More NatGeo photos

Click on the link for some amazing photos:

Photo Gallery: Grasslands, Prairies, and Savannas (National Geographic).

Space, planets, meteorology, etc

"Is there intelligent life on Earth?"

"No, I'm just visiting"...

...says the classic joke.

And for those of us who have hope for at least extraterrestrial intelligence will be pleased by the discovery of a solar system quite similar to ours, with at least five planets, and maybe seven:

"Astronomers using ESO’s world-leading HARPS instrument have discovered a planetary system containing at least five planets, orbiting the Sun-like star HD 10180. The researchers also have tantalising evidence that two other planets may be present, one of which would have the lowest mass ever found. This would make the system similar to our Solar System in terms of the number of planets (seven as compared to the Solar System’s eight planets). Furthermore, the team also found evidence that the distances of the planets from their star follow a regular pattern, as also seen in our Solar System." (Read more)

On the subject of space-related things, did you catch the Perseid meteor shower in the middle of August? I didn't. For the first time in many years I actually remembered to look, and went up to the terrace with a glass of cava in my hand (I had visitors at the time), with the intention of enjoying nature's show - only to find that it had clouded over during the night and practically no bits of clear sky were visible.

Other people in different locations, and with very good photographic equipment, were luckier: http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/image/1008/PerseidStorm_arn.jpg Come to think of it, do you think the photo's 100% real, or touched up a little?

And again, on the subject of nice photos, how about this one:

Doesn't it remind you a bit of the Windows default desktop image, but a bit more dramatic?

But it's not. Apparently (I've just googled this) the actual "Windows" hill was later planted with grapevines, which is nice.

"Windows" Hill

4 super romantic ways to break up with your girlfriend

http://thegloss.com/sex-and-dating/allie-brosh-presents-4-super-romantic-ways-to-break-up-with-your-girlfriend/

Tiger in the luggage

You've probably been tempted to do the same at some time or other, but remember, people: smuggling wild animals is a criminal offence, even when they're as cute as this.

Read about it: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/aug/26/thailand-airport-tiger-cub-luggage

Is it a darling? ♥

I want one!!

Love for ugly people

They say "beauty is only skin deep" and that real beauty is "on the inside", but the truth is that less-than-beautiful people seem to find it harder to find a date, at least on the internet, where an attractive profile photo can mean the difference between tons of messages and none at all.

With this in mind, these people have come up with the idea of a dating service ONLY for UGLY people.

If you're not sure if you're ugly enough to join, don't worry, they'll tell you! If you're too attractive you won't be allowed. Good-looking people are not accepted.

Sounds like your kind of thing? Read more here: http://swns.com/worlds-first-dating-site-for-ugly-people-launched-201141.html

It's probably limited to the UK to start with, but who knows if the idea won't catch on if it's successful?

Traffic jams

Personally I don't mind traffic jams much; one, because with my work timetable I don't usually get them, and two, because I enjoy sitting in the car listening to music, but I know most people hate them.

Well, how about this one in China? How long would you wait in a traffic jam before GOING COMPLETELY MAD? An hour? Two hours? Five? No, too impatient.

Read about it here: http://tinyurl.com/23lmmu2

(Nine WHAT?!!!)

The summer holidays are almost over

I'm sure you're all dying to get back to class... just to discover that you've forgotten almost all the English you learnt last year.

So that doesn't happen to you, now is a good time to revise a little bit. You've probably got the notes you took in class, and your last year's books and MultiRom.

However, if you've already lost the books/notes, or you used them to start the barbecue, remember that you can also do a bit of revision online: links in the right column, or the English File Page directly.

Well, I hope you've all done your registration correctly, given in all the necessary documents (there are always last minute panics, mistakes and disappointments so make sure) and that you've checked the starting dates. For further info, visit the school's webpage.

See you!