My Main Blog

In case you didn't know, I don't use this blog page anymore, my new blog is http://cruzdario.blogspot.com/

A BIt Depressed

It's been said that anything uploaded to the web stays there forever. If I had any sense I probably wouldn't write this, however, I have to say it, I'm depressed and saddened by how my life has turned out. I'm almost 47, I have no money, no job, no family of my own, and no prospects. Oh and did I mention my health has declined quite a bit in the last 5 years. I'm not bed ridden but I'm in rather bad shape for my age. Even in this sotto voce moment I still can't say what has caused all this to occur, mostly it's something I don't think I can change. I suppose that's what has brought me to this situation- I'm weak.

Hybrid are luxury items

Topic: Cars

I read an interesting article today in ENN about Honda's slow sales for their Insight car. The writer argues that for right now, hybrids are still luxury items and the 2 grand difference between the Insight and the Prius hasn't persuaded many buyers to switch. He makes a good point but didn't include the fact that almost all the reviews for the Insight were bad. That's saying quite a bit considering how badly the Prius drives.

Another good argument that hybrid or electric buyers aren't that price sensitive is the Tesla Roadster. When Tesla up the price from $100k to $110k, there were only a hand few who took their deposit back. The real test of price sensitivity will be next November when the Chevy Volt goes on sale. For all the Volt's technological and environmental advantages over the Prius; $40k is still $40k. Granted, the Fisker Karma is supposedly going on sale earlier then the Volt, but the Karma is $80k and truly a luxury car. While the Volt is targeted for the same potential buyers of the Prius.

A New Christmas

A good article in the Guardian about loneliness and volunteering. It's especially interesting because this Christmas we won't be going over to my grandmother's house. We don't have the greatest family gathering but it is that one time of the year that I see my relatives. I guess this might be the start of a new Christmas tradition. I can live with it but it's going to be definitely a different Christmas.

Almost Christmas

It's hard to believe, but it's almost Christmas. The most favorite days I had as a child was Christmas morning and my birthday. Now I just get socks or something else useful on those days. You want to give me something? Give me a all expense paid trip to Baja or Hawaii. That I would find useful.

at Starbucks listening to Christmas music n wishing for a merry little Christmas

Posted via SMS from Dario Cruz's Posterous

Trauma of Joblessness

Topic: Unemployment

This article in the New York Times pretty much sums up my experience right now. I don't want to be a Gloomy Gus but the Christmas and unemployment blues have gotten me down. Hopefully 2010 is a better year.

My Mother's Birthday

Yup, it's that time of the year again, and as usual, I can't think of a gift for my mother. There's always the fall back of perfume but I've done that a little too often in the last few years. I'd like to give her a new car if only I could afford it. I think I'll go back to that store I bought her that coin purse and see if they have anything. The gift she seemed to really like was that one time I got her those glamor shots with a photographer. Unfortunately that shop closed but I'll do some searching and see if I can get someone else to shoot her. I don't even want to think about Christmas yet.

No More Firefox Result

I switched off from Firefox to Flock because it was crashing every time I used it. I can now report that Flock works similarly to Firefox, except that it doesn't crash. The only problem is Cool Iris doesn't seem to work on Flock, which isn't a big deal. Outside of that one problem, I like it just fine.

My Life without Cable

I've tried it for a few days and it can be done. The thing is, if you're a sports fan like me, then it's not advisable. I can do without, but it's way too much hassle in my humble opinion. But hey, try it out for yourself, it may work for you.

Life without Cable/Satellite Bills

I just read an interesting article in Gizmodo about getting content from the internet and unplugging from cable/satellite. I'm thinking of trying it out. All I need is to hook up the tv to the modem. The only problem is that I won't be able to watch basketball on TNT.

Guilty Pleasure

I like watching videos online. My guilty pleasure is that like everyone else, I don't want to pay for them or wait around for bit torrent. I found a way to get past the Megavideo limit. I truly understand that they're a real company with employees and they need to get paid, but I'm going to do it anyway. I hope this doesn't make me a bad guy. What do you think?

Fall Sucks

wishes that summer was still here.  We only have a finite amount left to enjoy.

Posted via email from Dario Cruz's Posterous

Raiders Suck!

I've found the cure for football addiction- watching the Raiders.

Posted via email from Dario Cruz's Posterous

No More Firefox

I've given up on Firefox 3.  I'm trying out Flock now and I'll give you a review of it in a few weeks.

Posted via email from Dario Cruz's Posterous

Multiple Site Posting

I just saw a new site for me to play with called Posterous. It allows me to post or upload pics to multiple social network sites at once using my cell phone or email.

