Best Buy=Den of thieves!

Anyone who's ever shopped with Best Buy, and purchased something from the store ranging from a TV to a boom box has no doubt had one of their sales associates ask you to buy the protection plan, saying that for just this little amount you can be covered against all kinds of things that can go wrong. Well, out of my better judgment I decided to get a two-year plan with my PSP.

Well, after a few months of having my PSP, I got tired of the dead pixel in the center of my screen, and so I thought I would take it up to my local Best Buy in Irving, TX off of 183 Airport Freeway (As you can see, I am quite angry) and asked to have it replaced since there was a defect and I was well within my protection plan. Well, I took my PSP and my receipt to the counter and was told that I have to have a Geek Squad check it out. So the "specialist" looked at it, saw the pixel, and informed me that Best Buy follows the manufacturer's policy which was that there needs to be at least 5 pixels in order for them to replace it. I was not happy about that because no where on their plan does it say that and no one mentioned this "official policy" to me when I bought the plan. I told the guy, so basically I have to have enough defects in order to have it replaced and he replied, well if that's how you want phrase it. Come on, how else could it be said. I had a dead pixel which is a defect and they did not want to replace it, and I heard several other higher-ups say that this is the policy because it's Sony's. So, they told me there was nothing they could do. That is a lie!

I called Sony and they said that there is no pixel count before they would replace the product. Of course, I called Best Buy, and informed them that their official policy that follows Sony's is not right at all, and magically they offered to replace the product that I paid to have protected. So, don't let Best Buy tell you their lies. This almost made me angry enough to go back to Circuit City, but that's another story. Actually, I just may keep my purhcases to Big River (Amazon).

"We are America"-Tales of a minority.

On September 26, 2007 there was a relatively small protest over the city of Irving, Tx's recent rise in the number of deportations. There were several altercations, and while no one was officially arrested, tension was high. In question is the practice of police officers rapidly turning over suspected illegal immigrants to federal authorities, and the nature of these detentions. Opponents of the practice say that the police are singling-out hispanics in their daily enforcement of laws and how minor traffic infractions are turning into deportations. Supporters say that this program is removing from our country people that do not belong here anyways.

I would like to give you a taste of what I have experienced as a minority. This is not meant to be a plea, but an enlightenment to those unfortunate/fortunate enough to not have experienced this. I find it humorous myself. So, without further ado, I present the how you can tell you are minority, based on true events that I have experienced:

Getting pulled over for having my front-end of my car pass the white line at a stop light.

Getting pulled over for making a left turn too widely.

(Of course both these times I was seriously grilled by the officer. I love how they try and ask all these types of questions trying to trip you up.)

Also, this has happened to me on several occasions, while getting out of my car in a parking lot or restaurant I have heard car alarms being activated and seen no one recently get out of the car. I guess seeing my face is a reminder that your property is at risk!

These are just some of the funny things that have happened in my life. I know better to ever drive without my license for fear of deportation! I really don't think that anything like that would happen to me, but you've got to keep your eyes open. I say enough is enough.

Ipod Touch Review

I decided that I would do a little review of the Ipod Touch. Since normally I don't do video, you can definitely see the rough edges in it, but hey, it wouldn't be me if I didn't let things like that fly! So, in the spirit of a good time, here is my review of the Ipod Touch. I almost feel like this is an intermission while I collect my thoughts for my next post. I hope everyone enjoys it, and please, don't take it too seriously!

Race relations=Solved!

Apparently there is a storm brewing in our fair United States. Supposedly it's been going on for quite a long time. Actually, since the Civil War era, and you know, I thought it was getting better. I thought this resentment between whites and blacks was going away. Well, how naive I was!

Being Mexican, we often are left out of this white versus black thing. That's not fair in my opinion, but that isn't the topic of this post. By the end, you will understand how if people will follow my plan, we can knock this problem out with one 90 minute punch!

The reason I bring this all up is because of what's going on out there. Not in cyber-space, but in real space, or in other words, reality. Unless you've been knee-deep in some World of Warcraft action you know about the protests going on in Louisiana about the Jena 6. These are a group of black kids that beat up a white kid, and as a result, are being charged with attempted murder. What makes this case so astonishing is the fact that Meagan Williams, a black woman who was basically tortured by 6 white people, who is in the hospital still, has not been getting the same coverage, and in fact, charges are not even being pressed in that case. That is so ridiculous. This just highlights the prejudice's that exist in our world. It is easy to understand why resentment still exists.

