And here is yet another example of incomplete UI behavior. Yes I am going to rant about time again.

Because it is Linux Mint 13 defaults to showing you 24-hour time. Most people I know have their clocks in 12-hour time, like a normal clock should be. Of course there are probably people who feel just the same way about 24-hour time and complain because Windows defaults to 12-hour time. And that's okay too. An OS has to accomodate that, however.
I went into the date/time applet, which has a wonderful little button to switch between 12 and 24-hour time. However it doesn't do anything at all.

Instead, this control panel (which is specific to Cinnamon) needs to be used to control the time formats. Aaaaaaaaand...you have to figure out how to compile a time format string by yourself.

WHAT?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!

If you're going to use some gibberish string to configure time formats, use some common sense and PROVIDE SOME DEFAULT OPTIONS! Or at the very least provide a local help file because not all computers have an internet connection.
And yes, I realize that Windows does the same thing in it's Regional Settings applet. However they at least give you some defaults, AND they give you some help too!

Another thing I want to point out is the use of an X to indicate a decrement in count as opposed to a more traditional -. People would expect an X to cancel or clear something, which makes the use of such a control confusing.

The file manager has remained unchanged.

When opening and closing windows you get a nice sort of zoom out effect. This is enabled by default.

Cinnamon still uses Firefox.

The control panels are significantly cleaned up. Both of them now look the same, and no 2-bit graphic! That alone is a significant improvement.
However, the fact remains that there ARE two control panels, and changing settings usually involves jumping between these and the menu applets.