Friday, September 30, 2016

MOVIE - The Hollars

PG-13 (1:28)
Limited release 8/26/16
Viewed September 2016 somewhere in Tucson
RT Critic:  44  Audience:  58
Critic's Consensus:  The Hollar sgathers an impressive assortment of talented stars; unfortunately, it's all in service of a story that's been played out more effectively in countless other indie dramedies
Cag:  4
Directed by John Krasinski !!
Sony Pictures Classics

John Krasisnki, Anna Kendrick, Richard Jenkins, Margo Martindale

My comments:  I didn't take notes after watching this, and am writing this at least 100 movies later!  But I remember liking it a whole lot, and although it was sad, didn't feel too depressed afterwards, what you'd probably refer to as a dramady?    I also remember enjoying all the actors, some of my favorites.

RT/ IMDb Summary:  John Hollar, a struggling NYC artist is forced to navigate the small middle-American town he left behind when news of his mother's illness brings him home. Back in the house he grew up in, John is immediately swept up in the problems of his dysfunctional family, high school rival, and an over-eager ex-girlfriend as he faces impending fatherhood with his girlfriend in New York. From a script by Jim Strouse that is at turns hilarious and heartbreaking, John Krasinski's second feature is a poignant look at the bonds of family and friendship.

52. Among the Wicked by Linda Castillo

Kate Burkholder #8
listened to on Audible
publishing info
306 pgs.
adult murder mystery
Finished 9/30/2016
Goodreads rating:  4.21 - 3496 ratings
My rating:  2.5
Setting: Contemporary winter in rural upstate New York

First line/s:  "Dusk arrives early and without fanfare in northeastern Ohio in late January."

My comments:  To tell the truth, I was a little disappointed with this one....first reaction is that it was short and simplistic.  I didn't end up with the same feeling I usually have when I finish one of Linda Castillo's novels.  It was very predictable, the surprises weren't really surprises.  I'm left with the same feeling that I have when I finish one of her short stories about Kate - this felt more like a short story, it left me wanting more.  However, this doesn't mean I won't be holding my breath for number nine!

Goodreads synopsis:  Chief of Police Kate Burkholder is called upon by the sheriff's department in rural, upstate New York to assist on a developing situation that involves a reclusive Amish settlement and the death of a young girl. Unable to penetrate the wall of silence between the Amish and "English" communities, the sheriff asks Kate to travel to New York, pose as an Amish woman, and infiltrate the community.
     Kate's long time love interest, State Agent John Tomasetti, is dead set against her taking on such an unorthodox assignment, knowing she'll have limited communication - and even less in the way of backup. But Kate can't turn her back, especially when the rumor mill boils with disturbing accounts of children in danger. She travels to New York where she's briefed and assumes her new identity as a lone widow seeking a new life.
     Kate infiltrates the community and goes deep under cover. In the coming days, she unearths a world built on secrets, a series of shocking crimes, and herself, alone... trapped in a fight for her life.

Thursday, September 29, 2016

MAP Postcards

1976.  Gouda, the Netherlands
Hello!  Greetings from Gouda, the Netherlands.  The city is famous for the "Gouda" cheese.  I like it very much.  Our city is between Rotterdam and Utrecht.  You can see in the front.  Wish you all the best! Els

1932.  Taiwan
Shaped postcard
Hi Chris!  My name is Lany.  I'm from Taiwan.  I very like my country people because they have more human touch give people help.  If you get lost, you can ask anyone then they will tell you how to get here. This a Tawainese shaped map.  Have a nice day.  Wish you like it!  Lan
1927.  Kent, England
This exclusive design by Lauren Radley captures the essence of Ken't historic buildings and stunning countryside.  From the home of Winston Churchill and Jock the cat, fairytale castles, and iconic coast houses to the famous White Cliffs of Dover.
Hello from London!  Kent is just southeast of here and I was there last week for a short seaside holiday in a place called Whitstable which is lovely but not on the map.  Best wishes, Catherine

