So I was pretty bummed that I couldn't make the trip out to Scottsdale, AZ for the 2nd MSMVP event. However, I was deeply appreciative of my friends who stepped up to the plate to not only make sure that the event happened anyway, but that it was a successful one in the eyes of those who attended.

From what individuals had told me before, during, and after the event -- #MSMVP was a welcomed thing to have for everyone involved. The community at-large was able to get some real-time, real-world advice and expertise from both store employees, XBOX Ambassadors and MVPs and the MVPs were able to find out that there were others local to their area (making for more connections).

I have to admit even I was nervous going into the event date, because I felt that I physically had to be there in order for this go have a chance of going off smoothly. Several individuals (a couple of whom I will call out in a minute) worked with me to keep the momentum strong and to create an event that made everyone involved proud.

I send many thanks and appreciation to the folks at the Microsoft Store in Scottsdale for getting it all together (especially Ian Turk, who was all kinds of gung-ho about it -- loved that enthusiasm!). Many props goes to David Collins (King Quagmire) for shoving a camera in his sister's hand so we can have some photos for memories.

So now, we move on to San Diego, for the third installment of #MSMVP. Early next week I'll share some of the great things we have planned for the event (it's amazing who is willing to work with an event, especially one that's just getting off the ground). If you're in the San Diego area and want to attend, just RSVP at the event's Facebook page or just show up.

I will leave you with this though, a great friend from Microsoft will be making the trip down to San Diego to be part of this event. I'm honored that he's willing to participate and look forward to hanging with him.

The lovely folks at Microsoft have stated that they plan to squeeze a few more years out of the XBOX 360. This is supposed to be done thanks to the plethora of “software+services” add-ons that they include in the XBOX 360. Enhancements like Windows Media Center extension, Netflix, Zune Video, Twitter, Facebook, Last.FM, and others have made this simple little box into the center of the living room universe.

I have to say that I’m quite impressed with the new life that the XBOX 360 is given each update. Granted there are some features I think should be better if I ever really hope to use them (looking at you Facebook and Twitter), you have to admit that the XBOX 360 is making it easier to stay in front of your TV screen and still be able to connect (or is that Kinect?) with your friends, even if their on MSN Messenger.

With each coming of the Fall, there’s much anticipation for what updates the XBOX 360 will get. Many of these additions were announced at the E3 event in June, and many details have been fleshed out over time. Now we’re getting down to the wire with the final full public release. While a hard and firm date hasn’t been set, you have to imagine it will be before the November 4th release of Kinect.

Today marks the day that select individuals become involved with the public preview of the Fall features for the XBOX 360. The public preview doesn’t include Kinect functionality, but it does has all of the main enhancements that everyone can expect to receive soon enough.

What I would like to do now is give you a tour of some of the highlighted features of the upcoming Fall update. Specifically, I’ll be discussing Zune Video, Zune Music and ESPN. I’ve included screenshots and video footage so you can see exactly how each feature works. You have to pardon the ghetto nature of my videos, but you definitely get a feeling of how each feature will operate when the update goes live to everyone.

Also, please note that these videos, photos and my review are based upon a beta preview of the XBOX Live Updates. Remember, changes can still be made and implemented before the final launch of the product.

*Keep scrolling down the blog, ladies and gentlemen! =) 

Table of Contents:

• Zune Video on XBOX 360 (article)
• Zune Music on XBOX 360 (article)
• ESPN, Dashboard & Conclusions (article) 
• See all videos via our YouTube playlist (youtube)
  

Zune Video

*Note – The following review and video are based upon a beta preview of the XBOX Live update. The update is subject to revisions and changes prior to final availability.



Zune Video Marketplace got an update to make purchasing and renting video content easier. For example, when you go to rent or purchase video you’re given a much better layout so you can handle the options (such as HD/SD, stream only or download, etc).

Additionally, you now have a resume tab. With this tab, you’re able to resume your last-played video from where you stopped. It’s very handy especially when you obtain great amounts of content and don’t want to have to search through all of your videos just so you’re able to continue.

The following video below (the first part of what was a 25 minute full-length video) goes through the new XBOX 360 startup screen and Zune Video:

Zune Music

*Note – The following review and video are based upon a beta preview of the XBOX Live update. The update is subject to revisions and changes prior to final availability.

