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NJStateAuto Used Car Dealer Used Cars For Sale Below Kelley Blue Book
Archive for September, 2015
Basic maintenance tips every driver should knowTuesday, September 29th, 2015
Cars are among the most complicated machines that we use on a daily basis. It may not seem like it, but every time you climb into the driver's seat and turn the ignition key, you're setting into motion a complex Rube Goldberg machine of interlocking parts that all have to work in perfect harmony for your car to function the way you need it to.
Of course, you don't have to be an auto mechanic to own and operate a car – thankfully. But even the least mechanically inclined driver should brush up on a few basic maintenance tips and tricks. You don't need to become a total grease monkey, but having some fundamental car maintenance knowledge may save you some time and money later.
Checking your oil is simple, but important.
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Engine oil
Chances are, even if you can't tell a carburetor from a crank shaft, you've had at least some experience checking or changing oil. It's perhaps one of the most basic essential maintenance operations you can perform on your car. Standard wisdom says that you should have your oil changed every 3,000 miles, but according to Edmunds, that's a rough estimate at best. Every car will be different depending on make, model, age and any number of other factors, so the source reported that the best way to get an accurate indication of when you should change your oil is to consult your owner's manual.
Of course, you can check your oil any time. There are minimum and maximum fill lines in the oil tank that you should aim to keep your levels in between. The Department of Motor Vehicles also noted that you should choose the right oil for your engine and climate. Some blends are better for cooler areas, while some thicker and heavier oils perform better in warmer climates.
Nobody likes leaving work at the end of the day only to find out that their car battery has died and they're stuck waiting for a jump from a service vehicle or a friendly passerby. The battery is part of a car that many drivers don't give too much thought to until it breaks, however.
There's more that can affect your battery than just leaving your interior lights on. For example, rusty or corroded battery contacts can also compromise its performance. Luckily this can be checked easily by popping your hood. Take a look at the battery contacts and gently wipe away any rust or corrosion.
"There are a few ways to tell if your wiper blades need to be changed. "
Windshield wipers
There's no worse time to find out that your wiper blades need changing than when you're driving down the highway in a torrential downpour and you find your windshield getting increasingly streaked with every pass of the blades.
There are a few ways to tell if your wiper blades need to be changed. You can give them a quick visual once-over – any ragged or torn edges on the rubber are a sure sign that a replacement is in order. Similarly, if you notice streaking or hear a chattering or slight chirping sound when you use your wipers, that likely means you should have them replaced. NTB Tire and Service Center noted this sound indicates the wiper blades have worn down and are no longer making contact with the windshield when in use.
Replacing wiper blades is a task you should be able to do yourself just fine, but if you find yourself unsure or have never done it before, a mechanic will be happy to do it for you.
Your tires can affect many facets of your car's performance, from how well it grips the road to what kind of gas mileage you'll get when driving. Inspecting them regularly is important for both safety and economy.
When inspecting your tires, check both the tread and the air pressure. The latter can be checked with a hand-held pressure gauge that you should keep in your car at all times. Once again, refer to your owner's manual for what the desired psi for your tires should be. Your tread you can check with nothing more complicated than a quarter – just stick the edge of the coin in your tire tread. If you can see the top of George Washington's head, your tires have worn down too much and need to be replaced.
Purchasing a high-quality used car can be an exciting and liberating experience. If you're ready to find a car of your own, head to New Jersey State Auto Auction. There you'll find hundreds of Carfax-certified cars on the lot and a helpful sales staff that can put you in just the right vehicle.
What to do if your car gets towedMonday, September 28th, 2015
It's every driver's worst nightmare: You walk out to the parking lot from the grocery store, library or even the office, only to discover that your car somehow isn't where you left it. A brief moment of panic – was your car stolen? – and then the reality of the situation hits – you've been towed.
Despite your best efforts, getting your car towed is an unfortunate reality for a surprisingly large number of motorists. In fact, according to Statista, the instances of cars being towed are actually on the rise. Between 2008 and 2013, the source indicated that towing revenue in the U.S. rose from $5.25 billion to $6 billion.
Whether you miscalculated your time at the meter, didn't see that "no parking sign" or just suffered from plain old bad luck, getting your car towed can be stressful and expensive, especially if you've never dealt with it before. Here are a few basic steps to guide you if you find yourself in this position.
Get the facts
There's no denying that walking out to a parking lot only to find your car missing can trigger a cascade of worry and panic, but it's important to try to stay calm while avoiding making assumptions. Unfortunately, many towing companies aren't obliged to inform you that your car has been removed, which leaves it up to you to figure out if your ride has been hauled away in the first place.
The first thing you should do is call your local police department. They should be able to inform you if your car has been registered at any of the local impound lots, indicating that it's been towed instead of stolen. Even in this stressful situation, knowing that your car has only been towed is something of a silver lining at least.
Don't wait
Once you've established that your car has found a new temporary home at an impound lot, you should make retrieving it your new priority. You may be tempted to wait until the weekend or your day off next week, but that could have disastrous consequences. Impound lots charge you a fee for every day your car sits there, so the longer you wait to pick up your car the more you'll end up paying to bust it out. Even more seriously, if you wait too long, the lot may simply auction off your car. Towing companies may not even call you to tell you your car is about to be auctioned – instead, they'll print the announcement of the auction in the local newspaper. Remember those? Didn't think so. It's definitely worth the minor inconvenience to avoid a major headache later.
Know your rights
If you find yourself in a situation where your car has been towed, it can understandably feel like you're utterly powerless. Fortunately, you aren't without rights in these situations, and it's imperative that you keep these in mind so you can avoid being taken advantage of.
For example, many towing companies will insist that you pay the required fee in cash, which can put a damper on many people's plans of reclaiming their rides. However, even though it's standard practice, towing companies can't legally obligate you to pay in cash – they have to accept debit or credit transactions. Similarly, some cities and states allow drivers to take their cars home from the tow lot without having to pay the fee up front – all that's required is that you provide proof of ownership, Arizona's State Press noted.
Inspect your car
It's unfortunate, but there's a decent chance that when you retrieve your car from the tow lot, it won't be in the same condition you left it. You may think that tow truck drivers are obligated to take care of your car in the process of towing it, but this isn't the case. In fact, in many instances, operators who are in a hurry, late for another appointment or simply absent-minded may make careless mistakes that can result in things like scratches or even dents to your car.
Most of the time these issues are strictly cosmetic, but if you notice particularly egregious damage to your car's exterior it may be worth it to get it inspected to ensure there isn't any more significant damage that's been done.
"Use the process as a learning experience."
As they say, to err is human. Mistakes are an inevitable part of life, even those that result in your car getting towed. But the important thing is to use the process as a learning experience. If your car was towed due to illegal parking, be sure to be more fastidious about only parking in spots that you know you're permitted to do so. Similarly, avoid racking up parking tickets – they may seem like little more than a nuisance, but if amounts accumulate too much, you can find yourself making another trip to the impound lot.
If you're in the market for a high-quality used car, head to New Jersey State Auto Auction. There you'll find hundreds of Carfax-certified cars on the lot, ensuring that you'll drive away in the ride of your dreams.
Get the most out of your car with these gadgetsThursday, September 24th, 2015
Owning a car can be as exciting as it is liberating. More than a set of wheels or a means of transportation, your car can easily become an extension of your personality. This is why many drivers personalize their cars, or even name them, to strengthen the bond between car and driver.
But like Robert Frost reminded us, nothing gold can stay, and before long you may find your initial automotive attraction fading. Maybe your vehicle is getting on in years, or perhaps it may not have the features you need for your current lifestyle. If your love has faded with the new-car smell, don't fret – there are ways you can spice up your relationship with your ride without having to head to the dealership.
There is a growing number of gadgets, apps and other aftermarket gizmos specifically designed to improve your relationship with your car. While some may seem superfluous, bordering on silly, there is still a wide array of car gadgets that can genuinely help you get more out of your ride. Here are just a few.
GPS navigation
Having the freedom afforded by a car doesn't amount to much if you aren't sure of where you're going in the first place. Dashboard-mounted GPS units have become commonplace for many drivers, but there are some that go above and beyond simple turn-by-turn instructions. Take, for instance, the Garmin nuviCam LMTHD navigation system. Retailing for $394, according to Digital Trends, this bad boy is definitely not your grandma's GPS unit.
In addition to providing comprehensive directions, it also responds to voice commands for safer operation. It boasts some impressive features, like driver-safety aids that alert you when you're inadvertently crossing over your lane or are in danger of a front-end collision. Best of all, this unit taps into the GoPro generation with its inclusion of an always-on dash cam.
Remote functionality
Autumn is here, which means that before you know it the cold weather will be upon us and drivers across the country will be dreading climbing into their frigid cars every morning. Fortunately, gadgets like remote starters can help assuage that fear by letting you start your car via remote from inside your home, office or school. Some models, like the Viper 5706V two-way security and remote system, go above and beyond by adding additional security features to the conventional remote-start.