1920.  Hamburg, Germany
Hallo Chris!  Sending you lovely greetings from Hamburg.  At the weekend I love to visit flea markets and search for unwritten postcards.  It makes a lot of fun and sometimes I've got luck - like this card!  Wish you all the best and a lot of beautiful cards, Rebecca

1916.  Oregon
Hello Chris, we hope you like this Oregon Map postcard and postage stamps  We live in Western Oregon, near the city of Eugene and 50 miles from the Pacific Ocean.  We are retired.  My wife, Nancy, is a quilter.  She is part of a group that makes quilts for Lutheran World Relief as well as "baby" quilts for our local AID (Food Pantry).  I am a collector of used postage stamps.  Take care , Larry and Nancy Clough

1352.  Marin County, Calfornia
Welcome to Marin County, California!  One of California's original 27 counties, Marin County has a rich history filled with both cultural and political extremes.  Although providing much of the lumber for the massive rebuilding following the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, Marin is currently known more for its liberals than for its logging.  With almost 75% of the county as protected and public land, and given its proximity to the SF Bay Area, it's easy to see where Mountain Biking, hippie-ism and granola consumption largely came from.  Political views aside, Marin County is home to a seemingly infinite number of trails, forests, beaches, waterfalls, views, main streets, and many other settings in which to simply enjoy being alive.  At least that's what I've found...I hope you do too!

1301.  Surrey, England
25 July 2018
Here is a postcard of my county Surrey.  My village (10,000 inhabitants) is shown and I work in nearby Woking.
The Basingstoke Canal is a good place for walking and cycling.  
Just to the southwest of London, this is quite a busy area, but there is also some lovely countryside.  The green fields are no brown due to the current heatwave.  Best wishes, Christine
1291.  The Philippines
Kumusta Ka/ [How are you?]  Do you miss teaching 4th grade?  They could be a rowdy group, I think.  They're fun and innocent, too :)  I hope you like this map card.  Take Care!

1254.  New York: The Empire State
Hello from still cold & snow-filled Syracuse.  I hope you're well.  When I'm not working I'm usually reading or bingeing Netflix shows.  As soo as spring really starts I'll be able to enjoy time outside.  Jennifer  March 20, 2018

1211.  Schone Grusse aus Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
GERMANY
(Greetings from Mecklenburg-Viorpommern, which is a state on the northern coast of Germany)
This card is from Moritz Lake, one of the biggest lakes in Germany.

1137.  Caves of Indonesia
Warm greetings from warm country, Indonesia!  Happy New Year!!! Wishing you good health, happiness, and success in the coming year and always.  Annisa

1106.  Provinces of CANADA
Hello Chris, I am a junior high school teacher, but still 7 - 8 years away from retirement.  I teach social studies and phys. ed.  A job at the library sounds like a great "after teaching" job - still get to work with kids, but no lesson planning!  I just picked up some overproduced Halloween stamps.  I hope you like the one I've affixed to the card.  Happy Christmas and all the best in '18.  Curt


1087.  North Carolina
Greetings from N. C.  I just retired this year and I'm loving spending my time with crafts, x-stitch, and some travel.  I make a yearly trip to Syracuse, NY every year tut this year I went twice.  Have a nice Day!  Ruth

1056.  Hungary
Hello Chris, my name is Csaba (an old Hungarian name).  I'm a programmer (with remote job).  I like gardening (community garden) and nature!  With warm greetings, Csaba  16.11.2017

1047.  Phuket Island, Thailand
card sent from AUSTRALIA
Greetings from Australia, my name is Mark & I live with my wife and son in the town of Merredin, in the state of Western Australia.  Merredin is a small town (pop. 2,900) in a wheat and sheep farming area.  We are 260 km. east of Perth, the state capital city ad we are 18,309 km southwest of Carlisle, PA.  25th October 2017

