Disqus - Latest Comments for jennifer

Re: Jandy’s Meanderings » People are watching “Nobody’s Watching”

jennifer — Fri, 14 Jul 2006 21:06:49 -0000

Your comparison to Sports Night makes me want to take a look at Who's Watching. SN was a great show that didn't last long enough for me. The writing and the way it was filmed gave it a very different feel that was refreshing. It also was my intro to Felicity Huffman, who is now one of my favorite actresses.

Re: Jandy’s Meanderings » People are watching “Nobody’s Watching”

jennifer — Sat, 15 Jul 2006 23:58:14 -0000

i've been watching DH since it started. At first, it seemed like lots of christians I knew thought it was too tawdry to watch. But I have enjoyed the writing and the mystery elements. Recently I got Mark interested, and we just finished watching both seasons together on the computer. Lynette is one of our favorite characters.

Re: Jandy’s Meanderings » So…weird weather we been havin’

jennifer — Mon, 24 Jul 2006 22:12:40 -0000

Are you all packed and ready to go yet? If I were you, I would have quit working by now. But then, you seem to be much more productive than me. Happy moving.

Re: Jandy’s Meanderings » Counting down…

jennifer — Wed, 26 Jul 2006 20:17:05 -0000

We have boxes. Just let us know if you need some.

Re: Jandy’s Meanderings » Leftover Beauty

jennifer — Tue, 15 Aug 2006 21:06:54 -0000

Jandy,
I like to think that I got this about your view on films, but that's just patting myself on the back for being as smart as you. Seriously, I appreciate your articulating the way you approach the culture. It is helpful. I wanted to see Transamerica because Felicity Huffman is the star, but I was hesitating because of the content. Perhaps I'll give it a look while Mark's away.

P.S. I often recommend films completely forgetting the "questionable" scenes. I've started adding this disclaimor every time I comment on a movie, "It was a really good movie, but that doesn't mean I am forgetting something objectionable."

Re: Jandy’s Meanderings » June Reading/Watching Recap

jennifer — Fri, 18 Aug 2006 23:01:58 -0000

Mark's dad is a prof at a community college in Dallas, and he had to read Reading Lolita in Tehran for last fall semester for some sort of staff reading assignment by his college's president. He also was pleasantly surprised by the book and loaned it to me when we visited over Thanksgiving. I read about a chapter, and I never got back to it. Your comments make me want to give it another go. Thanks.

Re: Jandy’s Meanderings » Connections

jennifer — Mon, 28 Aug 2006 21:11:21 -0000

Glad to learn you\'re making friends. I am anxious to read more about you\'re adventures there and to hear about how you continue to settle in there.

Re: Jandy’s Meanderings » Eeeeee! (password - my church’s first pastor)

jennifer — Tue, 26 Sep 2006 23:20:23 -0000

Jandy,

More validation for you--Great Job! We all knew you were smart; now a really, really, smart man who teaches at a reputable university has validated us. Now, we who know you can feel validated, too.

Re: Jandy’s Meanderings » Howards End

jennifer — Tue, 26 Sep 2006 23:26:40 -0000

Howards End is one of my favorites. Recommending the great movie with Helen Bonham Carter in it got me into some trouble once, though. I really like A Room With a View as well. Your post makes me want to go back and re-read both.

Since you mentioned 19th -20th century literature, I wonder if you will be reading any Willa Cather? Have you read her books before? I really enjoyed several of them a few years back.

Re: Jandy’s Meanderings » Howards End

jennifer — Fri, 29 Sep 2006 23:22:26 -0000

Oh, now that I think of it, it was Room With a View that caused problems. Do you remember the scene where the men are running around the pond? I had completely forgotten that was in RWV, and I recommended the movie to someone, and when she got to that scene, she was very offended.

Ah, yes. I see I skipped that "Brit" in your post. Yes. Willa Cather is American. The settings and content of her novels seem sort of "folkish," but her writing style is really poetic. In My Antonia (my favorite WC novel), she makes Nebraska sound romantic. I think that is rather remarkable.

Re: Jandy’s Meanderings » Word (and words) (and modernism)

jennifer — Sat, 07 Oct 2006 00:53:09 -0000

I wouldn't be surprised. Reading a book on postmodernism led me to think that there are seveal forms of pomo for various disciplines--architecture, art, lit, etc.