Back in Fall of 2009, during the E3 Keynote, Microsoft announced that Zune was going to host their newly refreshed video services. While it was curious, at the time why the big Zune moment on XBOX involved video (and not audio), the new video service did bring with it some great enhancements for those who wanted to purchase or rent video content. As stated on XBOX’s website:

Zune on Xbox LIVE gives you access to full HD video entertainment via your Xbox 360.  Now you are able to rent and buy the latest movies and TV shows.  Watch instantly what you want, when you want it, with 1080p HD and 5.1 surround sound.

Party
With Xbox LIVE Party you can catch the latest movie and share the experience with up to 7 of your friends - even if you're miles apart.

Buy Once, Play on Multiple Screens
With Zune, now you can buy movies or TV shows on your Xbox 360 and download them again to watch and enjoy later on your PC or Zune HD.

Well, finally, Zune lovers can rejoice. With the Fall update, you’re getting access to Zune music through the XBOX 360. But it goes further than that. If you’re a Zune Pass user (and an XBOX Live Gold member) you’ll be able to stream music from the Zune Music Marketplace right through your XBOX. Zune is also including some of it’s other key elements with this update in addition to access to their entire Marketplace:

Enhanced Search – Be able to look through the Marketplace to find your favorite artists, albums, songs and playlists.

Zune Social – Zune Social is connecting with XBOX Live. You will be able to find like-minded fans in the XBOX Live universe and get new music recommendations. Additionally, you’ll get to see your friend’s avatars and check out their recently played songs and artists – think of this as when you’re able to sync your friend’s zune cards to your Zune HD.

Smart DJ – One of Zune’s most popular features is also part of the XBOX experience. Just like with the PC software and the Zune HD, you’ll be able to create dynamic playlists using your favorite artist as the initial kernel.

When you start up the Zune app you are presented with the following series of tabs: Featured (think front page of the Zune Marketplace), Smart DJ, Queue (think now playing), Search, Social, Me and Music Videos. If you were looking for tabs that says “My Collection” then you’ve come to the wrong place.

The interface of the app is definitely Zune. The background has that cool Zune color, your XBOX 360 avatar is in the corner and curiously it tells you how many Microsoft points you have remaining. I’m assuming that’s because you can purchase music videos (you can’t purchase any music tracks through the application directly).

To activate Smart DJ, you click on a tile that says “add artist”. I highly recommend an XBOX 360 chat pad if you don’t currently own one. Having to navigate the letters one by one can be a pain in the ass, and we want to get to the experience as quickly as possible. While you are typing the name of the artist, the app will begin to populate artists below. When you see the artist that you want select them and a playlist of music will begin.



Zune was able to bring their excellent ‘now playing’ visualizations to the XBOX 360. There are some different animations that you get with the XBOX 360 than you get with the PC Software or the Zune HD device. Again, its another great way to enjoy your music when you’re alone or having a few friends over.




Also note that music will continue to play while you’re browsing other sections of the application, including creating a new Smart DJ playlist, visiting the social or browsing the new releases. However, the music ceases to play once you’ve exited the app. I wouldn’t have minded if the app tied itself to the controls that you get when you use the guide button, but alas, if you want to enjoy the Zune experience you can only do this in the confines of the app, itself.

The “Social” and “Me” tabs are just the way you have them in the PC software. With the “Social” tab you are able to listen to music that your friends on Zune are listening to. If your friends on Zune also have XBOX Live accounts, their avatar will stand in front of their hub (that’s a nice touch).  When you click on a Zune friend, you have the option to play their last 24 recent plays or see their top artists. Keep in mind that you can only play songs from that set if they’re available in the Marketplace and can be used under Zune Pass.



The “Me” tab houses all of the music videos that you’ve downloaded to the XBOX 360, your top artists and your recent plays. You can also do some account management from this area as well.

One thing not mentioned in the feature set is the appearance of Channels. Under the ‘featured’ tab of the application, if you select ‘top songs’, what you get are essentially the same playlists that are located in the “Top Songs” channel area in the PC software. So you can listen to the top songs downloaded on Zune, for example or top songs in hip-hop, electronic and other genres. If you did want a quick way to discover some new music, utilizing this feature would be a great way to go.