In history, there have been attempts to make amends, probably government inspired in my opinion. One example of this, was the equal rights efforts of Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder in the great classic, "Ebony & Ivory". I thought that for sure this would go a long way towards healing the wounds. Apparently, I was wrong.

I believe drastic measures must be taken. I'm tired of hearing class-mates, and well, the United States for that matter, go on and on about whites this and blacks that, and how we all don't like each other. I think what we all need to do is Remember the Titans. If they can do it, so can we as a nation. If I had the time, I would drive to Jena myself with my big ole' blow-up movie screen and projector and fire it up, and let this classic story heal the wounds. Better yet, I believe the government should step in. If you're listening government, and since I just wrote the word terrorism in my post I know you are, then please do the right thing. You dropped the ball with Katrina, please don't do the same here!

A sample of what all women should know!

Ladies, there is something that I have to let you in on about men. I know some of you out there might not believe this, but trust me when I tell you that for the most part what I am about to tell you is true. Now, what you do with this knowledge is entirely up to you, and if I were you, I'd use it for fun, but hey, that's me. So, onto the secrets I have to impart.

I love women in skirts. I love my wife in skirts. Do you love skirts yourself? Chances are, you do. So, please keep this in mind next time you are out in public in your favorite mini or professional dress. If you are sitting and there is a man (men) across from you or at an angle or passing by or remotely near you (you get the point), he (they) will almost without a doubt take a glance to see if he can catch a glance of the hot zone. Now, that may seem a little perverted, but that is just the way it is. I didn't make the rules, I just observe them. Now, please don't feel too special and think you're hot stuff though. I mean, hey, maybe you are, and that's awesome, but in reality, it wouldn't matter if the woman was 300 pounds, she still would get glances if she had to change positions. If some of you have men, go ahead and ask them, and if they say yes, then hey, you've got an honest guy, if they say no, then....it's time for a talk. Most men, will just do a quick glance, and go on. If you notice a lingerer then I would suggest possibly sounding the stalker alarm.

Also, I think it is worth mentioning that pretty much, men will try and see whatever they can possibly get away with. For instance, some ladies out there have a nice bust. We aren't blind. Even other women notice the size of girls and particularly their dress as well. If you've got a button shirt that is kind of tight that shows skin through the buttons, trust me when I tell you that this will not escape the notice of guys eyes. I think we are just wired that way. I mean, I think some guys are just like that. Some of us are like Indiana Jones treasure seekers, and our treasure is skin! So, on with the hunt!

I hope that this information doesn't scare you, but actually, if it turns you on, then that's really cool. I think guys in general wouldn't mind women being more sexual. Call me progressive in that notion if you want. So ladies, next time you're out and about, keep conscious of what I have just told you, and see what happens. And guys, remember, the 5-second rule does not only apply to food, but to glances as well! I hope this information helps to open the door to more understanding between the sexes. Good times for all.

Lattes and Lollipops

So, we've been "down south" for a few weeks now, and it has been a mixed bag of feelings for me. I mean, Texas is really great and all, but it really can be a different world out here. We just got back from Jamaica, and man, do I have some stories to tell, but as you can see from the picture, there is something more pressing that I must talk about.

If you take a real good look, you can see that inside the drive-through to this new Bank of America is a Starbucks drive-thru all in the same line. When I saw that I knew I had to take a picture. This is so crazy to me! Only in Texas can you get a latte and make a deposit all at the same time. This is one of those things that just makes me love the state I'm in. We obviously take our money and our coffee very seriously!

Will YouTube rock the vote?

On Monday, CNN televised the first ever debate where the questions were sent in by YouTubers out there, and given to the Democratic Party presidential candidates. Boy, were they all out in full force. The questions ranged from serious to down right deleterious. I really can't say what I thought about it because I did not watch it. Why didn't I watch it? First off, It's July '07! When is the vote? November '08! Mmmm, that is a little far off for me to be thinking about that. Really, though, that is not the point that I want to make. I'm going to speak to the candidates out there, and give them a little secret. Now listen carefully ok? I'm even going to start a whole new paragraph to make it nice and easy to read.

You can make all the videos you want, and spread your message to the millions of technophiles out there, but guess what? I really don't think it will help come vote day. Why? Cause we really don't vote. Why is that you might ask? Which would really help you guys I know, but the answer is this. No matter how cool your videos are, that is not going to get us off our butts and out the door to vote. We're not lazy for the most part, we just don't like inconvenience. Why do we like YouTube and other sites like that? We do because I can sit on my butt and click away. Did I mention, this can all be clothing optional? Miminal effort is what we seek. If we could text or vote on-line American Idol style, then I am sure the numbers would go through the roof. Don't feel bad about this. You guys are collecting record amounts of campaign money, so spend away. That's why I'm not a hardcore recycler. I don't want to have to seperate stuff. I just like to throw it away and be done! Oh well, I guess I'm safe until the Al Gore Gestapo shows at my door.

