AAAAAAAAAAAH!

I can still remember the joy I felt. I saw the UPS info notice on my door, with the words "Repair Center" poorly scribbled on the info notice. It could only mean one thing - my new Xbox 360 was in New Hampshire, the warrantee replacement for my Red Ring of Death. I cheerfully drove the 45 minutes to UPS to pick up the box. I cheerfully drove back and didn't mind spending $2.77 a gallon on gas.

I remember all this like it was last month.

This was all last month. Early October. Because of the baby, I didn't get a ton of time to play. However, I noticed some quirky things when I was able to use it. It didn't detect the controller. I would hear the opening animation's sound through the TV speakers, but the screen would still be black. The quirky things began happening every time I turned on the Xbox for 3 or 4 days, and it becomes a single, lonely, red light in the lower right quadrant.

Long story short, Bill Gates can die a slow death resulting from internal infections resulting from a rectal tearing experience in a cold prison shower. I realize I am not the only person whose replacement Xbox crapped out almost immediately, and I appreciate that they increased the warranty for the 3 red lights. I also realize I am Goddamn lucky: the first part of my warranty doesn't expire until 12/27. But the reason for my rant is this: I am losing another month of the shortest part of my warranty because they send me a refurbished console.

The dumb zombie at M$ tried to make me a deal - because this is my second repair ticket, I can get a free game. Yay! Even though I just got Guitar Hero 3, I've also been eyeballing The Orange Box. Not so fast, I find out. My selection of games is among 4 titles, all of which can be found in the bargain bin at Gamestop.

Sorry for taking this out on 2o2p. I'll be trying to contact Micro Center to see if they can do something because I purchased their extended warranty (unfortunately, not a replacement plan, though). In the meantime, have fun gaming, everyone. I'll meet up with you eventually.