A somber Bush, but his tie was quite animated

If you found yourself strangely drawn to President Bush's tie during Tuesday's press conference, you weren't alone. Fashion Web sites across America were atwitter with tie talk Wednesday.

Because of its tight pattern, the tie seemed to buzz and vibrate on television, creating what is known as a "moire pronounced: mor-ay effect." It's a visual perception that occurs when viewing a set of lines or dots that is superimposed on another set of lines or dots, where the sets differ in relative size, angle or spacing. (For an example, visit www.mathematik.com/Moire/)

Television cameras get confused when the lines of an image are too close together, said Joanne Calabria, communications director for KYW-TV in Philadelphia.

"Cameras can't read detail that tight," she said. Generally, news anchors make sure there's more open space when they wear patterned ties, she said.

World and national headlines

© 2006 • All Rights Reserved • St. Petersburg Times 490 First Avenue South • St. Petersburg, FL 33701 • 727-893-8111 Contact the Times | Privacy Policy Standard of Accuracy | Terms, Conditions & Copyright