Re: Jandy’s Meanderings » Library Appreciation

jennifer — Wed, 25 Oct 2006 09:06:21 -0000

In Minco, OK, population 1672, we had no library or no Blockbuster. But we did have the Minco Video Store and Tanning Salon. I agree with you though. I would have expected a university town to have more options for a wider variety of movies than just the blockbusters of the day. Hope you're doing well:)

Re: Jandy’s Meanderings » I just met Azar Nafisi!!

jennifer — Fri, 27 Oct 2006 11:39:56 -0000

I am almost finished with the book, and I have really enjoyed it. It is great to hear that an author is similar in personality in real life to the persona she presents in her writing. I really enjoy her tone. You're right; she is very accessible for an academic.

Re: Jandy’s Meanderings » American Idol 6×01: Minneapolis Auditions

jennifer — Tue, 16 Jan 2007 22:40:24 -0000

Ok. I have generally made fun of people who watch Idol, although I understand the inclination to do so. So tonight, I watched the show from Minneapolis. It was somewhat painful, but I am hooked a bit and want to see if there is anyone better in Seattle. Although the teaser didn't make it seem like there would be. A couple of comments on the ones I saw:

Girl with boss - It was a shame she couldn't carry a tune. She was pretty and would have a nice stage presence.

Screamy large gal with bottle blond hair - I couldn't watch with the sound on. I wanted her to be able to sing just to prove to Simon that looks aren't everything. But alas, she was no Kate Smith. (Jandy, you know who Kate Smith is, right?)

Grovely voiced teenaged boy - What a shame he couldn't lose the grovelly affectation so we could hear his real voice. He was on pitch and sort of cute in that boy-band sort of way.

Army gal - I liked her personality a lot and I hope she can be better pitched as the competition goes forward. But, like you, I wondered what would happen if she gets called to go to Iraq.

Sorry for the long comment. I start off expecting to take over your comments section. I guess I have an Idol fan deep inside me after all.

Hope you're keeping warm in TX.

Re: Jandy’s Meanderings » Golden Globes

jennifer — Tue, 16 Jan 2007 22:46:46 -0000

I have watched a couple episodes of Ugly Betty. Thematically, it is very similar to the Devil Wears Prada with "the book" and everything. I liked the show, but it has a little teenie-bopp feel for being a show about people who are adults. I really think America Ferrara is pretty and talented though, so I am glad she won.

Re: Jandy’s Meanderings » American Idol 6×01: Minneapolis Auditions

jennifer — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 23:27:17 -0000

Jandy,
I think it is colder in TX than it is in St Louis. It might have gotten bad with ice etc. out where your parents live, but from 270 east and in south county, we didn't have any really bad ice or anything. Kirkwood, did, however lose power once again.

Re: Jandy’s Meanderings » Grey’s Anatomy (spoilers) & The Office (not really spoilers)

jennifer — Fri, 23 Feb 2007 23:00:43 -0000

Jandy,
You have such good tv taste. You like all the shows I like! I haven't watched last night's Grey episode, yet, though. I don't dislike Meredith and McDreamy the way you do, though. But, I do agree with most of your other character evaluations. I'll add that I like Callie. I really sympathized with her when she and George first got together and the click wasn't letting her in.

Hope you're doing well. Keep studying hard in between tv shows and movies :)

Re: Jandy’s Meanderings » Grey’s Anatomy (spoilers) & The Office (not really spoilers)

jennifer — Sat, 24 Feb 2007 00:29:49 -0000

Just finished watching. I really liked the way they dealt with bringing Meredith back--the whole after-life waiting room and then seeing her mom arrive. It made what could have been a really standard situation more interesting and dealt with relationship issues between several people all at once. I am so tired of the way ER does things, that I was relieved this was so much better than a typical ER trauma-one of our own might die show. For the record, I still watch ER out of loyalty to the days when it was good and because I keep thinking I can hold out till the end of this season.

Re: Jandy’s Meanderings » American Idol Top 16 Becomes Top 12

jennifer — Sun, 11 Mar 2007 21:20:54 -0000

Well, I haven't watched Idol since the early shows when they were listening to all those horrible singers somewhere in America. Then I caught about the last 30 minutes this past week. I think the voters did us a favor dropping the ones I saw, particularly the one who had the questionable photos show up. I am not saying that because of the photos; I just can't remember her name, and when I heard her sing, I was glad she was gone. I think I'll see a show here and there from now on out, and I agree that the charity show sounds good.

