Work is really starting to get busy, and I recently completed a pilot study to determine the effectiveness of a rock-counting software used in the four potential landing sites of the MSL
rover. I analyzed 588 image tiles from HiRISE photos that ranged in rock-count from 1 rock to over 100…. Let’s just say that I’ve looked at a lot of rocks these past two weeks. I am however happy note that my data results do show a strong correlation between the computer automatic edit of 20% of the largest rocks in each tile and the de-selected “non-rocks” that a human determined in the same image. Do you know what this means?? I won’t be counting rocks on Mars by hand anymore!!! Well, we’re not 100% sure yet, and I am presenting my results and data analysis to the engineers who developed the test program early this week… wish me luck! Above is a photo from the Yellow Room in the Micro Devices Lab on base, which houses millions of dollars of equipment for producing nifty things like microchips and plenty of gadgets you and I have never heard of.Outside of work, I’ve had many exciting opportunities to explore the local Foothill Flavor.
My RDO (regular-day-off) Friday this week was spent at the Mecca of all electronics stores, the Ikea for anything you plug into a wall: Fry’s. I kid you not, this mammoth warehouse took up at least two/three WHOLE CITY BLOCKS! My intentions for visiting: I need a newer (and fancier) digital camera, and I went to Fry’s to play around with two close contenders. They are both very close in price, but vary slightly, making my decision all that much more difficult. I left empty handed, but I’ve narrowed down to two excellent Sony’s: the HX-1 and SLR A230. Any suggestions? I’m in limbo…Saturday I geared up for a fun day hike with friends Diana and Nick (interns like me at JPL). I don’t exactly remember the name of the mountain, but it leads to this abandoned, and now leveled resort from the late 1800’s. Only remnants of the rail tracks and concrete foundation remain, but the hike was well worth it! Panoramic views of the valley below and an all-encompassing quiet blanketed us at the summit.
Today, I was crowned a “true native” to LA County by visiting the Rose Bowl Flea Market. The plethora of trinkets, clothes, food, art, and all-around junk nearly drowned my senses. You can pretty much find anything you’re looking for, and everything you never thought existed at this world-famous flea market. If you give yourself a solid 3 ½ hours, you might be able to see each vendor’s colorful tent. I was content with my 2 ½ hours… and so were my feet. The Rose Bowl Flea Market is the Disney World of flea markets, where all the dreams of junk-seekers come true. I did manage to snag a really neat antique item, of which I cannot disclose due to its upcoming debut as a birthday present for Tom. In the meanwhile, you can enjoy this fun photo of me sitting in a throne fit for a queen!
On a final note, we are undergoing a complete kitchen renovation. The construction workers are super motivated and aim to finish in a matter of two weeks! Demolition was this past Monday, and it’s exciting to be a part of this transition here on Carmel Rd. The before-and-after photos will be fun to look at when the work is complete, and here is a fun photo of the wreckage.
That’s all for now my friends, and be sure to check back soon for more updates on my adventures out west! I’m certainly getting used to being a Californian!! Happy Week!
