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Picture of the Week
Moonlight and Zodiacal Light Over La Silla
What may look like a futuristic city out of a science fiction story, floating high above the clouds, is ESO's longest-serving observatory, La Silla. This photograph was taken by astronomer Alan Fitzsimmons while standing near the ESO 3.6-metre telescope just after sunset. The Moon is located just outside the frame of this picture, bathing the observatory in an eerie light that is reflected off the clouds below.
The very faint band of glowing golden light just above the clouds still illuminated by the sunset is the zodiacal light. It is caused by sunlight diffused by dust particles between the Sun and the planets. This can only be seen just after sunset or just before sunrise, at particular times of year, from very good sites.
Several telescopes can be seen in this photograph. For example, the large angular structure at the end of the road is the New Technology Telescope (NTT). True to its name, when completed in 1989 the telescope included a number of revolutionary features including being the first to use full active optics as well as a revolutionary octagonal enclosure. Many of the NTT's features went on to be incorporated into ESO's Very Large Telescope.
The dome in the foreground, just to the right is the Swiss 1.2-metre Leonhard Euler Telescope named in honour of the famous Swiss mathematician Leonhard Euler (1707–83).
Alan submitted this photograph to the Your ESO Pictures Flickr group. The Flickr group is regularly reviewed and the best photos are selected to be featured in our popular Picture of the Week series, or in our gallery.
Thunderbolts and lightning
In this electrifying image, taken on Friday 7 June 2013, a furious thunderstorm is discharging its mighty rage over Cerro Paranal. The colossal enclosures of the four VLT Unit Telescopes, each one the size of an eight-storey building, are dwarfed under the hammering of the powerful storm.
In the left of the image, a solitary star has emerged to witness the show — a single point of light against an obscured sky. This star is Procyon, a bright binary star in the constellation of Canis Minor (The Lesser Dog).
Clouds over ESO's Paranal Observatory are a rare sight. On average, the site experiences an astonishing 330 clear days every year. Lightning is even rarer, as the observatory is located in one of the driest places in the world: the Atacama Desert in Northern Chile, 2600 metres above sea level. If there are any clouds, most of the time the observatory stands above them.
Over a 16-year period working as an engineer on Paranal, ESO photo ambassador Gerhard Hüdepohl had seen lightning there just once before — so he grabbed his camera and ventured out into the elements to capture this unique sight.
The Rise and Fall of a Supernova
An unusual new video sequence shows the rapid brightening and slower fading of a supernova explosion in the galaxy NGC 1365. The supernova, which has been named SN 2012fr, was discovered by French astronomer Alain Klotz on the 27 October 2012. The images captured by the small TAROT robotic telescope, located at ESO's La Silla Observatory in Chile, have been compiled to create this unique movie.
Supernovae are the results of the explosive and cataclysmic deaths of certain types of stars. They are so brilliant that they can outshine their entire parent galaxy for many weeks before slowly fading from sight.
The supernova 2012fr [1] was discovered by Alain Klotz on the afternoon of 27 October 2012. He was busy measuring the brightness of a faint variable star in an image from the TAROT (Télescope à Action Rapide pour les Objets Transitoires) robotic telescope at ESO's La Silla Observatory, when he noticed a new object that was not present in an image taken three days earlier. After checking with telescopes and astronomers all across the world the bright object was confirmed to be a Type Ia supernova.
Some stars co-habit with a second star, both orbiting around a common centre of gravity. In some cases one of them might be a very old white dwarf that is stealing material from its companion. At some point the white dwarf has siphoned off so much matter from its companion that it becomes unstable and explodes. This is known as a Type Ia supernova.
This kind of supernova has become very important as they are the most reliable way of measuring distances to very remote galaxies in the early Universe. Beyond the local group of galaxies, astronomers needed to find very bright objects with predictable properties that could act as signposts to help them map out the expansion history of the Universe. Type Ia supernovae are ideal as their brightnesses peak and fade in almost the same way for each explosion. Measurements of the distances to Type Ia supernovae led to the discovery of the accelerating expansion of the Universe, work that was awarded the Nobel Prize for Physics in 2011.
The host galaxy of this supernova is NGC 1365 (see also potw1037a), an elegant barred spiral galaxy, located 60 million light-years away towards the constellation of Fornax (The Furnace). With its diameter of about 200 000 light-years, it stands out among the other galaxies in the Fornax cluster. A colossal straight bar runs through the galaxy, containing the nucleus at the centre. The new supernova can be easily spotted just above the core, in the middle of the image.
Astronomers discovered more than 200 new supernovae in 2012, of which SN 2012fr is among the brightest. The supernova was first spotted when it was very faint on the 27 October 2012, and it reached its peak brightness on 11 November 2012 [2]. It was then easily seen as a faint star through a medium-sized amateur telescope. The video was compiled from a series of images taken of the galaxy over a period of three months, from the discovery in October until mid-January 2013.
TAROT is a 25-centimetre optical robotic telescope, able to move very fast, and to start an observation within a second. It was installed at La Silla Observatory in 2006 with the purpose of detecting cosmic gamma-ray bursts. The images that revealed SN 2012fr were captured using blue, green and red filters.
[1] Supernovae are designated by the year in which they are discovered, and the order in which they are discovered during that year, by using letters of the alphabet. The fact that the the supernova was discovered by a French team and it has been designated by the letters "fr" is pure coincidence.
[2] At this time it was magnitude 11.9. This is about 200 times too faint to see with the unaided eye even on a clear and dark night. But if the supernova at its peak brightness and our star the Sun were seen together at the same distance from the observer the supernova would appear about 3000 million times brighter than the Sun.
- Video: TAROT discovers a bright supernova in NGC 1365
- Video: TAROT discovers a bright supernova in NGC 1365 (excerpt)
Alain Klotz
Institut de Recherche en Astrophysique et Planetologie
Toulouse, France
Tel: +33 05 61 55 66 66
Email: email@example.com
Richard Hook
ESO, La Silla, Paranal, E-ELT & Survey Telescopes Press Officer
Garching bei München, Germany
Tel: +49 89 3200 6655
Cell: +49 151 1537 3591
Email: email@example.com
Three Planets Dance Over La Silla
It's a real treat for photographers and astronomers alike: our skies are currently witnessing a phenomenon known as a syzygy — when three celestial bodies (or more) nearly align themselves in the sky. When celestial bodies have similar ecliptic longitude, this event is also known as a triple near-conjunction. Of course, this is just a trick of perspective, but this doesn't make it any less spectacular. In this case, these bodies are three planets, and the only thing needed to enjoy the show is a clear view of the sky at sunset.
Luckily, this is what happened for ESO photo ambassador Yuri Beletsky, who had the chance to spot this spectacular view from ESO's La Silla Observatory in northern Chile on Sunday 26 May. Above the round domes of the telescopes, three of the planets in our Solar System — Jupiter (top), Venus (lower left), and Mercury (lower right) — were revealed after sunset, engaged in their cosmic dance.
An alignment like this happens only once every few years. The last one took place in May 2011, and the next one will not be until October 2015. This celestial triangle was at its best over the last week of May, but you may still be able to catch a glimpse of the three planets as they form ever-changing arrangements during their journey across the sky.
- Images
Ripples Across the Chilean Sky
At first sight, this mesmerising image might look like the waves caused by a stone thrown into a lake. And yet, this is the result of the apparent motion of the stars through the southern sky and some magic performed by the photographer. The image was taken at Cerro Armazones, a mountain peak 3060 metres above sea level, which lies in the central part of the Atacama Desert, in the Chilean Andes.
The long bright stripes are star trails and each one marks the path of a single star across the dark night sky. By leaving the camera's shutter open for a long period of time, the movement of the stars, imperceptible to the naked eye, is revealed. Exposure times of as little as 15 minutes are long enough to do the trick. In this case, the photographer combined many shorter exposures to form the final image. The very wide-angle lens used for this series shows the celestial pole to the right, and the equator just above the short tower.
The amazingly large number of star trails in this picture also reveals the incredible quality of the night sky at Armazones: the atmosphere is extremely clear and there is no light pollution thanks to the mountaintop's remote location. This is one of the reasons why this mountain was chosen to be the future home of the world's biggest eye on the sky: the upcoming European Extremely Large Telescope (E-ELT).
Admiring the Galaxy
It is difficult for even the most seasoned astronomer to resist taking time out of a busy observing schedule to stop and stare up at the gloriously rich southern sky. This image is a self portrait taken by astronomer Alan Fitzsimmons, who took this photo between observing sessions at ESO's La Silla Observatory.
This bold photo shows the contrast between a simple, still and dark figure on Earth and the brilliant and bright starry night sky. In this picture, the sky is dominated by the enormous splash of stars and dust which make up the centre of the Milky Way, our home galaxy.
ESO's observatories are located in the Atacama Desert in northern Chile, a region with very few inhabitants, which combines very dark nights with extremely clear atmospheric conditions, both factors conducive to making high quality observations.
La Silla is ESO's first observatory. Inaugurated in 1969, it is home to a number of telescopes with mirror diameters of up to 3.6 metres. With more than 300 clear nights every year, La Silla is in an ideal position to house advanced observing instruments, but it also makes it a fabulous place to just stop and gaze up into the sky.
Alan submitted this photograph to the Your ESO Pictures Flickr group. The Flickr group is regularly reviewed and the best photos are selected to be featured in our Picture of the Week series or in our picture gallery.
Milky Way Shines over Snowy La Silla
In the outskirts of the Atacama Desert, far from the light-polluted cities of northern Chile, the skies are pitch-black after sunset. Such dark skies allow some of the best astronomical observing to take place — and at an altitude of 2400 metres, ESO's La Silla Observatory has an incredibly clear view of the night sky. However, even such a remote, high, and dry location cannot always escape the weather that sometimes comes with the winter months, when blankets of snow can cover the mountain peak and its telescope domes.
