Gio Gutierrez

Sugarcane Review

// February 15th, 2010 // 1 Comment » // Personal

Sugarcane is a great new spot from owners of SushiSamba. The place is beautiful, airy, big fans, very tropical. Decor is lovely, random chairs, tile, wood floors, very rustic and homey.

Sugarcane has 3 separate kitchens scattered through out:
• A Raw Bar
• Japanese Grill
• Hot Kitchen

Think tapas with an exotic/asian flare – not your typical spanish tapas. If you’ve been to Señora Martinez, you know what to expect except this was way more affordable and better tasting in every way. We tried 10 dishes and they came fast and prompt. Favorites were:
• Florida Tomatoes w/ burrata cheese, strawberries and balsamic
• Golden Beets salad
• Goat Cheese Croquettes w/ marmalade
• The Sugarcane Lobster roll w/ peanut soy
• Madagascar Shrimp w/ sweet chili
• Yellowtail Crudos w/ grapefruit and avocado

Last but not least, the Torrejas dessert which was soaked in custard for 24 hours and baked w/ fiji apples and served w/ vanilla bean ice cream.

Staff was wonderfully flashing smiles left and right. Our waiter came thru with every suggestion. Can’t wait to come back for Happy Hour and get a pitcher of the red sangria.

PS I added some pics so make sure to scope them out.

3 things Apple needs for iPad

// February 10th, 2010 // No Comments » // Personal, Random

So I’ve come to the conclusion that not only do I want an iPad, but I need one. Yes, I’m a card carrying Apple Fan Boy. With that being said, here are the 3 things Apple needs to implement right now. There’s a good chance some of these wishes will have to wait until iPad 2.0, but we’re hoping Apple has some cards to play and will further enhance its device before the March launch-date.

1. Printing from iPad

The brief iWork demos showed how capable these apps are, but no mention was made about printing. We’re hoping there’s direct network printing from iPad apps, because without this functionality, iPad will sit squarely in the ‘peripheral’ category.

PS. I know you can print now from an iPhone but you need to install an app on your Mac/PC as well as the iPhone. This should be native using existing technologies such as Bonjour/Wifi/Bluetooth.

2. A front-facing iPad camera

Only crazy people want to be able to use iPad for taking photos. A 10-inch flatscreen device is more than a little unwieldy for such endeavors. However, we already know a number of people that consider the lack of an iPad webcam a deal-breaker. Video chatting never became ubiquitous in the manner shown in sci-fi movies, but it’s popular with some, especially anyone with friends and family overseas via Skype, iChat etc.

3. Wireless device syncing

If you’ve got a Mac or PC, you can back-up your iPad to it via a sync, just like an iPod/iPhone. Big hard drive space is now very much needed as your main computer has to store backups of these devices. There needs to be a optional way to backup wireless via MobileMe at prices similar to Amazon’s S3 storage.

Neutered Netflix

// February 5th, 2010 // No Comments » // Personal

Netflix signed a frightening deal with Warner Bros, delaying new releases from going out to customers until 28 days of purgatory pass. TechCrunch dug through Netflix’s top January rentals, and they yanked any title that’s within 28 days of release. Over half (13 of 24) would be missing. Here’s an example:

1) Julie & Julia: December 8 — No

2) District 9: December 22 —- No

3) 500 Days of Summer: December 22 —- No

4) Angels and Demons: November 24 -– Yes

5) The Proposal: October 13 —-Yes

6) The Hangover: December 15 —- No

7) Star Trek: November 17 -Yes

Up: November 10 —-Yes

9) The Taking Of Pelham 123: November 3 -– Yes

10) Night At The Museum 2: December 1 -– Yes

11) The Ugly Truth: November 10 —- Yes

12) Public Enemies: December 8 -– No

13) The Hurt Locker: January 12 —- No

14) Inglourious Basterds: December 15 —- No

15) Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs: January 5 — No

16) Funny People: November 24 — Yes

17) G.I. Joe: November 3 — Yes

18) Harry Potter 6: December 8 —- No

19) Terminator 4: December 1 - Yes

20) Gamer: January 19 — No

21) A Perfect Getaway: December 29 — No

22) Extract: December 22 — No

23) 9: December 29 —– No

24) Transformers 2: October 20 — Yes

25) Ghosts Of Girlfriends Past: September 22 — Yes

Netflix has developed an amazing rental infrastructure. But they need to become as media savvy as Apple if they want to make it worth a damn. I personally take this as an insult coming from Warner Bros as they are giving consumers no alternate option than to purchase a $35 Blue-Ray movie that I’ll watch maybe two times. This whole fiasco is going to make people pirate (their) movies even more. Mark my words.