1048.  Iowa
Iowa, the 29th state admitted to the Union, is one of the greatest farming states in the United States.  Farms cover over 90% of Iowa's land area, and Iowa is routinely one of the United States' leading producers of soybeans, hogs, and corn.
Hi Christine,  We're practically neighbors.  I camp on Lake Pymatuning on the OH/PA border.  It's about a 2-hour drive from Cleveland.  It's a beautiful area.  Joy.  11-21-17

1026.  Bulgaria
Hello Chris, Greetings from Sofia!  What a coincidence, I'm writing you a postcard on Friday the 13th - haha :)!  Wish you happiness and good health with the martinitsa!  Every aprince we exchange bracelets with good wishes, we tie them on our wrists and once we see a stork, we tie the bracelets to a blooming tree.  Curiou

1016.  Michigan
Hello from Michigan.  I live in a small town near a lake, population under 4,000.  It has been very cold and rainy here.  I fear snow is coming, LOL.  Beth

986.  Tastes of Taiwan
Hello Chris, Greetings from Taiwan.  The map card is about Taiwan's food.  All kindsare very good.  If you will come to Taiwan, you can't miss Taiwan famous nightmarket.  They are full of traditional food or around the world food.  However, I lover our country food first.  Hope you will like it and come here!

980.  Brasil
Hello, my name is Rafael.  I live in Sao Paulo, Brasil.  Happy Postcrossing!

977.  Croatia
Hello Chris!  I'm Ivan from Zagreb, the capital of Croatia.  Croatia is small, but very diverse country.  The population is 4 million.  The national flower is the iris.  The hit HBO series "Game of Thrones" was filmed on the Croatian coast in the cities Split and Dubrovnik.  Almost 105 of Croatia is made up of 11 nature parks, 8 national parks, and 2 nature reserves.  The most beautiful part is surely Adriatic Sea with over 1200 islands.  In fact, in Croatia should come to to enjoy.  Many greetings, Ivan

935.  Annaba - northeast Algeria
Hello Chris!  I hope you're fine and hope you'lllike this map card from my home town "Annaba."  It's the fourth largest city of Algeria.  All the best, Kadir

916.  Formosa
Hi Chris, This is the map of 1956, on that time Taiwan was also called Formosa.  Yi-liang

854.  Hildesheim, Germany
Hallo Chris, Guten Tag from Hildesheim in Germany.  We are UNESCO World Heritage with  (unreadable) church!  Betty. 23.17.17

846.  Dartmoor
mailed from the Netherlands
Hello Chris.  I hope you like this map card.  It's not from my own country but hopefully nice fun for your collection.  Have a nice summer!  Kim from Gouda.  


 
794.  Sweden
This is the map of the south part of Sweden.  Regards.

787.  Friesland, a Province in the northwest of the Netherlands, on the North Sea.
sent by a postcrosser from Germany
My name is Sonja.  I'm 24 years old and come from the south of Germany, near Stuttgart.  Greetings!

777.  ICELAND
card sent from Malaysia!
Greetings from Ipoh, a small city in Malaysia!  My name is Ivy Fan.  I'm a housewife.  I love reading novels, watching TV drama, and writing journals.  Her's a card of Iceland Map.  Hope you will like it.  Have a nice day!

720.  Czech Republic
All best to you from Czech Republic.  Marie

691.  Korea
Dear Chris, Greetings from Seoul, South Korea!  I'm Arom.  I like to watch movies, listen to music, and travel to other countries.  I watched a movie named "Doctor Strange" last week, and it was great!  I love Marvel movies so much.  Hope your new chapter in Pennsylvania will be full of Joy.

669.  Taiwan
Greetings from Taiwan.  This card shows you Taiwan map with "Hakka printed cloth."  The cloth has bright and beautiful flowers on it.  Hope you enjoy this!  All the best, Julie 

666.  Vancouver, British Columbia,  Canada
"From Sea to Saa : Provinces, Territories & their Capitals
Hello from your neighbours to the North.  My name is Melissa and I am from Vancouver, Canada.  I am currently 26-years-old and I live here with my family.  We have one dog named Jake.  My hobbies include postcrossing, reading, blogging, and playing video games.  I hope that you like this card.  Take care.