For $195, you'll get a two-way remote that can not only start your car, but will also let you enable a car alarm if needed. Even better, because the remote has two-way functionality, you'll also receive a notice if someone tries to start your car when you're not there.
For the smartphone generation, there are app-based remote-start systems that parents are sure to love. Using the GPS functionality of the garden-variety smartphone, the app lets users locate their car, and can send alerts if your kid travels outside a designated "safe zone." For extreme cases, the system can even "lock down" a car – perfect for keeping your grounded teen at home or foiling any attempts at stealing your car.
Driver assistance
Cars are incredibly complicated machines, and so it seems odd that we tend to operate them all on our own. Aside from the mechanics of driving itself, there are a host of more subtle factors that can affect performance, fuel efficiency and even safety.
Thankfully, this no longer has to be a job you take on all by yourself. Take, for example, Automatic's Smart Driving Assistant. This device provides drivers with an incredible amount of information, ranging from engine diagnostics to data on your car's fuel efficiency. It's also great for new drivers, as according to CheatSheet, the system can set driving goals aimed at encouraging responsible driving. If you've ever found yourself cowering in confusion at the indecipherable lexicon of your car, don't worry – the device also translates engine codes into plain English on your smartphone, so you don't have to be a mechanic to understand any issues that may arise with your car. Best of all, the Smart Driving Assistant sells for around $100, and you can bet that you'll be saving much more than that just in improved fuel efficiency alone.
HUDs and media centers
Your smartphone or tablet is great for managing your entertainment needs, so why not apply that same design and sensibility to your car? That's exactly what Apple did with its CarPlay gadget. This system lets you sync your iPhone or iPad's media settings to your car's control console, enabling you to select music, podcasts and e-books with a touch or even a voice command, courtesy of Siri.
If you want even more space-agey gadgets, you may be interested in one of the HUD offerings that are popping up. These combine the diagnostic tools and information-gathering of a smartphone with a projector that displays all your relevant dashboard information up on the windshield so you don't have to take your eyes off the road.
If you're looking for a car to fall in love with and make your own, head to New Jersey State Auto Auction. There you'll find hundreds of Carfax-certified cars, as well as a knowledgeable sales staff dedicated to helping pair you with the car of your dreams.
Our Jersey City Used Car Dealer Welcomes Students With a Back To School BudgetFriday, September 18th, 2015
The broke college student stereotype exists for a reason. As you try not to subsist entirely on ramen noodles, a car might seem far out of the picture, but that's not necessarily true. Our used car dealer in Jersey City has plenty of vehicles that are known to be a great buy. Take a look at our selection of long-lasting, reliable, and stylish vehicles to see which one suits your back-to-school needs!
The Corolla is at the Top of the Class
A pre-owned Toyota Corolla is the perfect match of style and substance. Boasting the same drive train since 2003, a well-maintained used Corolla from our Jersey City lot will have a like-new feel every time you get behind the wheel. Smooth acceleration with responsive handling make it a great drive with a sporty feel cloaked in the body of a comfortable sedan, all with a fantastic price tag.
The CR-V Aces Every Test
"The last thing you want is to miss a class because your car can't make it through the elements."
New Jersey winters can get ugly, and the last thing you want is to miss a class because your car can't make it through the elements. If you're looking for something with a little more power that maintains reasonable fuel efficiency, we recommend a crossover SUV. Vehicles like a Honda CR-V are waiting for you at our Jersey City used car dealership, still in great shape and ready to take on whatever the road gives them. The CR-V is a driver favorite not just for its impressive capability, but for its comfort and generous appointments, two features that put it ahead of many sparsely-appointed vehicles in its class. This is the perfect pick for commuting students who want to make it to class on time, every time.
We work with budgets of all kinds, and we encourage students to visit our dealership. You can sit down with our knowledgeable staff to find the vehicle that best fits your needs and drive off with exactly what you need to face the school year ahead.
Boost your fuel efficiency with these tipsTuesday, September 15th, 2015
The seemingly infinite freedom and convenience of owning a car can suddenly come crashing down around you when it's time to head to the gas station. Rising fuel prices appear to be an inevitability in today's world, which means drivers everywhere have a vested interest in doing whatever they can to get the most out of their gas mileage.
Fortunately, cars are being made that are more fuel-efficient than ever. If you're a used-car owner, however, it's much more helpful to devise ways to get the most out of your existing ride without having to shell out major bucks for a newer car.
Here are a few tips for milking your mileage and saving some money at the pump.
Keep your car in good shape
This should go without saying, but it's an important gas mileage-related point so it bears repeating. Reason dictates that the better overall shape your car is in, the more efficient it's going to be when it comes to gas mileage. You may be aware of some basic maintenance functions like keeping your oil fresh, but there are other low-level maintenance tasks you can take care of right at home that will keep your gas mileage where you want it to be. Advance Auto Parts noted that poorly maintained spark plugs can reduce your fuel efficiency by up to 12 percent, while something as simple as a dirty air filter can leave your car 20 percent less fuel efficient.
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Don't neglect your tires
Your tires are the unsung heroes of your car. You may be aware of the important safety role they play, but they are also significant in keeping your gas mileage in the black, too. The blog Get Rich Slowly noted that underinflated tires can reduce your fuel efficiency by up to 25 percent, while overinflated tires can similarly impact your fuel efficiency in a negative way.
Drive smart
You may be interested to know that when it comes to maximizing your fuel economy, the onus isn't entirely on your car. Your behavior and driving habits can have just as big an impact on how many miles per gallon you get. Anyone who's a veteran of city driving is no stranger to the familiar cadence of stop-and-go traffic, but did you know it's terrible for your fuel efficiency? Repeated accelerating and braking can drop your fuel efficiency, according to Popular Mechanics. For weekday commuters, this may mean getting creative with your work schedule so you can plan your commute around the rush hour period when this type of driving is more or less unavoidable.
"Stop-and-go driving is terrible for your fuel economy."
Do double duty
Do you need to run to the post office over the weekend to drop off a package? What about heading downtown to catch the final day of a sale at your favorite clothing store? There are constantly little errands that we find ourselves running, but if you take a minute and do some planning, you can reap the benefits when it comes time to head back to the pump. Stop-and-go driving is terrible for your fuel economy, and that goes for taking short jaunts out to various destinations around town and back. Not only will this help you save money at the gas station by cutting down the overall distance you're driving and, by extension, the amount of fuel you're using, but you'll also likely find that it has a positive impact on your time management, as well.
Don't trust miracle products
These days it seems you can find a magic bullet for any occasion, and improving your gas mileage is no exception. But as the old saying goes, if it sounds too good to be true, it likely is. Unfortunately, this maxim applies to these miracle products claiming to boost your fuel efficiency. According to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, there are currently no products on the market that have been approved to actually improve your car's fuel efficiency, which means any bottle, can or box you find on the shelf at your local auto supply store that claims to do so is lying. Even worse, some products can actually worsen your car's gas mileage, essentially meaning you're paying even more for less.
If you'd rather trade in your car for a more fuel-efficient model, head to New Jersey State Auto Auction. You'll find hundreds of Carfax-certified cars on the lot, and you're bound to drive away in the used car that's perfect for your needs.
Car Colors: Fact vs. FictionFriday, September 11th, 2015
Car color matters. It's part of the "wow" factor that attracts you to a car, and if you love the color of your car, walking through the parking lot and seeing it never loses its magic. However, there are some myths about different car colors that may make them less appealing to some. Here are the facts and fiction of car colors. Don't let urban legends keep you from getting what you want!
- Red cars are more expensive to insure: Fiction. Red car lovers, rejoice! If you've been dreaming of having a flashy red vehicle, don't be deterred by the thought of rising insurance prices- car color has no effect on your rate.
- Car color affects resale value: This is a mixed bag. For example, if you're planning on reselling your vehicle a few years down the line, you might want to stick to something more conservative or popular, such as white or silver. It will be more difficult to attract someone who's willing to buy a bright yellow car. However, at the ten year mark, the color stops having a high impact on the resale value.
"At the ten year mark, the color stops having a high impact on the resale value."
- Car color affects the car's interior temperature: Fact. The interior of a black car was found to be about 10 degrees warmer than a white one. However, the difference is kept to a minimum thanks to advances in automotive materials, such as paint and glass, which can help with filtering sun. The interior color has a bigger impact on heat than the exterior.
- Some vehicle colors are more visible than others: Fact. This is just a matter of a color's place on a visibility index, but black cars are significantly more likely to be involved in accidents (especially at the dusk and dawn hours).
These are some of the most talked-about factors when shoppers are deciding on a car color at our Jersey City used car dealer. Stop by and see the range of colors we have- you'll be impressed by our inventory!