This image shows a wintry La Silla sitting beneath a spray of stars from our Milky Way, the plane of which slants across the frame. Visible (from right to left) are the ESO 3.6-metre telescope, the 3.58-metre New Technology Telescope (NTT), the ESO 1-metre Schmidt telescope, and the MPG/ESO 2.2-metre telescope, which has snow on its dome. The small dome of the decommissioned Coudé Auxiliary Telescope can be seen adjacent to that of the ESO 3.6-metre telescope, and between it and the NTT are the water tanks of the observatory.
While the sight of snow at La Silla may initially be surprising, the high altitude ESO sites can experience both hot and cold temperatures through the year, and occasionally be subject to harsh conditions.
This photograph was taken by José Francisco Salgado, an ESO Photo Ambassador.
Lore on the Move
In this photograph one of the two ALMA transporters, Lore, is carrying one of the 7-metre-diameter antennas of ALMA, the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array. Lore and her twin, Otto, are two bright yellow 28-wheeled vehicles, custom-built to move ALMA's antennas around on the Chajnantor Plateau at an elevation of 5000 metres. By doing this, they can reconfigure the telescope array to make the most useful observations of a given target. They also move antennas between Chajnantor and the lower altitude Operations Support Facility for maintenance.
ALMA has a main array of fifty 12-metre-diameter antennas, and an additional array of twelve 7-metre antennas and four 12-metre antennas, known as the Atacama Compact Array (ACA). Lore is carrying one of the smaller, 7-metre antennas of the ACA. The 12-metre antennas of the main array cannot be placed closer than 15 metres apart as they would otherwise bump into each other. This minimum separation between antennas limits the maximum scale of the features that they can detect in the sky. This means that the main array cannot observe the broadest features of extended objects such as giant clouds of molecular gas in the Milky Way, or nearby galaxies. The ACA is specifically designed to help ALMA make better observations of these extended objects. Its smaller 7-metre antennas can be placed closer together, making them better able to measure the broader structures that the main array misses.
The dramatic icy spikes in the foreground are known as penitentes (Spanish for penitents). These are a curious natural phenomenon found in high altitude regions, typically more than 4000 metres above sea level. They are thin blades of hardened snow or ice which point towards the Sun, attaining heights from a few centimetres up to several metres.
ALMA, an international astronomy facility, is a partnership of Europe, North America and East Asia in cooperation with the Republic of Chile. ALMA construction and operations are led on behalf of Europe by ESO, on behalf of North America by the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO), and on behalf of East Asia by the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ). The Joint ALMA Observatory (JAO) provides the unified leadership and management of the construction, commissioning and operation of ALMA.
Wings for Science Fly Over ALMA
This beautiful image, taken in December 2012, shows the array of antennas of the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) [1], the largest astronomy project in existence, located at the Chajnantor Plateau in the Chilean Andes. The large antennas are 12 metres in diameter, and the smaller ones, gathered together in the middle of the image, form the ALMA Compact Array (ACA), which is made up of 12 antennas with a diameter of 7 metres. When the array is completed, there will be a total of 66 antennas.
ESO has initiated an outreach partnership with the ORA Wings for Science project, a non-profit organisation which offers aerial support to public research while on a year-long journey around the world. The two crew members of the Wings for Science Project, Clémentine Bacri and Adrien Normier, fly a special environmentally friendly ultralight [2] to help out scientists by providing aerial capabilities ranging from air sampling to archaeology, biodiversity observation and 3D terrain modelling.
The short movies and amazing pictures that are produced during the flights are used for educational purposes and for promoting local research. Their circumnavigation started in June 2012 and will finish in June 2013 with a landing at the Paris Air Show.
[1] The Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), an international astronomy facility, is a partnership of Europe, North America and East Asia in cooperation with the Republic of Chile. ALMA is funded in Europe by the European Southern Observatory (ESO), in North America by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) in cooperation with the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) and the National Science Council of Taiwan (NSC) and in East Asia by the National Institutes of Natural Sciences (NINS) of Japan in cooperation with the Academia Sinica (AS) in Taiwan. ALMA construction and operations are led on behalf of Europe by ESO, on behalf of North America by the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO), which is managed by Associated Universities, Inc. (AUI) and on behalf of East Asia by the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ). The Joint ALMA Observatory (JAO) provides the unified leadership and management of the construction, commissioning and operation of ALMA.
[2] The ultralight aircraft is a NASA-award winning Pipistrel Virus SW 80 using only 7 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres — less than most cars.
Silver and Blue at Paranal
What might count as a beautifully clear day anywhere else in the world is actually an unusually cloudy day at ESO's Paranal Observatory in the Atacama Desert. As this is one of the driest places on the planet, it is very uncommon to see clouds in the sky. Many astronomers and engineers who spend time at the site find the cloudless sky one of the most striking things about working in the Atacama Desert. This gorgeous 360-degree panorama photo, taken by ESO contractor Dirk Essl in 15 separate exposures, has captured one of the rare days with clouds at Paranal. A few thin, wispy cirrus clouds can be seen above the enclosures of the Very Large Telescope. These clouds form at high altitudes and are made up of tiny ice crystals.
Paranal Observatory receives less than 10 millimetres of rainfall per year, which is just one of the reasons why this 2600-metre-high mountain was chosen as the site for ESO's Very Large Telescope (VLT). This panorama includes the four large Unit Telescopes of the VLT as well as the four smaller Auxiliary Telescopes in their rounded enclosures, one in the foreground and the other three further away. The tracks on the ground are there so that the the Auxiliary Telescopes can be moved into different positions.
Dirk submitted this photograph to the Your ESO Pictures Flickr group. The Flickr group is regularly reviewed and the best photos are selected to be featured in our popular Picture of the Week series, or in our gallery.
- This photograph on Dirk Essl's Flickr photostream
- Dirk Essl's Flickr photostream
- The "Your ESO Pictures" Flickr group
- The "Your ESO Pictures" announcement
Under the Spell of the Magellanic Clouds
This beautiful image of the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), showing the telescope's antennas under a breathtaking starry night sky, comes from Christoph Malin, an ESO Photo Ambassador. This is a still frame taken from one of his painstakingly created timelapse videos of ALMA, which are also available (see ann12099).
Located on the Chajnantor Plateau at an elevation of 5000 metres, ALMA is the world's most powerful telescope for studying the Universe at submillimetre and millimetre wavelengths. Construction work for ALMA will be completed in 2013, and a total of 66 of these high-precision antennas will be operating on the site.
Glowing brightly in the sky, the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds stand out above the antennas. These nearby irregular dwarf galaxies are conspicuous objects in the southern hemisphere, even with the naked eye. These galaxies are both orbiting the Milky Way — our galaxy — and there is evidence that both have been greatly distorted by their interaction with the Milky Way as they travel close to it.
ALMA, an international astronomy facility, is a partnership of Europe, North America and East Asia in cooperation with the Republic of Chile. ALMA construction and operations are led on behalf of Europe by ESO, on behalf of North America by the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO), and on behalf of East Asia by the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ). The Joint ALMA Observatory (JAO) provides the unified leadership and management of the construction, commissioning and operation of ALMA.
- ALMA time-lapse compilation 2012 video
- More about ALMA at ESO
- Joint ALMA Observatory
- ESO Photo Ambassadors
A Sparkling Ribbon of Stars — The Southern Milky Way over La Silla
This panoramic photograph, taken by Alexandre Santerne, shows an insider's view of the disc of the Milky Way, our home galaxy, as well as a cold winter's night, with a sprinkling of snow at ESO's La Silla Observatory in Chile. From our vantage point within it, the disc of the Milky Way appears as a sparkling ribbon of stars stretching across the sky. In this panorama, the Milky Way is distorted into an arc by the wide-angle projection.
Peeking over the hill on the left of this photo is the ESO 3.6-metre telescope, home to the world's foremost exoplanet hunter, HARPS (the High Accuracy Radial velocity Planet Searcher). On the far right is the Swiss 1.2-metre Leonhard Euler Telescope, built and operated by the Geneva Observatory.
There are a number of reasons why La Silla is such an ideal location for observing the night sky in general, and the Milky Way in particular. Firstly, it's located in the southern hemisphere, giving us a better view of the richer central region of the galaxy, and secondly, it's located far from light and urban pollution, at an altitude of 2400 metres above sea level, making the nights dark and the atmosphere clear.
Alexandre submitted this photograph to the Your ESO Pictures Flickr group. The Flickr group is regularly reviewed and the best photos are selected to be featured in our popular Picture of the Week series, or in our gallery. Since submitting the photo, Alexandre has also become an ESO Photo Ambassador.
- This photograph, with annotations, on Alexandre Santerne's Flickr photostream
- Alexandre Santerne's Flickr photostream
- The "Your ESO Pictures" Flickr group
- The "Your ESO Pictures" announcement
- ESO Photo Ambassadors
Stars Circle over the Residencia at Cerro Paranal
This image from ESO Photo Ambassador Farid Char, of the southern night sky over the Residencia "hotel" at ESO's Paranal Observatory in Chile, presents a beautifully star-filled and dynamic view of the heavens.
To make the swirling star trails on this image, Farid used a 30-minute exposure to reveal the observed movement of the stars due to the rotation of the Earth. In the centre is the apparently still point of the south celestial pole. On the left, and at the top of the image, are the extended blurs of the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds, neighbouring galaxies of the Milky Way.