Japan, WTF… Seriously?

// February 4th, 2010 // No Comments » // Personal, Random

Wow… Japan never ceases to amaze me. Seriously, here’s some DVD for sale of women crying. I’m sure it’s some sick masochistic fetish to some but as a DVD for sale it’s well… unique and brilliant. I hope they make millions so please buy yours here: Crying Girl DVD Helps Men Feel Strong.

Straight from product page:

It may not be The Crying Game but “Crying Girl” (Nakigao, in Japanese) from Amuse Soft Entertainment has its fair share of crying. In fact, it’s almost ALL crying. One after another, 11 minor female celebs shed real tears as they recount some of the worst days of their lives.

The “11 stories of people crying in earnest”, as the DVD’s tag line states, include some that really don’t seem so terrible but instead reflect the rigors of being an up & coming model in Japan’s fiercely competitive “idol” culture:

• Marika, who was yelled at by her manager.

• Risa, who had been jilted by her boyfriend.

• Nana, who saw a bad picture of herself in a magazine.

• Shiho, who cried when her boyfriend said goodbye.

• Mai, who cried “touching the loneliness of the city”.

• Yutaka, who has a friend with breast cancer who’s engaged to marry.

First thoughts on the iPad

// January 27th, 2010 // 4 Comments » // Design, Personal

While we ate lunch and followed the announcement, David asked me: but if you have an iPhone and a MacBook Pro, why would you need an iPad? It’s a good question. Perhaps if you don’t have a laptop it’s a great way to own a second, more mobile computer that’s more powerful than the iPhone. Maybe it’s great for my mom as she just uses it to surf the web, facebook and pay bills. But is there really a need for a third, in-between semi-mobile computer?

I’m trying to imagine the situations: at home, in the office, I have my MBP hooked up to the 24? LED Display and various hard drives so to all intents and purposes it’s a desktop, but I can take it with me when I’m travelling (which I do a lot) and that’s why I love having the flexibility of a laptop. But would I use an iPad when I’m at work? No, I’d use my MBP. What about that other common situation, where I’m sitting in front of the TV at night — casually replying to emails or surfing the web (as I am now)? Would I use an iPad then? No, probably not because truthfully I’m working as well and need access to Photoshop, Coda, etc. I’m pretty sure I’d continue to use the laptop on almost all occasions. Ok, so what about on very small journeys where it’s between home and work without getting out the laptop? In those circumstances I usually use the iPhone to reply to emails and I guess that would be an instance where it’d be preferable to do it on an iPad. But is that it?!? Is there really a need for a third, in-between semi-mobile computer?

I do see scenarios for the iPad: My mom for example. I just bought her first computer and the cheapest Mac I got her was a white MB for $999 (God knows how much time I would have spent doing tech support if I had bought her a cheap PC). All she does is surf the web, pays her bills online, facebook, transfers some photos, emails me spam and that’s about it. This would have been perfect for her and at half the price. She would even save money in the long run with the unlimited $30 a month of AT&T’s 3G as opposed to Comcast’s $50 for hi-speed cable. Another use would be for a student who uses iWork/Office for schoolwork except this doubles as a gaming device and iPod as well. Or an iPad as a replacement to our more pricier “Office Laptop” that we use solely for the purpose of  keynote/powerpoint presentations that we can do now on our iPad. So I do see potential.

Let’s go back in time and look at a few of the reviews about the iPhone when it was launched:

The iPhone: Apple’s First Flop

Initial review of iPhone

iPhone Already Getting Some Negative Reviews - Yep, It’s the Touchscreen

iPhone 1.0: Looks 10, Utility 3? Wait for Version 2 in October

iPhone: Good News and Bad

Apple iPhone Review Roundup

The Big But

I’m disappointed that the iPad isn’t a device that can dock with another Mac. I feel a little let-down that’s not being quite as ground-breaking as I’d hoped. And I’m concerned that there may not be an actual need for it (I guess only time will tell). But has Apple created another gorgeous device? Yes. Have they pushed yet more UI design boundaries? Yes. And have they come through and delivered it all at a reasonable price? Amazingly, yes. So I’m still pretty excited.