What you should look for in a back-to-school carFriday, September 11th, 2015
You may have noticed the very first leaves of the season beginning to change, or the fact that the temperatures aren't quite as high as they were a few weeks ago. That means one thing – summer is coming to a close.
For students all across the country, it's back-to-school time yet again, and the cooler weather once more coincides with a rush to stock up on all the necessities needed for academic success. In this day and age, you may also want to bring a car along to campus with you for the added convenience. But with so many choices available, you may suffer from a bit of analysis paralysis. Here are some tips to help you narrow down your decision.
Does your school even allow cars?
Heading off to college for the first time can be a great confidence-builder for those who can't wait to stretch their independence, but before you get too attached to your dreams of freedom thanks to your own set of wheels, you should do some research into your school's policy regarding students and cars.
Some universities don't permit on-campus residents to bring cars to school with them at all, while others restrict the practice to upperclassmen only, whether it be for safety or parking reasons. Your first step before heading to the dealer should thus be to find out if choosing the perfect set of wheels is even practical.
If you haven't yet adapted to the frugal penny-pinching student lifestyle, prepare to assimilate it as part of your new identity. There's no denying that over the next four years, saving money will be your No. 1 priority, and it should come into play when choosing your car as well.
Don't just look for a car with a low sticker price. While it may seem more appealing to take on a smaller loan, you may be setting yourself up to actually spend more money down the road due to reliability and fuel efficiency issues. In addition to its sticker price, a car also has a total cost of ownership. This is a value that estimates how much money you can expect to pay in things like gas, repairs and other incidental costs over the period you own it. In many cases, this is where the real money is lost or saved, so ensure that your research includes a reputable source such as Kelley Blue Book that can fill you in on this important information.
"Bigger isn't always better, especially when it comes to student cars."
Bigger isn't always better, especially when it comes to student cars. As tempting as it may be to buy a large vehicle and turn it into an on-campus party bus, there are several reasons you should resist this urge.
For starters, larger cars tend to cost more to own. Smaller vehicles typically have smaller, more fuel-efficient engines, meaning you'll spend less at the pump filling up your compact car than you would an SUV. Additionally, the more seats your car has, the more people you may be tempted to put in it. Not only is this not great for a budding student's academic career, but being "the one with the car" on campus is also a surefire way to rack up a high gas bill.
When you're ready to shop for your very own back-to-school wheels, head over to New Jersey State Auto Auction. You'll find hundreds of Carfax-certified cars on the lot, and a knowledgeable and supportive sales staff willing to help you through every step of the process.
What to do when selling your used carTuesday, September 1st, 2015
Sadly, all good things must come to an end. This applies to that final season of "Breaking Bad" you've been watching as well as relationship with your car.
But what do you do once you've decided that it's time for you and your beloved car to part ways? Selling your car can be a complicated and intimidating process, especially if it's your first time. Fortunately, with the right knowledge and preparation, it doesn't have to be.
Whether you opt for a trade-in at the dealer or want to take the leap and sell your car yourself, there are a few steps in the process you shouldn't overlook. Keep these tips in mind.
Plan for first impressions
We all know that it's what's on the inside that really counts, but when it comes to selling cars, that isn't necessarily true. While it's obviously important to have your car in great working order if you're trying to sell it, don't neglect the more aesthetic aspects of your vehicle. Like it or not, potential buyers are going to make their first impression of your car based primarily on what it looks like, so a dirty paint job and drab interior upholstery aren't doing you any favors. When you decide to sell your car, your first step should be to wash it and clean the interior thoroughly, so you can show off your ride with pride to those who may be owning it next.
Get it inspected
Nobody likes being burned by purchasing a lemon, so take care not to put another person in that same situation. Have your car inspected by a trusted mechanic before you sell it so that any maintenance issues can be pointed out and fixed. If you forego this step, you're simply giving buyers more ammunition to drive your asking price down.
"Do you know off the top of your head how much your car is worth?"
Do your homework
Do you know off the top of your head how much your car is worth? Chances are, probably not. It's crucial that you take time to look up estimated values of your car based on make, model, mileage and age. Sites such as Edmunds and Kelley Blue Book provide free online tools that can do this for you. Just be aware that these figures are guidelines only – the value of your individual car may be more or less depending on a variety of factors.
When you're ready to sell your car and move on to another one, head to NJ State Auto Auction. You can trade in your existing vehicle for one of hundreds of Carfax-certified cars, all with the help and guidance of friendly sales staff.


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subset: commoncrawl


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U.S. economic growth retreated to a modest pace in the final
months of 2014, underscoring obstacles facing the recovery as troubles mount
abroad. Gross domestic product—the broadest measure of goods and services
produced across the economy—expanded at a 2.6% annual rate in the fourth
quarter, the Commerce Department said Friday. The economy grew 5% in the third
quarter and 4.6% in the second quarter after contracting in the first three
months of the year.
Economists surveyed by The Wall Street Journal had expected
fourth-quarter growth of 3.2%. The report portrayed a persistently uneven
recovery that has yet to fire on all cylinders. Consumers—buoyed by surging job
growth and a dive in gasoline prices—boosted spending in late 2014 at the
fastest pace in almost nine years. But business investment slowed to a paltry
pace, government outlays fell and export growth eased.
For 2014 as a whole, GDP expanded 2.4%, only slightly better
than the average 2.2% growth of 2010-2013, a moderate pace compared with prior
growth periods. During the 1990s, the economy grew an average 3.4% a year. And
many economists expect sluggish growth in the current quarter—perhaps to a pace
of between 2% and 3%. For now consumers remain the key driver of growth in the
world's largest economy.
But the other major components of output flashed new signs
of weakness. Business investment—reflecting spending on equipment, software and
intellectual-property products—grew at a paltry 1.9% rate. Government spending declined at a 2.2% pace,
reflecting a sharp drop in defense outlays.
Export growth continued to slow. Exports grew at a 2.8%
rate, down from the third quarter's 4.5% pace. That comes amid flagging growth
in Asia and turbulence in Europe's economies. The housing market continues to
underperform, though real estate construction picked up slightly from summer.
Residential investment rose at a 4.1% pace in the fourth quarter, up from the
third's 3.2% rate.
Despite the economy's expansion, inflation has been heading
down, due largely to a sharp drop in oil prices since the summer as global
supplies pile up and demand growth slows.
The price index for personal consumption expenditures—the
Fed's preferred measure for inflation—fell at a 0.5% annual rate in the fourth
quarter, compared with the 1.2% annualized increase during the third quarter
and below the Fed's 2% inflation target.
here to access the full article on The Wall Street Journal.


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Those of you who have seen DarkOmen's wonderful deckplans for the Raven will know that I'm writing a story about the Hansen's journey to study the Borg. it's still a work in progress, so it will be a while between installments. However, I'd love to get some feedback on what has been written so far. Here's the prologue and the first chapter....
Seven of Nine, Tertiary Adjunct of Unimatrix Zero One.
No longer.
The voice of the Collective, the constant murmuring of the other drones, was gone.
Snatched out of her perfect existence by a group of interfering Humans who knew no better.
They had thought that their actions would help her. But in fact they had done the opposite. They had removed her from perfection. They had exposed her to a life she never had, a life that she should not be living now.
And now they had changed her. Removed those things that had been her life. They had made her as weak and as helpless as the rest of them.
And they had done it all under the misguided notion that they were helping her.
The door to the brig opened with the sound of working machinery. Her sensitive ears could hear footsteps as someone approached. The doors closed and Seven of Nine slowly turned to face her visitor. As she had expected, it was Captain Janeway.
"So this is Human freedom." Seven of Nine spoke in an icy tone.
Janeway ignored the coldness of the drone's voice. "I've decided to keep you in the brig until I'm certain you won't try to harm us again," she said. "If necessary, the Doctor can treat you in here." She gave Seven of Nine a disappointed look. "I honestly believed you were going to help us."
"You were not deceived, Captain Janeway," Seven of Nine said. "It was my intention to help you."
"What happened?" Janeway asked simply.
"There was a chance to contact the Collective," Seven of Nine said. "We took advantage of it." She moved towards the force field. "Your attempts to assimilate this drone will fail. You can alter our physiology, but you cannot change our nature. We will betray you. We are Borg."
"I've met Borg who were freed from the Collective," Janeway told her. "It wasn't easy for them to accept their individuality, but in time, they did. You're no different."
Seven of Nine turned away from the force field. This Human standing before her didn't understand what she was talking about, and Seven of Nine wanted nothing more to do with her.
"Granted," Janeway continued, "you were assimilated at a very young age, and your transition may be more difficult, but...it will happen."
Seven of Nine was silent for a moment, thinking. "If it does happen," she said, almost thoughtfully, "we will become fully Human?"
"Yes, I hope so," said Janeway.
"We will be autonomous?" asked Seven of Nine. "Independent?"
Janeway almost smiled. "That's what individuality is all about."
