Birds, Suction Vortices, and El Reno

Here's an article I read the other day about birds possibly getting out of the way of advancing tornadic storms. From the article:

"US scientists say tracking data shows that five golden-winged warblers "evacuated" their nesting site one day before the April 2014 tornado outbreak."

Along those lines, here is a video that shows suction vortices inside of a larger tornado. It's pretty amazing to see it close up.

And finally, here is an excellent breakdown of the unprecedented, record-breaking El Reno tornado from 2013.

More storm and writing news coming soon...

Random Space Bits

Just a few updates today...mostly in the form of space news.

The Mars Curiosity rover appears to have discovered some methane on Mars. Although scientists are unsure what the data means for the long term, it will be something to watch since the source of the methane is unknown.

Out near Saturn, rogue winds are shaping dunes on Titan. Even further out in the solar system, a bit of great news: the New Horizons spacecraft woke up from its slumber. Hopefully in the coming months we'll see some amazing photos from Pluto and its collection of moons.

Back on Earth, here is a trailer for a new arcade game: Star Wars Battle Pod. I wonder if it incorporates any imagery/scenes from the upcoming movie (due in December of 2015)?

Lastly, here is a book that recently came out that is full of steampunk Lego projects and illustrations.

Book Release: Chronopticus Rising

Book III of the Chronopticus Chronicles, Chronopticus Rising, is now available in paperback, on Amazon, and as an e-book over at Lulu.com. It will also be available shortly on the iTunes, Barnes and Noble, and Kobo websites.

Chrono Update, Part II

This is one of those "in-between" type weeks where I am wrapping up publishing several formats of Chronopticus Rising and beginning to re-read through my outline and extensive plot notes for the next novel, Race the Sky. I'll start posting more again soon, but until then, here is a preview of the first eleven pages of Chronopticus Rising. Click on the small "preview" link just below the book's cover for more details. The novel will also be available shortly on Amazon, iTunes, and Barnes and Noble.