Month: September 2010

Why do people wait at a 4-way stop?

Let me explain… I drive to the intersection of a 4-way stop. Then, the person on one of the other stops decides to wait for me to stop. It seems obvious to me that if you got to it, and you already stopped, there shouldn’t be a need to wait until the next car arrives.

I guess some people are engulfed by fear because the other car might be Toyota or that the brakes have been tampered with. Either way if the other car is already slowing down you are not in any imminent danger. Just go right ahead, no need to make other people wait.
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is 3D a gimmick or here to stay?

I would like to start by saying that what we call 3D is actually a technique called Stereoscopy. All this does is provide a higher illusion of depth by basically providing each eye with a different image. I don’t believe that this technique has ripened enough to be called 3D. Our vision already provides several ways to perceive depth such as position, perspective, size, etc. Filmmakers have already mastered these techniques and have done a wonderful job at it. There really isn’t any need for this stereoscopic technique to be added to film. When I think about what 3D images should look like, I think of holograms such as the one in Stars Wars or similar Sci-Fi movies. I definitely don’t think of the headache I got after watching Avatar, which has a horrible story by the way. Think Pocahontas here.

It is pretty obvious this better version of “3D” is thrown at us by manufacturers trying to sell the next big thing. There is a lot more money involved on it this time than when JAWS came out. We got more content this time around including sports, home made movies and photos, and several Pixar films and the like. Movie theaters are cashing in big time because tickets can be sold for higher prices as the consumer seems to believe it is worth it. Either that or they have 6 years old nagging to get into the 3D showing. However, I do not think 3D is all that bad. 3D actually requires you to have an HDTV and a Blu-ray player that are 3D capable. Several consumers do not see the difference between DVD vs Blu-ray or HD vs SD which blows my mind. But, 3D might provide that little nudge that make them jump into these newer technologies and abandon those old CRT sets.

3D sales seems to be improving at a steady gait but I still can not help but think that this is nothing but a gimmick that I hope eventually goes away.

Copyright 2010 Christian Rios

All trademarks and copyrights contained in this document are owned by their
respective trademark and copyright holders.

Tips for a succesful marriage

I have only been married for a couple of years but I have lived with my wife for a while. Under that time, I have learnt some tricks and tips that I would like to share.

1. The distance between you and your spouse from each other’s in-laws is directly proportional to your household’s happiness. Those who have in-laws living nearby will understand, but if you do not, watch an episode of Everybody loves Raymond and you will know exactly what I mean.

2. Twice and three times a week are the recommended doses. You know what I am talking about. Be demure once in a while. Try to keep things new and fresh.  Always remember,  some is better than none, but more is better than some.

3. Keep your bank accounts separate. Keep a joint checking account to deposit for bills. Each spouse contributes a percentage of their corresponding household income to pay bills. If one spouse makes 60k and the other 40k. One spouse should pay 40% of the bills and the other 60%. I know it is difficult to talk with your partner about money as this might offend him or her, but communication is key in a healthy relationship.

4. Set expectations really low.  Do not be fooled, your spouse will try to change you and to mold you into the perfect partner and it will happen to some degree. Not in a volatile manner but over time. The secret is to change slightly and slowly raise the bar. Do not start cleaning out the whole house the first day, clean the dishes every once in a while and go from there. Do not buy her a car in your first anniversary, buy chocolate and roses instead. Next year, you might get her a nice love book. You get the idea. That way there will be a surprise factor and you will make your partner happy.

5. Marriage is about compromise. Especially if you want to stay close and do things together. This week she might want to watch Eat Pray Love, then next week you all can watch The Expendables.

I would to love to hear your tips.

Copyright 2010 Christian Rios

All trademarks and copyrights contained in this document are owned by their
respective trademark and copyright holders.