Jennifer Aniston Watch

While Jen doesn’t have any children in real life, judging by her onscreen roles, she’d be a natural. She has often played the part of a mother or expectant mother, and always brings warmth and realism to the part. Here is a sampling of such roles (some may be spoilerish):

Friends At the end of season 7, it was revealed that Rachel was expecting, and a season later, she and Ross welcomed Emma. The remainder of the series saw Rachel juggling the demands of parenting with work, love, and life.

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Remember that game that the characters played in TOW Joey’s Big Break, with the rapid-fire this-or-that questions? Well, it’s like that, sort of. Except that I’m not trying to get any deep, dark secrets out of anybody. Promise.

(Oh, and all of the questions are about Jen. But you knew that.)

Comedy or drama?
Big-budget or indie?
Single or married?
Blonde or brunette?
Playing a mother or being a godmother?
In LA or Chicago?
Directing or acting?

Jennifer Aniston, polls

Looks like Jen had a lovely weekend, spending Memorial Day with the Arquettes! See ONTD and Just Jared for more pics.

Also, Life and Style gives us an interesting tidbit:

. . . And now the actress, who was just in Chicago on May 18 to tape an episode of the Oprah Winfrey Show, is helping her longtime hairstylist, Chris McMillan, launch a beauty line!

If we’ve learned anything, it’s that Jen is a good friend to her friends, so it is not surprising that not only has she once again shown up for Oprah, but she’s helping Chris out with his new venture!

Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox Arquette, David Arquette, Coco Riley Arquette

Now it’s time to answer a few questions about Jen!

1. What is your favorite Jen movie?

2. What genre would you like to see her do more of?

3. Is there any type of role that you wouldn’t want to see her in?

4. Which upcoming project do you most want to see happen?
- Wanted
- The Senator’s Wife
- Grace and Grit
- Counter Clockwise
- other

5. What is your opinion on media coverage of Jen’s personal life?

6. What is your favorite hairstyle on Jen (see a history here)?

7. In handling life in the public eye, what do you think is Jen’s greatest strength?

Thanks for your replies to the previous poll, and I look forward to seeing your responses to this one!

polls, Jennifer Aniston, film, beauty, celebrity

Jen fans are a diverse bunch, and I myself would like to know just how diverse. Here’s the opportunity to make yourself heard in my Jen Fan Demographics poll. Post your answers to the comment section, and feel free to skip questions that you’re not comfortable with.

1. Male or female?

2. How old are you?

3. What country do you live in (if U.S., what state)?

4. Racial background/ethnicity?

5. Occupation?

6. How did you find this site?

7. What other Jen/Friends sites do you regularly visit (if any)?

8. What is your astrological sign?

Thanks for your replies; check back for another poll about Jen-related topics!

Those who have seen Derailed quite clearly remember the Lake Hotel, as a very pivotal scene takes place there. In real life, however, the facade belongs to an apartment building called The Elms. Located on the Gold Coast at 18 East Elm, The Elms houses studio and 1 bedroom apartments; for apartment hunters and the curious alike, check out the property at BJB Partners.

In my recent travels, I had the opportunity to take a few snapshots:

filming locations, Derailed, Chicago properties

Ted Casablanca is not exactly known for his kindness to Jen; however, in yesterday’s column, he did manage to compliment her where it is due:

Dear Ted:
Jennifer Aniston is not that funny, true. But she is sort of fun to watch on the small screen, and she is actually good in the seriously dramatic/crying scenes in her movies. Makes me think she’s been miscast: I’d love to see her grow some balls and play a truly nasty/scary/crazy be-yotch.
June
West Hollywood, California
Dear Casting Couch:
Agreed—and remember, she was divine in Derailed.

A bit backhanded, but nevertheless, it speaks well of Jen’s performance that even a noted nonfan made sure to praise it.

Jennifer Aniston, Ted Casablanca, Derailed

People gives us another picture of Jen, although they seem to be under the impression that she went to lunch with the Arquettes:

. . . Jennifer Aniston does lunch – at Nobu in Malibu with pals Courteney Cox, David Arquette and their daughter Coco on Saturday.

X17 clarifies the matter somewhat, with a video and pictures that were clearly taken at night. Obviously, one paparazzo in the video is concerned with the important things in life . . .

Jennifer Aniston, sightings, gossip, Nobu

After Jen returned from Chicago, she was spotted leaving Nobu with David Arquette (and maybe Courteney). Here it is, from I’m Not Obsessed:

This girl really loves her sushi. How many times have we seen Jennifer Aniston get photographed leaving Nobu? Here she is with David Arquette. I am assuming that Courtney managed to slip out without the photographers nabbing her.

Click for new pics of Jen looking casually chic as always.