The dark glass dome below the circling stars is part of the roof of the Residencia building. This unique partially subterranean construction has been in use since 2002 by scientists and engineers working at the observatory. During the day, the 35-metre-wide dome allows natural daylight into the building.
At the observatory, located on a mountain at an elevation of 2600 metres in the arid Atacama Desert, the excellent astronomical conditions come at a price. People there face intense sunlight during the day, very low humidity, and the high altitude can leave them short of breath. To help them relax and rehydrate after long shifts on the mountaintop, there is an artificial oasis at the Residencia, with a small garden, a swimming pool that humidifies the air, a lounge, a dining room, and other recreational facilities. The building can accommodate over 100 people.
The Lost Galaxy
This image depicts the galaxy NGC 4535, in the constellation of Virgo (The Maiden), on a beautiful background full of many distant faint galaxies. Its almost circular appearance shows that we observe it nearly face-on. In the centre of the galaxy, there is a well-defined bar structure, with dust lanes that curve sharply before the spiral arms break from the ends of the bar. The bluish colour of the spiral arms points to the presence of a large number of hot young stars. In the centre, however, older and cooler stars give the bulge of the galaxy a yellower appearance.
This visible image was made with the FORS1 instrument on ESO's 8.2-metre Very Large Telescope. The galaxy can also be seen through smaller amateur telescopes, and was first observed by William Herschel in 1785. When seen through a smaller telescope, NGC 4535 has a hazy, ghostly appearance, which inspired the prominent amateur astronomer Leland S. Copeland to name it "The Lost Galaxy" in the 1950s.
NGC 4535 is one of the largest galaxies in the Virgo Cluster, a massive cluster of as many as 2000 galaxies, about 50 million light-years away. Although the Virgo Cluster is not much larger in diameter than the Local Group — the galaxy cluster to which the Milky Way belongs — it contains almost fifty times as many galaxies.
Comets and Shooting Stars Dance Over Paranal
This impressive picture was taken on 5 March 2013 by Gabriel Brammer, one of the ESO Photo Ambassadors, and shows a sunset view of the Paranal Observatory, featuring two comets that are currently moving across the southern skies. Close to the horizon, on the right-hand side of the image, Comet C/2011 L4 (Pan-STARRS), the brightest of the two, shows a bright tail that is caused mainly by dust reflecting the sunlight. In the centre of the image, just above the right-hand slopes of Cerro Paranal, the greenish coma — a nebulous envelope around the nucleus — of Comet C/2012 F6 (Lemmon) can be distinguished, followed by a fainter tail. The green colour is a result of the ionisation of gases in the coma by sunlight. You might even be tricked into thinking that there is a third comet visible in this photo, but the bright object whizzing between comets Lemmon and Pan-STARRS is a serendipitous shooting star burning up in the atmosphere at just the right time and in the right place.
Snow Comes to the Atacama Desert
The Atacama Desert is one of the driest places in the world. Several factors contribute to its arid conditions. The magnificent Andes mountain range and the Chilean Coast Range block the clouds from the east and west, respectively. In addition, the cold offshore Humboldt Current in the Pacific Ocean, which creates a coastal inversion layer of cool air, hinders the formation of rain clouds. Moreover, a region of high pressure in the south-eastern Pacific Ocean creates circulating winds, forming an anticyclone, which also helps to keep the climate of the Atacama Desert dry. These arid conditions were a major factor for ESO in placing the Very Large Telescope (VLT) at Paranal, in the Atacama Desert. At the Paranal Observatory, located on the summit of Cerro Paranal, the precipitation levels are usually below ten millimetres per year, with the humidity often dropping below 10%. The observational conditions are excellent, with over 300 clear nights per year.
The splendid conditions for astronomical observations in the Atacama Desert are only rarely disturbed by the weather. However, for perhaps a couple of days each year, snow pays a visit to the Atacama Desert. This picture shows a beautiful panoramic view of Cerro Paranal. The VLT is on the peak on the left, and the VISTA survey telescope is on a slightly lower peak, a short distance to the right. The blue sky shows that this is yet another clear sunny day. This time, though, something is different: a thin dusting of snow has transformed the desert landscape, producing an unusual view of rare beauty.
This image was taken by ESO Photo Ambassador Stéphane Guisard on 1 August 2011.
The Comet and the Laser
Gerhard Hüdepohl, one of the ESO Photo Ambassadors, captured this spectacular image of ESO's Very Large Telescope (VLT) during the testing of a new laser for the VLT 14 February 2013. It will be used as a vital part of the Laser Guide Star Facility (LGSF), which allows astronomers to correct for most of the disturbances caused by the constant movement of the atmosphere in order to create much sharper images. Nevertheless, is hard not to think of it as a futuristic laser cannon being pointed towards some kind of distant space invader.
As well as the amazing view of the Milky Way seen over the telescope, there is another feature making this picture even more special. To the right of the centre of the image, just below the Small Magellanic Cloud and almost hidden among the myriad stars seen in the dark Chilean sky, there is a green dot with a faint tail stretching to its left. This is the recently discovered and brighter-than-expected Comet Lemmon, which is currently moving slowly through the southern skies.
Super-thin Mirror Under Test at ESO
This remarkable deformable thin-shell mirror has been delivered to ESO at Garching, Germany and is shown undergoing tests. It is 1120 millimetres across but just 2 millimetres thick, making it much thinner than most glass windows. The mirror is very thin so that it is flexible enough for magnetic forces applied to it to alter the shape of its reflective surface. When in use, the mirror's surface will be constantly changed by tiny amounts to correct for the blurring effects of the Earth's atmosphere and so create much sharper images.
The new deformable secondary mirror (DSM) will replace the current secondary in one of the VLT's four Unit Telescopes. The entire secondary structure includes a set of 1170 actuators that apply a force on 1170 magnets glued to the back face of the thin shell. Sophisticated special-purpose electronics control the behaviour of the thin shell mirror. The reflecting surface can be deformed up to a thousand times per second by the action of the actuators.
The complete DSM system was delivered to ESO by the Italian companies Microgate and ADS in December 2012 and concludes eight years of sustained development efforts and manufacturing. This is the largest deformable mirror ever produced for astronomical purposes and is the latest of a long line of such mirrors. The extensive experience of these contractors shows in the high performance of the system and its reliability. The installation on the VLT is scheduled to start in 2015.
The shell mirror (ann12015) itself was manufactured by the French company REOSC. It is a sheet of ceramic material that has been polished to a very accurate shape. The manufacturing process starts with a block of Zerodur ceramic, provided by Schott Glass (Germany) that is more than 70 millimetres thick. Most of this material is ground away to create the final thin shell that must be carefully supported at all times as it is extremely fragile.
- The Adaptive Optics Department at ESO
- Booklet on the Adaptive Optics Facility (AOF) at ESO (PDF file)
- Microgate
- Schott Glass
Laser and Light Painting
On a clear night in Bavaria, ESO staff attended the filming of an ESOcast episode focusing on ESO's new compact laser guide star unit, seen here in action at the Allgäu Public Observatory in Ottobeuren, Germany. Using the glow from their mobile phones, staff took advantage of the long-exposure photograph to draw the letters "ESO" in light, while standing in front of the observatory. Just left of the vertical laser beam, the Milky Way can be seen. Just above the horizon over the observatory, the dotted tracks of aircraft can be seen in the distance. The laser has a powerful beam of 20 watts, and to protect pilots and passengers a no-fly zone around the observatory was created by the Deutsche Flugsicherung (responsible for air traffic control in Germany) during the nighttime observing hours.
Laser guide stars are artificial stars created in the Earth's atmosphere using a laser beam. The laser makes the sodium atoms in a layer 90 kilometres up in the atmosphere glow and so creates an artificial star in the sky that can be observed by a telescope. Using measurements of the artificial star, adaptive optics instruments can then correct the blurring effect of the atmosphere in the observations.
ESO's innovative concept uses a powerful laser whose beam is launched with a small telescope, combined into a single modular unit which can be mounted directly on a large telescope. The concept, which has been patented and licensed by ESO, will be used to provide the Very Large Telescope (VLT) with four similar laser units. It will also play a key role in the units that will equip the future European Extremely Large Telescope (E-ELT).
At the time of filming, the unit was undergoing testing before being shipped to the ESO Paranal Observatory in Chile, home of the VLT.
- ESOcast episode on Laser Guide Stars
- More about the ESO Wendelstein Laser Guide Star unit
- More about the Allgäu Public Observatory
Sunset at Paranal Observatory
Babak Tafreshi, an ESO Photo Ambassador, has captured a beautiful image of ESO's Paranal Observatory illuminated by the sunset. The beautifully clear sky hints at the exceptional atmospheric conditions here; one major reason why ESO chose Paranal as the site of the Very Large Telescope (VLT), its flagship facility.
The VLT — which can be seen on Cerro Paranal, the highest peak in the image, with an altitude of 2600 metres — is the world's most advanced visible-light astronomical observatory. It consists of four Unit Telescopes, each with a primary mirror 8.2 metres across, and four 1.8-metre Auxiliary Telescope. The VLT operates at visible and infrared wavelengths and among the pioneering observations carried out using the VLT have been the first direct image of an exoplanet (see eso0515) and the tracking of stars orbiting the Milky Way's central black hole (see eso0846 and eso1151).
Also on Cerro Paranal is the VLT Survey Telescope (VST). Its smaller enclosure can just be made out in front of one of the larger VLT Unit Telescope enclosures on the mountaintop. The VST is the most recent addition to Paranal, with the first images released in 2011 (see eso1119). It sports a primary mirror 2.6 metres across, which makes it the largest telescope in the world designed for surveying the sky in visible light.
Another survey telescope at the Paranal Observatory is VISTA, the Visible and Infrared Survey Telescope for Astronomy, which can be seen on another peak, in the foreground of Cerro Paranal. VISTA is the world's largest survey telescope, with a 4.1-metre mirror, and operates at near-infrared wavelengths. The telescope started work in 2009 (see eso0949).
- More about the Very Large Telescope
- More about the survey telescopes at Paranal
- ESO Photo Ambassadors


