It's Thanksgiving ...

You know what that means. Turkey, cranberry, yams (gag), and duck pate. Yes, as we celebrate the most gluttonous holiday the biggest sporting event in Oregon looms -- and on a national stage. The Civil War between Oregon State and Faber is the biggest game every year for both teams, but it carries extra significance this year as the Ducks are trying to deny my Beavs their first trip to the Civil War since my mother was in pigtails. Civil War week is always great. John Canzano at The Oregonian has been all over it with this extensive list of facts about the 112th edition of the game and this heartwrenching feature. Definitely read the latter, even if you don't care about the game itself. 

But not all the news out of Oregon these days is sweet and light. The following is disgusting: 

Albany, Ore. (AP) - A seven-year-old boy was at the center of a Benton County courtroom drama yesterday when he challenged a court ruling over who should have custody of him. The boy has a history of being beaten by his parents and the judge initially awarded custody to his aunt, in keeping with child custody law and regulations requiring that family unity be maintained to the degree possible.

The boy surprised the court when he proclaimed that his aunt beat him more than his parents and he adamantly refused to live with her. When the judge then suggested that he live with his grandparents, the boy cried out that they also beat him.

After considering the remainder of the immediate family and learning that domestic violence was apparently a way of life among them, the judge took the unprecedented step of allowing the boy to propose who should have custody of him. After two recesses to check legal references and confer with child welfare officials, the judge granted temporary custody to the University of Oregon football team, whom the boy firmly believes is not capable of beating anyone.

What's that? You've seen that one before? Not funny? Sorry. But did you really expect anything more from me for game week? Besides, I don't totally hate the Ducks. I think they're good for some things.