damn the muse

I was ready to declare July 4th as National Flag Burning Day, but I've been foiled. Thank goodness for small miracles.

The Senate failed to receive sufficient votes to pass a constitutional amendment prohibiting the desecration of the American flag. It failed by one vote. I find this both amusing yet terrifying that our Senate came this close to cutting into the First Amendment. See not many people have desecrated the flag, but when they do it's used to make a statement in our country. It's used to voice displeasure. No one has to agree with it. No one has to like the KKK, but thanks to the numero uno, that first amendment our founding fathers gave us because they were tired of the persecution, prohibition, pure protestantism, freedom of speech exists. We may not agree with it, but as long as it does us no physical harm then for the love of freedom itself stop taking our rights away.

"The Congress shall have power to prohibit the physical desecration of the flag of the United States."

For the record this has to be the most overly broad amendment I have ever read. Does this mean that wearing a bikini with the stars and stripes equals a desecration? Think about it.

Posted by yasmín at 8:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

Australia was just robbed by a fake penalty call. Seriously, the officiating at this World Cup is ruining the games. If this continues the winner will be decided by how well the ref has been paid off not the best team.

Kudos to the Australians for playing so well.

Posted by yasmín at 12:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

... apart from the devastating loss Mexico lost at the hands of Argentina? Well, I keep hearing my name on tv.

Let me clarify. It's not exactly my name. Mine rhymes with 'mean,' which is why there's an accent mark and no dreaded 'e' at the end. I am of course used to hearing it said the other way because apparently people don't like to listen. They even like to add a 'j.' I'm used to it.

I'm named after a gorgeous smelling flower. It also runs in the family.

Now it's birth control. There are commercials on tv! All over the place. It's so bad. Why can't they call it Sara, or Nancy? I'm baby-proof!

Posted by yasmín at 9:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I have always wanted to go to a gym. The only thing that has stopped me, besides the fantasy of having a gorgeous trainer carry me around, was the plain and obvious fact that the equipment and I do not mix. Now we might! It looks like it might be friendly to those with working upper torsos, but seriously the gym machines pictured look like tons of fun.

Posted by yasmín at 9:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Personal injury lawyers will be moving to Illinois in waves as soon as they get wind of this recent decision by the state's Supreme Court (ok, not just PIs). The court just placed a limit on the amount of damages in malpractice cases against the legal profession.

The court ruled that clients may sue their lawyers for the standard, compensatory damages they would have won if their lawsuit had been properly brought.

But writing for the majority, Justice Lloyd Karmeier said clients could not sue their lawyers for lost punitive damages, which juries sometimes award to punish defendants for intentional misconduct.

Lawyers should pay for their negligence, but to hold them responsible for the intentional misconduct of someone else "tears the concept of punitive damages from its doctrinal moorings," Karmeier wrote.

Frankly, placing a limit on damages is a mistake. Who is to say that the award granted is more compensatory than punitive? The jury is there to decide, and if they decide that a client lost 2 million because of a lawyer's gross negligence, then the award is fair. That's why it's called malpractice. It's supposed to hurt. Cutting an award in half or more doesn't teach that lawyer a lesson. It's more like a mere slap on the hand. So, don't screw up.

And if malpractice insurance is getting you down, please complain to the insurance industry already! I'm sick and tired of hearing of damage caps to ease insurance premiums when the real criminal is the industry. Only 1% to 5% of lawsuits make it to court (yes, all the ones we hear on the news, subtract the majority). Doctors, lawyers, businesswomen bleed money thanks to rising insurance premiums. They say it's all the lawsuit abuse, but it's not possible. It's a handy excuse that works because everyone feeds into their spiel. When was the last insurance company bankruptcy or merger? They just keep springing up, raising premiums, and playing the blame game on their own clients or wherever they can find it.

Caps you say. And when you actually do need to sue for a real grievance that deserves a 1 million payout, you'll get $25,000 thanks to you and the government. Don't forget about taxes and the reasonable lawyer fees. Abuse exists. Just don't get rid of the protections. They are there for a reason. Really.

Posted by yasmín at 8:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Update your links if you have to. This weblog is now published in php. I think I sprouted a few grey hairs in the process too. What a pain! I never imagined anything would give me as much trouble with permissions as this.

