Jessica ’s Comments (group member since Dec 27, 2008)

Jessica ’s comments from the Relaxing Fun group.

I think I understand most accents quickly, having lived in a number of parts of the US. I also taught college for ten years--and I have heard almost everything. It is odd how quickly we adapt to different accents.

An interesting thought, when I taught, I suspended judgment on looks (think of 6'2" biker in leather) and did not notice many of the differences, sometimes to the amusement of my students.

What is the book(s) you like the least?

... her lips covering the whole picture. Someone knocked on her bedroom door. She jumped up and ran to answer it.

I haven't been reading much lately--have been sad because of personal issues. What book will help me move from this? I can't read genre fiction right now, but need to find something that speaks to me and moves me. I have thought about reading Shakespeare, but I don't know if any of the plays or sonnets can hold my attention since I've read them so many times. Any suggestions?

Bells wrote: " Rhonda wrote: Why does this one give me the image of a young girl swerving through traffic at a high rate of speed while talking on her cell phone?:)

haha. but you have to admit that my version..."

Do you think that most Americans are slow and steady? At home? At work? I think that, at work at least, more is expected and done at work--and fast and speedy is almost required, although it causes more errors.

I love Shakespeare and Chaucer in their original language. Sadly, not speaking any other language (other than college French--Le Petit Prince), I haven't read many other original texts. I wish I knew Latin and I don't know why--except...well, it would be fun.

I found a copy of Chaucer at my father's house when I was there last time and I took it off the shelf. So beautiful to read, although I doubt I can speak the words. Now, I have to find my copy.

Bells wrote: " Jess said "Bells, Where would you like to be?"

I want to be out of America, I can't say that I really liked America all that much. I'm DEFFIANTLY not patriotic."


Why not?

Rhonda wrote: "As a teenager, I once used part of an Elvis song in a letter to someone I was in love with: the whole resultant affair was humiliating. Ever since, barring a few short years when I tried to overco..."

I just have to know...what lyrics did you use? And I will stand by your advice and not use pop lyrics to communicate, although I think you could come up with a great letter just using pop lyrics. What do you think?

I turned with that look on my face and the policeman stepped back and started laughing. My hair, I thought, my hair. I started to explain to him that I had to be at the hair salon now, now! He choked with laughter and...

Jennifer wrote: "you want me too." Carl explained to Syd he was tired of the two leggers and their carts. He wants to run away and join a...."

circus and be a clown. Carl tried to persuade Syd to go with him. Syd thought about it and...

John wrote: "I'm sorry, but the cadence of the opening line says Limerick.

'There once was a horse from New Jersey'
Who had a penchant for Guernsey
Seeing the cow
Saying nothing but wow!
He proceeded to mount..."


Love it, John!

Helen wrote: "Jessica Frank wrote: "Helen wrote: "Final Theory by Mark Alpert[bc:Final Theory A Novel|2301215|Final Theory A Novel|Mark Alpert|http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I......"

Helen, This sounds great! I will have to read it.

I like learning while I read--your Mary Poppins quote says it perfectly.
Thanks.

Shall we try characters as well?

Perhaps, Dallas. Do you think that this is more the case in America?

I was going to say that women are better at communicating than men, but I first will not make such a global statement. Second, I have dealt with many women who are not honest. Women may often be more verbal, but I am not sure that they are always honest in what they say.

Elena wrote: "I usually read the Italian translations of books, but I realize I often miss something. Besides, the translations are not always very accurate. So if I've enjoyed a book, I often get the original E..."

I agree...sadly I'm only fluent in English.

I like Bon Jovi. I am a music sl*t, like most anything but true country western (and like a few of that).

Dallas wrote: ""The Bridges of Madison County" was a better movie than book. "Dolores Claiborne" was equally as good as the book. I could be bias to Meryl Streep and Kathy Bates, though."

I am biased here, Dallas. I actually have family near Winterset, IA, (where it is set) and have seen the bridges. I thought the book was okay. I liked the movie mostly because I recognized all of the places.

I like my diet soda, either coke or pepsi, icy cold as well...but preferably from the can. I rarely drink it, so I tend to drink it very quickly.

Anyone,

As the crow flys

Actual meaning? Is this actually just the real distance and not the driving or travel distance?

Elena, That is true for, I think, almost all languages. I know that when I was learning to sign, the translation for slang and cliches was different than what is actually said.

I found most cliches meaningless--or easily replaced by a better phrase or word.

I will look around...somewhere I have a list of cliches from when I used to teach.