Have they really found the location of the Last Supper?

Nothing we really didn't already know, but it's certainly intriguing technology...

Scientists, Archeologists Say Infrared Tool Led Them To Last Supper Room

 

Shiny and New...

It's been a long time coming, but I finally found a proper cover for my novel, Aqua Vitae. This one does the job of imparting the feeling of mystery and suspense that the story deserves; the previous cover fell well short of that goal.

If you're not familiar with the story, now's as good a time as any to hop over to Amazon and check out the "Look Inside" feature for a free peek. It's a little different, but I think you'll like it... 

Judge, meet book cover...

I'm finally getting around to tackling some publishing chores that have been neglected for some time now - upgrading my book covers. It probably makes good marketing sense to revisit these things on occasion anyway, but two of the covers - those for The Cenacle Scroll and Aqua Vitae - were meant to be temporary from the start.

I think this new cover for The Cenacle Scroll does a much better job of telegraphing the mystery and intrigue of the story than does my original, ham-handed cut-and-paste job.

I hope you agree. And I hope it attracts a few new readers to the tale...

A Spectacular Autumn Drone's-Eye View Of the Mohonk Preserve...

The explosion of Fall colors on New York's Shawangunk Ridge are second to none. I've spent many a weekend hiking around up there trying the capture the spectacular vista with my Zone VI 4x5 camera, but this video gives you a view of what it must be like for a raptor riding the thermals around those cliffs.

You're also provided with several unique views of the Mohonk Mountain House and of SkyTop Tower, a landmark that features prominently in my novel, Little Birdies!  Enjoy your trip...

Hike Until You Drop (But Don't)...

Towards the end of Little Birdies!, Willie Nolan, an environmental program specialist with the Bureau of Wildlife division of New York State's Department of Environmental Conservation, is at the Mohonk Mountain House and needs to get to Sky Top Tower to see how closely the birds are being monitored by the authorities. He's forced to climb the Labyrinth at night, to avoid the State Trooper parked at the base of Sky Top Road.

When he returns, two hours later, he describes the trail to Dan Grant: "It was blazed by sadists for crazy people," an observation that anyone who has attempted the near-vertical scramble knows to be true. Here's a great up-close and personal look at the entire trail, from the bottom up to the Tower:

And, yes, I've done it. My advice? Carry water and little else, wear sturdy, supportive footwear and don't fall...

I'll Meet You in New Hampshire...

I've been wanting to move up to The Granite State for a while now, and this film just solidifies the feeling. I'm mired here right now, but, to paraphrase Peter Schiff in the film, I can't afford to die in New York (and don't intend to).

The video, "101 Reasons: Liberty Lives in New Hampshire" is a documentary adaptation of the Free State Project's list of 101 Reasons to Move to New Hampshire. It runs a full hour. It features quality, professional production values and can be viewed in 1080p high-def.  If you're a lover of liberty, and dream of escaping from under the thumb of the nanny state in your lifetime, you really need to take a hard look at this.

 

Don't wait for a politician or a political party to set you free; it's not going to happen. Do it yourself. I'll meet you there. I'll be wearing the smoke-colored Rand's Custom cowboy hat... Live Free or Die.

The Carriage Road to SkyTop Tower...

Here's a great look at the carriage road leading from the Mohonk Mountain House to SkyTop Tower. Towards the end of Little Birdies!, Mandy and her friends track the birds to the tower, where they've taken up residence and enjoy riding the thermals during the day. Enjoy your walk...