The Advanced Rutabaga Studies Institute

Forest Grove, Oregon - Rutabaga Capital of the World Since 1951

Live Rutacam #2

[Streaming video]

From our Research & Development labs, the Rutacam shows an experiment [dubbed ARSI-9] in progress: these genetically-engineered rutabagas have been stored for 98 months under precisely-controlled laboratory conditions. ARSI rutabotanists hope that this new variety will retain its freshness for up to 5 years in the average refrigerator. Check back often on this exciting venture into the very cusp of modern science. [Learn more about the experiment and don't forget to visit the similar experiment shown in Live Rutacam #1 on our blog.]

NEWSFLASH November 4, 2006: Is Bertrand ("Experimental Subject No. A9-2") suffering from incipient root rot? A recent CAT (computer-aided tomography) scan was inconclusive and will be repeated in a week. A small fungal infection was noted about 54 mm. beneath the surface at co-ordinates 45 32'24.28" north, 123 07'58.64" west. A dramatic change in albedo (reflectivity or surface color) has been deemed "not definitive" by ARSI researchers.

NEWSFLASH November 5, 2006: A team of botanical surgeons, using advanced laparoscopic techniques, excised the suspected fungal growth from beneath Bertrand's western hemisphere. The fungal disease, commonly known as "root rot," was apparently localized and further treatment may not be necessary. Cosmetic surgeons repaired the small wound and returned Bertrand to ARSI-9, where he is reported "resting comfortably." We apologize for the webcam's brief shutdown, for humane reasons, during surgery.

More About the Live RUTACAM and the ARSI-9 Experiment:

Our state-of-the-art streaming Rutacam is located in ARSI-9, one of the experimental laboratories at our International Headquarters in Forest Grove, Oregon. The three genetically-engineered rutabagas are carefully monitored, 24 hours a day, by trained rutabotanists. The rutabagas are stored at a constant 2.14 degrees Celsius on turf that provides consistent humidity and the appropriate oxygen/carbon dioxide balance.

The bar on the right side of the streaming image is color-coded to indicate temperature: white indicates optimum, red indicates excess warmth and blue indicates excess cold. Illumination is constant to ensure that subtle changes in the stored rutabagas will be detected immediately. The experiment is scheduled to end on June 16, 2008, the 104th Anniversary of Our Founder's birth.

What is the potential value of this experiment? First, studies reveal that rutabagas actually sweeten with age as complex carbohydrates slowly break down into simple sugars. Second, market analysis reveals that consumers tend to leave rutabagas unattended in their refrigerators for long periods. It is important, therefore, that they retain their freshness indefinitely. Third, a Polish vodka distiller has expressed serious interest in developing a product from rutabagas with a higher sugar content.

Many visitors have asked the obvious question: "How did they get their names?" ARSI President for Life Obie MacAroon III named the subjects Arnold, Bertrand and Carlotta after two uncles and an aunt.

Return to the ARSI Home Page or visit our blog.

Visit a photo gallery from our International Headquarters

Learn more about Obie MacAroon I, our Founder.

Click for Forest Grove, Oregon Forecast

ARSI Staff's Favorite Webcams

Mt. St. Helens: A webcam high on Johnston Ridge offers a spectacular view into the crater on the north side of this active volcano.

Timberline Lodge on Oregon's Mt. Hood, with links to webcams at Mt. Rainier and North Cascades national parks in Washington State.

Columbia River Gorge near Stevenson, Washington, and ARSI's experimental rutabaga fields.

The Methow Valley: Located at the Sun Mountain Lodge outside Winthrop, Washington, in the spectacular North Cascades.

Alaska Weather Cams: Splendid Alaskan scenery, from downtown Anchorage to various remote landing strips.

Iowa CornCam: Watch a cornfield grow in 15-minute increments.

Saentis Webcam: Perched improbably at the top of an alpine summit, this amazing webcam may be manipulated, zoomed and enlarged at will. An all-time favorite of ARSI's research staffers.

TOPIN - Switzerland: Offers 32 webcams, most of them at ski resorts high in the Alps-all of them well worth a look. If you can only visit two, try the Gornergrat for a superb view of the Matterhorn and Grindelwald for the Eiger.

Panoramas of the Bernese Alps: The Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau viewed from many high vantage points above Grindelwald, Switzerland.

The Raippaluoto Bridge: Located near Vaasa, on the Gulf of Bothnia, near the heart of Finland's Rutabaga Country.

Earth View: Shows day and night moving around the earth in real time. Viewer can change position and zoom at will.

Weather Cams: A definitive collection of over 800 weather cams, courtesy of the University of Michigan.


Send An Email Message to Obie MacAroon III, ARSI President for Life,
at obie(at)rutastudies.org
[Fight spam: just replace (at) with @ symbol!]

NOTE: Due to the huge volume of correspondence, we regret
that we are unable to guarantee a personal response.

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