I'm a big fan of the books which feature Harry Bosch as a detective, now retired.  Which channel is showing movies about him and who plays Bosch?  I was very disappointed in the one episode I saw with (my mind is a blank) a handsome young man who played Jerry McGuire playing Reacher--very poorly cast for anyone who loves Reacher as a wandering ex-soldier. 

SCFSue

I agree that Tom Cruise is badly miscast in the Jack Reacher movies. But then, I am not a Tom Cruise fan. He was good in Top Gun, not bad in Oblivion and okay in Edge of Tomorrow (I had to watch that one twice to just say okay). I think those are the only movies I've seen him in.

I definitely agree that Tom Cruise is NOT Jack Reacher! 

As for River, Marilyne....I tried it but just couldn't get into the fantasy with his ex-woman partner (played by Nicola Walker who also played the daughter, Gillian, in Last Tango in Halifax).  I won't say more than that for fear of spoiling.  Maybe I'll try it again sometime.  IMDB article re "River"....

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4258440/

I was just looking around for something to fill up an hour+ yesterday and came across "Broadway Melody of 1940".  Fred Astaire, George Murphy, and Eleanor Powell musical.  Old, dated, in black/white, but so much fun.  It was an ON DEMAND movie and I had a great time watching it.  Wish they still made those great old musicals these days.

Last night I watched "Jungle Book" on Netflix and enjoyed that a lot.  The artistry of the graphics just amazed me.  Loved the voice of the evil tiger.....spoken by Idris Elba.  What a wonderful voice he has....wish we could see him in more movies.  He is a fine actor.  From Wikipedia....

Idrissa Akuna "Idris" Elba, OBE (/ˈɪdrᵻs ˈɛlbə/; born 6 September 1972)[3] is an English actor, musician and DJ.[4][5] He is known for playing drug baron Russell "Stringer" Bell on the HBO series The Wire,[6] Detective John Luther on the BBC One series Luther, and Nelson Mandela in the biographical film Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom (2013). He has been nominated four times for a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Miniseries or Television Film, winning one, and was nominated five times for a Primetime Emmy Award

Phyll - did you ever see Idris Elba, in Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom?  He did a wonderful job of playing Nelson Mandella, and was nominated for an Academy Award.  I saw it, and thought he was deserving of the Oscar, but I don't remember if he got it or not?  That's the only thing I've ever seen him in. 

I love the old musicals, and don't care if they're corny or not!  Fred and Ginger are always fun to watch, in anything!  I don't know if the Bob Hope and Bing Crosby "road" movies qualify as musicals?  Lots of cute songs sung by Bob and Bing, and love songs by Bing and Dorothy Lamour. 

Another black and white musical that is usually shown this time of year is Holiday Inn,1942 or 43, with Crosby and Fred Astaire.  This the first time that Bing sang the song, "White Christmas", and as we all remember - it became one of the top selling music recordings of all time.   

I haven't seen Mandela.....yet.  I don't think he won the award but I'm not sure about that.  Mandela is on my TBS (to be seen) list.  I first saw Elba in BBC's "Luther".  I liked it and him very much but the series was too short.

Today is the Winter Solstice, so I'm posting this interesting interpretation of the changing of the seasons, and how it relates to the cycle of life . . . birth, death and rebirth.

Winter Solstice ~ December 21st

The Winter Solstice is a magical season . . . one that marks the journey from this year to the next, journeys of the spirit from one world to the next, and the magic of birth, death, and rebirth. The longest night of the year (December 21 in the Northern hemisphere), is reborn as the start of the solar year and accompanied by festivals of light to mark the rebirth of the Sun. In ancient Europe, this night of darkness grew from the myths of the Norse goddess Frigga who sat at her spinning wheel weaving the fates, and the celebration was called Yule, from the Norse word Jul, meaning wheel. The Christmas wreath, a symbol adapted from  Frigga's "Wheel of Fate", reminds us of the cycle of the seasons and the continuity of life.

That the timing of the Christian celebration of the birth of Christ occurs in the Yule season is no coincidence. Christmas was once a movable feast, celebrated many different times during the year. The decision to establish December 25, as the "official" date of Christ's birth was made by Pope Julius I in the fourth century AD, hoping to replace the pagan celebration with the Christian one, since this date coincided with the pagan celebrations of Winter Solstice, with the Return of the Sun Gods occurring throughout the world.