Seven of Nine turned back to face Janeway, defiantly this time. "If, at that time, we choose to return to the Collective, will you permit it?"
"I don't think you'll want to do that," said Janeway.
Seven of Nine approached Janeway. "You would deny us the choice, as you deny us now?" she said accusingly. "You have imprisoned us in the name of Humanity, yet you will not grant us your most cherished Human right? To choose our own fate? You are hypocritical. Manipulative. We do not want to be what you are. Return us to the Collective!"
"You lost the capacity to make a reasonable choice the moment you were assimilated," Janeway said assertively. "They took that from you. And until I'm convinced that you've gotten it back, I'm making the choice for you. You're staying here."
"Then you are no different than the Borg," hissed Seven of Nine. She turned and walked away from the forcefield.
Janeway, sensing that she wouldn't get through to the drone now, left. Perhaps in time, the drone would be more cooperative, but for the moment, it would be useless to talk to her.
For Seven of Nine, the hours passed slowly. The only other person in the brig was the guard, a male named Ayala, and unlike the Collective, he was silent. The difference between the Collective and this quiet place was too great for her, and the stress building up inside her broke free. She threw herself wildly at the force field, screaming.
Ayala looked up from the console. "Ensign Ayala to the bridge."
Janeway's voice came over the communication system. "Go ahead, Ensign."
"You'd better get down to the brig, ma'am."
Seven of Nine noticed his hand moving towards his phaser.
It was only a few minutes before Janeway arrived, but by that time, Seven of Nine had given up her attack on the force field and was pacing in the back of the small cell. She did not look up as Janeway entered.
"One," Seven of Nine said. "My designation is Seven of Nine, but the others are gone. Designations are no longer relevant. I am...one..."
Janeway spoke quietly, barely above a whisper. "Yes, you are."
"But I cannot function this way!" said Seven of Nine. "Alone..."
"You're not alone," said Janeway. "I'm willing to help you."
Seven of Nine turned to her. "If that's true, you won't do this to me," she said. She was distressed, and could feel fear rising up from within her. "Take me back to my own kind."
"You are with your own kind," said Janeway. "Humans."
"I don't remember being Human," said Seven of Nine. "I don't know what it is to be Human." The fear she felt growing inside her began to emerge, and she could feel her body shaking as she tried to hold back tears.
Janeway picked up a padd from the console and approached the force field. She tapped the controls at the side of the entry to the cell.
"What are you doing?" said Seven of Nine.
"I'm coming in," Janeway said matter of factly.
"I'll kill you."
Janeway looked up. "I don't think you will," she said.
The force field flicked off. Ayala stepped forward, his hand going to his phaser, ready to defend his captain if the drone tried to carry out her threat. Janeway held up a hand to stop him. She stepped into the cell and held the padd out to Seven of Nine. On the padd's screen was a picture of a little girl, smiling at the holo-imager. Blonde hair framed the bright eyes that highlighted a mischievous young face.
Seven of Nine felt something inside her stirring, grief at a life lost to something dark. A half-lost memory of seeing that same face in the mirror...
"Do you remember her?" asked Janeway. "Her name was Annika Hansen. She was born on Stardate 25479 at the Tendara Colony. There's still a lot we don't know about her. Did she have any siblings? Who were her friends? Where did she go to school? What was her favourite colour?"
Seven of Nine lashed out, her hand smacking against the padd, flinging it out of Janeway's hand. It spun across the cell and clattered against the wall before falling to the floor. "Irrelevant! Take me back to the Borg!"
"I can't do that," Janeway said calmly.
Seven of Nine doubled over in a frustration that was approaching a terrible agony. The silence in her head was mercilessly eating away at her from the inside out, like a foul disease that was rotting her organs and turning her insides to thick slimy mucus. "Quiet... One voice..." She staggered away from Janeway towards the corner of the cell, her legs unstable, as if her bones were dissolving.
"One voice can be stronger than a thousand voices." Janeway said firmly. "Your mind is independent now, with it's own unique identity."
"You are forcing that identity upon me!" Seven of Nine spat at the Captain. "It's not mine!"
"Oh, yes it is," Janeway said, moving towards the drone. "I'm just giving you back what was stolen from you. The existence you were denied. The child who never had a chance. That life is yours now."
"I don't want that life!"
"It's what you are!" Janeway insisted. "Don't resist it!"
Seven of Nine hurled herself at Janeway. "No!" she screamed, but she was weak and her attack failed. She stumbled and fell, and Janeway reached out and grabbed her, staggering back to the bed. They both collapsed onto the bunk, and in the silence, Janeway could hear the drone sobbing.


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Same great city…different office. CARRIE KING is a Chicago lady through and through and she's switching offices in Chicago, decamping the Trib where she has been Regional Vice President Innovation & Imagination at Tribune Creative Group | Central U.S. Why is she leaving Trib, where she's practically grown up handling such promo slots as CSD WGN America and Director of Creative Services for CLTV News? She's the new VP of Creative Services at FOX WFLD and WPWR in the Windy City. She began today (but only if you are reading this on Monday July 9…otherwise, not so much). She's got a real handle on Chicago, which is one of those unique markets that really does have their own way of thinking… and speaking. She's studied at Lake Forest's Barat College and at the amazing School of the Art Institute of Chicago. I know she lives on the northside, so let's guess she's a Cubs fan. She's going to love working with Well Dunne!s NICK SANABRIA. Well Dunne! Carrie.
Job Alert – FOX Atlanta is looking or a talented writer producer…CSD JEFF ZELLMER would be a cool boss.
Job Alert – WNCT in Greenville, NC is hunting. Here's the scoop: WNCT 9 On Your Side and The CW of Eastern North Carolina are looking for a new Writer/Producer to join the stations Marketing Department. You'll be writing, editing and shooting promos for both stations. We're looking for someone who is driven to succeed and wants to be part of our growth. You should have non-linear editing experience; we use Adobe Premiere and the whole Creative Suite, which means we're looking for someone ideally with the ability to use After Effects. Plus, you'll even have your own editing system to use. We're looking for someone with a good sense of humor who plays well with others and isn't afraid to jump in and help. We produce a lot of spots and quality is the most important thing, we also have a lot of fun doing it, so the more well versed you are on Saturday Night Live references the better. Feel free to put one on your cover letter, no this isn't a test, it's just being creative.
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Think About This: "There is no such thing as a weird human being, It's just that some people require more understanding than others." ~ Tom Robbins


text:
The pattern for these two sols has been to take pre- and post-drive remote sensing observations and imaging in the crater direction between midday energy-conserving naps.
By sol 95, Opportunity will make the final approach to Endurance Crater.
Daily Update - 4/27/04
Spirit Continues to Drive
Spirit Status for sol 110-111
After a successful weekend of driving on sols 108 and 109, Spirit kicked off its week with a 140-meter (459.3 feet) drive over sols 110 and 111 toward its destination at the base of the "Columbia Hills."
Spirit began sol 110, which ended at 7:10 a.m. PDT on April 25, 2004, with a stretch of its "arm" to take microscopic imager pictures of an area of soil called "Waffle Flats." It then placed the Moessbauer spectrometer instrument on that spot for a 90-minute integration. Spirit did double-duty and was able to get panoramic camera and mini thermal emission spectrometer images of the area for localization and science purposes while the Moessbauer was at work.
Spirit then stowed its instrument deployment device and began an 80-meter (262.5 feet) drive, half of it directed by rover planners and half using the autonomous navigation software. During the autonomous navigation portion, the rover detected a hazard and did not complete the final short-drive intended at the end of the journey. Images from the front hazard avoidance camera show no sign of a hazard, leaving rover controllers with a bit of a mystery to investigate.
Following the drive, Spirit took panoramic camera and navigation camera images in the drive direction and performed atmospheric science with the panoramic camera and mini thermal emission spectrometer.
Sol 111, which ended at 7:50 a.m. PDT on April 26, 2004, was also a sol full of driving for Spirit. After acquiring panoramic camera images of its surroundings and completing atmospheric science with the panoramic camera and mini thermal emission spectrometer, the rover began its drive.
Spirit successfully completed a 60.8-meter (199.5 feet) drive toward the Columbia Hills and then acquired navigation and panoramic camera images of the driving direction. Spirit ended the day with mini thermal emission spectrometer observations of the soil and then a coordinated mini thermal emission spectrometer and panoramic camera study of the atmosphere.
Daily Update - 4/27/04
Opportunity Achieves Mission Success
Opportunity Status for sol 90-91
With 811.57 meters (a little over one half of one mile) on its odometer, 12,429 images downloaded and a record for the longest one-sol drive under its belt, Opportunity completed its prime mission. Finishing 90 sols of surface operations since landing day marked completion of the last of the official success criteria for Opportunity's prime mission.
On sol 90, the rover continued with the multi-sol panoramic camera and miniature thermal emission plains photometry observations. The alpha particle X-ray spectrometer was busy collecting data on the soil targets "Nougat" and "Fred Ripple."
