I am directed and don't necessary have a say in what the final edit looks like. And so I'm sort of leaving a lot up to other people. When I was writing I did feel like I more control over the whole experience.
Me: What was the hardest part of going from performance to writing?
Ellie: I experienced what I guess you might categorize as sheer panic in May 2018 when I realized everything I've been writing essentially in a vacuum only showing my husband and my editor is somehow going to be out for all the world to see. I actually took a seat in a nearby brownstone step because I was panicked. Its hard to gage the quality I guess of what I'm writing when I don't have that immediate reaction from an audience. So that was tricky. I was curious to see what people think.
Me: So, what did you find out since the book came out? I'm writing a novel which I am enjoying, and laugh at and proud of but then I think what would anybody else that read it think.
Ellie: It's important that I find it funny. I remember reading an interview with a novelist who said exactly that which is if I'm always looking for outside validity, pouring through every review and trying to figure out what does this person think, what does this person think, I'm never going to be happy. You do have to find validation for yourself which is easier said than done. Now I've turned into a psychologist. I only took Psych 101 so I don't know.
Me: Ha! So, when did you start acting?
Ellie: My siblings and I used to put on a yearly Christmas play when we were kids. Sometimes I would hold my family hostage while we performed.
Me: My sister and I used to do plays for my parents as well. What kinda stuff did you do?
Ellie: We always put on an annual Christmas show. I think one of the things I discovered about myself when I was writing this book which I already suspected, I do tend to take myself a tad too seriously and think I maybe a little more important than I actually am. Especially when I was a kid and realizing this is my masterpiece, my Christmas magic, a tale of dreams coming true. And it's not as good as I think it is and my family was so devoted and my parents were so patient with me. So I don't think my grandparents and my friends parents necessarily enjoyed the show, but they sat through it.
Me: What was your first thing you did for film?
Ellie: I made a horror movie when I was eight or so or 12, I don't remember, called The Man Under The Stairs. It was a horrifying tale about a man, played by my sister Carrie who lived under the stairs. My parents were doing construction at that time so there was an opening under the stairs where Carrie could go, It definitely was dangerous, I'm sure there were nails everywhere.
Me: Ha. What do you remember about it?
Elle: I remember being so conscious of the fact that I needed to make a dramatic turn between not believing "Katie" and asking if she talked to mom about this. I feel that was a critical moment in the film.
Me: What was it like when you started acting professionally?
Ellie: One of the things about writing this book I aired on the side of keeping it lighter but I definitely think period of when I was in New York doing improv is for many of the people who are making a new start or changing tracks in a new phase of life can be totally depressing and demoralizing and difficult.
Me: You were depressed? Why?
Ellie: I remember ordering Chinese food at a Chinese restaurant down the street in the middle of the day and feeling like A) I shouldn't be spending money on take-out and B) why am I eating Chinese food alone on a sunny day? Like I should be at work, I should be performing, I should be doing something, I just felt so depressed. I think it was more challenging for me than adolescence because for the first time in my life I wasn't sure where I was going.
Me: You weren't ordering Chinese food all day every day I'm sure, right?
Elle: Correct. Thank you for clarifying.
Me: So, you wrote for the Onion, am I right?
Ellie: Well, I sent in over a hundred headlines into the Onion before I heard back from them.
Me: Wow. So, why didn't you give up?
Ellie: I don't know. I would say that of course there's the element of me saying I wanted to win in a way. I set my sights on this and I want to see it through. I think there's that element, wanting to finish a project. And that project was I'm going to continue to submit headlines until either they tell me to stop or they put one in their newspaper. I guess I quit plenty of things but that something I care strongly about is worth that perseverance.
Me: You auditioned for "Saturday Night Live" and "Parks and Rec" but didn't get those jobs. Were you bummed? I don't think you were for some reason.
Ellie: Oh, I'm glad it comes across that way. I remember doing a sketch on "Late Night With Conan O'Brien" years before auditioning for "Saturday Night Live" and the sketch was cut. I just remember crying. Now I do sound like I'm clinically depressed but I just had these moments of failure where it was very intense for a day or two and then it passes. But I still remember thinking they hate me, it's something I did, it's personal. Once I worked those shows and had those experiences in any field I realized none of this is personal, stuff happens, move on. But I do think it's a matter my policy is absolute indulgent of the feeling of completely destroyed but I let it out and I do have to move on because there is no other choice.
Me: So, I have to talk about "The Office." So, were you a fan of the show before you got cast in it?
Ellie: Yes, I was. It was a beautiful thing because A) this was my first big acting role but also I was coming into such a world loved cast and an established cast at the same time.
Me: What was that like for you, Ellie?
Ellie: It was both beautiful and scary. Scary in the sense of I could only keep "The Office" at its current level or I could bring it down. I'm not going to make the show any better. Just don't mess up this beautiful thing that they have. It is a beloved show and everyone on that show was beloved that part was nerve-wracking I think. But also I'm the luckiest person on the planet. I can't think of another show that would be more fantastic to come into in the middle of their series I was able to enter their magic show and I'm incredibly lucky I got that chance because they basically did all the hard work and I got to step in.
Me: So, how did you get the main role in the TV show "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt"?
Ellie: Tina Fey basically made the show for me and I hadn't really been a lead before.
Me: Wow! What was that experience like being chosen like that?
Ellie: I'm an anxious person so that entire thing was nerve-wracking. I think I remember going, I was number 18 on the call sheet which is a piece of paper that actors and crew members get. It tells us what the plan is for the day and I was number 18 on the cast list which is pretty low down on terms of rank. So going to that to being the lead on the show felt scary because I wasn't sure I was completely prepared our qualified to do such a thing.
Me: What were you worried about the most?
Ellie: One thing I was worried about was playing Kimmy in a similar way to Erin because they certainly share the same characteristics but their back stories are different and also I think their global outlooks might be a little be different. The first season I was concerned about it, and I think I mentioned it to Tina once who said, "Oh, I'm not worried." That's it. She's brilliant.
Me: So, how would you compare your own self to the characters you play?
Ellie: I've been thinking about that a lot. Over the last few years without getting too political, women are so angry right now and people have been encouraging women to demonstrate that anger rather than keep it in and playing characters who are unhinged, who do let their anger out, there's something freeing in that. I tend to play characters who are more buttoned up or just keep their emotions a little bit down low and when they do rise to the surface I think it's cathartic for me but it's also fun to see those characters let it out.
Me: Do you ever worry about being too adorable or nice or beautiful or fun?
Ellie: Did my mom write a letter to you? "You should know this about Ellie..." Certainly I think if those qualities are exaggerated I stand the risk of being walked on or manipulated so I think I have to keep all those in check. But I don't think there's anything wrong about having good manners and being obedient when obedience is called for in the right circumstances. I think there's something about being a good worker but there's also I have to know when to speak up.
Me: That's true. Thanks so much for being on the Phile, Ellie. Please come back again.
Ellie: Thanks so much for having me and doing a good job.
That about does it for this entry of the Phile. Thanks to Ellie Kemper for a great interview. I like her. The Phile will be back on Monday with Muppeteer Ryan Dillon. Spread the word, not the turd... or the virus. Don't let snakes and alligators bite you. Bye, love you, bye.
I don't want you, cook my bread, I don't want you, make my bed, I don't want your money too, I just want to make love to you. - Willie Dixon
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