Thank you for that interesting piece about the Winter Solstice Marilyne.    I've always been a star/moon watcher and as I've gotten older even more interested in the season changes etc.    Actually last evening I was looking for a good bit to post on my Facebook page about the Solstice, but didn't find one that just suited me.  I did find some good stuff about those who visit the Stonehenge sites to be there to welcome  the new sun.   That was interesting!!

Many years ago an older friend told us about how she had grown up in one of the Scandinavian countries and what a big celebration they observed especially on the Summer Solstice.    I've not forgotten my friend Alice and how she told of staying out at their summer parties late in the evening to watch for the Wee Folk to appear.    Guess I'm a believer!! as I still keep my eyes open in the summer eves for the possible sighting.   We need to make them welcome in our gardens, just as we do that merry old elf who might just visit our homes a few days from now.    Happy Solstice and Merry Christmas!!

maryc - Thanks for your comment on my story of the Winter Solstice. I've always liked any story that deals with the changing of the seasons, and how this event reflects the cycles of life.   I have also heard about the celebrations in the Scandinavian  countries, for both Summer and Winter.  they often include staying up all night, with lots of celebrating.  I love the myths that surround both Solstice days.

As a Child I remember in the North of England there would be celebration of Solstice.But I think it went out years ago.

Now down in Stonehange. The seem to do more at the Spring Solstice. Hundreds of People do it big there.  All seemed like Witch Craft to me.
I know that New Years in my area was really big. My Grandmother use to tell me
When lighting the Yule log, a large space is needed for the bonfire and a very dry log should be used so it burns quickly. Each member of the family can throw holly sprigs into the fire to say goodbye to the solar year. The ringing of bells symbolizes the ringing out of the old year and the ringing in of the new year. The family can gather in a circle with the leader talking about the importance of the solstice before the bells ring.

Now down in Stonehange. They  seem to do more at the Spring Solstice. Hundreds of People do it big there.  All seemed like Witch Craft to me.

JeanneP - Your custom of burning of the yule log for New Years, sounds like a nice traditional celebration.  Saying goodbye to the old year, and welcoming the new! 

Lots of Christmas traditions in my family, but I don't recall much for New Years, except for the midnight revelry. Lots of parties going on for the adults, in the neighborhood where I grew up.  On New Years Day, my mother always fixed a baked ham, decorated with pineapple slices.   

Al's parents always talked about New Years as being a celebrated holiday in Scotland.    They spoke often of Hogmanay and I never really understood the word or the meaning until we had the Internet and I could research it a bit.    As we live close to the Canadian border we have heard lots about Boxing Day (the day after Christmas) but I hadn't heard of the New Years celebration until I met Al and his family.
Hogmanay ([ËŒhÉ"É¡məˈneː] HOG-mÉ™-NAY) is the Scots word for the last day of the year and is synonymous with the celebration of the New Year (Gregorian calendar) in the Scottish manner. It is normally followed by further celebration on the morning of New Year's Day (1 January) or, in some cases, 2 Januaryâ€"a Scottish bank holiday.
The origins of Hogmanay are unclear, but may be derived from Norse and Gaelic observances. Customs vary throughout Scotland, and usually include gift-giving and visiting the homes of friends and neighbours, with special attention given to the first-foot, the first guest of the new year.


JeanneP,   What I read about the celebration of the Solstice at Stonehenge, it sounded as though the people who go there for that day are kind of a cult who dress in the early costumes etc....very serious about their practices.

New Years is big in UK also . Specially up in the North where I am from and family live. Pretty close to the Scottish Border. Boxing day big also. Day after Christmas day. Was my Eldest brothers Birthday. He also past away Christmas Day  they think as he was alone So show it as dec. 25 .

My Father had Black hair and darker than most in UK. So as start of New Years  Day have to only let the first person to enter your home has to be a darker person. They have to walk all around the house coming in one door and leaving by the Back door.  This then removes all bad luck  things that have happened in the house and allows Good Luck to come in.  Kept him busy that morning. Every one wanting him to come and walk through. ( Brits usually very pale skin and no Dark haired.) I sort of took after his family.