I’m prepared to admit that — as a self-confessed Apple fanboy and a designer with a soft spot for all things pretty — the device’s beauty is possibly overpowering my logical reasoning, but the iPad really does look like an amazing piece of kit and it’s one I can’t wait to try out, as that’s the only way these concerns might be confirmed or quashed. Is it actually worth buying? It’s simply too soon to tell but I’ll make sure I have one and be the one to judge.

LMAO with YouTube…

// January 15th, 2010 // No Comments » // Personal, Random

I’ll be talking to my grandkids & tell them “this is what we spent the time playing with back in the day.”

“You mean while you weren’t fixing the climate catastrophe?” they’ll ask.

“Hush, and put on your respiratory, you’ll need the extra oxygen for this belly laugh”

Verdict of Domino’s New Pizza

// January 11th, 2010 // 3 Comments » // Personal

New Years Resolution: 2010

// December 22nd, 2009 // No Comments » // Personal

I’ve been thinking about my New Years Resolution for 2009 and I’m happy to say I’ve actually accomplished the majority of them such as meeting my cousins Hector in London and Aryam in Canada, developed an iPhone App, payed off all my student loans, did several workshops, celebrated my birthday in Epcot having a drink in every country, changed all lightbulbs to CFL & only using rechargable batteries, purchased 3 new pieces of art, had a stainless dishwasher installed, travelled to Sonoma/Napa Valley, Philly, South of France in addendum to the previously mentioned and started a new venture - iChatHelp.

I didn’t stay as healthy as I wanted (going on the wagon every 3 months) but I am attending bootcamp religiously for 4 months now. I didn’t save as much moola as I wanted although I added a couple of stocks to my portfolio that I’m excited about - specifically Microsoft (I know I know - blame it on Windows 7, Surface and Project Natal) and I still have yet to visit my homeland, DC, Vegas and Iceland. So here’s what I have so far for 2010:

• Visit the above locations (Cuba, DC, Vegas & Iceland)
• Learn how to solve the Rubiks Cube
• Moisturize my face everyday now that I’m 32 lol
• Removal of this tattoo on my back that I got when I was 16 that’s barely visible
• Changing my own oil in my Prius
• Go to MacWorld & ComicCon with Dave
• Run a 5K/10K marathon
• Cook more Indian at home

2009 Gio Awards

// December 16th, 2009 // 5 Comments » // Personal

It’s that time of year again for me to reflect on some of the things I’ve enjoyed the last 360 something days. These are regionally (in my head) recognized examples of great stuff across the board that I’ve personally interacted with. So thanks the academy and on with the show:

Best Video Game: Street Fighter IV

I’ve been playing this game since I was a child when you used to have these things called arcades where you would go with your handful of quarters from the lunch you skipped. Imagine the flashback when this game hit consoles retaining the classic 2-D gameplay but with a twist of color, animation, and visual effect making it the best looking Street Fighter game yet.
Runner Up: New Super Mario Bros. Wii

Best Movie: Star Trek

Props to JJ Abrams for his revamp of the series. This is really the story that introduces the characters and how the Enterprise crew meets and the telling is pure bliss. You needn’t know the secret handshakes or utter the Vulcan blessing “live long and prosper” to enjoy this thrill ride. 
Runner up: District 9

Best NOT A Love Story: 500 Days of Summer

A love story gone bad that connects two uniquely “real” characters via the music of The Smiths. I was sold on this premise alone. Here’s a movie that takes the wimpy, tortured, hopelessly-in-love boy from the other movies and tells them to grow the fuck up. It’s charming, yet brutally honest.
Runner up: Up In The Air

Best Television: Fringe | Dexter | Californication | True Blood

This year I’ve been glued to the following shows:
Fringe is modern day X-Files written by the guys that penned Transformers/Star Trek w/ JJ Abrams as executive producer.
Dexter (starring Michael C. Hall from Six Feet Under) is on it’s fourth year now and this season has been full of nail-biting suspense, revenge and mystery. Great thriller. Gut twisting finale.
Californication has hot girls, real-life sexual scenarios and David Duchovny as Hank - the character you want to be when you grow up with the best lines on TV.
True Blood finally grew up from it’s first season from being a show targeting fat gothic girls.