On sol 91, Opportunity completed more remote sensing and took a Moessbauer spectrometer read on Fred Ripple. The rest of the sol was spent driving. A 40-meter (131.2 feet) drive in the southeasterly direction left Opportunity only 160 meters (about 525 feet) from the rim of "Endurance Crater."
Daily Update - 4/27/04
Finishing Up at 'Fram'
Opportunity Status for sol 88-89
On Opportunity's 88th sol, which ended at 6:12 p.m. PDT on April 23, the rover team decided that although "Fram Crater" was an intriguing depression, the potential hazards and the time involved in investigating it made it more of a tour stop than a destination.
With the goal of "Endurance Crater" in mind, the rover finished its investigation of the rock called "Pilbara." A final Moessbauer spectrometer measurement was taken, and then the miniature thermal emission spectrometer studied the recently carved rock abrasion tool hole.
The rover then successfully drove out onto the nearby plains for a photometry experiment (measurement of light detectable by the human eye). The 33-meter (about 108 feet) south-easterly drive ended with a front wheel "scuff" mark in the soil.
On the rover's 89th sol, which ended at 6:52 p.m. PDT on April 24, the microscopic imager photographed a soil target called "Nougat" within the scuff. A Moessbauer spectrometer reading of the target followed.
The photometry experiment continued on this sol along with miniature thermal emission spectrometer remote sensing.
Daily Update - 4/23/04
Opportunity Reviews Rock Abrasion Tool Hole
Opportunity Status for sol 87
Opportunity spent its 87th sol, which ended at 5:33 p.m. PDT on April 22, gathering compositional information from the depression ground into "Pilbara" on sol 86. The Moessbauer spectrometer examined the hole before the alpha particle X-ray spectrometer was placed there. The microscopic imager shot close-ups of Pilbara's new impression.
Data were also gathered by the miniature thermal emission spectrometer.
This set of activities should nearly complete a very detailed look at representative rocks and soil from "Fram Crater," which can then be compared to the "Eagle Crater" rocks and soils.
Daily Update - 4/23/04
Rock Abrasion Tool Pesters 'Pilbara'
Opportunity Status for sol 86
Opportunity's 86th sol, which ended at 4:53 p.m. PDT on April 21, was another record-breaker! A nearly two-and-a-half hour grind produced an impressive 7.2 millimeter (about 0.28 inches) hole in the rock called "Pilbara."
The plan for the rest of the sol called for placing the alpha particle X-ray spectrometer on the new impression to determine the elemental composition of the exposed area. It was determined, however, that the rover position would not allow for a safe integration of the instrument. Rover planners amended the plan for the sol so the rover would back up and reposition itself for a safe placement of the spectrometer after the rock abrasion tool completed the grind.
On sol 87 the rover will analyze the rock abrasion tool hole with the alpha particle X-ray and Moessbauer spectrometers.
Daily Update - 4/23/04
A Little Science, a Lot of Driving
Spirit Status for sol 106-108
Spirit spent most of sol 106, which ended at 4:32 a.m. PDT on April 21, performing remote sensing on the inside of "Missoula Crater." It acquired panoramic camera and mini thermal emission spectrometer panoramas and navigation camera images of the crater, along with some panoramic camera images looking back toward "Bonneville" crater.
On the morning of sol 107, which ended at 5:12 a.m. PDT on April 22, Spirit got some atmospheric and cloud observations with the panoramic camera and mini thermal emission spectrometer. The rover then took a look with the panoramic camera at three targets called "Gratteri Piazza," "Wallula Gap," and "Clark Fork." Finally it was time to drive. Spirit completed a 73.8-meter (242-feet) traverse that included a jog around a sandy hollow to the east of Missoula. Most of the drive was in the southeast direction on course to the "Columbia Hills." After the drive, Spirit acquired additional panoramic camera and navigation camera observations. The total odometry at the end of sol 107 was 976.77 meters (.6 miles).
Spirit continued driving toward the Columbia Hills on sol 108, which ended at 5:51 a.m. PDT on April 23, and will drive some more on sol 109, which ends at 6:31 a.m. on April 24.
The wakeup song on sol 109 was "(Take me) Riding in my Car" by Woodie Guthrie.
Daily Update - 4/21/04
Finally at 'Fram'
Opportunity Status for sol 85
Opportunity got an up-close look at the rocky nature of "Fram Crater" as it approached the crater on sol 85, which ended at 4:13 p.m. PDT on April 20. After some morning remote sensing, the rover drove to the target rock dubbed "Pilbara," near the crater rim.
The wake-up song was "Take Me Out to the Ball Game!" by Jack Norworth in honor of all the baseball-related target names chosen this sol.
Plans called for Opportunity to grind into Pilbara with its rock abrasion tool on sol 86.
Daily Update - 4/19/04
On the Way to 'Fram Crater'
Opportunity Status for sol 84
Opportunity began sol 84, which ended at 3:34 p.m. PST on April 19, with some remote sensing observations and analysis with the microscopic imager and Moessbauer spectrometer. At 13:13 Mars Local Solar time, Opportunity began a 25-meter (82 feet) drive toward "Fram Crater," taking images of its surroundings on the way. At the conclusion of the drive the rover acquired more remote sensing.
Opportunity will spend sol 85, which ends at 4:13 p.m. PST on April 20, 2004, using the instruments on its instrument deployment device to investigate a rock target at Fram Crater.
Daily Update - 4/19/04
'Missoula Crater' in Sight
Spirit Status for sol 102-104
Spirit had a busy weekend, culminating with a 75-meter (246-feet) drive toward "Missoula Crater" on sol 103, which ended at 2:33 a.m. PST on April 18. The sol before the drive, Sol 102, which ended at 1:54 a.m. on April 17, was an easier day for Spirit. Its main objectives were to use the panoramic camera and mini thermal emission spectrometer to acquire photometric and atmospheric measurements.
Before beginning the drive on sol 103, Spirit took panoramic camera images to help planners localize the rover during the long traverse. It then used the panoramic camera and mini thermal emission spectrometer to take a look back at the wheel tracks. Once this information was onboard, the rover began to drive.
Rover controllers planned the first 37 meters (121.4 feet) of the drive, but Spirit used the updated autonomous navigation software to see it through the remaining 38 meters (124.7 feet). Between the two drives, Sprit imaged its surroundings with the panoramic and navigation cameras for context. At the end of the 75-meter (246-feet) drive, Spirit rested a mere 40 meters (131.2 feet) from its destination at the rim of "Missoula Crater." From that spot, it took mini thermal emission spectrometer observations of the sky and ground along with panoramic and navigation camera images to plan the next drive.
Sol 104, which ended at 3:13 a.m. PST on April 19, was a remote sensing day for Spirit. It included a search for dust devils and panoramic camera imaging of Mars' moon Phobos as it transits across the sun and sets.
Daily Update - 4/17/04
Record-Setting Drive
Opportunity Status for sol 81-82
Three days after switching to new software with mobility-enhancing features, NASA's Opportunity shattered the record for a single day's driving on Mars. The rover covered 140.9 maters (462 feet) during its 82nd sol on Mars, ending at 2:15 p.m. PDT, Saturday, May 17. That is about 40 meters farther than either the best previous one-day drive, by Opportunity two weeks ago, or the total distance covered by NASA's smaller Sojourner rover during its entire three-month mission in 1997.
The first 55 meters (180 feet) was done as a "blind" guided drive based on images acquired previously. Speed during that session averaged 120 meters (394 feet) per hour. For the rest, Opportunity used autonomous navigation, watching for obstacles, choosing its own path, and averaging 40 meters (131 feet) per hour. After the drive, the rover took forward-looking images for planning the next drive.
On the previous martian day, sol 81, Opportunity awoke with its alpha particle X-ray spectrometer on a soil target called "Beagle Burrow" inside a trench the rover had dug on sol 73. The rover removed the instrument arm, stowed it, then backed up to image the trench before driving toward a crater nicknamed "Fram Crater." Opportunity then completed a 7.5-meter (24.6-foot) drive to a trough to image a rock outcrop within it with the panoramic camera. After a bit of guided driving, the rover set out using its autonomous navigation. The sol 81 drive totaled more than 40 meters (131 feet).
Nearly reaching the second of four waypoints on the way to Fram Crater, the rover imaged its new surroundings to identify any future driving hazards. An afternoon nap preceded sol 81's final science session, atmospheric observations with the miniature thermal emission spectrometer and the panoramic camera.
Rover controllers devoted sol 82 to driving after some morning atmospheric observations and a quick look back with the panoramic camera. The record-setting run took three hours -- a good time for a marathon. It brought Opportunity to within about 90 meters (295 feet) of Fram Crater. It also took Opportunity over the 600-meter threshold, a criterion that had been set for at least one of the Mars Exploration Rovers to achieve in order for the mission to be called a success. Opportunity has now traveled 627.7 meters (0.39 mile). Spirit passed the 600-meter threshold two weeks ago.