When I was a young child our family would attend a church service on New Year's Eve called a Watchnight Service.   There was a worship service followed by a lunch and it was a thrill to be old enough to go and stay up later than our usual.

The conversation here about the Winter Solstice reminded me of a favorite hymn called All Beautiful the March of Days.
1 All beautiful the march of days,
as seasons come and go;
the hand that shaped the rose hath wrought
the crystal of the snow,
hath sent the hoary frost of heaven,
the flowing waters sealed,
and laid a silent loveliness
on hill and wood and field.

2 O’er white expanses, sparkling pure ,
the radiant morns unfold;
the solemn splendours of the night
burn brighter through the cold;
life mounts in every throbbing vein,
love deepens round the hearth,
and clearer sounds the angel hymn,
"Good will and peace on earth."

3 O thou, from whose unfathomed law
the year in beauty flows,
thyself the vision passing by
in crystal and in rose,
day unto day doth utter speech,
and night to night proclaim
in ever-changing words of light
the wonder of thy name.

There is a youtube of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir singing  this but you can't really understand the words.

   

maryc - Thanks for posting, "Beautiful the March of Days". I like the Christmas message in the lyrics. I don't believe I've ever heard it?  I'm going to take a look on YouTube and listen to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, as well as any others that I see.  Sometimes the YouTube video's include the words to the music, moving cross the screen in sync with the singer/singers.

Glad you enjoyed it Marilyne.   Yes, some youtube videos do have words and it helps. 

One of my favorite Longfellow poems and Christmas carols,    A good message for us all. 

I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day

I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
Their old familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet the words repeat
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

I thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along the unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

And in despair I bowed my head:
"There is no peace on earth," I said,
"For hate is strong and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men."

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
"God is not dead, nor doth he sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail,
With peace on earth, good will to men."

Till, ringing singing, on its way,
The world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime, a chant sublime,
Of peace on earth, good will to men!

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow 
 

Love that poem, Marilyne.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE

I remember hearing that in a carol. I didn't know it was from a Longfellow poem.

St. Peter's Choir: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KOGz9WqNQoI


Ed Herrmann with a Longfellow Christmas https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXfzp296zhA

When I was a pre-teen/teen, my grandmother's church often used this hymn as an anthem on Christmas Day.  I sang in the young people's choir and was surprised, but happy, that I remembered almost every verse.  I even gave a solo performance for myself today!  It's a lovely hymn and brought back some happy memories. 

SCFSue

There are 2 things that I have to do at the end of the Christmas. Listen to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and on New Years Eve. The one from Vienna with the Boys Choir. Hope they do it this New Years.  Julia Andrews is usually the comentater from Austria.

I'm glad that so many of you commented on the Longfellow poem and carol, I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day. 

MarsGal - Thanks for posting those beautiful YouTube renditions.  I enjoyed them very much, and it prompted me to do a little research on the original poem.  I see that there are many more verses, besides the ones that I posted. Some are more vivid in describing the chaos of the Civil War. Overall, it is a great American poem, and the words give us hope for the future. 

Better late than never... .    I too really like that Hymn and poem Marilyne.   It doesn't seem to be used as much any more but it is beautiful.    Thank you for reminding us of a classic.

Our Christmas time was good time spent with family.   The gifts are fun but the time together is priceless and the good will that prevails during this season among friends is so heart warming.   There has been so much talk about community building during this election season that I would hope these good intentions and love of fellow man would go on into the new year.   My wish for the New Year:  "The wrong shall fail, the right prevail.  With peace on earth, good will to men."

On the subject of reading, etc.   I am reading a book by Sandra Dallas that I borrowed through Hoopla.   It seems almost like a book for young readers but a subject that I enjoy.    The title is The Quilt Walk.   The story tells of a family's trip by covered wagon from Illinois to Denver in the 1800s.   I haven't found one of her books that I didn't enjoy.

maryc - I've read lots of books by Sandra Dallas, and have enjoyed them all.  I think I might have read The Quilt Walk, but not sure?  Many of her stories involve quilt making.  I remember one that I especially liked called Alice's Tulips, that takes place during the Civil War. It seems to me that there was something about a quilt in that one as well?  Tall Grass, was another one I liked.  It was about a Japanese internment camp, during WWII.   