So, if you have trouble viewing the blog, please let me know. I'll cry, whine, and eventually figure it out. Unless it's your problem. ;-)

Posted by yasmín at 5:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Excuse me while I scream.

Of all the crappy reffing I have seen, this has to be the worst and most deliberate! I'm pissed. There's no way that was a penalty. Univision is showing the replay, and they say it's not a penalty. It's not a penalty. They just don't like the US team. I'm surprised they didn't disqualify the team's first goal as offsides. The US will win this match, and if they don't it won't be because they didn't play their best. It will be because of the horrible refs.

2-1 Ghana leads for now.

final: Assuming Brazil wins later today, Ghana is in for a whipping in the next round. It would be interesting if they won though.

Stupid ref.

Posted by yasmín at 9:53 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I'm liveblogging this, and I'm getting all weepy listening to the Mexican anthem. Just listening to the crowd it's obvious that this match is going to be massive. It's important to Mexico because it determines whether the team advances, so a draw or a win is good.

Gah! That sucks!! Minute 5 Portugal scores. Come on Mexico. Keep attacking. That was an awesome goal though.

update: 2-1 In favor of Portugal, but this match does not let up. The Mexican goal really raised the team's spirits. Here's hoping it can translate into something more by the time the second half starts.

I did a quick call to a few family members. Frustration. Call back. It was hysterical. What can I say, we're devoted. Anyway, second half is starting.

update 2: Penalty!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Idiota la fallo!! Ahi estaba el maldito empate y lo fallo. Gah!! Obviously, Portugal is still winning.

last: Portugal wins 2-1. Now comes the waiting game. Angola is winning their game, though the announcer just came on and that game just finished in a tie. Mexico is in the second round! Thank goodness, or maybe not. They may be playing against Argentina. Crap!

Posted by yasmín at 7:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (1)

What's the latest wheelchair accessibility? The niftiest car I have ever seen. Grey or black, bitte. Why is it that the Europeans tend to be more innovative than the Americans? England and Spain at times are more disABLED friendly (though not the underground!! MY GOD scariest experience ever). I want to live in Spain one day...

Anyway, if they start importing those cars, it would be cool if they could adapt them for scooters. Not everyone is a four wheeler. Three wheelers will inherit the Earth eventually...

Via Cnet.

Posted by yasmín at 8:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Contrary to popular belief some of us do actually study for the bar exam...and watch the games at the same time. That means liveblogging is out of the question. And there are no moments of OMG Germany just scored in the last FREAKING MINUTE OF THE GAME!!!!!!!! That was a moment. When the Cup is over and all the main stations are doing their recaps, that goal will be among the favorites.

By the way, how cool was it that Spain pulverized the Ukraine? The penalty was stupid. I've seen more calls in other games that probably deserved the call, but this was just wacky. Maybe the referee was in the mood.

Posted by yasmín at 10:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The first half just ended, and after much sparring Brazil is winning much to my distaste! I will admit that they're playing beautiful football, and as long as I don't see any baby gestures, the match will be watchable. I also think Croatia is doing a decent job, and as long as they don't allow this last minute goal to phase them, there's still an opportunity to tie the game or even win. Especially since Brazil's defense tends to be asleep from time to time.

update: Brazil wins 1-0. This match actually rocked. It was tense. There were many attempts at goal by both sides, and the goalkeepers had awesome saves. My mom thinks she was thinking a semi-final match. It was that good, and I obviously agree. Brazil, not my favorite team, but I really appreciated this match.

Posted by yasmín at 2:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

A minute ago I was just thinking how much I miss Meola.

Goal in favor of Czech Republic during the 4th minute. This game is going to to be tense. And Univision just mention "grupo de la muerte" which I would take seriously except they say it for almost every group.

28 USA isn't lost yet. They almost scored. They seem to be dominating the first half timewise. The Czech's Koller is a threat though.

Have the Czech's realized they need to control the ball? There was a corner kick in favor of the CR but it was kicked away safetly.

update: CR goal! Damnit! This sucks. ¡Reacciona malditasea!

final: CR 3 USA 0. That was a beating. It was ugly. I think I'm going to avoid phone calls and hope that Italy and Ghana suck, though I'm choosing Italy in the match later today. What an ugly game. I'm so bummed.

