Is This Me?

It's the new Avatars that Xbox makes you create when they released their new system update yesterday.

What do you think? The choices are a little limited right now. I may need to make my skin darker, but I think I'm pretty close. My hair is not quite that long, but it's the closest I could get.

Also, please excuse the queer pose, as that's the only pose those things have.

Xbox 360 on the Fritz

Again. At least I got to finish Gears 2, which was excellent by the way.

Fuck you Microsoft for making a shitty system.

Surprise Muthaf*&ka!

Color me impressed. ( I think you have to buy the big box of crayons to get that color. You know, the one with the sharpener.)

Tracking number
959154344305
Ship date
Dec 12, 2007
Estimated delivery
Dec 17, 2007 by 7:00 PM


Reference
1051212258
Destination
GRAND PRAIRIE, TX
Service type
Express Saver
Weight
8.0 lbs.



Status
At FedEx destination


Date/Time

Activity

Location

Details

Dec 14, 2007 3:44 PM

At local FedEx facility

GRAND PRAIRIE, TX



2:19 PM

Delivery exception

GRAND PRAIRIE, TX

Customer not available or business closed - Signature required

6:42 AM

On FedEx vehicle for delivery

GRAND PRAIRIE, TX



5:54 AM

At local FedEx facility

GRAND PRAIRIE, TX



Dec 13, 2007 6:32 PM

At dest sort facility

DALLAS, TX



3:25 PM

Departed FedEx location

FORT WORTH, TX



12:17 PM

Arrived at FedEx location

FORT WORTH, TX



Dec 12, 2007 10:06 PM

Left origin

HARLINGEN, TX



4:02 PM

Picked up

HARLINGEN, TX



12:30 AM

Package data transmitted to FedEx

Now...I wait

Received just before 3 at the McAllen factory (or whatever) with no way to keep track. It's radio silence time, set to last...who knows how long. The service.xbox.com site still is f'ed. I doubt I get some sort of shipping confirmation email or tracking number since I didn't get one for the coffin.

...and off it goes

for the 3rd time.
Received the coffin on Thursday (surprise! it's waiting outside my door, not at the Managers Office)

Dropped it off at Fed Ex today before lunch. Guess it's time to give my PS3 some attention besides movies.

What....the hell Microsoft

Call in the repair on Friday...and by Wednesday I get the free arcade games disk you promised me. That's quick service, but there's one small problem. My Xbox is still broken!

"EEEEE-DIOTS!"

How bout you get your shit together and send my the damn coffin!

It's like a slap in the face isn't it?

Microsoft....You Suck

Fucking piece of shit hardware.

That's gonna make 4 consoles I've had.

I R A HUGE KNURD

I actually felt stupid for buying it yesterday, mainly because of the cause, but when I got home last night and opened it, I thought it was money well spent.



It's bigger than I thought (Yes, that's what she said...ha ha ha...you're very funny)

It's well built. Not particularly heavy, but not flimsy either. It's solid. Does not feel cheap at all.



It's cool seeing Master Chief's helmet 6 inches from your face (That's what she said!...ok that one is kinda funny)

Very Impressive

Cool thing is it comes with a slip cover, and when you put it on over the helmet, it looks like a ninja.

P.S. Seeing that I didn't take these pictures, that I took them of the interwebs, it's come to my attention (AGAIN!) that I need a digital camera. I must be the last person on earth that doesn't have one. I think my AMEX points may be put to use real soon.

Halo 3 Museum Teaser

1st Ad

2nd Ad


It's now less than 1 week from the release of Halo 3 and I'm really starting to get excited about it. Here's the two Halo 3 ads on tv right now. I'm liking them.

Cause I Know Somebody Cares...

I was A&M, he was LSU.

Final score: boogieman187 10 vs. Volpride03 27

Statistics boogieman187 Volpride03
Rushing attempts for 14 3
Rushing yards for 22 -28
Passing attempts for 25 35
Passing yards for 195 242
Punts 3 3
Field goals for 1 2
Long field goals (40+) for 1 0
Times player went for two 0 0
Rushing touchdowns for 0 1
Passing touchdowns for 1 2
Returns touchdowns for 0 0
Defensive touchdowns for 0 0
Turnovers for 2 3
Interceptions for 2 1
Sacks for 3 5
Number of third downs 8 7
Third down conversions 1 1
Fourth down rushing plays 1 0
Fourth down passing plays 0 1
No-huddle plays 2 1
Audibles called 4 1
Hot routes used 3 4
Scrambles 0 0
Shotgun plays 26 36
Time of possession 10:33 9:31

Favorite offensive play book Texas A&M Tennessee

It was closer than the score seems. I was down 13-10, in the middle of the fourth with the ball, somewhere around the 30. I have my speed qb (Jerrod Johnson) in for a speed option play, and I let him keep it and take it upfield. He ends up fumbling and I lose the ball. LSU drives down and scores a touchdown.