Have you wanted to make a video playlist out of your music videos? Now you have that opportunity. From the ‘music video’ tab simply use the “X” button to put your music videos in the order that you want them played and kick back. The videos will run one after the other (and even on an infinite loop if you want). It’s a great thing to have when you have a party going and you want to play video DJ.

My takeaway: If you were expecting this application to find your collection from the PC (your albums, heart-rated songs, playlists, etc) then keep on expecting. What you get with the Zune app is essentially a full stream-only version of the Zune Marketplace. If this experience is different when using the Kinect device then that’s something I’m not privy to, and won’t be privy to until Kinect is released (at which time I will update this post accordingly). I’m sure we’re all familiar with the interface that was presented during E3. I’m assuming that’s a Kinect-specific interface:



The ‘now playing’ visuals are nice, but if you’re stuck with album covers, it’s quite humorous. The album cover visual, since it’s only really working off the songs in a given ‘now playing’ playlist at the time, only tries to populate THOSE album covers. I’ve seen screens with sparse covers or screens with the same cover posted up all over the place.

Oh, and what about your Zune HD? Well if you plug in your Zune HD, then you’re still stuck using that primitive music player that the XBOX 360 has always had. That’s quite disappointing too. Frankly, I would have no need for that bare-bones player if this app could tap into my PC collection. If you want to use your Zune HD, though, then you have to use it and enjoy those acid-based visuals instead of the cool artist stuff.
For a v1 version, I give Zune credit. However, I’m fearful that people will find this great for the first week and then forget about it all together. Other than it being Zune, I don’t see how this is really any different than having the LAST.FM application sitting next to it.

I don’t know how this changes with Kinect, until I have a Kinect device in my house (I pre-order one from Amazon for same-day delivery). Again, I’ll update this post accordingly with my thoughts on the Zune experience using Kinect.

• Positives:
  
  
  
  • It’s nice to be able to stream music via Zune Pass
  • The now playing visuals with artist images is well done
  • Zune Social is represented and utilizes XBOX Live avatars
  • Tolerable lag time but there can be some hiccups
  • Cool to create a music video playlist
  • Plays do get recorded and uploaded to Zune Social
• Negatives:
  
  
  
  • Wish it could tap into my local collection and playlists on my PC
  • Hell, I wish it could recognize CDs ripped to the XBOX 360
  • The ‘now playing’ visuals with the album art needs work
  • You are bound to the app in order to listen to music
  • If you get an error, there’s really no way to see what the error is

ESPN on XBOX 360

*Note – The following review and video are based upon a beta preview of the XBOX Live update. The update is subject to revisions and changes prior to final availability.



One of the major announcements at E3 2010, was the partnership between XBOX 360 and ESPN. Now XBOX 360 owners (with a gold membership) will be able to enjoy many different sporting events right through their console. The ESPN app is powered by the ESPN3.com website which is built on streaming different sporting events, so even if you can’t see a game on your regular TV through cable, you’re most likely to find it when using the application.

With ESPN, you get the following features:

• Over 3500 sporting events a year, including
  
  
  
  • College Basketball
  • College Football & Bowl Games
  • Major League Baseball
  • NBA
  • International Soccer
  • Other sports including Aussie Style Football and Golf
• Out of Market Games
• Games in HD and use of DVR style controls
• Scores at a glance
• Polls
• Voice chat with up to 7 friends
• Customizable my sports channel

When you start up the ESPN application, you are presented with 5 screens. 3 screens highlight games that you might be interested in, one screen offers news as given from SportsCenter and another is a My Sports channel where you can browse through all of the sports available and see on-demand games, live games and analysis from ESPN commentators.




When you choose a live sporting event, it will slightly buffer and the game will begin. Much like the instant-on streaming of Zune Video, the image will get better over the course of the first few minutes. If the game is presented in HD, then it will buffer all the way to HD quality. I find it funny that you’re essentially watching SOMEONE’s TV broadcast, but when they go to commercial, you get a screen that essentially says “We’ll be back shortly” kind of like one of those things that says “We are experiencing technical difficulties”.