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Ubuntu: Is the new Linux distro for you?
I was talking to Doc Searls a few days ago and he told me about Ubuntu, a new Linux distro based on Debian. Ubuntu is the brainchild of Mark Shuttleworth, who probably best known as the guy who bought a ticket on Soyuz.

subset: commoncrawl


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Ancient 'Nutcracker Man' really ate grass
Nutcracker Man didn't eat nuts after all. After a half-century of referring to an ancient pre-human as "Nutcracker Man" because of his large teeth and powerful jaw, scientists now conclude that he actually chewed grasses instead.
The study "reminds us that in paleontology, things are not always as they seem," commented Peter S. Ungar, chairman of anthropology at the University of Arkansas.
The new report, by Thure E. Cerling of the University of Utah and colleagues, is published in Tuesday's edition of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences....
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- The Capture of the Lindbergh Baby Kidnapper, 80 Years Ago
- Coming Soon, a Century Late: A Black Film Gem
- The discovery that complicated the history of sex change operations
- NYT identifies the person who exposed Gary Hart's philandering
- Decades After Trinity Nuclear Test in New Mexico, U.S. Studies Cancer Fallout


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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Alts are pretty much based around the enjoyment of solo play, questing, different server/factions/class, and in general a distaste for the end-game content. However, I think Dan takes it a bit further then I ever would, I have about maybe 5 characters in total I'd consider I was 'serious' about, and only 1 70 (a Blood Elf Paladin I took from 1 - 70 in a week or two). In general though, alts are fun, end of story. :O


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Honolulu, HI (Sports Network) - The University of Hawaii confirmed the death of running back Willis Wilson on Saturday.
Wilson died of an apparent drowning off Sandy Beach after wading into shallow water with four other people early Saturday morning, according to the Honolulu Star-Advertiser.
A Honolulu Fire Department report says the other members of the group noticed around 4:30 a.m. that Wilson was no longer with them. His body was recovered later in the morning.
Hawaii coach Norm Chow called Wilson "a very fun-loving young man, who was well-liked by his teammates."
"He was an exciting football player who came to us from the University of Washington and whom we felt would help us at running back," Chow said in a statement. "He overcame some obstacles in his life and he was the perfect lesson to our team to never quit. Our thoughts and prayers are with Willis' family during this difficult time."
Wilson, 21, was a walk-on at Hawaii after transferring from Washington and had not appeared in a game this season. His father, Jack, played for Hawaii in the 1980s, the school said.
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There are plenty of outdoor activities to satisfy even the most demanding enthusiast . Hiking, biking, hunting, and fishing are all popular pastimes here . The Oakridge hotel is located in the mountain biking capital of the northwest, and guests come from around the country to tackle the trails . Whether you prefer a relaxing day on the lake or an exciting adventure, both are possibilities .
The hotel is the only branded hotel in the area, and guests depend on the hotel to deliver the Best Western promise of convenience, value, and comfort every day . As the only hotel in Oakridge with a pool and hot tub, this is the perfect place to relax after a day in the mountains or on the lake . Free wireless Internet is standard, and a deluxe complimentary breakfast features a waffle station, fresh fruits and pastries, yogurts, cereals, and of course the 100 percent Arabica coffee .
Mountain Bike Oregon draws a crowd with three different three-day events . International travelers flock to Crater Lake, but there are plenty of additional options for entertainment . The Willamette Pass Ski Resort is a must for skiers and snowboarders . Salt Creek Falls, the second tallest waterfall in Oregon, is also near where many natural hot springs and five hundred miles of hiking trails can be found .
The Oakridge hotel is also a favorite for business travelers who are lucky enough to be in the area for work . The hotel regularly welcomes employees of Union Pacific Railroad, the USDA Forest Service, Oregon Department of Transportation, and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, to name just a few . The convenient location makes it easy to travel around the area, whether you need to go to a meeting or take on a new trail .
Book a cozy, clean room at BEST WESTERN Oakridge Inn, where friendly service and a great value .
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Your Success Matters at the Crowne Plaza Portland
Central/Downtown, Oregon Hotels & Resorts
In the heart of the Portland's best attractions, the Crowne Plaza Portland Downtown offers upscale accommodations with unparalleled amenities. Free high-speed Internet, airport & local area shuttle, bicycle fleet, pool & spa, restaurant & bar & more...
Starting at $139 Per Night
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Loon Lake is known for its pleasant climate. Located 18 miles from the pacific ocean, the air is dry and warm. Lake views and beach camping are available, as are a restaurant, a store, and fuel in the lodge....
The Wayside Inn
Cannon Beach, Oregon Hotels & Resorts
A wonderful, ocean view hotel at the South end of Cannon Beach at Tolovana Park. Enjoy gas fireplaces, decks, free Wi-Fi, flat screen TVs, DVD players, indoor pool, hot tub, and easy beach access....
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Little Creek Cove Nightly Lodging
Newport, Oregon Hotels & Resorts
Welcome to the spectacular beauty of Little Creek Cove! Little Creek Cove is the only Newport, Oregon hotel that is located on the beach; cross the lawn and you have access to three miles of pristine, sandy beach....
Rates from $129 Per Night
Sea Horse Oceanfront Lodging
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Our spectacular views of the ocean and our gracious hospitality will give you memories to last a lifetime. Close to casino, shopping, miles of sandy beaches and more. Rooms, suites, cabins & vacation rentals available. Amenities include an indoor hea...
Affordable Rates from $69 Per Night
Columbia Cliff Villas Hotel
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Luxury 1-3 bedroom suites and villas with river views located along the Columbia River Gorge in Hood River, Oregon. Each spacious villa combines old-world boutique hotel charm and craftsmanship with exquisite furnishings and gourmet kitchens....
Starting at $169 Per Night
Columbia Gorge Hotel
Hood River, Oregon Hotels & Resorts
The Hotel has 39 guest accommodations, with private bath, two with fireplaces. We also have conference facilities that can accommodate an intimate group of 8 to a large meeting of 225. Facilities include our award-winning Simon's Restaurant, the Vale...
Starting at $149 Per Night
Oregon Coast Luxury Oceanfront Accommodatons
Cannon Beach, Oregon Hotels & Resorts
Cannon Beach Luxury Oceanfront accommodations, The Ocean Point Inn & Spa blends contemporary sophistication with coastal chic to create a simple serene and comfortable environment...
$190 Per Night
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites - Astoria
Astoria, Oregon Hotels & Resorts
Just Opened in March 2004, Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites � Astoria Provides a dramatic 78-room riverfront lodging choice suited for business and leisure travelers alike. Most rooms offer a magnificent panoramic view of the mighty Columbia River...
$89 - 239.00
Sea Spirit House B And B
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Get that unique feeling and experience for yourself the sense of well being only the sea can give. Sea Spirit House Bed and Breakfast awaits you. ...
$194 Per Night
Whitewater Adventures - from mild to wild
Medford, Oregon Rafting Trips
Rogue Klamath River Adventures is a family owned & operated business. We take great pride in our impeccable safety record & excellent service. We provide everyone from first time rafters to accomplished adventurers with an unforgettable experience....
$75 Per Person
Exciting Rafting Adventures in Oregon
Central, Oregon Rafting Trips
High Desert River Outfitters is offering Guided Rafting Trips on some of the best rivers in Oregon and washington. We have adventures from mild to wild, something for everyone. Trips from a half-day to 5-day. Start your next great adventure with us....
$50 Per Trip
Oregon Rafting at its Best
Central, Oregon Rafting Trips
Ouzel Outfitters offers professionally guided whitewater rafting trips on the Northwest's most scenic and exciting rivers for families, friends and groups. High quality trips are fully outfitted and guaranteed to put a smile on you face. Since 1979....
Starting at $70 Per Person
Relax in days gone by at The Gorge White House
Hood River, Oregon Wine Tasting
The Gorge White House features Columbia Gorge wine, craft beer, fruit, flowers, art & more in a historic home on a century old working farm. Just 4 miles south of Hood River, OR on Hwy 35 (Mt Hood Scenic By-way)...
Raven Art Creative October Tour
Portland, Oregon Artisan & Trade Workshops
This special month inspires and motivates. Raven Art Studio Creative Tour incites the 'spice of life' that is October and shows you how to let its romance & spice seep into your craft & creative life. Included - trip to Leavenworth for Ocktoberfest!...
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Sunshine Limo Service Oregon Wine Tours
Eugene, Oregon Sight-Seeing Tours
Tour Oregon's beautiful wine country in comfort and style in one of our limousines, luxury SUVs or Town Cars. We provide a custom itinerary, refreshments and one of our "certified chauffeurs", who help make your tour fun and memorable....
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The Mansion at Bayou Golf Course
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Bayou Golf Course & Mansion at Bayou Golf Course Regulation 9 and a Par 3 Golf Course, located In the famous Yamhill Valley Wine Country . The Mansion and Garden is open year round for weddings, receptions, life's celebration & catered events ....
Elegant events at The Grand Ballroom
Salem, Oregon Destination Weddings & Coordinators
Located in Historic Downtown Salem, the Grand Ballroom is one of the best kept secrets of local Event Venues. From Concerts to Proms, Fundraisers to Weddings - this versatile ballroom sits atop the Historic Grand Theatre. Won't you schedule a tour?...
Starting at $200 Per Hour
Modern B&B close to downtown Bend, Oregon
Bend, Oregon Bed & Breakfasts
Elegant two suite B&B close to shopping and restaurants. 20 miles from Mt. Bachelor and outdoors adventure. Neighborhood biking and walking trails. Full gourmet breakfast prepared to your suggestions. Private bath and suite entrance to the outside....
Starting at $160 Per Night
Southern Oregon RV Park
Myrtle Creek, Oregon Campgrounds & RV Parks
Tri City RV Park is located in the heart of the majestic Cascades Mountains with close access to a casino, golfing, fishing, and breath-taking views. Privately owned with professional care gives you a clean feeling, plus, a small town atmosphere....
Starting at $28 Per Night
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Michigan County Seeks to Prevent Shouting at Inmates
November 3, 2009 - 5:38 PMA new law takes effect in early December making it illegal to give a shout-out to an inmate at the Van Buren County Jail. A century-old section of the jail in the heart of Paw Paw has no air conditioning, so its barred windows are opened in warm weather. The wing stands only a few feet from the sidewalk, separated from it by a tall chain-link fence crowned by spirals of razor wire.
The open windows serve as an open invitation for some people to stand outside and yell for their friends and loved ones inside. Sometimes they hold entire conversations together.
Sheriff Dale Gribler asked county commissioners for help. They adopted an ordinance in September that makes shouting at inmates a misdemeanor - punishable by up to 90 days in jail.
(Copyright 2009 Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
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Patcher stuck at 33%. Please help!
I have tried literally everything on the forms. Nothing has solved it. Ran as admin, disabled my firewall, I have stable connection...etc. Literally everything than anyone says has failed. Please don't say submit a ticket because the support team has gotten no where. Its been a month since I could last get on the game. If you have solved this problem before please let me know. It started at the season 3 patch. All help is appreciated. Thanks.
Wrong forum... but since you're here, I'll make a guess that you've probably corrupted something... You can try to repair the installation by clicking the gear icon in the corner of the patcher and allow it to run and see if it actually works. Otherwise it is an error with your system and either your connection isn't as stable as you thought, or your system cannot receive data for whatever reason. Perhaps a device set up by your ISP to limit bandwidth usage. Try the Repair option and if it doesn't work reinstall the game entirely. It sounds painful at first, but it's the only thing that is going to get it working.
33% is when the patch to the client is done and the patch to the game files begins, at this point it often stops tracking the download process, its a common bug but your patch is still continuing. its just a display issue. just wait it out
...I knew that...
|All times are GMT -8. The time now is 05:41 AM.
(c) 2008 Riot Games Inc