Next possession, times getting critical, and I start moving the ball downfield by passing. I end up throwing an interception, which he ends up running back to the 2 yard line cause that's when my qb (McGee) finally decided to push him out of bounds (for some reason, it wouldn't let me switch to him). Of course LSU punches it in for the score.

Another close game lost for me. I fall to 1-4 in the league (I didn't think I was that bad), although I play tOSU next week, and he's arguably worse than me.

7:49 PM, I'm Back in Business

and by the end of the night, I go from this:





to this: (insert pic of getting killed by the VIP when I can find it)


Gawd I'm a little rusty at Rainbow Six Vegas

Anyways, UPS finally delivered my 360 at 7:49 last night. First off, I can't believe UPS delivered it that late. I sat around at home because I didn't want to miss the UPS man (that's fucking commitment baby!) and I didn't get a chance to go workout (aww...I'm sad...really I am).
Second, well I don't know if there is a second. Wait, yes there is. Total time from bricking my 2nd Xbox and getting my 3rd? (Died 8/10 about 4:30) 2 weeks, 3 days, 4 hours...ish. Not bad turnaround and no expense to me, but shit, I shouldn't have to return a video game console, let alone 2 of them.

Third, I finally got my notification (this morning) from Microsoft that they've shipped my console...

Dear Thomas * *&^%$, (Ha, that makes my last name look like a curse word!)

Xbox Customer Support Service Request ID #: 1041580962
Serial Number:907152473305

Good news, your Xbox console has been shipped! You can expect to receive it in 3-5 business days.

For your convenience, your shipping information is provided below:

Carrier Name : UPS
Carrier Tracking Number : 1Z05W3584220130557

You may track the status of your package using the UPS website and the tracking number provided above.

If you have questions, please go to www.xbox.com for the most up to date information.



Thank you for your business.

...so I've got that going for me, which is nice. Glad to see you jackasses are on the ball.

Well At Least "Brown" Has It Together

Sweet! Looks like my Xbox is on it's way back. Actually, it's currently in Dallas. I expect it to be delivered Monday (hello reason to leave work early!)!

Just got an automated message giving me a tracking number ( 1Z 05W 358 42 2013 055 7) for a package that has to be signed for on delivery.

By the way, copying down a tracking number by hand sucks. Damn those things are long. (That's what she said...wait, what?) I'm way to used to ctrl+c, ctrl+v from an email.

DALLAS, TX, US	08/24/2007	6:39 P.M.	ARRIVAL SCAN
MESQUITE, TX, US	08/24/2007	6:01 P.M.	DEPARTURE SCAN
	08/24/2007	12:15 P.M.	ARRIVAL SCAN
AUSTIN, TX, US	08/24/2007	7:51 A.M.	DEPARTURE SCAN
	08/24/2007	6:38 A.M.	ARRIVAL SCAN
MC ALLEN, TX, US	08/23/2007	9:32 P.M.	DEPARTURE SCAN
	08/23/2007	12:30 P.M.	ORIGIN SCAN
US	08/23/2007	8:08 A.M.	BILLING INFORMATION RECEIVED

Way to go Microsoft. A simple email telling me the tracking number would have been nice.
Fuck it. As long as you give me a quieter system that runs cooler, I'll be okay (funny thing, the spell check on Firefox says I should spell "okay" "tokay". Think I can start that trend?). Anyways, I'm dying to play Bioshock. Everybody I know will have finished it by the time I get to start it, which kinda sucks cause I hear the story is great and I don't want to be spoiled on it.

The other thing I need to do is get caught back up with my league games. LSU is my opponent this week (I'm pretty sure) , and he's leading the league I'm in. I'm sure I'll get my ass handed to me, and not just cause I'm out of practice. I've got to get some practice games in before I play him, so it's not too lopsided of a game.
Folow my ineptitude here at League Daddy. Take a guess on what team I'm using.