The sports channel hub is where you’ll find on-demand programming, upcoming events, featured highlights and a special slot that pertains to just the sports you care about. What’s nice is that if you hover over a live event, eventually the screen begins to play the event. This way you can preview where it’s at and if you want to begin watching it or not.

Now, you’ll notice that NFL isn’t available but you can choose it as a monitored sport. All you really get with that is being able to see highlights, analysis and commentary on the big stories that surround the NFL.
I do like the fact that now I can have easy access to sports I probably wouldn’t consider watching otherwise, like Aussie Rules Football or International Soccer. Knowing that they’re available at least gives me that opportunity to expand my sports palette.

My Takeaway: Seriously, what the hell will I need cable TV for? Between ESPN and Netflix, there’s really no reason to keep pumping portions of my bank account into Time Warner Cable. However, I’m sorely disappointed that the NFL is not on the roster of sports to check out and watch. Really, this thing is kind of naked without it. It especially hurts since we’re now in the start of the NFL season.

I do like being able to access many sporting events live and on-demand. The layout is nice, but I don’t understand the importance of having avatars kind of stand there staring at these screens. Couldn’t the scene have been some XBOX Sports Bar somewhere and the TVs are all the options that you have for games to watch? Avatars only have to drink orange juice if that’s what they’re afraid of.

Maybe it’s just my internet connection, but a lot of times games will come in seriously choppy and that can take away from the experience of watching it. If it’s a game I really want to see then I’ll suffer through it, but on the whole I wish my system can keep a nice, high, steady rate.

The responsiveness of the controls and streaming is pretty nice. You don’t have to wait too long for any particular thing to start up, but again I just wish my system can consistently keep a high bitrate.

• Positives:
  
  
  
  • Nice to be able to enjoy many different sporting events
  • Cool to chat with friends while watching that big game
  • On-Demand means I can go back and watch a game I missed
  • My Sports is a great way to only keep up with sports you care about
  • The controls and streaming is pretty responsive and quick
  • Has that ESPN attitude with commentary, highlights and analysis
• Negatives:
  
  
  
  • I want the fkn NFL, dammit!
  • Shame you need an appropriate internet provider to access
  • Personally, just having avatars stand around makes no sense
  • Weird to see a “we will be back shortly” screen @ commercials

  …Then, of course, there’s more! 


While the addition of Zune Music and ESPN will be the main focuses of XBOX 360 users (well, and Kinect, too), there are some other enhancements that have been made to the XBOX Live service. They include:

• You can now search movies in Netflix and add to your DVD queue, as well
• Zune Video on XBOX 360 received a refresh to make the experience better
• The Live dashboard has been revamped for use with the Kinect add-on
• The avatars have been upgraded for better use with Kinect games
• The family settings have been updated for better security:
  
  
  
  • Family Programming – disables display of mature content on the XBOX Live Dashboard and highlights all family-friendly entertainment
  • Intelligent Default Settings – XBOX 360 will automatically customize privacy and activity settings for each family member, based upon age.
  • Title Exceptions – Allow individual family members to play specific games above the console’s designated ESRB/PEGI rating

Overall, this is a nice update to the XBOX Live service. The additions of Kinect, Zune Music and ESPN mean that you’ll enjoy much more from the device. For a console that saw it’s first light of day on November 22, 2005, the XBOX 360 continues to utilize software+services to increase its lifespan and functionality in the living room.

I’m proud to see Zune making more of an imprint on the device, but I know there’s great room for improvement. ESPN just solidifies my belief that Cable TV is going the way of the DODO – oh, yeah and XBOX 360 is supposed to be getting HULU next year, too huh? Yeah, explain to me why Time Warner needs to exist any longer in my house?

You do have to wonder though: If there’s 5 more years of life that Microsoft plans to squeeze out of this console, where would the other services and additions be coming from?

Overall, the update is pretty impressive and definitely continues Microsoft’s path of letting the software+services (remember that?) extend the lifespan of its devices and hardware.

