Secrets of the Tornado

Secrets of the Tornado shows you how to build simple, inexpensive tornadoes in your own home (why go to so much trouble, though, when you can just have kids!). The video jacket claims that viewers will be able to "do serious vortex experiments with just a cardboard box and a hot plate," which put me in mind of possible sequels, such as Giant Home Inferno and Secrets of Life Insurance. Having said this, I must admit that I find the idea of manufacturing tornadoes in your basement an utterly delightful prospect, albeit in a kind of anarchic way. Who wouldn't like to put an end to Uncle Milton's mindless monologues over Thanksgiving dinner with just a small, mildly diverting home cyclone? Further, isn't it possible that this video explains the mystery of how tornadoes start? It's obvious to me, they start in trailer parks with a cardboard box and a hot plate. All kidding aside, this video features a really well organized and fascinating demonstration of how to build all kinds of whirlwinds at home with a variety of blow dryers, dry ice and cardboard boxes. Interspersed with the home demonstrations are lengthy segments of actual tornadoes forming and causing destruction that are both scary and fascinating. And, lest you worry that your child will borrow this tape and you will come home to find only the foundation of your home remaining, most of the demonstrations are too complex to be realized without adult supervision, and safety is stressed. Highly recommended. Aud: J, H, P. (R. Ray)