Jennifer Aniston, David Arquette, Nobu

Interestingly, as soon as I wrote about Jen’s favorite Chicago attractions, she made an appearance in the Windy City. Unfortunately, I can’t report any sightings of my own, but here’s one from Liz Crokin of the Chicago Red Eye (thanks to Margaret for the heads-up):

Jolie-Pitt weren’t here, but Aniston was

As Angelina Jolie’s movie “Wanted” was well into filming late Wednesday night in the Loop area, her boyfriend’s ex-wife, Jennifer Aniston, was only blocks away strolling into the lobby of The Peninsula hotel wearing jeans, a long-sleeved purple shirt and a scarf, with her dog Norman and a few members of her entourage in tow.

…….

Aniston is said to have come to town for a few days to work on a project with Oprah Winfrey, according to sources, and was back in L.A. by Saturday night. (Aniston’s agent could not reached for comment.) Aniston remained low-key during her trip to the Windy City. I’m told she had lunch at one of her favorite restaurants, RL in the Ralph Lauren store, on Thursday, and she ordered room service later that night.

Although Aniston’s on-again off-again beau Vince Vaughn’s new digs are right up the street from The Peninsula, there was no sign of Vaughn.

Perhaps not surprisingly, other publications have been running with that last bit, claiming that she and Vince planned a reunion of sorts. True or not, here’s hoping that Jen’s Chicago visit was enjoyable!

Liz gives us more detail on her blog, where she gives us the scoop on her posse’s Jen sighting:

Jennifer Aniston Back In Chicago!

As Angelina Jolie’s movie Wanted filmed in Chicago’s Loop area Wednesday, Thursday and Friday nights, her boyfriend’s ex-wife Jennifer Aniston slept in her comfy Peninsula hotel bed only blocks away each night. Fortunately, only Jolie’s stunt double filmed the Chicago sceenes while the real Angie stayed in Prague with Brad Pitt. The flick films in both cities.

Aniston didn’t seem to mind. The Boots Girls saw her Wednesday and she looked beautiful. Her hair was curly and she had a big smile on her face.

Aniston came to Chicago to work on a project with Oprah. No sign of Vince Vaughn though. He reportedly vacationed in Jamaica last week. The only man spotted by her side was her trusty mutt Norman. (He had a big smile on his face all week long too. Maybe because he is a P.I.M.P. dog who gets spoiled with attention and walks every hour practically!)

Jennifer Aniston, Chicago, Vince Vaughn, Oprah Winfrey, Chicago Red Eye, Norman

If you’ve noticed recent headlines about Jen and her ex-husband, you might be under the mistaken impression that there’s actually, you know, news. However, you haven’t missed a thing. It’s been over 2 years, but shocker of shockers, she’s, like, totally over it.

From US Weekly:

Source: Jen Thinks Brangelina Are “Totally a Joke”

In a new interview with Reader’s Digest, Angelina Jolie reveals that Shiloh, her biological child with Brad Pitt, was deliberately conceived before Pitt’s divorce from Jennifer Aniston was final.

“Before I met Brad, I always said I was happy never to have a child biologically,” Jolie told the magazine. “Then, a few months after Z (adopted daughter Zahara) came home … I realized how much he loved them, that a biological child would not in any way be a threat. So I said, ‘I want to try.’”

How is Jen taking the news? “Jen considered herself divorced when she and Brad were separated and couldn’t care less what happened after that,” says a source, adding that “Jen is not angry over the new revelation and thinks Shiloh is a cute baby.”

But another pal tells Us that Aniston, 38, hasn’t spoken to her ex in “a long time” and her feelings are less than friendly.

“Brad and Angelina are totally a joke to her,” says the insider.

Of course, it’s easier to keep a smile on her face now that Aniston is a single woman playing the field.

Well, let’s thank them very much for dragging up ancient history; this does both us and Jen a tremendous favor. Meanwhile, check out Aniston Center’s perspective on this painfully tired subject.

Jennifer Aniston, Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, Shiloh, gossip

In the past several years, Jen has been a reliable presence at the People’s Choice Awards, as she is a perennial fan favorite, along with her fellow Friends. Today, having made the transition to film, she continues to shine, most recently receiving the award for Favorite Female Movie Star. Here are some pictures from PCA’s past:

1995 Jen and her castmates celebrate a win for Favorite New Series.

2000 Friends is going strong, and boasts a win for Favorite Comedy Series.

2001 Friends continues its hot streak, and Jen starts one of her own, with her first of many Favorite Female Television Performer wins.

2002 Jen wasn’t present to pick up her award this year, but she accepted with a taped speech (she was at Sundance for The Good Girl).

2003 It takes talent to look fashionable while injured, but Jen, nursing a broken toe, did exactly that while accepting her third consecutive PCA. Matthew Perry, ever the gentleman, helped her to the stage.

2004 Jen was again unable to attend the awards, but she once again showed her appreciation with a taped speech.

2007 The success of The Break-Up made Jen a front-runner for this year’s Favorite Female Movie Star award. Her speech, in which she said, “Thank you for loving The Break-Up, I did,” was regarded by many as a highlight of the evening, and her light, airy Versace dress was a fashion favorite.