• In Tijuana, Rosarito, and Ensenada green light means honk your horn until the car in in front of you moves, yellow light means floor it, and red light means go. People here blow through red lights like there's no tomorrow. Stop signs are more like "Yield" signs. Same thing happens in Philadelphia, the disregard for red lights. So I guess it isn't a big deal. It's also fine if you don't use your directional signals and dart in and out of lanes. I'm told it's very similar to how it is in Miami, FL. Just don't try to pull this mess off in CA.
• No one knows how to drive. Kind of like in New York. 
• When you say America, you mean the USA. When anyone else outside of the US says America, they mean the Western Hemisphere because it's all America: North AMERICA and South AMERICA. Everyone is American. 
• One of the big shockers I got once in Mexico is that kids aren't strapped into the backseat. They're all bouncing around in the car, without the parentals caring much. I'm waiting to see a kid fly 25 feet out the windshield to see if parents begin to care.
• I'm not going to sugar coat it: Mexico is a Third World Country. You'd think that the poverty here isn't anything like what the US deals with. It isn't. The type of poverty in Mexico isn't the same as in the States. In Mexico, people all have a home to go to at the end of the day. It might be a poorly built shack in a shanty town without any utilities, but it's a home. I'm not used not seeing homeless people sleeping in doorways or on the streets.
• At five feet, five inches tall, I am a giant among Mexicans. In flats, I can clearly see over most people's heads. As it turns out, I'm two to three inches taller than the international female average. That isn't made anymore clear to me than when I'm in crowded places. However, my sister and I are total Ginormica-status tall while in downtown L.A. Turns out that Guatemalans are teeny; I can see the top of their heads while in Chuck Taylor's.
• Oh yeah, Los Angeles, CA has the largest concentration of Guatemalans outside of Guatemala, while Chicago, iL has the largest concentration of Mexicans outside of Mexico.
• There are MANY US citizens that live in Tijuana and work in San Diego County. This includes US Federal employees. Life really is less expensive in Mexico, if you know what you're doing. You just have to deal with the commute.
• Wal*Mart, 7Eleven, AMPM, Carl's JR (Hardee's on the East Coast), Burger King, McDonald's, Blockbuster, CostCo, Home Depot, Subway, Domino's Pizza, Pizza Hut (in select states), Sears,  Office Depot and Office Max, M*A*C* Cosmetics (in select states), Applebee's, T.G.I. Friday's, among a few others are alive and fully functional in Mexico.
• I miss Black people. Not Mexican Black, either.. 'cause well, they're Mexican. I mean like US Black. I can go days without seeing a single Ebonics-speaking Black person. Makes me sad. 
• Mexicans in Mexico want to be White: Mexican Olay and Garnier cater to that by offering skin lightening creams. They even include a little chart that lets you track your lightening progress. Mexicans in the US, not so much. At least, not me.
• EVERYONE delivers. ALL the restaurants. On little motor-scooters or mopeds, too.
• The food is monotonously all Mexican. However, it is the best damn Mexican food, period. Like ever. The best thing is that each state in Mexico (there are 31 and the capital: Mexico City) has their own specialty. I love food from Oaxaca (wah-ha-kah). Tacos Perrones (translation: Bitchin' Tacos. NO, not because they're made out of dogs, you sicko) from Rosarito are the most awesome tacos.
• Do not eat Chinese food in Mexico. Just don't. Or Japanese food. I know that the sushi in the US isn't exactly what people from Japan eat. But it's a hell of a lot closer than to what Mexicans pass off as sushi.
• Everything involving the government, infrastructure, city planning, road ways, revolves around Mexico City (aka D.F., Federal District). There are even taxes that the entire republic has to pay, that only benefit the D.F. If this fair? Hell no. But all the wealth, all the goods have been going to the D.F. since Cortez demanded all the riches be given to him. I think that's why no one outside the capital city likes people from the D.F. 

The Mexican Navy

• Thanks to all the drug cartels and general violence, the Mexican government has ordered the Federal Police (US Marshall equivalent) to patrol the streets. Along with the Mexican Army (mix of USMC and US Army), Mexican Navy (USMC and US Navy), Baja California State Police, and local police. What still trips me out is that they all run around blatantly swinging their AK-47's and such assault rifles like nothing. They also cover their faces with ski masks. 