So, I say create all the videos you want, but it's going to take more than that to get these World of Warcraft, Sneezing Panda, I-Pod listening bums off the net and out to vote. Don't worry though. I'm going to vote cause Chris Farley told me to!

Top 10 places my wife would hide me if I happened to go missing!

I'm not really sure if this is plea, but here is my top 10 places to find me if I went missing. Marriage is pretty tough. I didn't know till now because I have never been married before. My ideas of pleasure-filled romps covered in cheetos have yet to become reality. I don't know about the rest of the couples out there, but man, it can get pretty rough. A friend told me that Chris Rock once said, "You'll know if you two really love each other, if you've both wanted to kill each other". So, in a light-hearted spirit, that is unless I do end up missing, I now present my top 10 places to look for me if I ever end up missing:

1. The freezer- What better way to express your bitterness than with a frost-bitten corpse.

2. A big box- Yeah, any regular old box would be suspect to me.

3. A vase- For creativity's sake, this would take a lot of planning to pull off. Bring on the heat!

4. The nearest McDonalds dumpster- That would teach me to ask to have fast food picked up on the way from work.

5. Half-buried in the yard- I would double check the addition of a garden gnome. That would probably be my shriveled head.

6. The trunk- I'm pretty sure body amount was one of the selling points for our car.

7. Pizza Hut/KFC combo store- I really don't have a reason why I would think this would be a place that I would end up, except that it just seems right.

8. Best Buy parking lot- This almost would have a touch of sentiment, mixed with the bittersweet, since I liked it so much in life, how about death to?

9. Under the bed- This would be a desperate move. The one thing I've learned from the movies is that if you suprise someone and they are trying very hard to get you out the door, either there is a lover in hiding, or a corpse.

10. In the dryer- That thud is not shoes drying, but probably my head banging against the metal.

Well, there you have it. I really don't think I will be found any of those places. If you ask me, I'll probably leave this planet in bed from a heart attack, after I soiled myself.

Have a great weekend, and don't forget to cherish the one you love!

Will I ever stop talking about girls?

Well, I have been pretty lazy with this blog. I'm actually not that funny anymore, and that is a shame. The problem is that I don't have a lot of time cause, hello, I'm a cancer researcher, but serving is what I do best. Just ask my wife. So, what I wanted to do was just talk a little bit about things that interest me, but I have found that I like too many things and am often side-tracked. Apparently that is my personality. I'm a lefty. Most of us are like that. Anways, I coud so easily make this a ranting blog, because life has left me bitter! Oh well. I think I should put more video on here, but that will have to wait. I've also learned that I cannot watch Comedy Central or TBS and write at the same time. There are too many shows worth watching, such as Seinfeld and Reno 911. I would love to talk about relationships, and what I have learned from the various ones I have been in, and about what women want, and how guys need to just make them feel safe. That is probably the biggest thing that women want. A real guy who is genuinely interested in her, and not just her smokin' hot body. My friend the other day asked me who was prettier, Jessica Alba or someone slutty with bigger boobs, I don't know, we'll say Lindsay Lohan. Please keep in mind this was a woman who asked this. I explained to her, it depends. For long-term, Jessica Alba would seem like that sweet girl that you could love for the rest of your life, while Lindsay would just be someone you'd have your way with for a night. However, a lesson to be learned is that even a mediocore girl with big boobs is always going to find someone. That's just how life works. I didn't make the rules, I've just spent time getting to know them. Actually, while I am on the subject of Lindsay Lohan, if she happens to read my blog, then I hope she hears this from a smart guy who has a perceptive perspective. Most guys think you are too skinny. We also thought that you were crazy hot in Mean Girls. You look good. You weren't fat by any means, but you definitely had a fuller-figure. A good man is turned on by the gentle touch of your skin. If you want to make your man happy and feel good, just let him feel you, feel your skin close. It's very sensual for us.

Sorry, I didn't mean for this to get all steamy. I guess that is all for now. Maybe, I would be better if I just looked at the news of today, and just comment on that. I mean, I don't mind telling people my opinion, but actually, I like to have fun and relax, and be funny too. It's is a tough climb, but I know I can overcome. Besides, if my blog or my PhD doesn't work out so well, at least I know how to use a weed-eater!

Need a researcher? Look for the badge.