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He may still love you. In fact, he probably does. He probably doesn't know what he wants. He probably still thinks about you all the time. But that isn't what matters. What matters is what he's doing about it…and he's not doing anything. And if he's doing nothing, you shouldn't be doing anything. You need someone who goes out of their way to make it obvious that they want you in their life.
I don't know. It's just amazing how there's always that one person can either make or break your day…someone who can put a smile on your face or make you cry…or how they can alter your moods whether it be with their words or unintended actions. What's even more amazing is how that one person - who was once a stranger, can become someone who you need most in your life…then to someone who you wish you'd never met.
….and yet, in the back of my mind, I can't help but think that after everything you've done to me, I would still take you back in an instant. Even though I shouldn't, I would. Because I love you.


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Welcome to Australia's No. 1 classified network
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What we liked >> Strong 3.3-litre V6 engine>> Smooth on-road ride>> Very capable off-road
Not so much >> The name, conservative styling>> Excessive body lean in corners>> Steering response too slow
OVERVIEWThe Toyota Kluger mid-sized four-wheel drive hit the market in October 2003, around three years after it first appeared in North America, and two years after the right hand drive version -- called Highlander -- went on sale in Japan.
Toyota Australia wanted the Highlander name, but Hyundai -- which uses it as a grade name on the Terracan four-wheel drive -- would not relinquish the moniker. Hence Kluger, which is said to mean 'clever' or 'very clever' in German.
The Kluger is a deceptively large vehicle, appearing in pictures to be no bigger than a Subaru Forester. In fact, the Kluger is 4.7m long, 1.83m wide and around 1.7m tall, making it between 10-25cm bigger than Forester in all dimensions. A Commodore sedan, by comparison, is another 10cm longer than Kluger.
Kluger's basic wagon package surrounds a powerful 3.3-litre V6 engine mated to all wheel drive and high ground clearance. Toyota believes the Kluger, and vehicles like it, will be the next big thing in Australia. So much so that Toyota hopes to build a solid enough business case to stop importing and start producing the vehicle at its Altona plant by 2007.
For that to happen Australians must show an annual appetite for 30,000 Klugers, or around 2500 per month. Initially Toyota believes it can sell around 500 a month, but expects sharp rises in sales and popularity when Holden's six cylinder Adventra and Ford's Territory join the fray -- and increase market exposure of crossover vehicles -- late in 2004.
FEATURESKluger's most attractive features are undoubtedly its people-carrying capacity and on-road performance, coupled in a four-wheel drive body. The popularity of traditional four-wheel drives has grown phenomenally since 1990, due as much to their high driving position and carrying capacity as to their off-road ability.
Toyota calls Kluger a car-based SUV, which "offers passenger car-like comfort and performance." We'll take a closer look at that statement in the "On The Road" section, but for now let's check out the range.
Three models comprise the Kluger range in Australia -- CV, CVX and Grande -- with pricing starting at $43,990 and topping out at $58,990. All three models share the same engine and transmission package, namely a 3.3-litre V6 mated to a five speed automatic transmission. All three models have all-wheel drive, mechanical on the CV and CVX and electronic on the Grande.
All Klugers include power steering, cruise control, climate control air-conditioning, tinted rear-side windows, trip computer, CD player and full-size spare wheel. Features and safety equipment increase from model to model in tune with the price; the CVX and CVX are the best value for money, and are expected to appeal to more than 90 percent of all customers.
The higher grade CVX adds alloy wheels, roof rails and fog lights on the outside. Power front seats, a six-stack CD player and rear-seat heater controls compliment the interior.
Top of the line Grande adds bigger 17-inch wheels, sunroof and a rear spoiler outside, touch-screen satellite navigation inside. In addition, front side airbags and curtain airbags, electronic four-wheel drive, traction control and vehicle stability control make the Grande the safest of all Klugers.
COMFORTToyota vehicles are nothing if not efficient and practical, sometimes to the detriment of emotional attraction. No matter, because they're also supremely capable and keenly priced, and Kluger's no different.
Interior space and features are unremarkable in their efficiency. Both the front and second row of seats are comfortable and roomy enough for an average sized adult. The front seats are slightly moulded to reduce body sliding, particularly the backrest, though not enough for our liking. Headroom is good in both rows, and access to each is made easy by wide opening doors and car's high stance.
The third row of seats -- fitted standard to CVX and Grande models, optional on CV -- is a kids-only domains. Adults will have difficulty getting their bigger feet into the footwell, the depth of which leaves knees awkwardly high. The third row does fold perfectly flat when not in use, freeing up plenty of luggage space in the boot area.
We had some difficulty finding a comfortable driving position, despite the fact the driver's seat slides, tilts and raises. The steering wheel only tilts, meaning the pedal to wheel ratio is always a compromise. That said, driving the car is no problem, visibility is very good in all four directions, and large wing mirrors are easy to use.
Swing-type arm rests on the two front seats come in handy on longer trips.
SAFETYKluger's safety story begins with its vehicle dynamics, which are far more impressive and responsive than a traditional four-wheel drive's. Though not quite at the level of a passenger car, Kluger's relative sure-footedness will improve your chances of avoiding a crash.
All Klugers get all-wheel drive, as well as anti-lock disc brakes with EBD and BA (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution - sends braking force to the tyres with the most grip; Brake Assist - detects a driver-initiated panic stop and applies maximum braking).
Vehicle stability control (VSC) and traction control (TRC) are standard on the Grande, an optional extra on the CVX and not available on CV.
Passive safety includes front airbags for driver and passenger and pretensioning seatbelts with force limiters. Kluger's bodyshell is said to be "highly rigid" by Toyota, which provides both a strong protective shell and the basis for a nimble and responsive chassis.
MECHANICALToyota says the Kluger is based on the Lexus RX330 four-wheel drive, which makes this vehicle something of a cut-priced luxury bargain. Basic mechanicals such as 3.3-litre V6 engine, five-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel drive system and suspension are shared with the upmarket Lexus.
Variable valve timing on the inlet valves is said to reduce fuel consumption and boost torque in low revs and free up more power in higher revs. Kluger's peak power of 172kW and torque of 328Nm makes it one of the most powerful six-cylinder crossover vehicles currently on the market.
Both the CV and CVX share the same all wheel drive system which operates through a viscous coupling centre differential and rear limited slip diff. Torque is apportioned 50:50 front to rear. The Grande eschews the viscous LSD in the centre for an electronically controlled traction control system (TRC) which Toyota says "provides more precise and smoother traction".
Four-wheel independent suspension has been tuned mainly for on-road use, but Kluger's 184mm ground clearance means it'll happily tackle easy to medium four-wheel drive trails.
Kluger tips the scales at 1740-1875kg depending on the model. It'll accelerate from rest to 100km/h in a claimed 8.1 seconds, and cover the first 400m in 16.3 seconds. Fuel consumption, measured according to Australian Design Rule standards, is 12.3 litres/100km on a combined city/hwy cycle.
COMPETITORSKluger's most obvious competitors are not on sale at the time of writing -- Holden Adventra V6 and Ford Territory -- so it's unclear how it'll go against these two locally produced vehicles.
Of the current crop of vehicles, Subaru Outback comes close with all-wheel drive and a six-cylinder drivetrain but does not offer seven seats. Subaru Forester is another five-seat consideration, but only the turbocharged XT will match the performance. Mitsubishi's Outlander is sadly outgunned in this company.
Toyota believes people will also move to Kluger from the traditional Aussie family car. In fact Toyota hopes that Kluger and its ilk will one day replace Falcon and Commodore as the typical Aussie family car. High hopes, but not without reason.
Commodore and Falcon owners looking towards large four wheel drives should consider the Kluger a good compromise, which means Camry, Avalon and Magna will also lose customers. So too will large four wheel drives like Toyota's own Prado, Mitsubishi Pajero, Nissan Pathfinder and others lose customers to Kluger's better on-road manners and more compact body.
ON THE ROADKluger fulfils Toyota's claim of having more passenger car-like on-road manners than a four-wheel drive, but it's still a little way off handling like a true passenger car. Excessive bodyroll in corners is Kluger's main problem in an otherwise faultless repertoire.
Kluger handles bumps and ripples in the tarmac with sure-footed efficiency, never losing a step or troubling the steering wheel. Taken to the edge of tyre grip the Kluger pushes gently wide as the tyres squeal their displeasure. At cruising speeds the Kluger's independent suspension delivers a smooth unruffled ride to occupants enjoying the well-insulated cabin.
The 172kW V6 engine is more than adequately suited to this application, providing strong acceleration off the mark, and never short of herbs on steeper climbs. It settles comfortably into a 100km/h cross-country jaunt, the engine noise barely registering in the cabin. Kluger, like some other Toyota products, is limited to 180km/h -- which is unlikely to be a problem on Australia's heavily policed roads.
The five-speed automatic gearbox is inconspicuous in its operation, smoothly transiting between the gears. It's reluctant to change down, requiring an exaggerated push on the throttle to encourage a cog-swap. For those, like us, who prefer a little more control, Toyota offers manual selection on all five gears via the overdrive button (4) and 3-2-1.
Kluger's power assisted steering is slow to wind on, requiring too much input for the desired result. Weighting is on the too-light side of perfect, with little weight build up under stress. It is accurate, and cushions the driver well from road bumps, but lacks feel. Kluger's turning circle is slightly larger than the average family sedan, but certainly smaller than most big four wheel drives.
Which is really what the Kluger is all about: A very good attempt to build a true crossover vehicle that successfully combines passenger car dynamics and performance in a four-wheel drive. Is it worth buying? Yes, if you're after a psuedo-four wheel drive for mostly urban use.
Model tested: Toyota Kluger GrandeRRP: $58,990Price as tested: $58,990Distance covered: 3036kmRoad tester: Chris FinchamDate tested: December 12, 2003 –- January 12, 2004
BOTTOMLINE:Not an eye catcher; in practical terms the perfect Aussie family transport.
Toyota's latest entry into the cross-over vehicle segment left us a bit cold at first. Resplendent in 'Kelvinator' white and with uninspiring boxy styling, our test Kluger Grande blended in with all the other four-wheel-drive wagons in the carpark. Never mind, as four weeks of holiday duties and 3000 fuss-free kilometres later we found little else to criticise about this competent, mid-sized all-rounder.
We drove the range-topping Grande model which, at $58,990, adds leather seats, sat-nav, touchscreen display, six-stack CD player, sunroof, and rear spoiler to an already long list of standard features. The extra goodies were well-received during the mind-numbing Melbourne-Sydney family trip, as much for alleviating boredom as adding to the luxury feel.
Build quality is typically Toyota -- top-notch - with no annoying rattles or other noises to report during our time together. Even soaring summer heat couldn't fluster the Kluger, thanks to tinted rear windows, powerful air-con, cool beige interior and all that reflective white paint.
The comfortable cabin also impressed with many useful touches. We liked the front seat armrests that fold back for climb-through access to the rear seats. The second row of seats slide forward to provide much needed legroom for taller third-row passengers. Countless compartments throughout the cabin mean you're never short of storage space.
With the third-row seats folded flat, the rear load area swallows enough bulky items for any decent family expedition. Fitting a cargo barrier would up capacity even further. Like a good people mover, the Kluger shifts easily from people carrying to load lugging duties and gets top marks for user-friendliness.
It also shines over more conventional four-wheel-drives with its impressive on-road performance. The refined V6/five-speed auto combination gives it silky-smooth acceleration from the lights and rapid progress through traffic in a manner that belies its 1875kg bulk.
The extra grip from all-wheel-drive, solid brakes and various electronic aids add to the on-road poise. The only let-down is over-light steering and some body-roll in corners, which slows progress in the twisty bits.
On the freeway the 3.3-litre V6 barely ticks over, with just a hint of tyre and wind hum above 100km/h. Coarse and rippled surfaces are dealt with smoothly, although larger potholes deliver a disconcerting thump into the cabin.
Fuel economy was another pleasant surprise. We recorded an average of just over 10litres/100km, no doubt helped by our time on the Hume Highway. Expect closer to 14litres/100km if you do most of your driving around town.
Smooth road tyres, limited road clearance and lack of low-range gearing restrict the Kluger to light off-road duties but it coped with every other task we threw at it, from carting the weekly shopping to changing nappies in the back seat! And unlike more traditional wagons, it's a breeze to drive around town and shouldn't cost a fortune to run.
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Create a collage styled around your favorite Reef Boot, and WIN that boot!
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You love summer. Reef loves summer too. But with every minute that the sun sets earlier on these evenings, we understand its long days are numbered. And then comes the more mysterious season – the shadowy days of autumn when the fair-weathered leave the beach and we taste the true flavor. It's not simply "Back to School." It's new people, new classes, and new opportunities – a reason for fresh perspectives and new boots, a good pair of genuine leather slaps to walk down a new path. This is the ephemeral season. And this is the footwear for the road ahead.
Considered the most technically in tune surfer on the planet, Mick Fanning demonstrates the perfect lines at Lower Trestles during his warm up for the Lowers Pro. Enjoy
Mikala finds and records some amazing in the barrel footage. His foam ball riding skills are only shown up by his Go Pro barrel stalls.
Reef continuously creates high quality, comfortable sandals and surf apparel for an active lifestyle. Our products are eco-friendly as we constantly strive to improve our environment. Shop our amazing collections of surf inspired sandals, shoes, boardshorts, wetsuits and accessories today.


