Guess what?  It’s time for another bonus riddle.  Get ready, get set… Monday, August 9th will be the day.  For a prize this time, we’re offering a copy of Confessions of an Alien Hunter, by Dr. Seth Shostak, and a mug from the SETI Institute.

Dr. Shostak's book - a very enjoyable read

Dr. Shostak is the lead astronomer for the SETI Institute.  He’s an author, lecturer, educator, astronomer, and all-around cool guy.  His book, Confessions of an Alien Hunter is a look at SETI from the inside.  He also talks about the ideology behind SETI, and with whom (or what) we can anticipate contact… in the next twenty years.  The book is an enjoyable read on all levels, and a great addition to your library.

While you’re curled up reading, you’ll be able to enjoy your favorite beverage in a SETI mug — direct to you from the SETI Institute.  You cannot buy this mug in stores.

One side of the SETI mug

I know you know this, but let’s go over the rules again:

• Tom and I will post the bonus riddle at noon CDT, August 9th.  That’s Monday. You’ll have a few more chances to solve a riddle to become eligible to participate.
• Guesses will be by email to Tom or Marian.
• You will have 24 hours to submit your guesses; from noon CDT Monday August 9th, until noon CDT Tuesday August 10th.
• You get three guesses.
• Comments will be closed on the bonus riddle until after the submission deadline.
• The winner will be the first person to submit the correct answer.  If nobody solves the riddle by noon CDT August 10, it will be opened for everybody to give it a shot.
• Tom will have the final say in any controversy.

Remember, you will not get any feedback from us, except that we received your guess.  We will compare your emailed guesses against previous comments to make sure we have the right person.  Again, it’s not that we don’t trust you; we want to be able to prove the prize went to someone to whom we’re not related.  Besides — Tom and I both really, really want that SETI mug.

The riddle winners so far for this cycle (bonus riddle to bonus riddle) are:  Carl Legge, Rob, George, Sean, Nick, Roger, Steve, Emily, Kristian, Frank, Jerry, Ubiraci, Dwight, and Amresh.  You still have the riddles July 24th, July 31st, and August 7th to get your name on the list.