758.  The Maltese Islands
Postcard sent from Italy
Hi Chris, I and my husband are spending our summer holidays in this beautiful and charming island.  We visited Victoria in Gizi, Comino, Mdina, and Vallitia in Malta!  Regards.  6 Giungno 2017 

648.  Belarus
Hello, many greetings from Belarus!  My name is Irina, I'm 44 years old and I live with my family in western Belarus in Hrodna (Grodno) near the borders with Poland (20 km) and Lithuania (30 km).  I hope you like this card.  Irina

630.  Scotland
Scotland has a land area of about 79,000 sq. km., with a total coastline of nearly 12,000 km.  There are some 800 islands, with almost 600 of them lying off the west coast, over 30,000 freshwater lochs and 6600 river systems.  Scotland's population of 5.3 million live in approximately 3% of the total land area.
Hello Chris!  My name is Keith and I send you a map card of my home country of Scotland.  It is beautiful here.  Keith.

625.  Florida
Hi Chris,
I thought it was funny when I got your name to send to.  I read the things you like and I could be reading about myself.  Then I see your birthday and nearly fell off my chair.  LOL.  It's the same as mine.
Happy Postcrossing!  Alda

623.  Los Angeles, California
Hello Chris, Greetings from Los Angeles!  I live in Los Angeles, but I moved from Hawaii.  Living in different of new place is kind of challenging but we can experience so many things.  Best wishes for your moving!
Happy Postcard-Uniting!  Lynn

605.  Manchester, England
Hello Chris!
Greetings from a cool but sunny north oif England.  I live just to the side of Mancester (a little to the left of the map) and lthough I'm from the south, I love it up here.
     I've never been to America, but I hope to visit Las Vegas for my 40th next year.
     Hope you're having a great week.
Take care, Amanda

603.  Ekaterinburg, RUSSIA
Hello Chris!  We are writing you from the main city of the Ural - Ekaterinburg - that is famous for its great and monumental mountains.  Ekaterinburg is one of 11 cities where football matches of FIFA World Cup 2018 will be held.  Hope it'll be amazing games!  Smiles when sadness intrudes!  Bye!  

590.  Russian Kremlins Postage Stamps
Hello Chris!  Greetings from Russia, Urals.  I live near Yekaterinburg with my husband and fat cat.  I wish you warm autumn!  Elena

588.  Greetings from California by way of Missouri...
I'm Kat an I'm actually in Missouri but this card matched your wish list.  I hope you like it. :)

583.  Taiwan Houtong Cat
Hello, this postcard is come from Taiwan.  My name is Kat, I live in Taipei City, the capital of Taiwan.  My country is a small island surrounded by the sea.  Wish you all the best!  Kat

581.  Greetings from Czech Republic - Pozrdravz
Hello, my name is Michala.  I'm 32 y.o. I married and I have 2 children (girl & boy).  Happy post carding.  Michala

572.  Journey through BORNEO (Malaysia)
Borneo is 73% Indonesia, 26% Malaysia (in the north) and 1% Brunei (northern coast)
Dear Chris,  Greetings from Kota Kinabulu, Sabah (Borneo) Malaysia!  I hope you'll like this map postcard and maybe get to put a "check" in the boxes someday.  I'm also a teacher - teaching English to young adults at a local college.  I used to teach secondary students in Thailand a few years back.  I hope you are enjoying your retirement and get to do more of the things you enjoy doing.  Have you been to this part of the world before?  I think you will like it especially if you like nature and the outdoors.  We have sunshine the hwole year round!  Wll, with some rainy days too.  here's wishing you a good day ahead! 

