14 (2012) Peter Clines

14 (2012) Peter Clines

Nate Tucker is sort of a loser.  Working a temp job in his mid thirties -  no girlfriend – no prospects.  He is cheered when he gets in a studio apartment for only a little over $500 per month.  Unfortunately there are some “extras” with the apartment.  Weird writing on the walls, crazy light bulbs, mutant cockroaches and some strange neighbors.  On the good side, there are some attractive ones (one who sunbaths al natural).  They start comparing notes and the next thing they are exploring the secrets of this weird house.  Anit does get pretty strange.  A little, mystery, sci fi, fantasy and -  yes – HP Lovecraft thrown in for good measure.  It is a little over the top but a fun ride.  A clear set up for a sequel. 

Final Jeopardy 11-6-2017

November 6, 2017

Final Jeopardy Category:

Music and History

Final Jeopardy Clue:

This 1880 piece was written more than 6 decades after the Battle of Borodino, the conflict it commemorates

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Final Jeopardy Answer / Question:

The 1812 Overture

On Trails (2016). John Moor

On Trails:  An Exploration (2016)  John Moor

Not just another book about hiking the Appalachian Trail.  Not saying that would be a bad thing. Those books are great.  This one goes way beyond the AT.  It explores the whole concept of what a trail is and how they are made over time.  John Moor visits people studying ancient trails made by now extinct organisms.  He describes how ants and elephants make trails that others can follow.  He reviews the expansions of the AT all the way to Morocco!  All along he laces these bits with pieces of his experience in the wild, which ties it all together.  I liked this book a lot!

Final Jeopardy 10-25-2017

October 25, 2017

Final Jeopardy Category:

Americana

Final Jeopardy Clue:

The tiny town of Cayce, Kentucky was the home & supplied the nickname of a man famous in this job

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Final Jeopardy Answer / Question:

Railroad Engineer

“Casey” Jones

Final Jeopardy 10-24-2017

October 24, 2017

Final Jeopardy Category:

Etymology

Final Jeopardy Clue:

This 8-letter word meaning “cultured” or “intellectual” originated with a phrenology concept

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Final Jeopardy Answer / Question:

High Brow

Empire of Time (2017) Daniel Godfrey

Empire of Time  (2017) Daniel Godfrey

Nick Houghton is still in New Pompeii 15 years after the end of NewPompeii (2016).  Calipurnia is now in control of New Pompeii and the NovusPart Device.  Her son, Marcus, is growing up to be a terrific example of a cruel Roman Ruler.  Nick ends up in jail with new food or water in New Pompeii.  Does he get transported out?  Does he succumb? Does he find a girlfriend?  My hope is that if there is a third book in these series that Godfrey explores the potential of the NovusPart device in more detail.