Well, it has been a while since I have written. Things are busy around here with me, and in the DC metro area. I really don't want this blog to be a ranting blog, but it does seem that there are a lot of things out there worth trying to fix.

Ok so, I work at the NIH, so we have to wear badges. This is for the supposed security of our campus. What I don't understand is why I see people off-campus, like at the mall, wearing their badges around their neck? I mean, come on, who are you trying to impress? Oh well, I guess if people are in need of a researcher for some emergency at the mall, they will know where to look.

Small Weekend Rant: Oversized Sunglasses

Hi there. Are you a celebrity? Are you so famous that you need ridiculously huge sunglasses to give you that, super-chic I'm made of money look? Probably not. So, why wear sunglasses that say something as ludicrous as that. Now, I am not a super-fashion expert, and this is just my opinion, but I just don't like this trend. Living in the DC area you see a lot of women. It's crazy out here, but every time I see a girl in these glasses I just roll my eyes. Who do you think you are? Jackie O? Yeah right sister. Am I bitter because it makes me feel like these girls think they are better than the world? Maybe, but maybe they wear them just to say that. So, in short, unless you've got eyeballs the size of oranges, why not do us a favor and wear glasses that say, "Hi, I'm cute and fun". I know I'd appreciate it.

High-Definition Explained for John Everyman!

Hey everyone, here is my first video cast. I hope that you enjoy it. I'm still learning the ropes with HTML and Flash and stuff, so please keep that in mind. Feel free to ask questions, leave comments, or give suggestions. I'd love to hear what you guys want me to talk about.

Love or magic?

As I keep this going, I am still working out the details. I think I want Friday to be a kind of anything goes day. So, in the spirit of Friday, here is an essay that I had written about love and relationships. It is satirical in nature, but humorous as well I hope. Enjoy:

Love, Is It Magic?

What drives people to fall in love? Is there some unseen force driving the most unlikely of people to meet and then become hopelessly in love with each other? Or is love just a series of mistakes that end up making you so callous that you just forget everything, that as a young man or woman you told yourself would be the key things that you would never settle on? No, love could not be that. Love has to be this feeling that you just know. Love is a force that blinds, I mean binds everything you see about someone else. Nope, sorry, when you get that feeling, stop and tell yourself that what you are feeling is good old fashioned lust, maker and breaker of countless relationships.

And so, how can you tell when it is love? Have you ever seen a couple and said to yourself, "how can THEY be together?" It is funny what we will do to find our one, to find our soul mate. Do they even exist, or are they just a fictional character made up just to believe in something, or just something moms tell their daughters so that they will not just get pregnant at an early age. Nah, wait till later so that the divorce will be even more painful, but hey, at least you get child support. "For your troubles ma'am!" This writer believes that the notion of "the one" is a sexist notion because for the most part I believe most men aren't firm believers of this notion. The media will explain this one for us. In a skittles commercial, put out recently, they have one, tailored for women, in which there is a man riding on a horse, who then jumps off, grabs the woman, kisses her, and places skittles in her mouth. Did you imagine that being you women? Doesn't that excite your very core? I thought so. As for the other one, there is a man, and circling him in the air are five beautiful women, in long flowing dresses, as if angles, each of which feed him skittles. does the thought of that excite you men? I thought so. So, then, may I ask how do two people from such distinct backgrounds ever make it together? I think that at this point there needs to be made a distinction between making it and being together. Getting together is easy now-a-days. I bet there are more people getting together than there ever has been, and that may be a contributing factor into why the divorce rate is so high. And yet, I refuse to believe that people get into a relationship already saying, "Well, I hope that our breakup goes well!" These people, whenever they get together, believe in all their hearts that they will last. Well, most mature people anyways. High school relationships will always be the exception.

So then, what drives the people who are at one point in love do all sorts of crazy things? I would like to take this point to explain to all you people on the edge of your seats who are waiting to see where this surprisingly smart and witty writer will arrive, in hopes that all of your problems will be solved. Well, forget it. What we are doing is taking a journey of discovery. Shall we continue? So what happens in these relationships? How does a relationship that starts as bliss, turn into, "man guys, she sure was a b----!" Now I know that not all relationships don't end that way, but just think of all the relationships that you have ever had and I am sure that you will remember a couple. This writer happens to believe that the real heroes of our generations are the couples that make it. The world now-a-days seems to be catered to not making it. Heck divorces run fifty dollars in the thrifty nickel, for those bargain hunters out there.