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As Aston Martin is one of the world's most iconic brands, celebrating the centenary is something very special.
On the 17th of January, just two days after the exact date marking 100 years of Aston Martin, an Aston Martin Vanquish was with the help of a helicopter placed on top of the Burj Al Arab in Dubai. The Burj Al Arab, dominating the skyline of Dubai is one of the most iconic buildings in the world and therefore well suited for this spectacular event.
But there are more events to take place this year. One of the highlights will be the Nürburgring 24 Hours Race taking place from 17th-20th May 2013.
Visitors will not only be able to see impressive pre-race cars, but Aston Martin will also compete in the race with a spectacular line up of cars.
On the 18th of May a huge set of Aston Martin cars will be sold in an auction held at Aston Martin Works Service in Newport Pagnell, Bucks.
On the 6th & 7th of July the Aston Martin Owners Club Centenary race meeting will be hosted on Brands Hatch. Brands Hatch is one of the best known race circuits in the UK and two races with Aston Martin cars will take place there.
On the 20th of July there will be an Aston Martin birthday party in London followed by a Centenary Concours taking place in Kensington Gardens with car displays and the largest gathering of Aston Martins in the history of the company.
From 26th to 28th of July Aston Martin will play a major role in the Silverstone Classic.
More information you can get on the Aston Martin website.
Tags: Aston Martin, Aston Martin Vanquish, Cars


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Healthier Together – still time
There is still time to have your say on the Healthier Together proposals as the response deadline has been extended until 5pm on 24 October. The questionnaire takes around six minutes to complete and all Trafford residents are being urged to let their opinions be known.Read more
Personal Health Budgets
A Personal Health Budget (PHB) is an agreed amount of money with which you can plan and implement your own care and support. Trafford's PHBs are offered by us and have been available since 1 April 2014.Read more
Trafford GP Practices rated top in GM
Patients in Trafford are getting the best experience in Greater Manchester (GM) at their GP practices, according to the latest GP Patient Survey that is sent to over one million people across the UK.Read more


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Tuesday 25th September 2012 - Moon in Aquarius
Moon 2° Aquarius trines Sun 2° Libra - Early hours Tuesday morning 25th September 2012 - brilliant and perfect communicative combination and unlike "other" Moon aspects - this energy will be so strong that it WILL change people's lives - as the power of communication combines itself with emotional TRUTH - you will sense and FEEL a powerful FREEDOM in expressing yourself on Tuesday.
Moon 6° Aquarius sextiles Uranus 6° Aries - Tuesday morning 25th September 2012 - explosively exciting and very rebellious - as you will SAY IT LIKE IT IS - others will be stunned and shocked what they hear - just like you too will be shocked what you hear. It'll be like revealing the truthful reason why don't "love" your "ex" anymore is because he/she is rubbish in "bed" and you've found someone far more exciting and enjoyable. SHOCKING but exciting truthful !
The communicative energies of Moon in Aquarius will not be argumentative - in fact they will be positively exciting - because - anything negative you do hear - you will accept it and DETACH yourself from the negativity. Conversely, as you reveal the TRUTH - so too - others will feel at ease to reveal the TRUTH to you too with an "open" flippancy and "don't care" for consequences. Tuesday and Wednesday will feel like an EXCHANGE of secrets and revelations - as deep inside you - all you want is FREEDOM - and expressing yourself and how you truthfully feel is the only way Moon in Aquarius knows how to give you FREEDOM. All of which will help you RE-DEFINE your own character and reshape the course of your life.