559.  Mallorca - Islas Baleares - Espana
card sent from Germany
Hello Chris,  
I live in Bremen, in the north of Germany.  I've just spent two weeks on this beautiful island in the Mediterranean Sea.  We went swimming every day, the water was so warm and clear, but we also did some sightseeing.
Best wishes, Cornelia

555.  The Islands of the BAHAMAS
Hello Chris,
     I enjoy receiving map and food postcards.  I also collect cookbooks and board games.  I live on the island of New Providence.  I hope you like this postcard.

541.  Ostfriesland, Germany
(EAST FRISIA, a region in coastal NW Germany)
Hello Chris!
Greetgings from Germany!  My name is Wilhelm and I live with my wife Jutta and our dog Monty in (sutu?) village Reipe.  I work as a tester of cars at the VW-Passat factory in Emden.  9,000 workers make 1250 cars every day.  Our region Ostfriesland is in northwest of Germany.  Best wishes, Willi

536.  Schone Grusse aus dem Maintal
Greetings from the Beautiful Main Valley, GERMANY
Hi, chris, my name is Jens and I come from Frankfurt  .  I'm 48 years old and I'm working in the office of DHL-Freight.  My hobbies are cycling, traveling, to meet friends and postcards.  Best wishes and have a nice day, Jens Henkel

533.  Elbe River, Germany
"DIE ELBE von Hamburg bis Dresden"
Hello Chris!  My name is Natalie, and I'm student from Magdeburg, Germany (you can notice it in the middle of the map).  Our city stands on the Elbe River and my friends and I love to sit near it in the evening.  I hope you're having a good summer! :)
cheers, Nataliya

511.  Poland, Gdynia; 28 06 2016
Warmest greetings from Poland, Magdelana
Welcome to Poland - a country famous for the hospitality of cordiality of its people, delicious cuisine and beautiful colours during all seasons of the year.  
the positive changes that have taken place in recent years are bound to make your stay in Poland even more eventful :-)  So come :-) ...You have a lot of spare time?  That's easily taken care of.  Especially that the possibilities are varied and huge; mountain hikes, water sports (Baltic Sea has amazing beaches), horse riding and cycling tourism, modern cinemas, and the best quality in entertainment.  These are only some of the many possibilities.  Poland has survived centuries of conflict to emerge as a proud, independent country, ready to assume her new role in modern history.  Visitors ot Poland are discovering what the locals have long known, that Poland is a country rich in fine culture, scenic landscapes and extraordinary historical sites.  Whether exploring the nation's vibrant cities, the lakes and forest of her picturesque countryside or some of the other tourist attractions in Poland, visitors are sure to bring away rich memories.  PS.  And so delicious food - you have to try :-)

483.  Russia MAP
Hello Chris!  Next week I'll go to Spain.  And last month I visited Monaco.
With best wishes, Olga

434.  Penang Island, Malaysia
Hello Chris, Apa Khabar?  Means how are you in Malay.  This is a postcard showing the tourist spot in Penang Island.  Hope you will like it.  The Georgetown on Penang Island has been declared as UNESCO World Heritage City.  Have a nice day.
375.  Australia
Hi Chris,
Hello from Down Under!  We're in autumn now and where I live near Brisbane in Queensland, it's warm and sunny and 27 degrees C.  The colourful parrot on this card is a rainbow lorikeet and we have some visit us every day at our home.  They can be qquite noisy especially in big groups, but it can also be very entertaining watching their funny antics.
Cheers, Sue  19/5/16

356.  Malaysia Holiday Destination
Dear Chris,
Greetings from Malaysia.  Bood day to u.  Sending u this map card of Malaysia.  Hope y could visit my beautiful country some day in the furture.  Happy postcard writing.  Love, Isabella
30/4/16

355.  Taiwan
Hi Crhis.  Greetings from Taiwan!  I'm Wenhsin.  My hometown is Chiay City.  "Alishan" is our famous mountain.  This card is about Taiwanese winter.  Best Wishes, Wenhsin  15.05.2016