Dear Microsoft...

Get off your lazy ass and send me back my 360. I know it's apparently been done since about Wednesday (probably earlier), cause your slow ass system updated on Thursday. Now send the muthafucker back to me so I can play Bioshock and NCAA.

360 Console Watch....Day 8

Finally some change in status. This has to be the longest 8 days in the history of mankind (or just me...time).

Looks like I'm getting a newer 360 returned to me.
SN: 907152473305

If I'm reading that right it's BOD: week ending August 18, 2007. Factory #5. I'll have to look that up.

Damn, that's pretty new. Let's see how quickly I get an email notice that it's gone out.

360 Console Watch....Day 2

Day 2 of Microsoft having my console. (or Day 3 if you believe UPS, who had a signature for it on the 15th).

As of today, the status still reads:

Device: Xbox360 Hardware
Serial Number: 610970554806
Warranty Status: Out of Warranty
Repair Status: Device Received at Service Center

Looks like I won't be having it to play Bioshock. Shame.

Dear Microsoft

get off your lazy ass and do something with my console. I know you've got it. Mitch Jones signed for it.

Tracking Number: 1Z 05W 358 89 4906 323 9
Type: Package
Status: Delivered
Delivered On: 08/15/2007 5:09 P.M.
Signed By: MITCH JONES
Location: DOCK
Delivered To: MCALLEN, TX, US
Service: 3 DAY SELECT
Weight: 8.00 Lbs

MC ALLEN,TX, US
08/15/2007 5:09 P.M. DELIVERY
08/15/2007 8:22 A.M. OUT FOR DELIVERY
08/15/2007 8:17 A.M. ARRIVAL SCAN

Now why haven't you done anything with it?

Device Information
Device: Xbox360 Hardware
Serial Number: 610970554806
Warranty Status: Out of Warranty
Repair Status: Empty Box Shipped to Customer

Your service.xbox.com site still hasn't been updated, and I don't feel like waiting on hold for 15 minutes just to talk to somebody with such a heavy Indian accent, that I can barely understand them.

I swear I'm this close (*holds up fingers like an inch apart...just so we're clear) to going to get a PS3 for $350.

Go, UPS, Go!

So I barely make it to the store to drop of the console last night (I actually had plenty of time as the store closed at 7 and the website said 6:30). I get home and it's already on it's way to Fort Worth.

I wake up this morning, get to work and check the UPS site, and it's out for delivery to Microsoft of the factory or wherever they're taking it. Damn that was fast. I may actually have a chance at getting it back by next Tuesday's Bioshock Day!

MC ALLEN,TX, US
08/15/2007 8:22 A.M. OUT FOR DELIVERY
08/15/2007 8:17 A.M. ARRIVAL SCAN

HARLINGEN,TX, US
08/15/2007 7:19 A.M. DEPARTURE SCAN
08/15/2007 6:58 A.M. ARRIVAL SCAN

SAN ANTONIO,TX, US
08/15/2007 6:08 A.M. DEPARTURE SCAN
08/15/2007 5:07 A.M. ARRIVAL SCAN

DALLAS/FT. WORTH A/P,TX, US
08/15/2007 4:22 A.M. DEPARTURE SCAN

FORT WORTH,TX, US
08/14/2007 8:40 P.M. ARRIVAL SCAN

ARLINGTON,TX, US
08/14/2007 8:16 P.M. DEPARTURE SCAN
08/14/2007 6:48 P.M. PICKUP SCAN

US
08/10/2007 11:29 A.M. BILLING INFORMATION RECEIVED

The Coffin Has Been Delivered....

Sweet, the coffin is here.

Let's track the repairs my 360 goes through as seen through UPS.

Tracking Detail Help

Your package has been delivered.