A new site to play with

Posted via SMS from Dario Cruz's Posterous

Times are Tough all Over

I called my aunt today to wish her a happy birthday. We started talking and I found out she needs to sell her house to help out her son. She's a wonderful woman and deserves better in life. She once went to school to be an accountant but gave it up to spend more time with her sons. I wish I could help her and my own parents, but right now I need to help myself.

Enough with the Friendly Vampires!

I have had it with vampire movies, tv shows, and books. Ladies: Bad boys that are really good are called "phoneys." Please go back to your Harlequin and Life Channel and leave my horror flicks alone.

Fuel Efficency

I just read an interesting article in the New York Times about a couple who constantly set world records in fuel efficency. Pretty simple habits make all the difference. Here's their website: fuelacademy.com

Way Too Much Details About Your Boring Life

I'm tired of hearing about Twitter. It seems that every time I watch the boob tube, another boob is advertising his Twitter page. Face it, no one really needs to know every detail of your life. So now if you'll excuse me, I have to update my Facebook page.

50 Questions

1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANY ONE?
My father’s lack of imagination

2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?
When I saw my credit card bill

3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
Even I can’t even read it.

4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?
salami

5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS?
Not that I know of.

6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
To quote Groucho Marx, “I’d never join a club that would have me as a member.”

7. DO YOU USE SARCASM?
What genius came up with these questions?

8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS?
See reply to question 7

9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?
No, I don’t drink anymore.

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL?
Whatever is on sale.

11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?
As opposed to telepathically willing my self out of my shoes? Or see reply to question 7.

12. IF YOU COULD HAVE ONLY ONE ALBUM FRONT TO BACK FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE,WHAT WOULD IT BE? AND IT CAN'T BE A GREATEST HITS ALBUM?
Eddie Murphy “Raw”

13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM?
Mango or Ube

14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE?
Like most men- how big their breast are.

15. RED OR PINK?
Well I used to be a socialist, so reformed pink would be my answer.

16. WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF?
I’m too sexy for my cat, too sexy for my cat…

17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST?
My dog Max

18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO COMPLETE THIS LIST?
I prefer world peace

19. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?
See reply to question 7

21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
You mean besides the voices in my head?

22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE
I’m black and I’m proud!

23. FAVORITE SMELLS?
The smell of napalm in the morning. It smells like… victory.

24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?
A guy offering me a free subscription. I forgot to check the caller id.

25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU?
Is he going to read this?

26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH?
San Antonio Spur during the play-offs

27. HAIR COLOR?
salt and pepper (what’s left of it anyway)

28. EYE COLOR?
brown.

29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS?
See answer to question 7

30. FAVORITE FOOD
A slice from Ray’s Pizza in the Village

31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?
neither

32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED?
Star Trek

33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING?
See answer to question 7

34. Summer or winter?
definitely summer

35. HUGS OR KISSES?
groping

37. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND?
my inner child

38. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND?
my outer child

39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW?
”Gang Leader for a Day" by Sudhir Vankatesh

40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?
My mouse

41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT?
I didn’t watch tv last night. I prefer my opiate from the internet now.

42. FAVORITE SOUND(S):
silence

43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES?
2 Live Crew.

44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME?
the fourth dimension

45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT?
I can see the absurdity of life.

46 WHERE WERE U BORN?
In a galaxy far far away.

47. WHOSE ANSWERS ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING BACK?
Anybody's.

48. HOW DID YOU MEET YOUR SPOUSE/SIGNIFICANT OTHER?


49. NAME ONE THING YOU REGRET?

That I can’t answer question 48.


50. (make yer own question) Favorite Word?
supercilious

Best Indian Film

First, let me confess that I love Hulu. The best film on it right now is an Indian film called Sarkar It's loosely based on Francis Ford Coppola and Mario Puzo's "The Godfather" I'm not giving you a link to The Godfather, since if you haven't seen it or heard about it, you probably don't know anything about cinema since (in my humble opinion) its the greatest film ever.

Going back to Sarkar, its a definite must see and in some ways as good as The Godfather. The cinematography, acting, story are all there to enjoy. My only complaint is the movie wasn't dubbed in English. I usually don't mind subtitles (it's in Hindee) but since I watched this on a 19" monitor, dubbing would've been nice. But hey, it's free to watch, so I'm not complaining.

Best Weather

It’s a summer day and it’s cloudy and humid. It’s not too humid or hot since there’s a pleasant wind blowing. I’ve experienced this weather multiple times. I wish I had more days like it.

Best Feeling

I’m 8 or 9 years old and I’m home from school. It’s cold rainy and dark outside, while it‘s toasty inside our house. My mother makes me Top Ramen soup with a boiled egg in it. I feel very safe and warm.