I am reading "The Last Runaway" by Tracey Chevalier.  Such an interesting story, and has so many points of interest:  The Quakers (Friends); states with/without slavery (this takes place before Civil War); settling in the State of Ohio, retail i.e., various types of stores, milliners, dry goods, general stores, and especially "quilting".  The story of a young woman who comes to America from England, and finds everything so terribly different.  She faces several tragedies, as well as being a "fish out of water".  I started the book last night, and read until 3:00 AM (couldn't sleep anyway) and read a few more pages this morning around 6:00.  I love Chevalier's work, she is so thorough, but never sacrifices the characters.  I highly recommend this book, if you haven't already read it; published back in 2013.

Tome - The Last Runaway, sounds good.  One more to add to my long list of books to read!  I don't think I've heard of Chevalier?  There are so many writers who are published now, that it's hard to keep track of what I have read or not read.  When I look through an edition of Bookmarks Magazine, it always amazes me that there are always new authors in every edition, plus all the well known familiar names that I recognize. 

For Christmas, my dil gave me A Man Called Ove, by  Fredrik Backman.  It's been on Bestseller lists for quite a while now, and has already been made into a movie. Also, The Life We Bury, by Allen Eskens.  I'm looking forward to both of those. 

I also have another best seller that I'm anxious to read, called The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying up: the Japanese art of decluttering and organizing, by Marie Kondo.   I think I'll read that one first, because my New Year Resolution, is to donate, sell on ebay, or throw away, an accumulation of stuff from a lifetime!  My three adult children, only want a few items, so I must part with everything we are not using or don't need.   

Chevalier is the one who wrote the bestseller The Girl With a Pearl Earring

Chevalier also wrote "Remarkable Creatures", which was very good and interesting.  My f2f book club read it, and totally enjoyed it.  Made for interesting discussion too.

Interesting new authors mentioned here.    I looked on Hoopla last evening and saw that The Girl Witha Pearl Earring was one available.   I believe that was the story about the painter, if I'm not mistaken. 

Marilyne,  I had to smile when you wrote of the book The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up.    I've seen that one advertised and saw another similar one just a day or so ago called Down Sizing etc. etc.    It is another book about just that.    When I saw the title,  I laughed and asked my daughter if she thought that anyone who really needed to downsize would take the time to read a whole book about it first.       Let us know Marilyne how it goes.    I keep talking about it and the best I've done so far is to get rid of a few items of clothing that I haven't worn in some time.   

   I did get a new bath scale for Christmas and have the old one set out for passing on to a local person who recycles metals.    That scale is quite heavy and I believe has a lot of metal in it.     This person has an interesting story.   He is retired and has made a real mission of collecting cans (which in our state are worth $.05 each) and other metals that he recycles for cash.    This money is all donated to food pantries in our community.    He has been written up in the paper and it is amazing the amount that he has raised for this purpose.  His mission even has a name.   It is called D4F (Deposits for food)

I enjoy hearing about all of the the different books that people are reading.   

I check on my Maine State Library Talking books
to see if they have them and most of the time they do. 

So I order them up and listen to them and if I like
the talking book version,  I order more  by the
same author.

There are thousands of talking book available
for people who are visually handicapped,  and available from the State libraries around the country..    They send you
a digital recorder  and all the talking books that you want...   

I use and enjoy this service so very much and also appreciate everyone's suggestions...  to guide me to experiencing
talking books that I would never be aware of. 

This is a free service,  all done through the US Mail, 
at no cost to the participants.   

I don't know if I have said this before but I will
say it again.   "Listening" to books is not the same as
actually "reading" books...     so it took me quite a long while
to get use to and appreciate "listening" to books being
read, instead of reading them myself.

I now would find it very hard to get along with out them, 
as I go to bed with one every night of my life.  It all takes place through the State Library System... 
Maine is here:   http://www.maine.gov/msl/outreach/lbph/index.shtml

We are so fortunate to have this service available in this country
and I am blessed to have it . 

Thanks for the good suggestions for me to choose from!

Sandy

Sandy, do they also have a service sending those Talking Books through the internet so they can be downloaded on the computer or on a kindle?