Rover wake-up music for sol 82 was "I Would Walk 500 Miles," by Less Than Jake (originally by the Proclaimers).
For sol 83, ending at 2:54 p.m. PDT, Sunday, April 18, another drive day is planned for Opportunity, with a goal of getting the rover close to Fram Crater. Scientists then plan to use Opportunity for some investigations of that location.
Daily Update - 4/15/04
A Century of Sols on the Surface
Spirit Status for sol 100
With 100 sols under her belt and 706.5 meters (.44 miles) on her odometer, Spirit keeps on roving toward the Columbia Hills.
Spirit began sol 100, which ended at 12:35 a.m. PDT, on April 15, 2004, by closing the doors on the alpha particle X-ray spectrometer, stowing the robotic arm and backing up from the rock called "Route 66" in preparation for an afternoon drive. Before taking off, Spirit used the miniature thermal emission spectrometer to examine a patch of Route 66's surface that had been scrubbed in a daisy-shaped mosaic of brushings by the rock abrasion tool. In the early martian afternoon, the rover began a 64-meter (210 feet) drive, Spirit's longest one-sol drive so far. The final 24 meters (78.7 feet) of the drive were navigated with the enhanced autonomous navigation capabilities of Spirit's newly uploaded software. The new software has nearly doubled the meters-per-hour rate to 32 (105 feet-per-hour).
After the traverse, Spirit completed post-drive imaging and used the miniature thermal emission spectrometer on sky and ground targets.
Sol 101, which will end at 1:14 a.m. PDT on April 16, 2004, will be a remote science and driving sol for Spirit as she continues to make her way toward the Columbia Hills.
Daily Update - 4/15/04
A Taxing Day at the Trench
Opportunity Status for sol 80
Opportunity spent sol 80, which ended at 12:55 p.m. PDT on April 15, examining the trench it dug on sol 73. The rover's microscopic imager got close-up views of the targets called "Jeff's Choice," "RipX," "Jack Russell," "Beagle Burrow" and "NewRipX" in the trench.
The navigation and panoramic cameras shot images in Opportunity's drive direction toward "Endurance Crater."
The rover's spectrometers gathered data at several of the soil targets. Atmospheric data was collected by the miniature thermal emission spectrometer and panoramic camera.
In the coming sols, Opportunity will make its way to "Fram Crater," a waypoint on the path to Endurance Crater.
Daily Update - 4/14/04
Opportunity Wakes with New "Brainpower"
Opportunity Status for sol 79
Waking up to the Ramones' "Teenage Lobotomy," Opportunity began operating with new flight software on its 79th sol on Mars, which ended at 12:16 p.m. PDT on April 14.
Yestersol, the rover took daytime readings with its Moessbauer spectrometer on "Jeff's Choice" -- a soil target in the tailings of the trench that the vehicle dug on Sol 73. This sol, the rover performed a free-air integration of its alpha particle X-ray spectrometer. This procedure measures the effect of the Moessbauer's radiation source on the alpha particle X-ray spectrometer's sensor, allowing the science team to subtract out the Moessbauer influence for an accurate calibration.
In the coming sols, Opportunity will examine the trench with its microscopic imager and alpha particle X-ray spectrometer.
Daily Update - 4/14/04
Brushing Down Route 66
Spirit Status for sol 99
Spirit began Sol 99, which ended at 11:55 p.m. PDT on April 13, 2004, by doing a systematic ground survey with the miniature thermal emission spectrometer. After that, the rover completed a six-position brush mosaic on the rock "Route 66" with the rock abrasion tool. Once the brushing was complete, Spirit analyzed the area with the microscopic imager and Moessbauer spectrometer.
The afternoon science for the sol included imaging of rocks called "Back Lot" and "Cameo" with the panoramic camera and the miniature thermal emission spectrometer. Spirit took a short nap and woke up for the afternoon Odyssey pass.
During the martian night, Spirit changed from using the Moessbauer spectrometer to using the alpha particle X-ray spectrometer.
Sol 100, which will end at 12:35 a.m. PDT, April 15, 2004, will be a sol full of roving as Spirit continues toward the "Columbia Hills."
Daily Update - 4/13/04
Refreshed and Ready to Rock and Rove
Spirit Status for sol 98
On Sol 98, which ended at 10:36 p.m. PST on April 12, Spirit woke up to the song "Where Is My Mind?" by The Pixies in honor of its software transplant. The good news is that Spirit's "mind" is updated and operating as expected.
Controllers gave the go to reboot the rover's computer, which would then run the new software during the morning of sol 98. The command was sent, and a little over a half hour later, engineers saw the carrier beep that indicated that the command was received. Spirit went to sleep for several minutes after that, and then woke up, rebooting into the new software. It then initiated a high-gain antenna session at 12:30 p.m. Mars Local Solar time, and engineers saw that the new version of the rover software was running properly.
After confirmation that the new software was running as expected, engineers ran some clean-up activities and breathed a sigh of satisfaction.
The new software provides several improvements. It enhances the rovers' mobility, and should allow Spirit to go much farther each sol by reducing how often it has to take images and generate new three-dimensional maps. A deep-sleep mode has been added, mainly to resolve the heater that is stuck in the "on" position on the Opportunity rover. However, someday Spirit may find a use for this mode as well. The new software also mitigates the memory problem Spirit had on sol 18, and seems to be making a difference already. Spirit's unallocated memory jumped from 2.0 megabytes to 3.3 megabytes after the new software compacted the flash directories when it booted.
It's back to regular operations for Spirit on sol 99, ending at 11:15 p.m. PST on April 13, brushing a six-spot mosaic on the rock target "Route 66." Spirit will then take microscopic imager images and spectrometer measurements before the sol is complete.
Daily Update - 4/12/04
Opportunity Stands Down for Flight Software Update
Opportunity Status for sol 75-79
Opportunity began a four-sol stand-down on sol 75, which ended at 8:58 a.m. PST on April 9, 2004. During this time, the rover will receive a flight software update that should make its remaining martian days even safer and more productive. The upload will run through sol 78 with a rover re-boot on sol 79, Tuesday, April 13.
Opportunity is currently parked near the trench it dug on its 73rd martain sol. It will remain there for the duration of the flight software update. To keep the battery charge high, engineers are not planning to integrate the rover spectrometers on a target in the trailings of the trench during the flight software update
The flight software update package includes three key changes. First is an update to the autonomous navigation software that will allow both rovers to travel longer distances autonomously. The current autonomous navigation software sometimes gets stuck when it detects a hazard that it can't navigate around. The new version will allow the rovers to turn in place to find the best possible path.
The second part of the flight software update will allow the rovers to recover more easily from an anomaly like the one that occurred on Spirit's sol 18. Although operational processes and software have already been updated to prevent something like this from ever happening again, engineers have included additional safety nets in the software that would allow the rovers to autonomously react to a similar anomaly and recover to a more stable state.
The third portion of the update is specific to Opportunity and is intended to mitigate against energy loss associated with the stuck heater on Opportunity's instrument deployment device. The fix allows rover planners to put the rover in a deep sleep mode, where the batteries are totally removed from being able to power the stuck switch. Therefore, with no power reaching the stuck heater switch, the Opportunity rover battery will not be drained. Rover controllers will not initiate the deep sleep capability on Spirit unless it becomes necessary.
Daily Update - 4/9/04
Spirit Stands Down for Flight Software Update
Spirit Status for sol 94
Spirit began a four-sol stand-down on sol 94, which ended at 8:37 p.m. on April 8, 2004. During this time, the rover will receive a flight software update that should make its remaining martian days even safer and more productive. The upload will run through sol 97 with a rover re-boot on sol 98, Monday, April 12. Opportunity will be receiving the same update package in upcoming sols.
Spirit is currently parked in front of the rock called "Route 66," and will remain there for the duration of the flight software update, with the Moessbauer spectrometer integrating on the rock, and the alpha particle X-ray spectrometer pointed up to the sky.
The flight software update package includes three key changes. First is an update to the autonomous navigation software that will allow Spirit to travel longer distances autonomously over the extremely rocky Gusev Crater terrain. The current autonomous navigation software sometimes gets stuck when it detects a hazard that it can't navigate around. The new version will allow Spirit to turn in place to find the best possible path.
The second part of the flight software update will allow Spirit to recover more easily from an anomaly like the one that occurred on sol 18. Although operational processes and software have already been updated to prevent something like this from ever happening again, engineers have included additional safety nets in the software that would allow the rover to autonomously react to a similar anomaly and recover to a more stable state.
