Where has common sense gone?

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Happy Belated Valentine's Day!

Some situations in life are like Black Holes

Did you ever find yourself out of something's gravitational pull, only to find it's trying to suck you back in?

Progressive taxation

Let me get this straight, Senator McCain. When you say it, it's good politics, but when Senator Obama says it, it's socialism?

John McCain and honor

Make sure you know your candidate. You may just be surprised!

Some of my other favorite photos from the week

Congratulations Miss Ohio 2008 Karissa Martin!

When the Top Five was announced I was very disappointed for Katie, but much moreso for Andrea and Jillian, since this was their last year of eligibility. Either one would have done an outstanding job as Miss Ohio and given the chance, could have done much for the program, but it just wasn't meant to be. Any one of the Top Five would have done an excellent job too, but I will admit that I thought it would be between Kasey and Becky. They both performed so very well all week, and both have such presence onstage, not to take anything away from Karissa. I had the pleasure of judging her once and I'm sure she'll do a great job.

And finally, Finals Night

I really had mixed feelings Saturday about not attending that evening, but I felt my job had been done, and with the Coronation Ball following the crowning, I wouldn't have been able to see the girls anyway. So instead I had two of my favorite formers over, Maynan and Lexi. I didn't start getting nervous until right before Top Ten was announced. I was thrilled for Jillian since she'd taken so much heat on the voyboards and Andrea, since she felt she had something to prove. No, she wasn't a fluke. You both showed the naysayers! I was ecstatic for Katie since this was her first trip to Miss Ohio. All of the excitment was tinged with a little sadness, as Amy had worked so hard to get there and do well, and although she didn't make the cut, my sadness was quickly replaced with pride in how well she had represented herself. Especially considering that she didn't have much other help. Each girl did her absolute best, and I couldn't have hoped for more for them. I felt in my heart that one of them would become Miss Ohio, but some of God's greatest gifts are unanswered prayers.

Formal pictures of the preliminary winners

Headin into Finals

I had many really great conversations with each of the girls over the course of the competition week. Some were filled with anticipation and laughter, some with apprehension, some with tears of joy, and some with tears of pain. It was definitely a roller-coaster ride but nonetheless, it was coming to a close and the day we had all been working for was finally upon us. I truly believed that it was going to be a good night heading into Finals and I was at peace. Whatever the outcome, none of them left anything to regret, they left it all on that stage and there was nothing else they could do but perform to their personal best and let the chips fall where they may. Important Lesson #1 in pageants: Judging is subjective.

Friday Night Special Awards

Andrea takes the Community Service Essay Award!

Jillian's Americanism win!

Preliminary Night Three: Awards

The final preliminary talent award goes to Contestant #27, Jenna Wilson

The final preliminary swimsuit award goes to Contestant #19, Kasey Wilson

The winners' wave

Miss Northeast Ohio, Miss Ohio 2007, and Miss Lake Erie

And the winners are...

Tonight's talent winner, Jenna Wilson did a nice job with her rendition of "I Am Changing". Manda had been asked fill in for her backstage person who was unfortunately delayed, and she made the most of the advice given. She really worked it out and performed her ass off! I've had the chance to speak with Jenna a few times over the years and she's just a delight to be around. She really does have a great platform story and is one of those contestants who works and works and works her platform, March of Dimes.

Friday night preliminary swimsuit winner, Kasey Wilson was completely fierce in her black velvet Jayme Shaw two-piece. It was a perfect choice and I've never seen her in better shape, ever. It was a most deserved award and I wasn't at all surprised that she was another double preliminary winner.