Stop complaining about CNN/YouTube Debate and remember, at least we showed up...

mediabistro.com: FishbowlDC- Conservative group threatens lawsuit against CNN for it handling of YouTube debate

Why is everyone so upset about the way Republicans were treated in the CNN/YouTube debate? Let us not forget, CNN is essentially the progressive alternative to Fox News, so the fact that the GOP candidates even showed up speaks to the difference in political courage between the two fields of primary candidates. As far as I know, Joe Biden is the only serious Democrat with the marbles to accept Fox's invitation to debate in Detroit in an event co-hosted by the Congressional Black Caucus. Every single GOP candidate showed up in Florida.

Going into the debate I assumed that CNN would try to get the candidates to associate themselves with Bush as often as possible, but the name Bush was mentioned only twice and each candidate was able to articulate at length what they have to offer.  I thought the candidates were humanized and generally came across as presidential.

While the questions from voters are great, having them submitted via video is merely a variation on the forum-styled debates which have been a staple in presidential campaigns since the first Iowa caucus. It was when I saw the first candidate-produced video, I believe it was Representative Tom Trancredo's, that I felt the process had been truly revolutionized.  Below you can view the candidates as they confront the currently touchy subject of waterboarding.

Women, please step off our text messages!

Prince Harry | Chelsy Davy | Text riddle: Whothumbit? | Break up | The Sun |HomePage|News|Royals

The proliferation of technology in everyday life has given rise to many new ethical conundrums that nearly all of us encounter on a daily basis. One that I am certain we have all had some experience with is the erosion of our personal privacy caused by the accumulation of personal information and potential sensitive correspondence with friends via cell phone text messages. Now it appears as if even the Prince of England has fallen victim of cellular snooping as his longtime girlfriend terminated their relationship after finding an apparently salacious text message from a female admirer on Prince Harry's phone.

A few weeks ago, as I was driving to work, the morning talk show hosts were having a light-hearted debate about whether or not it was appropriate for a spouse to spy on their significant other by searching their cell phone text message archive. Listeners were encouraged to call and share their opinions, which largely reflected whether or not each particular caller had either busted their spouse lying or had been busted themselves. However, one trend did emerge as men and women both had opportunities to share their stories; women like to snoop on their man, and it is time for men everywhere to stand up for themselves and take back their right to cellular privacy.

I am close to the young prince in age, and I too have recently come out of a four-year relationship, and though I don't typically take interest in gossip and celebrity lifestyles, I find myself compelled to speak out in defense of the modern man. I have indeed fallen victim to my ex-girlfriend's curiosity, which has on occasion led me to make the unwise decision to retaliate with a counter-snoop, so I cannot claim to be without fault. However, i can say confidently that I have enough respect for individual privacy that had I not been provoked I would have kept my eyes to myself.

A great day for Illini-nation...

The University of Illinois football team pulled off the biggest upset in its history with a 28-21 win over the Ohio State Buckeyes, who were the top ranked team in the nation going into the game. Led by their flashy quarterback Juice Williams, the Illini stunned the Buckeye faithful at the Horseshoe in Columbus, Ohio and brought the college football world to its knees.

Williams was 12-22 for 140 yards passing, including all four touchdowns. Ohio State only ran three plays in the entire fourth quarter, as the Illini offense brilliantly managed the clock with a well balanced aerial and ground attack.

Congratulations to University of Illinois alumni, students, faculty and everyone who calls the great state of Illinois home.

Tags: Juice Williams, U of I, Ohio State, College Football, Illinois, Illini-nation