Shockers everywhere

So on the one hand, we had the debate tonight. Frankly, I was far more impressed with both Palin and Biden than I was with either McCain or Obama last Friday. They both put A-game performances out there. In part, I liked them more because 1) they didn't hesitate to go at each other in a civil way and 2) they're both folksy styled people. Style counts as much as substance in any American context. Neither one gaffed and neither one buckled. I was not disappointed with either. It won't change my vote, but I can confidently say that this vice-president and this president, whoever it is that gets elected, will be vastly more competent than what we have running the executive branch now.

On the other hand, we have FOOT BALL on tonight. On Thursday. And damn, do I wish I had ESPN or something like that because Oregon State is loving up Thursday nights with upset specials. Right now, they're leading Utah 21-20 with like 5 minutes left in the fourth. Plus, on top of that, Pittsburg started off by upsetting South Florida, meaning that basically, the national title is quickly being reduced to SEC Champ vs. Big XII champ. And, just as I was writing this, Oregon State just made a 40 yard play to the Utah 4. Utah's not going to be our BCS buster this year. BYU's stock goes up, but like the world should know by now: NEVER EVER EVER count out Boise State. They absolutely demolished a conference foe earlier in the week.

Conference wise, this is what is left of our undefeated teams:

WAC: Boise State
MWC: BYU
Pac-10: 0
MAC: Ball State
Big XII: 5 (Missouri, Texas, Oklahoma, OK-State, Texas Tech)
Big Ten: 2 (Northwestern and Penn State--NW will lose a game within the next two weeks)
SEC: 4 (Alabama, Kentucky, Vanderbilt, and LSU--look for at least one, probably two to go down)
ACC: 0
Big East: 1 (Connecticut)
CUSA: 1 (Tulsa--always a dark horse to make it in)
Sun Belt: 0

My guess is that after this weekend, we'll have the four mid-majors remain undefeated, 4 Big XII teams still undefeated, 2 SECs, Penn State and UConn.

By the way, with a win on Saturday, Penn State becomes your first bowl eligible team. Hard to believe it's time to think about bowls already, huh?

I decided to vote yes on 47. That leaves 48. It's not that I disagree with the scientific basis of the argument, it's just that I know that this amendment will go to the Supreme Court where it will get overturned. Then what? The state just wasted a TON of money by defending the amendment and by changing all the laws twice. It's going to go for yet another "all-or-nothing" tack on abortion, and the only way to get rid of it is to hack away at it in little pieces. What do you think partial-birth abortion bans are? Little pieces. My guess is that within the next fifteen years, we'll get to the point that says that they're illegal completely in the last trimester (because a six-month fetus is viable with proper incubation), and that it'll be really difficult to get one after the first trimester is over. Before then, I just don't think enough Americans are going to support totally tossing abortions. I mean, look at South Dakota, one of the most socially conservative states in the country, and their attempts at banning abortions failed. My current inclination on 48 is abstention.

I am definitely abstaining on US Senate. I find no qualified candidates for office. My current leaning on US House is abstention as well.

Holy crap, Utah just tied the game after being down 8 with like 2 minutes to play. Damn, Iwish I had this on TV...