Friday Review: The 13th Apostle by Raina Smith

~ M.A. Kropp

The 13th Apostle by Raina Smith My rating: 2 of 5 stars Speculation about a thirteenth apostle has been around since, well, the apostles. Most biblical scholars call Matthais, chosen to replace the traitor, Judas, the thirteenth apostle. But stories of a thirteenth who existed alongside the original twelve still persist. The author takes that … Continue reading Friday Review: The 13th Apostle by Raina Smith

Wednesday Wanderings: Micromotors Used in Medical Research, Hurricane Harvey’s Aftermath and How to Help, and Cat Shaming

~ M.A. Kropp

Medical science is using micromotors to treat diseases that used to be difficult to deal with. They have already been successful with bacterial infections in mice: Micromotors Hurricane Harvey has truly devastated the Houston area. Here are some photos that show how bad the flooding has been: Houston Underwater And for those who wish to … Continue reading Wednesday Wanderings: Micromotors Used in Medical Research, Hurricane Harvey’s Aftermath and How to Help, and Cat Shaming

Friday Review: Cosmos by Carl Sagan (Audiobook)

~ M.A. Kropp

4 of 5 stars Narrated by LeVar Burton, with foreword by Ann Druyan and introduction by Neil DeGrasse Tyson Like just about everyone I know, I watched the public television series of Cosmos when it aired in 1980. I enjoyed it, but I don't remember actually reading the book. So, when the audiobook came up as … Continue reading Friday Review: Cosmos by Carl Sagan (Audiobook)

Monday Musings: Sometimes, It’s Just Too Much

~ M.A. Kropp

Warning: This is a serious post about serious stuff. If that isn't your thing, just skip it. I won't be upset. Heck, I won't even know. I didn't post anything at all here last week, but I guess you probably noticed that. I had every intention of doing posts, but when I sat down at … Continue reading Monday Musings: Sometimes, It’s Just Too Much

Friday Review: Thomas Jefferson: The Art Of Power (Audiobook) by Jon Meacham

~ M.A. Kropp

Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power by Jon Meacham My rating: 4 of 5 stars Narrated by Edward Herrman Thomas Jefferson has always been a favorite among the American Revolutionaries. Until I read this book, I didn't realize how little I knew about him. He was, along with his political life, a student of sciences, … Continue reading Friday Review: Thomas Jefferson: The Art Of Power (Audiobook) by Jon Meacham

Tuesday Thoughts: Chili Again, and Doggie School

~ M.A. Kropp

Saturday was the 33rd annual Massachusetts State Cook Off. The BaldMan was Chief Judge, and I was Scorekeeper, as we have been for the past several years. It was a lousy day. So lousy that we decided not to bring Lambeau, even though this is one he could have gone to, and put him in … Continue reading Tuesday Thoughts: Chili Again, and Doggie School

Friday (TV) Review: Twin Peaks: The Return

~ M.A. Kropp

My rating: 3 of 5 stars I enjoyed the original series. It was quirky, confusing, and interesting. The return to it has been rumored for a while, and it is finally here. And it's- well, it is quirky and confusing. The problem is it just isn't holding my interest like the original. If you watched … Continue reading Friday (TV) Review: Twin Peaks: The Return

Wednesday Wanderings: Bird Camouflage, Chasing Cheese, Adorable Rat Photos, and Water on Venus a Possibility

~ M.A. Kropp

Many animals rely on camouflage to escape predators. It seems some birds choose their hiding places based on their individual coloration and markings: Camouflage Birds Would you slip and slide down this hill after a wheel of cheese? These folks do it every year: Cheese Rolling These photos of rescue rats are irresistibly adorable: Rat … Continue reading Wednesday Wanderings: Bird Camouflage, Chasing Cheese, Adorable Rat Photos, and Water on Venus a Possibility

Monday Musings: What I Did On My Summer Vacation

~ M.A. Kropp

Well, it wasn't a full vacation. Just a weekend, and there were obligations along with the fun, but it was a good weekend, so I'm counting it! A couple of weeks ago, we went to Arlington, Vermont to be Chief Judge (the BaldMan) and Scorekeeper (me) at the Vermont State Chili Cook Off. We always … Continue reading Monday Musings: What I Did On My Summer Vacation