Best Moments

I’m driving my Mustang down a winding road. Suddenly the road starts descending and provides me with a perfect view of beautiful Lake Tahoe below me. It’s a real Kodak moment.

________________________________________________________________

I’m riding my motorcycle on the Golden Gate Bridge. My girl Mia is on the back seat and holding onto me. There aren’t any real helmet laws yet (circa 1980s), so the wind is hitting my face and pushing my hair back. I only have my mad dog shades to protect me. It’s the first real spring day and there’s dozens of colorful sailboats below me in the bay. It’s good to be young, to have a motorcycle, and have your girl with you on such a day.

________________________________________________________________

I’m at the Sunnyvale Mall and see Lillian. I walk with her when we see a couple of Filipinos I don’t know. Lillian tells me they’re from Daly City or San Francisco and that she kind of knows them. She goes over to talk with them. She doesn’t invite me to go with her, so I continue walking by myself. I bump into Anita and I walk with her. Lillian and the two guys later see me with Anita (who is gorgeous). The guys must agree with my observation because they say something to Lillian and she then tries casually to ask me, “Hey who’s your friend?” I don’t answer- screw them- and just keep on strolling. Anita doesn’t say anything. She’s used to guys trying to meet her. Anita eventually goes back to work and I continue walking. I bump into the Gumabay sisters next and walk with them. When we go down the escalator, Lillian and her friends see me with the girls. The guys smile at me and give me an admiring look. I smile back at them. I never see those guys again, but to this day, they probably still think I’m a pick-up artist. I’m not nor will I ever be, but it sure does make me feel good that others think I am.

Hugh Hefner is Totally Senile

I just read an article about how Hugh Hefner is going to sell his house next to the Playboy Mansion for $28 million. Is he senile, or totally out of touch with the outside world, or is he just plain stupid? In any case, he hasn't noticed that there is a recession on and he couldn't sell the Mansion for that much- even if he included all his prostitutes with the house.

People are angry or lacking in sympathy for GM for not changing with the times or understanding what people want. What about this guy or his stupid company? What has changed in that magazine since he first published it in the fifties? Hey Hefner, if you're broke or if you're magazine is about to go bankrupt- face it, it's your own fault.

With that said; I'll be happy to take it all back Hef if you invite me to your next party :-)

Food and Technology

This is an article I read in Newsweek. It's an interesting blend of fusion food (Korean and Mexican), mobile gourmet, and new technology (Twitter) . That and I get hungry every time I read it. Enjoy.

Video Link

Topic: Blog

Here's an interesting article regarding Twitter. If you're not familiar with it, it's an easy to use mini blog (104 characters only). I'll confess that I don't use it regularly but it is interesting.

Dell cell phone in the future?

Topic: Technology

An interesting article in the Silicon Valley Business Journal regarding Dell going into the smartphone space with a Android OS. Hopefully they won't make the mistake of creating one without a slide out thumboard. From my 20+ years of experience, touch screens are atrocious and will never work as well as buttons.

Palm Pre

For some reason, I forgot to post about Palm's new smart phone called the Pre. Here's an article in Engadget about it.

If you haven't figured it out yet, I'm a gadget freak. I don't consider myself materialistic, but do love gadgets.

update

I survived another Christmas family get together! Actually it was a pretty good dinner. There was plenty of food (for once) and met my cousin's boyfriend. He seemed like a nice guy and intelligent, so we conversed for quite a while. Usually I just sit around, eat, and watch some tv.

Tesla Dealership

Topic: Cars

I was at the Tesla dealership in Menlo Park the other day to check out their Roadster. One of their mechanics was testing out the car in the back parking lot. It was fun to watch him blast down the lane and not make any noise while doing it.

In case your not familiar with the Tesla Motors or their car: it's an all electric (no gas engine) plug-in sports car that can go 220 miles between charges, has performance capabilities similar to top-end exotics (Porsche, Ferrari, BMW, etc.), and cost $110,000.

Getting back to my dealership experience, they had several customers car in various colors in the showroom and in the garage. If I had to choose, I'd say black or silver are the best color for that shape. I read Tesla wanted the dealership to look like an Apple store; which I translated into a minimalist design showroom staffed by some goofy sales kids dress in black shirt and jeans. Maybe I'm too stuffy but for a 110 grand, shouldn't they be wearing a suit- like an adult? Frankly, Spanky and the other little rascals at the dealership looked like they should be working at a comic book store. I do appreciate that they didn't mind me looking around, even after I told him that I couldn't afford one but just wanted to see it. I'll have to bring them candy next time :-)