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.

Places in Hattiesburg that sell Coke Zero

I was a heavy Diet Coke drinker until I discovered Coke Zero. It tastes 10 times better. However, few places around my area serve it or have it in their soda machines. I know of only the following places that serve it in the Hattiesburg Area.

1. Bakers Burger Co: This is the new burger joint in town and it is pretty good too. They have a “flavor of the week” bun, wheat and your typical white bun. [location]

2. Movie Star: You will love to eat here! They’ve got an awesome buffet Friday and Saturday that includes ribs, catfish, pork loin, sweet potatoes fries, apple pie, and all the good stuff. Saturdays they have a deal called Ribeye for 2 which is $25. [location]

3. The Grand 18: Do you know what is better than Nachos and Cheese? Coke Zero with Nachos and Cheese 😛
Yep, our local and only movie theater serves Coke Zero. [location]

4. Fox’s Pizza Den:  This is a great pizza joint on Old Hwy 11 next to the Corner market. Good Pizza.  Very different from your franchise type pizza place. [location]

5. Sweet Peppers Deli: They have two locations, one on Hardy next to Lowes and the other one on Lincoln and Broadway. They sell sandwiches, salads, wraps, and spuds to go with a delicious Coke Zero [location] [2]

If you know of any other places nearby that serve Coke Zero,  feel free to let us know in the comments section. Continue reading “Places in Hattiesburg that sell Coke Zero”

Everyone dies some time kiddo

[Spoiler Alert: Do NOT read if you have not seen the LOST series finale]

The LOST series finale is as bittersweet as they come. A determined Jack has to make the ultimate sacrifice in order to fulfill his purpose and help his friends, just as Charlie did at the end of Season 3. Therefore, following Spock’s principle “the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few … or the one.”

We get several answers at the end of the show, but to follow in LOST tradition there are still questions remaining with plenty of room for interpretation. These are going to be influenced based on your thoughts and beliefs. Why did Jack not turn into a Smoke Monster? We know what the numbers mean, but why are the numbers all over the place? If you were expecting straightforward answers to all the premises of the show, I hate to break it to you, but you were watching the wrong show for the past 6 years.
Continue reading “Everyone dies some time kiddo”

Zune HD Review


Pros
OLED TouchScreen
– Gorgeous OLED Screen, images just stand out with great contrasts
Excellent Dock
– The Zune dock is great. It supports HD output. It hooks to any HDMI device. It is also compatible with older AV inputs
Zune Pass Compatible
– The Zune Pass allows you to download most of the available music at the Zune Store to your computer or Zune device. It is $15/month but you get 10 song credits so that you can pick 10 songs to keep. The songs that you buy are DRM free and can be use in any device.
Interfaces smoothly with the XBOX 360
– If you decide not to get the dock, you can stream all the songs download with your subscription to an XBOX 360.
HD Radio
– Very few portable devices have HD Radio. There are few stations in my area, but it is nice to see song info on the player. It does not feel like 1990.

Cons
No FLAC support
– There is support for wma loss-less codec, but it would have nice to have FLAC support.
Few apps
– I saw a couple of games, twitter, and some apps, but there is not really a huge selection.
No Bluetooth Support
– I was really disappointed that I was not able to use my Bluetooth headphones with this device.
Not as many accessories as iPods
– Receivers, alarm clocks, car stereos, and many other devices come with iPod compatible docks. There is not a great selection of accessories for the Zune right now, but some devices are coming soon. If you are looking to connect the Zune to a receiver, you should definitely get the dock.

Overall it is a great product with a competitive price and nice features.

Copyright 2010 Christian Rios

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

Upgrade to socket 1156 or 1364?

What do you think is the better upgrade is there is any difference?

1156 Update ~633
Motherboard: ~190 EVGA P55 SLI 132-LF-E655-KR LGA1156 Intel P55 ATX Intel Motherboard – Retail

CPU: ~280  Intel Core i7-860 Lynnfield 2.8GHz LGA 1156 95W Quad-Core Processor Model BX80605I7860 – Retail

RAM ~163: CORSAIR DOMINATOR 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model CMP4GX3M2C1600C7 – Retail

1366 Update ~700

Motherboard: ~240  EVGA 141-BL-E757-TR LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX X58 SLI LE Intel Motherboard – Retail

CPU :~295 Intel Core i7-930 2.8GHz LGA 1366 Quad-Core Desktop Processor Model BX80601930 – Retail

RAM :~163  CORSAIR DOMINATOR 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model CMP4GX3M2C1600C7 – Retail

Continue reading “Upgrade to socket 1156 or 1364?”