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Virgin Experience Days Two Night Glamping Break - Lake District
- In Stock
2 reviews
- Delivery
Enjoy camping in style with this Two Night Glamping Break in a camping pod at the 100% carbon neutral quiet site in the Lake District. It's camping without the discomfort and beats staying in a tent hands down. You'll stay in your own Eco-pod which will be warm in the winter and cool in the summer. With lakeside walks and stunning views, all at your doorstep, you're bound to enjoy this unique location set in the heart of the Lake District.
All you need to bring is your camping gear - minus the tent. Two night stay for up to two adults and two children in a 100% carbon neutral Eco-Pod. Those staying in a pod can take advantage of all the other site facilities including a shop, family play room, free Wi-Fi, olde-worlde bar, showers, baths and all the amenities you'd expect from a well established campsite. The shop and bar may not be open during low season. An Experience gift pack including personalised voucher and message card. Cancellation indemnity.
Upon arrival, you will be shown to your pod. The pod is a timber built, insulated hut designed to be used just like a tent but unlike a tent it is already set up on the site, ready for you to move in. Each pod has plenty of headroom and a floor area of approximately 7 square metres - ample space for two people or even two adults and two children 15 and under. The pod is designed to accommodate the variable British weather with ample ventilation for the hot days and lamb's wool insulation for those chillier times - a wooden 'tent' for all seasons. The pods are completely empty on arrival. They have a carpeted floor and a light wood interior.
- Location: Cumbria - Ullswater
- Available Monday to Thursday all year round!
Virgin Experience Days Warm Welcome One Night Break for Two
- In Stock
7 reviews
- Delivery
Warm Welcome One Night Break for Two
A fantastic excuse to make time for a relaxing night away with a great choice of warm and welcoming traditional British inns, coaching houses and hotels across England and Wales. Enjoy a cosy night's stay for two with a delicious breakfast the following morning - the perfect way to escape the pressures of daily life. Choose from a great selection of hostelries in town and country, many with lovely period features and all offering a warm and unpretentious welcome, so you can just kick back and relax.
One night bed and breakfast for two. Experience gift pack including personalised voucher and message card. Cancellation Indemnity. On arrival at your chosen venue you will be welcomed by the warm and friendly staff. Once you have checked in you will be free to enjoy your stay and use the facilities which may vary depending on the venue chosen. Please check during the booking process what you're entitled to, as you may incur additional charges for some amenities.
- Berkshire
- Cheshire
- Devon
- Dunbartonshire
- Essex
- Hampshire
- Hertfordshire
- Kent
- Lancashire
- Norfolk
- North Yorkshire
- Peak District
- Scotland
- South Yorkshire
- Suffolk
- Surrey
- Sussex
- Wales
- Warwickshire
- West Midlands
- West Yorkshire
- Yorkshire
Virgin Experience Days Three Course Lunch with Champagne for Two at Gordon Ramsay's Savoy Grill
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1 review
- Delivery
The Virgin Experience Days Three Course Lunch with Champagne for Two at Gordon Ramsay's Savoy Grill is the perfect treat for fans of the celebrity chef.
At the Savoy Grill you can dine like it's the 1920s. This great restaurant in London's Covent Garden has recently been restored to its former glory. You and your guest will enjoy a delicious three-course lunch, complete with a glass of chilled Champagne each.
Take in the wonderful atmosphere and fine décor with grand chandelier light fittings, tortoise shell walls and elegantly dressed tables.
The Savoy Grill is steeped in history and the menu reflects this, serving courses inspired by the restaurant's past, consisting of traditional French and British dishes.
Expect service that is second-to-none, with skilled waiters preparing some of the dishes at your table, for an exciting yet sophisticated dining experience.
Useful info:
- Virgin Experience Days Three Course Lunch with Champagne for Two
- A table for 2 at the Savoy Grill
- 3 courses from a set menu
- A glass of chilled Champagne each
- Experience gift pack including personalised voucher and message card
- Cancellation indemnity
- Under 16s must be accompanied by a full paying adult
Lunch is available between noon and 3pm Monday to Thursday, except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day. It is recommended you book at least four weeks in advance.
All bookings are subject to availability. Please allow approximately 2 hours for the whole experience. All prices are inclusive of VAT and subject to a 12.5% discretionary service charge. Your group size will be restricted to a maximum of 9 people.
This Virgin Experience Days Couples Choice Voucher makes a wonderful gift for a loved one, with a wide range of experiences from romantic dinners and champagne lunches, to ice climbing and go karting you can share together.
All experiences are for 2 people and there's plenty to choose from. If you're wanting a delicious meal or tasty drinks there's a banquet dinner at Coombe Abbey, champagne afternoon tea at The Park Lane Hotel, a champagne summer concert, classic lunch cruise and London Eye flight, cupcakes and cocktails experience, know your classic grapes experience, matching food and wine workshop, one hour cookery class at L'atelier Des Chefs, brewery tour and ale sampler's supper, 3 course dinner for 2, a vineyard tour.
For those looking for a thrill, there's the extreme high ropes course, Cornwall sea safari, flotation tank experience, full day sea fishing, go karting, helicopter thrill, high speed passenger ride, ice climbing, introduction to wakeboarding, learn to surf taster, llama trekking or the ski or snowboard taster.
For those wanting a romantic break, there's design your own perfume, Drury Lane Theatre tour and meal, his & hers pamper treat, one night break at a Hallmark Hotel chain, relaxation day for 2, spa day for 2 at Rowhill Grange, Thames Barrier RIB voyage, theatre and dinner for 2, visit to the Queen's Gallery and afternoon tea or the Wedgwood Ceramic Experience and lunch for 2.
Useful info:
- Restrictions apply depending on the experience
- All information will be available in the gift pack
- Virgin Experience Days Couples Choice Vouchers
Explore London's famous West End with this Theatre and Dinner package for two.
This is a fantastic chance to enjoy a delicious dinner for two at a popular central London restaurant before taking in a West End show.The perfect gift for a real theatre lover.
This is the perfect surprise gift for the theatre lover in your life, with a selection of shows to suit all tastes.
Key features:
- Enjoy a pre-theatre dinner at a central London restaurant, examples of restaurants are Maxwell's, Prezzo, PJ's and Spaghetti House
- Tickets of two upper circle or balcony seats.
- Choose from a selection of West End shows including: Stomp, Spamalot, Thriller, Woman in Black, 39 Steps and Singing in the Rain.
- Location: London, West End.
- Minimum age: 18
- Available Monday to Thursday, although some shows may be available to book on a Friday.
- This experience is unavailable during the school holidays.
- Not available to wheelchair users due to limited disabled access.
- Beverages not included.
- Transport between restaurant and theatre not included
- All shows are subject to availability and exclusion periods. Participating shows and restaurants are subject to change without notice.
- Vouchers are valid for 10 months
Virgin Experience Days Spa Day for Sharing
- In Stock
4 reviews
- Delivery
Feeling jaded? Need to relax? Then what better way to let your cares and worries melt away than enjoying a proper pampering session at a Spa Day together?
Enjoy some real indulgences that will leave you feeling trim and glowing.The Virgin Experience Spa Day is a great way to treat yourselves or a perfect birthday gift or thank you present you can share.
You can enjoy a luxurious Spa Day at any one of 33 Bannatyne Sensory Spas around the country.
The Sensory Spa offers an environment in which to escape, relax and revitalise. The pool, spa, sauna and steam rooms refresh both body and mind, providing the perfect place to unwind.
With this package you can use all the fitness and leisure facilities as well as receiving a relaxing treatment.
Enjoy one free treatment (approximately 55 minutes in total). Ladies can choose from a Bannatyne Skin Specific facial, Swedish full body massage, Lava shell full body massage, Immaculate manicure or Pristine Pedicure. Men can choose from Urban Cleanse facial, Swedish full body massage or Lava shell full body massage. Spend the rest of your time taking advantage of the fitness and leisure facilities available to you.
When you purchase a spa day experience, a gift pack is sent to you or directly to the recipient. A voucher and booking information are included so you or they can check the info and book the experience.
- 33 locations to chose from across the UK
- Minimum age 18 years
- One free treatment each as part of the package
- Vouchers valid for 10 months
The experience is available to book Monday to Sunday. Kindly note that Saturday availability may be limited due to popularity and cannot be guaranteed.
One night's relaxing stay at the gorgeous Ruthin Castle hotel plus a full Welsh breakfast the following morning.
The 4* Ruthin Castle Hotel is set in stunning Welsh countryside with bustling market towns and two of Britain's best-known resorts to explore nearby. You'll stay in a charming double or twin bedded Noble room which blends tradition and history with modern comforts.
Enjoy 24-hour room service, television, hairdryer, hospitality beverages, mini-bar, safe, telephone, and WiFi internet access. Local attractions include water parks, craft centres, the fascinating Ruthin Gaol and other magnificent castles. If you fancy getting out in the great outdoors, Denbighshire offers fantastic walks for all levels of fitness, canal boating and lovely beaches. Location: Wales - Denbighshire.
The voucher is valid for 10 months from the date of purchase.
Please note restrictions listed below:
You are able to book your one night break for any day of the week throughout the year (subject to some exclusions).
We recommend you book at least four weeks in advance to ensure that dates are available. This is only a guideline and we advise you to book as early as possibleto ensure that dates are available before the expiry date listed onyour voucher. All bookings are subject to availability.
Your experience will be for one night. Check into the hotel will be after 15.00 and departure by 11.00 the following morning.
Virgin Experience Days One Night Break for Two at a Hallmark Hotel
- In Stock
3 reviews
- Delivery
Enjoy a relaxing one-night break for two complete with full English or Continental breakfast.
Where leisure facilities are available, you will also enjoy full use of these facilities. Upon arrival at the hotel you will be welcomed by the friendly staff and shown to your room.
Your bedroom will include a flat screen TV with Freeview, tea and coffee making facilities and a modern en-suite bathroom so you can relax before heading out and exploring the sights.
After a peaceful night's sleep, you can look forward to a full English or Continental breakfast.
Carlisle, Croydon and Gloucester- Seven Days a Week
Derby & Hull - Thursday to Sunday only
Manchester- Sunday to Friday
Please be aware that during weekends and summer months the availability may be limited.
Virgin Experience Days The View from the Shard and Thames Sightseeing Cruise for Two
- In Stock
2 reviews
- Delivery
This amazing Virgin Experience Days The View From The Shard and Thames Sightseeing Cruise For Two allows you to experience one of the most incredible landmarks in London.
With a viewing platform 500ft above the skyline, The Shard is the tallest building in Western Europe so you can witness breathtaking views of the capital like never before. The 360º view stretches out 64km, with multimedia displays and state of the art telescopes on hand to really bring it life.
You'll travel skywards on one of the 2 high-speed kaleidoscopic lifts, then move from floor 69 up to level 72 to experience one of the greatest cities on Earth on a whole new level.
After you've visited The Shard you can head off to a sightseeing cruise on one of the most famous rivers in the world. This hop on and hop off cruise along the Thames allows you to explore the city on ground level too, taking your time to stroll along the river bank and see all of the famous landmarks.
This experience comes with a personalised voucher and a message card, so it makes a wonderful gift for a loved one. It's also a great treat to yourself to a day in the capital in a totally unique way.
Useful info:
- The Shard, London
- Entry for 2 adults
- Unlimited hop on and off cruise for 2 adult
- Includes a personalised voucher and message card
- Cancellation indemnity
- Virgin Experience Days The View From The Shard and Thames Sightseeing Cruise For Two
Virgin Experience Days Luxury Champagne Afternoon Tea and Thames River Cruise For Two
- In Stock
8 reviews
- Delivery
Make visiting the capital a real celebration with this indulgent Champagne Afternoon Tea experience and delightful Thames River Cruise.
Set in the heart of London's bustling shopping and theatre district, the Courthouse Hotel by Hilton offers a secluded and gorgeous setting to enjoy a Champagne Afternoon Tea for two. Enjoy some delicious treats including delicate finger sandwiches, warm scones, cakes plus much more.
Your experience will be complete with a chilled glass of Champagne each before heading out and enjoying a leisurely river cruise down the Thames with unlimited hop on and off travel. You can embark and disembark from the City Cruises piers at Westminster, London Eye, Tower and Greenwich, cruising between them as many times as you wish during one day.
As the River Thames weaves its way through the heart of London there is history around every bend. Your cruise will capture all of London's best loved sights as it passes the grand St Paul's Cathedral, The Tower of London, The Houses of Parliament and The London Eye plus many other historic and famous sites.
The voucher is valid for two people. The experience is available seven days a week throughout the year (except Christmas and Easter) Afternoon tea can be booked between 14.00 and 17.30 and must be pre-booked. Your tea will last for approximately one hour and the cruise can last all day.You have unlimited travel with hop on and off access from any of the City Cruises piers. Your voucher is valid for 6 months from the date of issue. It is essential that you book and take your experience before this date, as vouchers may not be extended beyond the expiration date. This voucher cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.


