Friday Review: Goblin War (Jig the Goblin #3) by Jim C. Hines

~ M.A. Kropp

Goblin War by Jim C. Hines My rating: 4 of 5 stars In this third book of his goblin series, Jim C. Hines has sent Jig Dragonslayer and his goblin friends on an adventure in the outside world. Shut out of their mountain lair by magic, Jig and his companions are pulled into a war … Continue reading Friday Review: Goblin War (Jig the Goblin #3) by Jim C. Hines

Wednesday Wanderings: Stepwells, A Bee’s First Days, Crows Learn From Their Dead, and Four New Elements

~ M.A. Kropp ~ 3 Comments

There are large, deep cisterns in India, called stepwells, that contain some amazing architecture. Abandoned now, this journalist has been documenting these places before they disappear completely: Stepwells A fascinating look at the first 21 days of a bee's life, time-lapsed into 60 seconds: Bees I love crows. They are fascinating birds, and very intelligent. … Continue reading Wednesday Wanderings: Stepwells, A Bee’s First Days, Crows Learn From Their Dead, and Four New Elements

Monday Musings: Back to the Grind, Upcoming Stuff, Dog Park Fun, Star Wars, and Audiobooks

~ M.A. Kropp

And the holidays are officially over, I guess. Most people are back to work today. Most celebrations are over. We try to get back into the normal daily routine, after vacations and holiday travel. As much as the holidays are fun and festive and fantastic, there is a certain feeling of right about getting back … Continue reading Monday Musings: Back to the Grind, Upcoming Stuff, Dog Park Fun, Star Wars, and Audiobooks

Friday Review: 2015

~ M.A. Kropp

Just some random stats for the blog, plus a little thinking back, on the year that just went by: Blog views: 1700 Busiest day: July 6th with 34 views. The post: Cover Reveal: Circle Unbroken Total new posts: 136 The Five Most Viewed Posts: Wednesday Wanderings: Practice Smarter, Computers Writing News Stories, 3D Floor Tiles, … Continue reading Friday Review: 2015

Wednesday Wanderings: Astrophotography, Brinicle, RC Star Destroyer, and Minions Sing!

~ M.A. Kropp

These are some seriously gorgeous photos of the Milky Way: Landscape Astrophotography Have you ever heard of a brinicle? Neither had I, until I saw this: Brinicle Okay, so maybe it wasn't  the most efficient spacecraft ever, and I doubt Darth Vader is going to be knocking on these guys' door anytime soon, but you … Continue reading Wednesday Wanderings: Astrophotography, Brinicle, RC Star Destroyer, and Minions Sing!

Friday Review: Hot Scheming Mess (Madison Cruz #1) by Lucy Carol

~ M.A. Kropp

My rating: 4 of 5 stars Madison Cruz is an actress, trying to make a living in Seattle. Well, she wants to be an actress, but all she seems to be getting are singing telegram gigs. But a girl's gotta pay the bills, so she does what she has to. Even if it puts even … Continue reading Friday Review: Hot Scheming Mess (Madison Cruz #1) by Lucy Carol

Christmas Spirit: A Holiday Tale

~ M.A. Kropp

This was in response to a challenge to write a story about how a holiday either brings a couple together, or pulls them apart. Given the time of year, most of the stories have centered on Christmas. And not all of them are warm and fuzzy. This one isn't exactly in that category, either. I … Continue reading Christmas Spirit: A Holiday Tale

Wednesday Wanderings: Folklore Creatures, Funny Animal Photos, SpaceX Lands a Rocket, and Christmas

~ M.A. Kropp

I don't know that I would call all of these "insane," but there are some interesting creatures in this list: Nordic Folklore Creatures We all know animals do some funny things, but these photos won the first Comedy Animal Pictures awards: Funny Animals This is pretty danged cool! This week, SpaceX launched its Falcon 9 … Continue reading Wednesday Wanderings: Folklore Creatures, Funny Animal Photos, SpaceX Lands a Rocket, and Christmas

Monday Musings: Weather, Not Gonna Make That Reading Goal, Weird Cat, and Writing

~ M.A. Kropp

The weather turned colder this weekend. No snow yet, but I am sure it is coming. I think. We are now forecast to get up into the 50's and possibly see 60 later in the week. Very odd for Christmas week. We are almost at the end of the year, and it looks like I … Continue reading Monday Musings: Weather, Not Gonna Make That Reading Goal, Weird Cat, and Writing