Posted by yasmín at 10:58 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Mexico won in what can only be called a thriller. 3-1, and those last two goals were only minutes apart! I like everyone else in that stadium wanted a fourth, but it was not to be. That's ok. At least they won.

I watched the Australia v. Japan game for a while. I really liked the way Japan kicked the ball even if the goalkeeper was a bit too nervous at times (their downfall). Australia pulled it together at the end, and they may earn the second spot with this win, but the fact is I've seen better teams play, so while it may reach the 16 match, it won't advance from there.

The USA game is going to start soon. Stay tuned for liveblogging.

Posted by yasmín at 10:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I hate reading up on cases like this one. It's only one percent people. Remember that. The rest, well, we're nice. Really. Well, I'm going to be witchy, but uber cool.

Anyway, as the story goes, robber goes and tries to steal some stuff. Unfortunately for him the people at Autozone aren't going to sit by and get robbed, though the fact that this criminal has a gun is rather dangerous. They fight back in self-defense. Now the robber is suing. Claims he was assaulted.

Strange. Didn't he just do the assaulting?

Here's hopeing the justice system does the right thing and recognizes that the claim is empty. Hopefully someone will do something about that lawyer. Ugh.

Posted by yasmín at 10:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Ahhhhh!!!!!!!!!

What the hell. Where the hell is Mexico. Mexico didn't show up. I can't believe the way they're playing. Iran is kicking their butt. Hello. And here comes the first yellow card of the game.

The announcer is going on about how the team has never lost the first match in the World Cup. Héchale la sal, no.

min. 27: GOL!!!!!!!!!! That was gorgeous. Finally. They are waking up. Go Mexico. This game is nerve-wracking.

Posted by yasmín at 11:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I need the coffee to work through my system. Then Beckham scores the first goal of the game in the first two minutes, and I'm getting there. Seriously, I'm entertained.

Anyway, a bit more liveblogging will happen for the second half.

update: I have one word for the second half. Boring. England is going to win with two minutes left, and what a disappointing match. Hopefully Argentina's will be more entertaining.

Posted by yasmín at 8:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Two yellow cards, one awesome goal, and an unlikely leader. I think I'm impressed. Ecuador is leading Poland (though I insist on writing out Polonia) by 1. At the same time the Univisión announcer can't decide whether he wants to use English or Spanish.

Quick lesson: offsides = fuera de lugar

I'm following along at the New York Times blog where they seem to be having fits watching the ESPN telecast. Apparently, it's not recommended.

update: It's about 15 minutes into the second half and Poland is desperate. This equals dangerous, and in some cases can mean stupid. So far there's been one ugly foul, and a few close calls.

final: Ecuador 2 Poland 0

I'm thinking that Germany and maybe Costa Rica will advance from this group because even though Ecuador won, it wasn't that impressive.

Posted by yasmín at 3:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

OMG!!! Eleven minutes in and this game is already a nail-biter. Both teams are tied 1-1. Damn! Costa Rica isn't going to go down without a fight. By the way I am going for Deutschland in this match, but this is fun.

update: 2-1 Germany at minute 17.

update 2: 3-1 Germany. The Univisión announcer has a fetish. He's obsessed with the name Schweinsteiger, and now I'll never forget that name. I dare him to say it three times fast.

OH!!!!!! Costa Rica just scored! Dang. 3-2! Now this is what I call a match. Squee!

Final: Germany 4 Costa Rica 2

What a great game though it does seem that the Germans did have a bit of trouble during the match. They're fast and strong. I'm not sure if it's enough to be #1. After speaking to the parental unit who happened to be carrying a mini tv while doing the shopping (hysterical, but what can I say we're a soccer family), she informed me that the Czechs are favored to win. It's fine by me. As long as it's not Brazil. One of these days I'll explain why.

Next up, Poland v. Ecuador. I haven't picked a side. Hmm...Poland is favored.

I'm actually looking foward to tomorrow. Argentina has its match tomorrow. Oh, and then there's England.

