  Most large elliptical galaxies should now host a massive black hole leftover
from an earlier quasar phase. Such galaxies also have an extensive hot gaseous
halo. Here we consider why the nuclei of elliptical galaxies are not luminous
sources due to the accretion of the hot gas by the central black hole, yet have
weak radio sources. In particular we suggest that accretion from the hot medium
has low radiative efficiency and forms a hot ion torus surrounding the black
hole. Synchrotron emission from the torus can account for at least part of the
weak radio sources commonly seen in otherwise normal elliptical galaxies. The
inner funnel of the ion torus can also begin the collimation of a narrow jet.
We speculate on the difference between jets from the nuclei of spiral and
elliptical galaxies and suggest that the extensive hot atmosphere seen in
ellipticals is essential for maintaining the collimation and provoking the
observed radio structures of radio galaxies. We also note that low radiative
efficiency, and not necessarity a large change in accretion rate, may be
responsible for the demise of quasars and may contribute to the hard X-ray
Background. Hot ion tori may be common in galactic nuclei.