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text: Report Abuse Home > Poetry > Haiku > The Pains of Individuality The Pains of Individuality By TaylorWintry, Carrollton, TX More by this author Singularity Originality's twin Aching to be you « Previous article More by this author Next article » Join the Discussion This article has 2 comments. Post your own! Report abuse Request to Delete SaphiraBrightscales said... today at 6:35 am: Wow :) So much said. The human nature, wanting what it doesn't have and not wanting what it does. wow. Request to Delete TaylorWintry replied... today at 11:43 am : Thanks (: I appreciate it.


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Oh dear, I so wanted this to be good. However, it just didn't turn out the way I expected. Perhaps, I just don't have a discerning enough palate, but the limes were way too sour and the grapefruit too bitter. I did like the spiced honey. Next time I'll try with just the oranges and pomegranates.
Citrus Salad with Spiced Honey
adknaturegirl Posted: 12/20/13
Daily Specials


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Although several current Thorson Hall council members reported that it would reopen again this Spring with the return of an ambiguous owner who had been traveling abroad, none were completely clear as to the exact status of the coffee shop.
Despite the confusion, Jenny Kohler 07, a former EOB employee and owner-hopeful, related the history and current status of the shop.
Betsy Ortmann 04 came up with the idea for EOB as a junior in the fall of 2002. Ortmann discussed the idea with several counselors in the Entrepreneurship office in the Old Main Annex, and set to work researching everything from where to obtain quality supplies to where to set up shop on campus.
After several months of work and research, Ortmann eventually earned the Finstad grant she needed to fund her expenses and jump-start the business.
The shop opened in February of 2003, and Ortmann manned the shop during both of its night shifts. Eventually, as word circulated about the new coffee shop in Thorson hall, business picked up, and Ortmann was able to hire another employee, Kristin Bergsagel '05.
The fall of 2003 brought several changes to Ortmanns venture. Another night was added to its opening hours and musical performers started getting more publicity; everything started picking up.
Even Norwegian credits were offered through class events as incentive to draw in customers. Another employee, Sarah Burgin '06, was then added to the employee list.
Around this time, Kohler and Jamie Heiam '07 independently decided they wanted to start a coffee shop of their own.
They were referred to Ortmann by the Finstad office, and soon became employees of EOB, and owner-hopefuls, expecting to run the shop after Ortmanns graduation in the spring of 2004.
During the summer of 2004, however, Kohler and Heiams plans to take over the shop faltered when complications arose in the planning stages. Consequently, Ortmann decided to close the shop, and loose ends were tied up last summer.
Although Kohler did not reject the possibility of another coffee shop coming in, she confirmed that EOB was, in fact, closed.
"The place was a true coffee house," Kohler said. "We had good, quality coffee, supplied by the Kitchen in downtown Northfield. It was very competitive with the Cage. But there was really nothing like it on campus."
EOB leaves behind customers who also stress the need for something like EOB on campus again.
"I believe [Ortmanns] shop really set a mood for Thorson, Ben Hyde 05 said. It made everything feel a little more relaxed and at home. I miss the study breaks during the week where I could go up to Essence of Bean and buy a steamer my staple drink."
Despite the praise it has received as a successful business, EOB is remembered for the atmosphere and the intimacy it created in Thorson Hall.
"I believe Essence of Bean helped residents get out of their room and connect with each other," Hyde said.


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I doubt this modest request will be heard over the fevered roar for the scalp of Texas Gov. Rick Perry that the media has been sounding since he announced his candidacy for president. There is almost a palpable bloodlust to bring this guy down -- and it is being sounded by parts of the mainstream press that should know better.
My modest proposal: Let's just try and be fair. Let's do a little self-ethnography from time to time and ask why we feel like it is open season on this guy and his campaign -- and it is OK to drop some of the usual standards of fairness in trying to bring him down.
Let's also think back to 2008 and reflect on the way we covered candidate Obama, and ask ourselves if we are treating Perry the same way we treated the senator from Illinois. Really, think about it -- and let's look in the mirror as we are doing so to see if we can hold our own gaze.
I am not defending Perry or some of the statements he made. But I have seen commentary after commentary on cable TV, network TV, in print, social media and on blogs talking about how he accused Fed chairman Ben Bernanke of treason.
What Perry actually said is this, "Printing more money to play politics at this particular time in American history is almost treacherous -- or treasonous in my opinion."
I think he's pushing the envelope of acceptable discourse, but he didn't accuse Bernanke of treason, and I have seen instance after instance in which commentators for mainstream media outlets have ignored the "almost" in Perry's statement. The ones at CNN have troubled me the most, because I have long believed CNN is our last, best hope for journalism on cable TV.
For example, here's Carol Costello, from CNN, on Facebook Aug. 16: Texas Gov. Rick Perry isn't backing down from comments he made in Iowa on Monday night when he said it would be "treasonous" for Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke to try to stimulate the economy by printing more money.
I also saw an over-the-top Costello piece on CNN last week in which she offered the definition of "treason" and then sarcastically critiqued Perry -- again ignoring the word "almost" in his statement.
I'll spare her the dictionary definition of "almost" and the sarcasm -- I'm trying to be fair in making my point. But maybe she and her editors are familiar with this expression: "Without precision of language there can be no morality."
Ditto for all the analysts and pundits who stated categorically that Perry "questioned President Obama's patriotism." This is a two-fer. It encourages outrage against Perry and sympathy for Obama.
But, again, that is not what Perry said or did.
As I wrote last week:
I think someone who served in the military as Perry did (as a fighter pilot) has every right as a candidate to raise the issue of who made a bigger sacrifice to his country as a young person -- him or someone who chose college. He has an absolute right to do that and it gets at the hypocrisy of the Washington political and media class that urges people to serve their country as members of the military and then sends their own sons and daughters to elite colleges and universities instead of military service.
Putting his military service against Obama's lack of service isn't calling Obama unpatriotic as many in the press have characterized it, it is showing a clear difference: The person who goes into the military risks her or his life, while the young person who goes to a top college or university gets an education if they apply themselves that all but guarantees them a good economic life if nothing else.
He never questioned Obama's patriotism or called the president unpatriotic. But there is service, and then, there is service. He could have gotten killed in the service he gave to his country -- not true for a student at, say, Harvard.
But in a Washington culture that features almost everyone gratuitously thanking everyone else for their "service," such distinctions are seldom made. That's where a little self-ethnography by members of the Washington press corps might lead to more balanced coverage.
Having worked as columnist for four years at the late, great Dallas Times Herald, a paper considered way to the left by the conservative Texans, I can tell you members of that culture don't think anyone in Washington is providing any kind of "service" to the nation.
I'll not even revisit the outrageous editing and charge of racism leveled against Perry by MSNBC and Ed Schultz last week for the Texas governor's "big black cloud" statement. And don't tell me it's water under the bridge and everything is now fine-fine, because Schultz apologized. That's what Schultz always does: Says reprehensible stuff and then apologizes for saying it. If someone had done Obama the way MSNBC and Schultz tried to do Perry, the press would be screaming for the heads of the offending parties.
And let's not forget the swooning that so many in the press did over Obama. I remember in June of 2009 writing a column urging the press to "step back" and re-evaluate the free pass we were giving the new president.
Under the headline, "Time for TV press to quit being used by Obama," I wrote:
As we approach another version of what I have come to think of as network-White House co-productions, the TV press desperately needs to step back and question how it is covering President Barack Obama....