[blml] Read it as you will.

[David Burn]

[GE]

For connoisseurs of language:

"NASA's Phoenix lander set itself down safely in the northern area of Mars
as planned a short time ago."

Another contribution to the media's corruption of the English language.

[DALB]

Well, in comparison with the lifetime of Mars, the time involved in planning
the Phoenix landing could well be described as short. For well it was said
by the bard:

Sub specie
aeternitatis
even the dearest bought
is gratis.

David Burn
London, England