Posted by yasmín at 11:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The World Cup is here. I'm watching on Univision, and oh my I can't believe the announcer didn't recognize Pelé. I even know who Pelé is. Anyway, Pelé and Claudia Schiffer present the world cup statuette to the stadium.

This is very poignant. All the teams are being introduced, and they've invited members from winning teams. So as each team is introduced the stadium just goes wild and starts singing their national anthem. Italy was very sweet, but since Germany is playing in a matter of minutes there was pure song. I have a feeling that this month is going to be memorable.

Posted by yasmín at 10:24 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

MSNBC has a fun little article from Forbes on four different ways to crash the World Cup if your ticketless. They're rather cute, but my favorite one has to be the parachuting into the stadium. I can totally picture a fan doing that especially to one of Wagner's pieces.

And to anyone following the World Cup, the NYT seems to have a decent blog covering the events leading to and the games. I've added it to my feed. If anyone else has suggestions please send them my way. The first match is tomorrow.

Posted by yasmín at 1:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The second big bad is dead. I think I'm more disturbed that the networks are showing Zarqawi's post-mordem pictures. It's as if the government has begged the media to help them prove that this war on terror hasn't been in vain, and here are the results. Look, a corpse. Isn't it dead-looking? Beat that CSI.

Posted by yasmín at 10:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The government and some groups think the networks need to be reigned in, and now they've moved a step closer by passing a tougher law that would allow the FCC to impose a higher fine. Ten times higher. There are some who question that the fines may be used as a form of censorship.

"I believe that government has a responsibility to help strengthen families," Bush said in a statement. "This legislation will make television and radio more family friendly by allowing the FCC to impose stiffer fines on broadcasters who air obscene or indecent programming."

...On the other side, radio and television broadcasters, artists and First Amendment specialists have opposed the increase in fines, saying they will exacerbate what they call the "chilling effect" already underway in the creative community, as the government cracks down on content. For instance, the networks have added delays to live broadcasts that allow them to catch offensive material before it airs. A number of broadcasters have instituted zero-tolerance rules for their on-air personalities, meaning objectionable broadcasts can bring immediate firing.

This makes the V-Chip rather obsolete since it was put in place to help parents lock out their children from watching indecent material on tv. Then again with the advent of better programming on cable that isn't under FCC jurisdiction, parents will still have that responsibility. After all parents do have a responsibility to take care of their children, or will the government be Daddy from now on?

Posted by yasmín at 8:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Welcome to MATT.org or Mexicans and Americans Thinking Together. It's a website that attempts to layout the facts and perceptions, and try to come to a comprise to the illegal immigration issue. At least that's what it's trying to do.

I became intrigued by MATT thanks to the commercials. In one they used a fair-skinned Hispanic male speaking in a perfect Spanish accent, and I felt a connection. Finally, there was someone like me, which may seem ridiculous to say, but it's rare. Except in my family of course.

After a few more commercials I visited the website yesterday, but I'm not sure if the website will succeed in the kind of discussion it wants to foster. The website was created by a Mexican American businessman with ties to the Republican party. However, the illegal immigration agenda is more of a bipartisan issue, and the website seems to at least try to include articles that take neither side. The minute men are not disparaged, and there is an honest effort to find a way to include the illegals without having to kick out all 12 million. The problem lies with the discussion forums.

As the site becomes more popular members of both sides of the immigration debate will go to the MATT forums, and there is no guarantee that any kind of discussion will occur. The forums are already becoming infested with members who are soley interested in causing conflict on both sides of the issue. If this is what MATT wanted, then it's not very constructive. As an interested member I'm looking for intelligent discussion, not someone who is going to sit there and insult my heritage and make presumptions (as an example).

I guess only time will tell.

Posted by yasmín at 8:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

This will be my crack this month. Every four years I look foward to this event, and it's the only reason why I'm kinda glad I have ESPN though frankly I may be watching Univision instead. It's a fact the Hispanic announcers are so much more entertaining, and when they say, "GOL!" I feel it. I grew up with it. It's just not the same in English.

I'm so biased.

Ah, but World Cup soccer is here. Go Mexico, USA, Argentina! Down Brazil.

Posted by yasmín at 11:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)