If you still remain skeptical, then let's recap. For starters, return to the land of skittles where angelic women float, and men ride horses with only one destination, your arms. Next, recall if you ever remember telling your new partner, "I hope the divorce or breakup isn't too painful" Couple that thought with how many people are getting divorced in this age. It's scary huh? I bet you are thinking how eerie it is that I know so much, well, my answer to that is, I found that Oprah really does have stuff to say, and not just ads for her book club, which I must say, she does have good taste!.......

Playstation 3-Is it worth it?

Playstation 3 Wiki

So many times I read from people either through forum posts or articles on the web about people voicing their opinion about whether or not the PS3 is worth the "ridiculous" price that it is going for right now, and whether it will be successful as game console or not. Now, this isn't a bash the XBox360 article, so let's not start the "fanboy" labeling. Both consoles have their strong points, and this is not a justification of my purchase article either, but rather an objective look at the merits of the console. So, continuing on I have placed an article from wikipedia for those interested in a little background. Also, before I go into my review of the PS3, I would like to give you a little background on me. I think that is essential for any writer to disclose so that you know what angle they are taking. We all have an agenda, whether we admit it or not.

I have never personally bought a console before. I've never waited in lines for anything except the average things like movies and the bathroom. That is until I saw the PS3. There really wasn't any reason why I decided, along with my wife, to wait for a launch console. I really didn't play games very much, but I always kept up-to-date on what's going on in the world of technology. So, we waited for one, in the rain and freezing nights outside our local Circuit City. We were able to purchase one, and well, this is what I think about it so far.

Sony markets this product not only as a game console, but as an entertainment hub as well, because of the inclusion of Blu-ray and its network capabilities. If you were to just base the price on Blu-ray, the PS3 is equal in price to stand-alone players, but it just doesn't play Blu-ray movies, but Blu-ray games as well. Before I continue it should be mentioned that the real experience of Blu-ray and the PS3 has to be obtained with the addition of an HDTV, of which I recommend LCD. So, even though the prices are dropping very nicely (Come on Samsung 46" LCD 1080P!), high-definition is still in its infancy here in the states. Next, the PS3 plays games on the 50gb capacity Blu-ray discs. I've heard people mention downloadable content will make physical media obsolete, but please tell me why I want to wait for my high-def movie to be downloaded when I can get the data already on a disc? 25gb is a lot of waiting folks, even with fast internet. I know there are compression techniques and such, but if we want quality, why should we suffer? Now, about the games. People are so picky and impatient, but what's out there now is actually quite enjoyable, and diverse as well. We've got Resistance, a great FPS. MotorStorm, is a blast and quite challenging in single player or multiplayer mode. I've enjoyed the gameplay of Spider-man 3, though the graphics are severely lacking. Let's be honest, people are still learning how to develop for the PS3, and these remakes, with the exception of Ninja Gaiden Sigma, are quite paltry in their efforts at graphics, but this will change over time. There are several interesting games coming out soon like, The Darkness, Lair, Haze, Heavenly Sword, Singstar, WarHawk, Uncharted:Drake's Fortune, Little Big Planet, that will breath life into the PS3 and what it has to offer. And, with the continued development of the Playstation Network, and the games being offered their like Calling All Cars, Flow, Go!Puzzle, The Agency, and many more, they are starting to build a library that seems to only get better.

It should also be mentioned that Sony continues to add capabilities to the PS3 through firmware updates, such as DVD-upscaling, increased backward-compatibilty, stronger chat and camera capabilities, the ability to use remote play to stream music and videos to your PSP from any hotspot, and more, means that things can only improve, and for free I would add. I know that there is talk of a price-cut, but even right now, if you add up the features, it's easy to see why the PS3 is worth the price of $599.00. So, regardless if you dislike Sony or the Playstation brand, from a pure economical perspective, this is a great piece of hardware for what it costs. I hope this article has been helpful, and I welcome all comments. If you want to learn further I suggest these sites:

Joystiq.com
PS3 Quick Jump Page
Kotaku.com

To discuss the latest gaming news, and your preference for any console, check this site out:All Games Radio

Be warned that this radio show is not censored.

Just starting out

Ok. So that everyone can have idea of what I am going to talk about, let me give you the rundown of who I am. I'm 24, married, and currently live Maryland. I'm starting a PhD in Cancer Biology and Pharmacology. I'm originally from Texas, and I am hispanic. I peruse the net to stay up-to-date on pretty much everything, from electronics, to what's on TV, to politics, religion, fashion, movies, and much more. I hope you enjoy my ideas, and I look forward to many discussions. Please feel free to comment with suggestions of what you'd like me to talk about, or any other suggestions.