333.  Lappi Lapland, Finland
Hello!  You already had a card from Oulu, I'm sending a map card of the top half of Finland.  Oulu is a bit below the cut.  I am originally from Tornio on the border of Sweden - when I was a teen we used to bike to Sweden to buy candy because it was cheaper there.  Some of my schoolmates in High School lived in Haparanda, Sweden.  It's a free border, so we could cross it whenever we wanted to.  I've gone to Ruka/Kuusamo area for vacation several times.  We usually stay at a cottage and make short hikes to nearby hills.  There are lots of reindeer in the area - one time we had 5 in the cottage yard.  Mia (5.5.2016)

326.  Odessa, Texas
Hello!  My name is Anita and I live in Odessa, Texas.  Our main industry here is oil.  We have a large rodeo in January and even larger hight school football games in the fall.  Our city mascot is the jackrabbit.  We have several statues around town.  Anita

317.  Metro Manila, Philippines
April 24, 2016
Chris Hello!  Greetings from the Philippines!  This postcard is about our capital city.  Metro Manila is so congested right now.  I hope our next president will do something about it.  Anyways, have a great day!  Zarah

314.  Emilia Romagna, Italy
Hello Chris, I'm Paola, 40 years and I live in Piacenza, a city of 100,000 inhabitants.  This card shows you a map of my region and views of every main city.  You can see also San Marino.  Hugs, Paola

307.  Washington D. C. - National Mall
April 29, 2016 
Hello Chris,  I suppose this qualifies as a map of my area.  You could actually use it to tour the best places on the National Mall - Tim Wolfe
302.  Close-Up Map of the Netherlands
4th April 2016
Dear Class,
My name is Ruben and I am a 21 year old student of geography!
I am also planning to become a teacher.  On the front of this card you can sere the map of the Netherlands.  I live near the city of Gronigen.  Can you find it?
Have a nice day,
Greetings, Ruben

298.  Switzerland Map
+17 degrees C
22.4.16
Hello Chris,
A map for you!  I'm living ner Basle in the northwest of Switzerland in a small village.  I love to visit at Basle, the old city, the river Rhine, the art museums, and the zoo.  My other hobbies are reading, learning Spanish, walking, swimming, and painting.  I love to trave to Spain.  I wish you a nice day and all the best.
Happy Postcrossing, Claudia

290.  Received 4/25/2016
10.4.2016 Diksany, Czech Republic, 9*C
Ahoj - Hi Chris! 
Greetings from the spa town Podebrady, founded in 1223 where I was visiting for my mother, who was there for rehabilitation after heart surgery.  Have a nice Day!  Pavel

294.  Cross-Country Trip
Alamo, TX
Hi,  I have had fun traveling over 10,000 miles in my van and frew to China.  I found lots of postcards and made many new friends.  Happy National Postcard Week, Demaris
Check out the artist at: www.rickgeary.com
Visit our website at:  www.nationalpostcardweek.com
email me for a trade: ezrestexas@aol.com

203.  Shanghai China
Hello!  Greetings from Shanghai China!  Chinese new year is around the corner.  I don't know if there are some celebrations during this holiday in Arizona.  Anyway, wish you all the best in the year of the monkey!  Happy New Year!  Susan  5 Feb 2016

95.  Michigan Lighthouses
Michigan has 3,100 miles of shoreline bordering on four of the five Great Lakes.  It has over 100 lighthouses, more than any other state.
Greetings from Michigan,  I find it amusing that the state with the most lighthouses, world's only floating post office and world's busiest locks has no oceanfront!  I like to vacation near the Straits of Mackinac.  Crossing the 5 mile bridge never gets old.  There are many beaches, campgrounds, springs, trails, and old forts from the fur trade era.  Jeff  Oct. 31, 2015 Halloween
Russia
Hi there!  This is a card of Russia and I marked a place where my little city is.  I like living here, calm town with rather adequate people :)  Also I like to travel to Moscow, but I get tired of it too fast.  People always hurry, angry and never smile.  Have a good day and take care.