It's tough this week for both competitions, but definitely a bit more for SCI. Still, I voted for you because I really thought your piece was well-written and intelligent, as well as personal. You're right in that it's tougher with an open topic, too - with everyone writing the same thing, you have similar themes. Here, it's just "whatever appeals to THAT person on THAT day," and you never know with so many voters.

Still, I voted and wish you luck! And when you have time, I hope you read and consider voting for mine as well. I'd like to stay in as well. There's no such thing as being "too safe" at this point. :)