Best Read: Y The Last Man Standing

A graphic novel? Absolutely… Y is an adventure that spanned 5 years, the first issue had me intrigued  and the journey of the last man on earth ’till the last episodes that had me in emotionally broken down (similar to season finale of Six Feet Under).
Runner Up: Life Without Lawyers

Best Albums: XX | Wolfgang Amadeus | Ocean Eyes

The XX, Phoenix and Owl City (homogeneous to Postal Service). Just listen.

Best Packaging: Lelo (NSFW)

Lelo is a Sweden-based company devoted to the design of sensual pleasure objects with a contemporary flair. Not only in the product itself, but down to the packaging. If Apple designed sex toys, they would look like Lelo’s.
Runner Up: B&N Nook

Best Restaurant: Mr Yum

I’ve raved about Mr. Yum before but it’s been a year now and I still catch myself going here once a week. Limitless saki, beautiful people and new menu items (Example: Ño Roll with fried plantains) keep this place fresh. And you simply can’t beat the vibe.
Runner Up: Ceviche 105

Best Web Site: Carsonified

It is cool to see someone exploring different ways to create a website. I give the Carsonified team full credit for their new site. Absolutely love the art direction - very, very stylish. Even the copy is cleverly written. I know some people think it’s too simple (monotone) but it’s refreshingly original… who else is doing this? No one.
Runner Up: Swear Words

Best iPhone Apps: Kindle | Now Playing | Tweetie

Too many apps to pick just one so here’s my top three:
Kindle - Love it when I don’t have my Kindle with me but I’m still able to sync and read my eBooks no matter where I am.
Now Playing - Trailers, local theater times (via GPS), Rotten Tomatoes score and Netflix integration
Tweetie - You guessed it - for Twitter

Best Product: The iPhone

Three versions later, this device still kicks ass. Not one week goes by where I find myself completely in awe of it’s awesomeness. I still live my iVirgin moments vicariously via my friends who just got their iPhone as I blow their minds with the little things we take for granted with this gadget.
Runner Up: The Sqweel (NSFW)

Best Thing Ever: The Internet

Just sayin’ it still rocks.

Some Tips For iPhone’s Dragon Dictation App

// December 14th, 2009 // No Comments » // Personal

As a former long-time user of Dragon Naturally Speaking for the PC, I was eager to see if Dragon Dictation would include the same command syntax.  Largely, it has.   Here are some tips and a quick reference guide to some of the helpful things you can say during your dictation.

FORMATTING:

Cap to capitalize a word: “I was shopping at cap Target”

Caps On for titles: “I was reading caps on The Washington Post”

All Caps to capitalize the next word: “Can we go now all caps PLEASE”

All Caps On and All Caps Off are Caps Lock: “This is all caps on NOT A JOKE all caps off so stop playing”

No Caps, No Caps On, and No Caps Off are the exact opposite of the above: “I like Amy andno caps amy”

Space Bar not only inserts a space, but can be used to prevent a hyphen in normally hyphenated words: “A long-lasting or long space bar lasting peace.”

No Space for words you want together: “Surf on the World no space Wide no space Web”

No Space On & No Space Off for words you want together: “I was running no space onreallyreallyfast no space off the entire time”

New Line starts the following text on a new line, and New Paragraph begins a new paragraph (effectively 1 and 2 carriage returns, respectively).

PUNCTUATION, SYMBOLS, OTHER TIPS:

Say punctuation: period  comma  apostrophe  open-parenthesis  close-parenthesis  asterisk   open quote   close quote.   Note that you do not need to say apostrophe for possessive names such as “Joe’s”.

There is a difference between a hyphen — like this — and a dash-like this.  Similarly, point(in numbers) and period have spacing differences.

Special symbols – note that many of these will automatically be placed in context, such as thedollar, cent, degree, percent, and at signs:

• % – percent sign
• © – copyright sign
• ® – registered sign
• § – section sign
• $ – dollar sign
• ¢ – cent sign
• ° – degree sign
• ^ – caret
• @ – at sign
• £ – pound sterling sign
• # – pound sign

Note: You must use cent sign explicitly.  Saying “The price is fifty three cents” will yield “The price is $.53”.   Say “The price is fifty three cent sign”.

Email addresses should generally be prefaced with no caps on; most common domains (such as Gmail, Yahoo, etc) are recognized, but you may have to spell others.

Saying “www” will result in the formatting of a URL: “www.justanotheriphoneblog.com”.  Oddly, unlike the desktop version, saying “http” does not do the same thing in my testing.  I got “HDTV” instead.

Hopefully this quick reference will help you make the most of Dragon Dictation.   Happy dictating!