Can you believe Ohio State is a 16.5 point favorite over Iowa? Obviously, no one really thought Iowa was a Top 10 team. One of the myths about Iowa was that "the computers loved them." They didn't. The BCS contraption for their computer rankings, where margin of victory is ignored, loved them. The REAL computer rankings thought Iowa was about the 14th best team in the country. Sagarin now rates Iowa as the 25th best team. Before its loss, Sagarin had Iowa as the 13th best team. Yet, Sagarin does not think Ohio State is all that either. But Stanzi is out. Still, 16.5 points? I'll take the Hawkeyes (+16.5).

Tennessee had 3 players (one from my hometown in Florida) arrested for armed robbery this week. In reaction, Tennessee's coach bragged about the fact that it took 11 months in his coaching tenure before one of the members of the team committed a felony. I kid you not. He bragged about it. The Vols play at Ole Miss (-6). Even though Talk Left is a criminal defense site, I am picking Ole Miss (-6). More . . .

Your turn.

This is an Open Thread.

Audrey (Kim Raver) from "24" (last on Lipstick Jungle) joins Grey's Anatomy tonight in a recurring role. Good choice. Joel Grey is also a guest star tonight.

After temperatures in the 70's all week, we're dropping by 30 degrees tomorrow as another storm front moves in.

This is an open thread, all topics welcome.

Is anyone watching the Country Music Awards? Taylor Swift gave an impressive opening performance. It's a strikingly all white audience. Carrie Underwood sings well, but she has the personality of a piece of furniture. Other than America's Next Top Model, I don't see much else to watch. I'll probably only tune in for Keith Urban, Sugarland and Kenny Chesney.

This is an open thread, all topics welcome.

Today is Veterans Day. The AFL-CIO Veterans Council provides these thoughts:

[. . .] While we take the time on Veterans Day of 2009 to reflect upon and honor the courage and sacrifice shown by our veterans as they continue the fight to defend liberty and freedom against those that seek our demise, I would urge all Americans, and especially all American policymakers, to similarly take heart of the particular plight of the veteran community during this time of extreme economic hardship in America. Today, figures from the U.S. Department of Labor show that the unemployment rate among Iraq and Afghanistan veterans stands at 11.3%, which is significantly above the overall rate of 9.8% for the nation as a whole. Approximately 185,000 Iraq and Afghanistan veterans are out of work. [More. . .]

The second episode of "V" is on ABC tonight. I bet The Biggest Loser's ratings go down the first hour. Then, it's DWTS with results from last night's competition. I hope Kelly Osborne and Donnie Osmond and Joanna stay. Why Joanna? Because I like her partner Derek. I don't care about Mia or Aaron. I don't even know who they are or why they qualify as "stars" and I've watched every episode.

Same-sex marriage suffered a setback in NY today. Watch out for free wi-fi. President Obama is weighing 4 options for Afghanistan. Bill Clinton is urging Dems to pass the health care bill.

That's all I've got tonight, so here's an open thread, all topics welcome.

You're on your own for a little while. This is an Open Thread.

Update (TL): I was at the pharmacy a few minutes ago to get some prescription eyedrops and they had a big sign for the Shingles vaccine. I decided to get it. Shingles is a risk for older people who had chickenpox when young, and it is an ugly, painful recurring disease. The vaccine costs $220.00, but Anthem/BCBS paid for the whole thing. Just another reason I hope my policy is still available and affordable next year. The pharmacist also told me he got an email this morning that previous restrictions in Colorado on the Swine Flu vaccine have been lifted, and it will be available to all, not just those in high risk categories.

I watched the opening episode of "V" yesterday, it's pretty far out there. Some are linking it to the "hope and changers" that followed President Obama last year. Others say that's silly. The show denies it, saying it's just about blind devotion. If you haven't seen it, you can watch online for free here.

I'm watching DWTS tonight. Here's an open thread for you, all topics welcome.

Your turn.

This is an Open Thread.

Busy day.

This is an Open Thread.

I am leaving health care behind to begin my outline on challenging the Government's expanded use of electronic surveillance in drug cases, for the NORML Key West legal seminar, which is just around the corner (Dec. 3-5.) My title: "Snoopy's New Tricks: Getting Around the 4th Amendment and Title III in Drug Cases." If you're a defense lawyer and would like to join us, there's still time to sign up. (Even the TL kid is attending this year.)

I trust there are things going on the world (besides health care and football) to discuss, so here's a place to do so.

This morning:

LIEBERMAN: If the public option plan is in there, as a matter of conscience, I will not allow this bill to come to a final vote [. . .]

The why Lieberman gives is irrelevant. The fact that he will filibuster is what people need to deal with. Time for reconciliation.

Speaking for me only