• No, ICE and CBP don't " protect the borders ". They're all (mostly) just racist assholes that hide behind a shiny badge and " national security ". 
• I can't, and won't, speak for all of Mexico, but I have noted that the people of Tijuana want to be able to enjoy life without the fear of being caught in a gun fight. They seem to want to be able to socialize without having to worry about somehow being violently reprimanded. They want to be able to enjoy life and not have to be so cautious about who they socialize with. Shoot, they want to socialize!
• Back to the poverty thing: People in Mexico that peddle, usually offer something for your pocket change. Gum, a trinket, a song, or even a dance. When was the last time a homeless person in the States offered to wipe the dust off your car for a few cents? I never saw that in SoCal. 
• Also, you cannot let the density of the impoverished get to you. It'll just wear away at you until you go mad.  Not saying to ignore people that ask for money, either. It is heartbreaking for me to see so many children begging in the street for something to eat. I can only give so much before I'll need to start asking for pocket change myself. 
• Don't drink the tap water in Mexico. It isn't due to "Montezuma's Revenge". It's due to the microorganisms you're body isn't used to. People from Mexico get just as sick when they drink tap water from the US. 
• According to something I read in a magazine once, around 80% of all "Latinos" and "Hispanics" are lactose intolerant (including me and my mom). I was kind of floored to see that Mexican dairy companies have like a million different kinds of lactose-free milks. Sadly, their soy milk sucks ass, and I don't like the taste of cow milk anymore.
• Apparently the state of New Jersey, does not allow drivers to pump their own gas. I didn't know.. But anyway, the gas stations in Tijuana are mostly all owned by PeMex. They also pump your gas for you, check your car's oil, clean your windshield. Unless you want to do it yourself, it's all good. 
• Street vendors are safe to buy food from. If they weren't, they wouldn't have a solid client foundation. I mean, I'm still here. 
• *Mexicans come in all different depths of pigmentation. My maternal great-grandparents were lightly pigmented, light haired, and green eyed. Red hair and fair skin run in my dad's family. Yet, my paternal grandmother was nicknamed "La Negra" (The Black Female. No, it isn't offensive, shut up.). I have a a paternal aunt that was called "La Koreana" (The Korean), my dad has a cousin that looks like a Japanese mobster. Green eyes and fair skin run in my mom's side. I was confused for a Hawaiian child when i was little. People have thought that I'm Arab, Pacific Islander, Malaysian, or Philippine. I tease Amy by saying that she's Buddha's illegitimate child because of how she looked when she was born. Point is that there are blue-eyed, naturally blond Mexicans as there are deeply pigmented, dark featured Mexicans. We're not all brown on brown.
• As all the many countless times I was catcalled, rubbernecked, harassed, and  oogled in the States, I was really expecting it to be worse once in Mexico. What else would I expect from a male-dominated, extremely Catholic, chauvinist country? You don't know how surprised I am that the men here seem to be so much more respectful than in the US. However, it seems like a lot of dudes in Tijuana are too metrosexual, if you catch my drift. They all also seem to wear the same cologne. Super lame. 
• Overall, Mexicans appear to have this infatuation with Death. I think it's due to the early Catholic attempts to convert the Natives, for the Natives worshiped Death as a goddess. Mexico's patron saint is still female...
• The media greatly exaggerates the events of Mexico. Yes, there is violence. But it isn't like NYC, L.A., Detroit, Miami, Oakland, Chicago are the safest cities in the US.  Don't do in Mexico what you wouldn't do in the States.
• Every single student, from grade school to the US equivalent of high school, must wear a uniform. Each school has their own color scheme and coat of arms. Don't try to use the argument of "freedom of expression". That doesn't exist in Mexico. Neither does freedom of speech. So who keeps her trap shut and is very careful about what she says and where?
• Oh yeah, I'm not Catholic. I wasn't raised in any religion, church, or  religious organization. I'm not even baptized. I'm probably one of the very few Mexicans in the world that wasn't  raised Catholic. I don't believe in religion anyway. Being in a country that's more or less 77% Catholic, I noticed that tons of things in Mexico let you know what the dominant religion is. There are crucifixes, Virgin Mary's, Jesus's, and whatnot almost everywhere I look. It's to the point that I don't even want to touch the things for fear of offending someone. 