People’s Choice, Jennifer Aniston, Friends, The Break-Up

For those who missed The Edge the first time around, YouTube gives us the opportunity to view selected sketches from this sketch comedy series, which stars a very young Jen:

“Armed Family”

“Self-Help”

“Smart Model”

For other awesome finds on a variety of topics, check out You Tube Digger.

Jennifer Aniston, The Edge, sketch comedy, YouTube

Jen, Vince, et al take in a Cubs game, May 2006

In the past few years, Jen has starred in two films set here in Chicago (Derailed and, of course, The Break-Up). It is then not surprising that Jen has been spotted at several popular Chicago spots, some of which she counts as favorites. Here, then, is the opportunity for my fellow Windy City residents (and interested visitors) to capture a bit of the magic:

Cuisine

- Wiener’s Circle This humble-looking hot dog stand at 2622 North Clark is not only a Jen fave (she’s been seen here on multiple occasions), but my own pick for best hot dog in Chicago as well. And as Jen can attest, they yell at you! It is quite the experience.

- Japonais This upscale sushi lounge is another favorite for Jen, where she has been spotted not only with Vince and other usual suspects, but with Oprah as well. With its delicious food and classy ambiance, it is worth the splurge (600 W. Chicago Ave.).

- Coco Pazzo During the filming of The Break-Up, Jen and other cast and crew were often seen enjoying the exquisite Tuscan cuisine at this River North spot (300 W. Hubbard St.).

- Costa’s For Vince’s 36th birthday in March 2006 (during reshoots for The Break-Up), he and Jen enjoyed this Greektown staple (340 S. Halsted St.).

- Chilpancingo In November 2004, Jen and her Derailed costars were seen at this Mexican restaurant in River North (358 W. Ontario). It has since closed and been replaced by Zocalo, another upscale Mexican spot.

Culture

- Museum of Science and Industry On a day off from filming The Break-Up, Jen came down to Hyde Park to check out the Body Worlds exhibit featured at MSI two summers ago. Check out Winnie’s article on the 451 Press Chicago blog for info on the latest MSI happenings.

- Museum of Contemporary Art That same summer, Jen was spotted here, and so can you be, for free on Tuesdays. Peggy sings its praises, and I agree, it’s a pretty awesome place.

Filming locations
Here are the places where Jen has been seen filming in Chicago:

Derailed
- State and Elm
- Union Station
- the Loop

The Break-Up
- Wrigley Field
- The Riviera Theater
- Grant Park
- Millennium Park
- Armitage (near the Brown Line)
- Smith & Wollensky
- North Michigan Ave. (near Ohio)
- General Jones Armory (used as a soundstage)
- North Avenue Beach

Other

- Music Box Theater The Chicago premiere of The Break-Up was held here (3733 N. Southport Ave.).

- Wrigley Field Kind of an obvious attraction, she took in a Cubs game with Vince and several others in May 2006.

- The Peninsula Chicago Where Jen stays.

Chicago, tourism, culture, dining, The Break-Up, Derailed, Jennifer Aniston

Having previously written about the film, I’d like to further explore particular themes. Early in the film, Bruce relies heavily upon divine intervention to solve his problems and those of people around him. Even when he fills His shoes, Bruce continues to believe that a prayer is like a work order; put it in, and the guy upstairs gets it done. However, this system doesn’t work out so well, and he eventually learns that we, as humans, need to “be the miracle.” In her article about a quote on a Starbucks cup, Allison from Find Religion puts it more eloquently:

. . . .

“Why in moments of crisis do we ask God for strength and help? As cognitive beings, why would we ask something that may well be a figment of our imaginations for guidance? Why not search inside ourselves for the power to overcome? After all, we are strong enough to cause most of the catastrophes we need to endure.” -Bill Schell

The cup is part of a campaign that’s been going on at Starbucks for years now to include insightful and interesting quotes from customers to spark debate and conversation. The fact that some people are upset at Starbucks for using this quote is exactly what is wrong in the Christian world today.

Five Idiot-Proof Reasons not to be Upset at Starbucks:

1. The quote is not against completely God. It is telling people that it is silly to take problems to God when he’s already given us the ability to handle the problems ourselves.

. . . .

Read the rest of Allison’s article here

On the surface, Jen’s character Grace just seems like “the girlfriend,” but on closer examination, she provides a significant foil to Bruce’s journey. While Bruce sees what is missing, Grace sees what is right in the world. And while she is clearly spiritual, ultimately she believes in personal responsibility. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the very beginning, when Grace is so clearly affected on a personal level by Bruce’s rant about his life’s mediocrity. She feels that Bruce is using the Almighty as a scapegoat for his frustrations with her and their life together, despite the work that she puts into the relationship. Jen’s performance in the role was crucial, as it is her warmth and accessibility that makes Grace such an important force in the film.

Bruce Almighty, Jennifer Aniston, Jim Carrey, spirituality, Starbucks