The third portion of the update is specific to Opportunity and is intended to mitigate against energy loss associated with the stuck heater on Opportunity's instrument deployment device. The fix allows rover planners to put the rover in a deep sleep mode, where the batteries are totally removed from being able to power the stuck switch. Therefore, with no power reaching the stuck heater switch, the Opportunity rover battery will not be drained. Rover controllers will not initiate the deep sleep capability on Spirit unless it becomes necessary.
Daily Update - 4/8/04
Last Sol for Spirit Science
Spirit Status for sol 93
Spirit began sol 93, which ended at 7:57 p.m. PST on April 7, by heating the high gain antenna. Spirit then took some calibration measurements and navigation camera imaging of the alpha particle X-ray spectrometer's placement on the magnet.
Around 10:30 a.m. Mars Local Solar time, Spirit moved its instrument deployment device out of the way to take hazard avoidance camera images of the rock target called "Route 66." The rover then operated the Moessbauer spectrometer for a four-hour integration. During the integration, Spirit captured its current location with a panoramic camera mosaic toward the "Columbia Hills" and the rover tracks.
After a short nap, Spirit took mini thermal emission spectrometer observations of the rover tracks, and rock targets called "Everest" and "Pisa." The rover completed the Moessbauer integration and then placed it on Route 66 with the alpha particle X-ray spectrometer pointed up to the sky. The instrument deployment device will remain in this position during the flight software load time period, allowing for long integrations of the Moessbauer on Route 66 and the alpha particle X-ray spectrometer on the sky.
Sol 94, which ends at 8:37 p.m. PST on April 8, will be the beginning of the four-sol flight software upload. Before rover operators begin loading the updated software, they will command Spirit to perform a sunrise imaging operation. The flight software update will continue through sol 97 with a rover reboot on sol 98, Monday April 12.
Daily Update - 4/8/04
Trough Tour Continues
Opportunity Status for sol 73
Opportunity was on the move again on sol 73, which ended at 7:39 a.m. PST on April7. The rover toured and examined the trough remotely.
Opportunity woke up to "Let the Good Times Roll" by B.B. King - a nod to Spirit's successful primary mission of 91 sols and a call for more good times during the coming sols.
Daily Update - 4/7/04
Monitoring Magnets on Mars
Spirit Status for sol 92
Spirit awoke on sol 92, which ended at 7:18 p.m. PST on April 6, and completed some early morning panoramic camera sky and ground measurements. Spirit also took a look at the capture and filter magnets with the panoramic camera prior to taking a short mid-morning nap. Upon wake-up around 12:30 p.m. Mars Local Solar Time, the rover opened the doors on the alpha particle X-ray spectrometer and took 3 images of each magnet. Spirit also placed the Moessbauer spectrometer on the capture magnet and began an integration.
In the afternoon, Spirit completed coordinated observations with the thermal emission spectrometer instrument on NASA's Mars Global Surveyor orbiter. The observations involved miniature thermal emission spectrometer pre-flight, simultaneous, and post-flight sky and ground measurements. Spirit also collected a panoramic camera opacity observation.
Early on Sol 93, which ends at 7:57 p.m. on April 7, the rover will switch the instruments on its instrument deployment device from the Moessbauer spectrometer to the alpha particle X-ray spectrometer. Sol 93 is the last day for newly planned science observations, as Spirit will be getting a flight software update during sols 94-98.
Daily Update - 4/7/04
Traveling Around the Trough
Opportunity Status for sol 72
"The Wanderer" by Dion and the Belmonts woke Opportunity on its 72nd sol, which ended at 7:39 a.m. PST on April 7. The rover drove around the sinuous trough in a long dogleg pattern. Remote sensing to examine the crevice was conducted on the 50-meter (164 feet) drive to its ultimate position for the sol, at the northeast extreme of "Anatolia."
On sol 73, the rover will perform a trenching operation in the soil. During the following sol, the instrument's arm will be placed on the trenched area.
The planned flight software upload will begin on Opportunity's 75th sol.
Daily Update - 4/6/04
100-Meter Dash
Opportunity Status for sol 70
Opportunity "dashed" away from the rim of its "Eagle Crater" landing-site on sol 70, which ended at 6:20 a.m. PST on April 5. The roughly 100-meter (about 328 feet) drive led the rover to a target area dubbed "Anatolia," along a sinuous crack in the plains of Meridiani Planum defined by deep impressions in the sand sprinkled with Eagle Crater-like rocks. In the coming sols Opportunity will further investigate the rocks in this "mini-outcrop."
Before leaving the vicinity of Eagle Crater, Opportunity performed a maneuver on "Bounce" rock lightheartedly called "crush and go" by the rover engineers. In order to gather further information about the rock's hardness, the intentional drive over Bounce was an attempt to fracture it. The science team is awaiting images from the rover's rear hazard avoidance camera to see the results.
An appropriate tune - "Truckin'" by The Greatful Dead - woke Opportunity this sol.
Daily Update - 4/5/04
Spirit Achieves Mission Success
Spirit Status for sol 90
Spirit woke up on sol 91, which ended at 6:38 p.m. PDT on April 5, 2004, as if it were any other martian day, but this one was special. Finishing 90 sols of surface operations since landing day marked completion of the last of the official success criteria for Spirit's prime mission. The rover team at JPL had checked off the next-to-last box for mission success two days earlier, when a drive of 50.2 meters (165 feet) took Spirit's total travel distance over the 600-meter (1,969 feet) mark.
The martian day for sol 91 started with some remote sensing observations of the sky and ground as well as navigation camera images of the landscape to the east. Then the rover completed miniature thermal emission spectrometer ground surveys and imaged the sky and ground with the panoramic camera. After a short nap, Spirit acquired some pre-drive imaging including a super-spectral look at an interesting spot in front of the rover.
Early in the martian afternoon, Spirit began a 1.35-meter (4.4-foot) drive to get closer to a rock called "Route 66." Once the drive was finished, the rover analyzed the instrument deployment device's work volume with hazard-avoidance camera images and a stare by the miniature thermal emission spectrometer. A quick adjustment of 0.8 meters (2.6 feet) put the rover in perfect position and completed the drive.
Spirit spent the afternoon taking a systematic soil survey with the panoramic camera, a 13-filter image of the destination informally named "Columbia Hills," and acquiring miniature thermal emission spectrometer data of the same locations.
Spirit will spend sol 92, which will end at 7:18 p.m. PDT on April 6, 2004, analyzing its capture magnet and filter magnet with its Moessbauer spectrometer and microscopic imager. The rover will also complete coordinated observations with the Mars Global Surveyor and switch tools to the alpha particle X-ray spectrometer for an overnight measurement.
Daily Update - 4/5/04
Bidding Adieu to 'Bounce'
Opportunity Status for sol 68-69
Over the weekend, Opportunity completed its observations at "Bounce Rock" rock and prepared for its trek toward "Endurance Crater."
On sol 68, which ended at 4:00 a.m. PST on April 3, the rover backed away from Bounce, then re-approached the rock in preparation for an alpha particle X-ray spectrometer read on the right side of it. The wake-up tune chosen for the sol was "Got to Go Back" by Van Morrison.
Opportunity made observations with its miniature thermal emission spectrometer during the martian morning. Then it took set of microscope images before backing away from the rock. More images were taken from that vantage point before Opportunity made a 10-degree turn in place and drove the 0.85 meters (2.8 feet) back to Bounce.
On sol 69, which ended at 5:40 a.m. PST on April 4, Opportunity completed its instrument arm work on Bounce. It also examined soil targets with its microscopic imager and Moessbauer spectrometer. The wake-up song for the sol was "Little Maggie" by Tom Adams, chosen for the soil target named "Maggie."
In coming sols Opportunity will make progress in a 750-meter (nearly a half mile) drive to Endurance Crater. The rover team plans to make pit stops along the way at scientifically interesting sites and will pause other activities for a few sols while the rover gets new flight software.
Daily Update - 4/2/04
Cruisin' Down the Crater Side
Spirit Status for sol 88
Spirit spent most of Sol 88, which ended at 3:39 p.m. PST on April 2, driving toward the "Columbia Hills." Before beginning the drive, Spirit acquired some pre-drive remote sensing, which included panoramic camera photometry and a mini thermal emission spectrometer stare of the rock called "Carlsbad."
Spirit then began the 35-meter (114.8 feet) combination directed and autonomous navigation drive down the rocky, ejecta-covered side of "Bonneville Crater." Fifteen meters (49.2 feet) of the drive were directed by rover planners and did not require the rover to use its hazard avoidance software. The remaining 20 meters (65.6 feet) were navigated by Spirit autonomously and did cause the rover to make some back and forth adjustments as it avoided what it perceived to be a depression hazard in its path. Rover controllers will look at hazard avoidance camera images tomorrow to confirm the details of Spirit's behavior.
Spirit will begin Sol 89, which ends at 4:19 p.m. PST on April 3, using the instrument deployment device on a rock target in front of it, followed by another drive toward the Columbia Hills.