Re: Jandy’s Meanderings » January 2007 Reading/Watching Recap

jennifer — Sun, 25 Mar 2007 23:46:06 -0000

Jandy,
Since you read and watch far more than me, I'll only comment on the two things I know about in this post. First, Rain Man-- I loved that movie when it came out so many years ago. I am glad you liked it, but it makes me feel old to think about when I saw it in the theater.

Second, Possession--yes, it's a good book. You are so good to look up the meanings of all the words you didn't know the meaning to. I take the contextual approach. If I can figure out the general plot without knowing the meaning to a certain word, then I just skim over it. I guess that's why you're an academic, and I am not.

Re: Jandy’s Meanderings » American Idol Results - 10 Becomes 9

jennifer — Thu, 29 Mar 2007 10:52:17 -0000

Jandy,
I didn't get to see the Tues show, but I watched a good bit of the results last night (when I wasn't looking for a lost school book for one of my kids). I was sort of sad to see Chris go. I really really dislike Sanjaya because, simply, he can't sing. I am not sure why he made it this far in the first place. I heard Chris sing his outgoing song, and I really thought he did a good job. Was he a lot worse on Tuesday? I was also glad that LaKisha and Melinda got to stay. Finally, I have to say that I am not a big Haley fan like you. She's pretty, but the other girls who are left are better singers, IMHO.

Re: Jandy’s Meanderings » Trailer Watch - Opening April 6, 2007

jennifer — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 11:34:20 -0000

Please see Are We Done Yet and give us your scoop on whether its ok for the kids or what might be issues for the kids. Our older 3 are begging to see it, so it would be great to get your input.

Re: Jandy’s Meanderings » Trailer Watch - Opening April 6, 2007

jennifer — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 11:35:08 -0000

One more thing, did you see Holiday? We rented it a couple of weeks ago, and it was really cute/sweet in lots of ways.

Re: Jandy’s Meanderings » American Idol Top 8: Latin

jennifer — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 11:38:00 -0000

Once again I didn't get to watch the show. Tuesday nights are just too hard for me to watch tv. But I have read some of the buzz on the web and heard NPR, of all things, talking about Sanjaya yesterday. It looks like the critics are picking Haley to go. I would have booted her 2 weeks ago, so I tend to agree it's time. However, if I could do anything to get rid of Sanjaya, I would.

Re: Jandy’s Meanderings » American Idol Top 6…Again - Bon Jovi

jennifer — Tue, 01 May 2007 21:07:24 -0000

I watched more tonight than I normally get the chance to. I think Jordan or Chris should go after tonight. My third choice for an exit is Phil. I LOVED Melinda. I thought Lakeisha did a really good job, and I thought Blake's original rendition of You Give Love a Bad Name was pretty cool. Hey, this was Bon Jovi night, and for me that means nostalgia. So I had more of an opinion that I might otherwise.

Re: Jandy’s Meanderings » American Idol Top 6…Again - Bon Jovi

jennifer — Wed, 02 May 2007 14:08:01 -0000

Jandy,

I tagged you and Becky for a meme on my blog.

Re: Jandy’s Meanderings » American Idol 6 Become 4

jennifer — Fri, 04 May 2007 21:09:41 -0000

Could "boogie" be disco? Tell me NO!

Re: Jandy’s Meanderings » So You Think You Can Dance Top 20

jennifer — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 00:22:00 -0000

I doubt I'll be able to stay with watching this all summer, and I didn't watch last year, but I really enjoyed watching the show tonight. I definitely am not surprised Ashlee went home. I didn't think as highly of Ricky as you, though.

Lacey and Cameron were my #1 pick, with Sara and Jesus as close seconds. I loved the way both of these numbers seemed like they were cut from musical theater, and I really liked that aspect of them.

Re: Jandy’s Meanderings » So You Think You Can Dance Top 20

jennifer — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 20:55:31 -0000

Thanks. I really appreciate all your cultural commentary. Reading it makes me feel hip and 15 years younger!

One other comment about watching the show the other night. Charis (4) was sitting on my lap through much of it, and she said, "Why do they dance so weird?"

Re: Jandy’s Meanderings » So You Think You Can Dance Top 20

jennifer — Sun, 17 Jun 2007 23:06:50 -0000

She seemed to think all of them were "weird" in one way or another, but this comment came with the dance by Sara and Jesus.