Tracking Number: 1Z 05W 358 03 1876 689 6
Type: Package
Status: Delivered
Delivered On: 08/14/2007 12:26 P.M.
Signed By: MCLAUPHIN
Location: RESIDENTIAL
Delivered To: GRAND PRAIRIE, TX, US
Shipped/Billed On: 08/11/2007
Service: GROUND
Weight: 1.00 Lb


Package Progress
Location Date Local Time Description
DALLAS,
TX, US 08/14/2007 12:26 P.M. DELIVERY
08/14/2007 6:35 A.M. OUT FOR DELIVERY
08/14/2007 5:46 A.M. ARRIVAL SCAN
DALLAS/FT. WORTH A/P,
TX, US 08/14/2007 5:23 A.M. DEPARTURE SCAN
08/14/2007 5:00 A.M. ARRIVAL SCAN
SAN ANTONIO,
TX, US 08/13/2007 11:35 P.M. DEPARTURE SCAN
08/13/2007 3:50 P.M. ORIGIN SCAN
US 08/11/2007 8:24 A.M. BILLING INFORMATION RECEIVED

Plan is to get home early enough to get the package out of the Apartment leasing office, box up the console and take it to a UPS station tonight. I'm on a race to get the console back before Bioshock drops next Tuesday. Sadly, it's a race I don't think I'll win.

Another One Bites the Dust....

EFFFF!

Turned on the console today to try out Jet Set Radio Future that I bought off of before I left for Houston. I also wanted to go ahead and leave feedback on the guy before it was too late.

It froze on the boot up screen. Turned the system off, then back on. Thought to my self, as I walked back to the kitchen, "Damn I hope the thing doesn't break on me". Turn back to look, and I see the 3 Red lights. Red Ring of Death.

Console # 2 (yes, my second) is dead.

Called Xbox Support imediately after, and after being routed to Microsoft India, I get them to send me the coffin. This should be fun to track.

Small Case of Buyer's Remorse

Well, on the 29th, I picked up the HD DVD add on drive for the Xbox 360. With a 40 dollar coupon from Circuit City, out the door price was 179 and change. I figured it was best to take advantage of the coupon before it expired on the 30th. The system came with King Kong and a Media remote. Each of those retail for about 30 bucks seperately. That puts the HD DVD drive at a little over 100 bucks by itself.

The problem is I can't seem to convince myself to keep it. It's actually still sitting on my shelf unopened. I've been trying to do a little more reading on HD DVD vs Blu Ray and I seem to flip flop every day on which one I think is better. One day it's HD DVD. The next day, I think Blu Ray will prevail. When I posted this information on LCVG, Chris came back with this post that nearly has me convince to keep it.

Does it really matter which one is "better"?

When I was deciding early on whether or not to get a standalone player (which I did, and I'm very happy about), I got to thinking hard about it. My biggest fear had nothing to do with buying a player - because let's face it, you have to replace those after a few years anyway - but rather with amassing a huge media collection that I couldn't play on anything. I didn't want to have a box full of betamax tapes, if you know what I mean.

But then I thought about it, and decided that even if HD-DVD failed, and studios decided to not produce any new material on HD-DVD discs, there would likely be dual-format players available in the future...or at the very least HD-DVD drives for PC's. And as far as media goes, I find it hard to believe that the home-theater presentations of previously released titles could get any better than 1080p video with lossless audio. If Blu-Ray failed, I could still, at the very least, play back my Blu-Ray discs on my PS3/PS4/PS5 - given Sony's great track record with backward compatibility in their game systems. I also truly believe (and yes, I know that statements have been made to the contrary) that dual format players will be a reality in the future - and then it doesn't matter. If a title comes out in both formats, you read some reviews, and just get the disc (be it HD-DVD or Blu-Ray) that seems to be the best. If one of the formats dies on the vine, then you can still play back all the titles that you've already purchased.

I still don't own a Blu-Ray player, but only because the price is still to high for me, and I can't get my hands on a PS3 - not because I feel that it's somehow inferior to HD-DVD, despite the best efforts of the HD-DVD fanboys to convince me. (I consider myself an HD fanboy - I don't care what flavor it comes in.)

Finally, if you're unsure about whether HD-DVD is all that great, just join Netflix and get all your material from them, rather than buying it. If you're not convinced (and it's doubtful that you won't be), you could probably eBay that HD-DVD drive of yours for very little loss.

Oh, and for the love of all that's holy, don't go to AVS or HTF looking for advice on this topic. You positively must remain objective, and it's awfully hard to find objectivity on those boards.

He's damn near got me convinced. Anyways, as it stands now, it's still on my shelf unopened. I've just about convinced myself to keep it and open it on Friday as a (or should I say another) Birthday Present to myself. Let's see how long having only 1 movie lasts me.