Daily Update - 4/2/04
Bye-Bye 'Bonneville'
Spirit Status for sol 87
Spirit began sol 87, which ended at 3:00 p.m. PST on April 1, with some morning atmospheric science, and then took a last look at the rock "Mazatzal" with the panoramic and navigation cameras. Then the rover was off, traveling 36.5 meters (119.8 feet) down the side of "Bonneville" Crater headed south toward the "Columbia Hills."
The drive was a combination of "blind" and autonomous navigation roving. The blind segments of the drive are used when rover planners can see all possible hazards and command the rover to just "go." The autonomous navigation portion allows the rover to make decisions based on the terrain presented. While the blind segments of the sol 87 drive were successful, the second to the last autonomous navigation sequence did not complete in the allotted time, causing a drive "goal" error. As a result, Spirit was not able to execute the complete commanded drive, and roved 36.5 meters (119.8 feet) of the 65-meter (213.3 feet) planned drive.
Following the drive, Spirit took navigation and panoramic camera pictures in her drive direction and performed atmospheric and soil science with the panoramic camera and mini thermal emission spectrometer.
Spirit will spend most of sol 88, which ends at 3:39 p.m. PST on April 2, driving toward the Columbia Hills.
Daily Update - 4/2/04
'Bounce' Barraged by Instruments
Opportunity Status for sol 67
In recognition of changing the instruments on its arm nine times, David Bowie's "Changes" woke Opportunity on its 67th sol on Mars, which ended at 3:21 a.m. PST on April 2.
The rover continued to examine "Bounce" with the microscopic imager and the Moessbauer and alpha particle X-ray spectrometers.
During the martian morning, the Moessbauer spectrometer was turned off before atmospheric science was conducted with the miniature thermal emission spectrometer and the panoramic camera.
The afternoon hours were dedicated to intensive study of a handful of targets on Bounce, including the impression ground by the rock abrasion tool on sol 66.
Opportunity will continue to investigate Bounce for the next two sols and then begin its journey toward "Endurance Crater."
Daily Update - 4/1/04
Biting into'Bounce'
Opportunity Status for sol 66
Opportunity's rock abrasion tool ground into "Bounce" for just over two hours, producing a 6.44-millimeter (0.25 inch) hole that will allow the rover's spectrometer's to analyze the rock's chemical composition.
Bon Jovi's "Bounce" woke Opportunity on its 66th sol, which ended at 2:41 a.m. PST on April 1. The martian morning began with the alpha particle X-ray spectrometer observing a target called "Glanz2" on Bounce. Miniature thermal emission spectrometer measurements of the ground and sky followed.
The rock abrasion tool was then placed on the target dubbed "Case." After the grind, the Moessbauer spectrometer was placed on the hole for an overnight integration.
In the afternoon, the rover also had time to complete more atmospheric science with its panoramic camera and miniature thermal emission spectrometer.
In the coming sols, Opportunity will remain parked at the intriguing Bounce rock to continue its investigations.


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Last week, I attended Reginald Magazine's 'Heavy Petal' spring event. Reginald is a locally started magazine with the objective of putting Halifax, Nova Scotia on the fashion map. Fashion isn't just for big cities, we can compete with the best of 'em!
A last minute outfit change left me with a coral shorts suit and a whole bunch of rings.
Unfortunately, I forgot my camera and just had to make do with my iPhone.
Top - Urban Outfitters
Tights - Calvin Klein
Purse - Prada
Cuff - YSL
Bracelet - H&M
Belt - Moschino
Shoes - Aldo
Rings - Forever 21//Splurge Boutique
Nails - Essie Tart Deco


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Caitlyn and Tori are haunted by spirits and terrified by nightmares that come true. They are desperate to be assured they are not alone in experiencing these phenomena. Facing their fears at a retreat led by psychic/medium Chip Coffey and therapist Edy Nathan, the girls have their abilities validated when they pick up on specific details of spirits over the weekend that amaze everyone.
Intertwined with Caitlyn and Tori's experiences are their mothers' journey of letting go of their overprotective nature as their daughters learn to deal with their abilities and cope with the spirits that they see. Empowered, the two girls bond as they dispose of their fears at a bonfire banishment. Post weekend, the girls and mothers have created a support system that keeps them in touch every week.
Terror in the Night - Part 1
Terror in the Night - Part 2
Terror in the Night - Part 3
Terror in the Night - Part 4
Terror in the Night - Part 5
Dec 2009 Nov 2009 Oct 2009 Sept 2009 Aug 2009 July 2009 June 2009
May 2009 Apr 2009 Mar 2009 Feb 2009 Jan 2009 Dec 2008
Nov 2008 Oct 2008 Sept 2008 Aug 2008 July 2008 June 2008


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I started this blog as a means of creating opportunities for myself. I have been modeling for over 8 years. If you stick with me, you'll get to see some old, OLD, possibly AWFUL photos. I promise, it'll be fun…for you. No matter the connections I made, the countless shoots I did, the different photographers I worked with, the amount of open calls I attended, the actual agency contracts I signed, I couldn't get consistent work. I got sick of complaining. Why not make them notice? Why not do my own thing and why not enjoy myself while I do it!? Eating, drinking, traveling, taking pictures, playing dress up, painting my face, doing my hair, doing my hair while eating….
Just like many other actors and models, I started waiting tables to pay the bills. I fell in love with hospitality. It introduced me to many wonderful people, taught me how to be a "somewhat-somm" [read: know enough about wine to bullshit suggestions], how to drink top shelf liquor, appreciate cocktails of the Prohibition era and how to hold my liquor[-ish].
I seem to have a habit of only working where the food is TO.DIE.FOR. Places that serve Vietnamese food, Stinky Bunz, CHEESE!!!! My hope is to use the connections I have made to take you through a humorous, crass, entertaining and mouthwatering journey. My big sister, Xuan Hurt [of Anise <3] said it best "Food is how I show my love." And it is with this motto that I will be dragging you to the deepest depths of "The Concrete Jungle" and my hometown of Tampa as I furiously scramble to satisfy the constant hanger [read: TAPEWORM] that is inside of me.
I don't claim to be a writer. It's been years since I got that "4" on my AP English exam. Any suggestions and comments on grammar are more than welcome if you aren't being a complete twat, and we all know that's usually impossible for the sort ;o) I also don't aim to be any kind of food critic. The only thing I ever care about when I look on review sites is the food porn and that is what I will present to my readers.
My goal is to show you what gets me excited, introduce you to some new foods, makeup tricks, new ways to wear things, and take you to places you've never heard and events you didn't think existed.
The Vices– All the food porn your heart desires! And cocktails and nights out on the town doing everything I probably shouldn't.
The Look– The works; hair, makeup, beauty advice and streetwear.
The Total Package– Full blown shoots done with a professional team of photographers, stylists, hair and makeup artists. It's not JUST streetwear or outfits, it's not JUST food. It's everything. These shoots will take places in different businesses, usually restaurants, and incorporate their spaces and promote their goods, be it a product, clothes and accessories, or food and cocktails.
The Traveler- My travel diary of experiences, things to do and places to go.
The Model- A link to my modeling portfolio.


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Alias Grace was simply amazing. I don't know why I waited so long to read it. I'm going to be waiting just a bit longer to post about it. Alias Grace is my Spin book from the Classics Club. As such, the post is not supposed to go up until July 7th.
I started Alias Grace so early because it's not a short book and I wanted to have it completed on time. When I read Villette I was late and when I read Lives of Girls and Women I barely made it. Now, I'm much too early, since the post won't be going up for over a month.
I couldn't let this moment pass, however, without saying that I thought Alias Grace was a fantastic novel. I couldn't stop reading it. Margaret Atwood is one of my favourite writers and it is because of stories like Alias Grace.


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Hi there,
Swimming is generally a healthy exercise followed by most of the people. It plays a major role in maintaining body health and beauty. I know swimming is quite good to do. But how about the pregnant ladies. Is it beneficial for them? My husband says swimming is a good exercise for the pregnant ladies and planning to install a custom swimming pool in our home. He says it can strengthen your heart and make it more efficient in pumping the blood. It also helps to improve the circulation of the whole body and enhance the oxygen levels in the blood. It is recommended to swim because
the water keeps you from overheating and prevents the injury by supporting the joints and ligaments
it makes you feel weightlessness
it helps you to keep your weight in a healthy range
it strengthens the muscles
I think it is really good to do the swimming. But I'm on the 2 trimesters of pregnancy, can I start the swimming from now onwards. Do I need to get doctor's approval? Does it really help you during the delivery?
Can the swimming take away the fear and tension that occur during the pregnancy period? I'm very much tensed about my pregnancy. At some moments I cannot control my heart beats. Sometimes the fear is at the peak that I can't able to control myself even if I listen to the music. It is really hard at sometimes. What can I do the control the fear and become strong? Does swimming help me out in such cases?