I just noticed that iCal is now stupid. If I click calendars and chose one, it won't use it when I create a new event. Even if I chose it and then click again to make sure, it will be marked, but it still won't use it. The only way I can find to change the calendar is to edit the event. Whoever made this change to iCal is a moron!
iCal now always uses the default calendar, which can be specified in the preferences.