• Oddly, in a country that is around 77% Roman Catholic, Mexico has legalized gay marriage. In Mexico City. So non-straight couples can go get married in the D.F. and their marriage will be legally recognized throughout the country, so says two recently passes laws. 
• Being that The Church is so influential and that a high percentage the population is Catholic, I'm still amazed when I see commercials on Mexican television for condoms, all-night energy drinks and pills for men and women, lube.
• *DUDE! The news here shows everything! Very little is censored. I think I choked a little when I saw a dead body on the news; no little pixels or black out bars. Just BAM! dead body on tv. 
• *Another odd thing about all these Catholics is that they over-sexualize women. Some of the soap operas here are would not be aired in the US due to its content. And the commercials for hemorrhoids and vaginal infections are a little too informative for my taste. Eeewwwwww I don't need graphics showing what hemorrhoids do to you!
• *Other things I've learned about the people since living in Mexico, is that, generally, these people are ever so humble. They know they don't have much and that their living conditions may not be something positive to talk about. I know someone that lives on the approximate equivalent to eight US dollars a day. Can you pull that off? Yet, you will not ever leave a Mexican household on an empty stomach. Some Mexican women will offer you their kitchen until you eat something when you visit. My paternal grandmother (RIP) used to ask people, "Have you eaten? Sit down and eat." Without waiting for a response. That's how you know when they're Mexican-Mexican and not wannabe-Mexican. You will be fed.  
• *However, due to the fact that the people do not have a lot, they are fiercely proud of what little they do have. Like where they're from. Mexico, as a country, is not a union. The president gives State of the State speeches, not State of the Union as in the US. That is the reason why you'll see Michoacan, or Sonora, or Nayarit, etc decals on the back windshield of trucks. Mexicans claim the state, sometimes city, they're from before claiming Mexico. BUT may whatever you worship have mercy on your soul if you dis Mexico in front of a Mexican. I learned this back during the 2010 South Africa World Cup. I'm not exaggerating when I say that everyone and their granny wore green, white, and red via the official jersey for Mexico's team. I thought my dad was going to get lynched when he said that he wanted the teams playing against Mexico to win when we were watching the games at restaurants. When Mexico beat France two to zero? Oh my gat! 
• *Sadly, I think that all the good produce is exported to the US because the produce in Mexican grocery stores isn't anywhere near as appealing as I thought it'd be.  
• *No, I don't know why so many women walk around in heeled shoes. Maybe to make themselves took taller? Or maybe to look nicer? I'm happy in flats, thanks. 
  Don't know why the chicks are so crazy over acrylic nails, either. They just get in the way, I think.  
• *Also, Mexicans with pet dogs don't treat the dogs how you would. You're affectionate with your dog. Mexicans just use them as guard dogs. I find it so odd not to see people walking their dogs.  
• *Which reminds me; there aren't any laws in Mexico whatsoever that protects animals. 
• *However, I think that Mexico is much more progressive in matters pertaining to the environment: plastic bags are illegal in Mexico City, a very large majority of food wrappers are 100% biodegradable, the major grocery food chains only use biodegradable plastic bags, and there are a lot of movements aimed at cleaning the water.  
• *Mexican food companies do not use high fructose corn syrup. None. Well, rarely. I don't drink soda (or pop/soda pop depending where in the US you're from) all that often because I don't like that thick, syrupy feeling it leaves in your mouth. Not so much in Mexico. See?
• *Bimbo is not insulting in Mexico. It's just the Mexican version of Wonder Bread. 
• *Throughout "Latin" America, it is customary for people to have four names; first name, middle name (but not always), paternal last name, and maternal last name. Take my name: Alfa Azeneth Santos Saenz. When I added my mom's last name on Facebook, after we moved to Tijuana, some of my friends thought that I got married. HA! No, I'm just full Beaner; I have all four names on my birth certificate. Santos is my dad's last name. Saenz is my mom's maiden name. If and when I get married, I'm changing my name to Alfa Azeneth Santos-_his last name_. I figure that if I'm going to belong to a man my entire life, I might as well make it known which man.