Re: Jandy’s Meanderings » AFI’s 100 Years…100 Movies — 2007 Edition

jennifer — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 22:30:35 -0000

Too much to comment on here, but I'll leave a couple of thoughts:

I love My Fair Lady. I am sorry it is off the list. I think it is top 100 material.

Toy Story should be on the list for the reasons you listed plus the timeless appeal it has for all ages. We have had TS 1 and 2 on VHS since they were made, and we will all still watch it. We will have to get them on DVD eventually because the tape will be worn out. (Of course, eventually having a VCR of any sort will be like having an 8-track tape player, now.)

Don't see Sophie's Choice. IMHO, it shouldn't be on the list!

Mark loves Blade Runner. I should watch it again, too, to see if I can muster up good feelings about it.

Finally, because I was busy with kid stuff almost every night this week, I missed SYTYCD. I was looking forward to your recap--Where is it? Sigh.

Re: Jandy’s Meanderings » So You Think You Can Dance Top 18

jennifer — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 21:27:36 -0000

Thanks for the recap. I was right. I haven't been able to watch the show since the first week. Maybe next week.

Thanks for the video, too.

Re: Jandy’s Meanderings » So You Think You Can Dance Top 12

jennifer — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 22:16:01 -0000

After my first few weeks of watching, my evenings have not been my own. Since we have no DVR, I have not been able to watch. So I appreciate your commentary, and hopefully next week I'll get to see SYTYCD again. BTW, have you watched the Next Food Network Star show? It is pretty intense. Just wondering.

Re: Jandy’s Meanderings » Pushing Daisies 1×02 (spoilers)

jennifer — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 08:45:40 -0000

I've only been able to catch 2 episodes, but I like it. We plan to keep watching it. I have to say that I totally think of this as a "science fiction" show. Finally, I like a lot of the visual elements of the show, including the color scheme.

Re: Jandy’s Meanderings » American Idol Top Twelve (Performances and Elimination)

jennifer — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 21:06:17 -0000

Jandy,

I haven't stopped by your blog in a long time, but since I am watching Idol this year (at least so far), I knew your blog was the place to come. I didn't want to comment on your live posting above for tonight's show, but so far, I like tonight better than last week.

Re: Jandy’s Meanderings » Spring Break!

jennifer — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 21:08:59 -0000

You with no internet access . . . It seems too hard to fathom. I guess you lived to tell about it since you are now back from spring break. I hope you're all rested and ready to tackle the rest of your semester.

Re: Jandy’s Meanderings » Spring Break!

jennifer — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 17:25:51 -0000

Glad you had fun!

Re: Jandy’s Meanderings » American Idol: Top Eleven

jennifer — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 09:47:48 -0000

I'm glad Carly is still with us, but I knew Amanda's days were numbered. I didn't like her singing that much, but I appreciated something she said in an interview after being cut. She said getting kicked off wasn't the worst thing that happened to her in her life and that she had just lost a contest on TV. I guess I think she seems like she has a pretty good head on her shoulders, even if all her songs sound the same.

Re: Jandy’s Meanderings » Oral Exam

jennifer — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 09:31:20 -0000

By now, the exam is over. So I'll pray you are resting and relaxing this Saturday with the pressure removed from your shoulders. I'll check back for a report on how it went.

Re: Jandy’s Meanderings » American Idol Top 2

jennifer — Wed, 21 May 2008 23:58:13 -0000

Welcome back to STL!

RE: idol -- didn't watch last night or tonight, but I checked up on all the goings on via the web. I see Cook won. I agree with Debbie that David A. seemed to be too much of a Disney singer, but I also think he could have a future on Broadway. I guess time will tell.

Hope to see you for a few minutes as you breeze through on your way to Hollywood!

Re: The Great St Louis to Los Angeles Road Trip

jennifer — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 01:17:36 -0000

Great to know you are settling in with a temp job to start and soon a place to live.

Keep us posted on your exciting new life.

Re: It’s That Season Again…

jennifer — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 12:01:57 -0000

A little behind on my comments, but this is life . . . You will be busy if you get to watch all these!

Of your picks, I like Pushing Daisies. I just saw that they were renewing it in a reception area magazine while waiting to go into a meeting, and I was surprised. I love the set design and camera angles in that show. I am anxious for Desperate Housewives, and I like Private Practice, though I've only caught it a few times. Not on your list, I am looking forward to the final season of ER. I held on for the last 2 years, peeking in about every other week out of loyalty. Now, I want to watch it die and move in to television history. I got into ER right after my 12-year-old was born, and that was season 3!