So let's relive one last thing from Comic-Con. Zune interviewed stars of various Syfy shows as they were able to try out Kinect for XBOX 360. Here's their responses, as well as a few other candid comments. (Honestly, I'm putting this video here because you can't come in and keep seeing that tonight Linkin Park is on FUSE, when that show has passed -- "Wow, Linkin Park has been on FUSE for the last 7 days now. That's some serious commitment to a channel.")

Hot on the heels of their recently released album "A Thousand Suns", members of Linkin Park will be making a visit to FUSE to discuss the recent release amongst other topics. They will be guests of the show "A Different Spin with Mark Hoppus" along with indie rockers The National.

For those unfamiliar with FUSE, here's how they describe themselves:

Fuse, the national television network dedicated exclusively to music, brings viewers closer to their favorite artists and bands by featuring original series and specials, exclusive interviews, live concerts and video blocks - all rooted in the music experience. Celebrating the hit makers of today, familiar favorites and edgy newcomers, Fuse accommodates the wide ranging tastes and attitudes of its 18-34 year-old audience with compelling music programming on-air, on-line, on-demand, in HD and via mobile technologies.

The show "A Different Spin with Mark Hoppus" will be broadcast tomorrow at 7pm. Click here to see if you can get FUSE in your area, and what channel you can find it.

In the meantime, check out this quick clip of the band's appearance:

XBOX Live's Major Nelson just announced a new preview program, to allow a select group of individuals to try out the new dashboard update coming in the Fall. Actually, this is more than just a dashboard update; you'll get the chance to try out ESPN, Zune Music and a host of system/service improvements that are designed to make your XBOX Live experience more fun to use alone or with friends.

Here's the post from Major Nelson:

I am happy to announce that we’re doing an Xbox 360 System Update Preview program for our next release, and the opportunity to sign up is now available. The Preview Program will give you the chance to check out ESPN on Xbox LIVE, Zune music, Netflix search, the new Xbox LIVE dashboard, and new updates to Zune video and Family Settings on your Xbox 360*.  Much like we did last year, you’ll need to visit the Microsoft Connect site from this link and sign in with your Windows LIVE ID that is connected to your Xbox LIVE Gamertag.  Once you complete the survey that is presented to you, the Connect site will notify you immediately if you’ve been accepted.  A couple of points before you head off to register:

• We’re looking for multiple thousands of participants, so your chances of making it in are good.
• This is not for Kinect. You will not be receiving a Kinect sensor if you are chosen to participate. 
• This opportunity is open to all Xbox LIVE Members in regions where Xbox LIVE is available.
• To avoid any problems, read the survey carefully and double check all the information your provide. 
• While both Xbox LIVE Gold and Silver members can sign up, Priority will be given to Gold members in the selection process.

I’ll be sure to updated this post if the program fills up.

Sign up for the Xbox LIVE Update Preview Program

Good luck!

Now, if you're excited (as we are) about the new Zune Music on XBOX 360 there's a couple of caveats you need to know. First off, in order to use Zune Music on XBOX, you'll need both the XBOX Live Gold subscription AND a Zune Pass. Unfortunately, Silver Members can't use the Zune Music service. Now exactly, how their particular music experience changes with the Fall update isn't quite clear -- if you happen to get into the Fall preview and you have a Silver membership, let us know.

So enough of listening to me banter, go sign up and make sure you fill out everything completely and correctly.

It's always been pretty easy to bag on Linkin Park. They materialized during a brief pocket of time in the early 00s right as boy bands were fading from view and rap and hip hop acts like 50 Cent and Outkast were about to sweep the nation. They've always been successful (their debut album - 2000's Hybrid Theory - went Diamond) and they remain both solvent and relevant long after their nu metal peers (KoRn, Limp Bizkit, Evanescence) have disappeared off the pop culture radar. They always seem to have a hit single ready for the latest summer blockbuster (on this album, "The Catalyst" is a marketing tie-in with this Fall's "Medal of Honor" by EA) and for at least their first disc, their lyrics were family friendly, too. Linkin Park was the ultimate sell a decade ago, so it's always been easy to make the accusation that they're an assembled band.