Last night, I took Mandy out to Byblos which features tasty Lebanese food and then we went to see Mamma Mia at the Stranahan Theater. Mamma Mia was hilarious and we both really enjoyed it. They integrated the music of ABBA perfectly into the storyline.
Just in case you need another reason to vote for Ken Blackwell this fall. Remember that Ted (Strickland) = TAX.
Throughout Ted's 12-year career as a Washington politician, Strickland has voted more than 80 times FOR higher taxes and AGAINST tax cuts. He voted:
* Against eliminating or reducing the inheritance tax.
* Against reducing taxes on farmers.
* Against reducing the marriage tax.
* Against increasing the child tax credit.
* Against tax incentives for retirement savings.
* Against tax-free medical savings accounts.
* Against tax breaks for military personnel.
* Against tax deductions for small businesses.
* Against eliminating taxes on health insurance premiums for the self-employed.
I think that Ohioans already pay too much in tax and that both political parties are responsible. This is especially apparent when you compare our state's tax burden to that of other states. Why vote for someone who is going to increase that burden, rather than concentrate on better allocation of current resources? Ken Blackwell's track record of not raising taxes and fiscal responsibility speaks for itself.
I skied my first INT waterski tournament this past weekend at Kokomo Ski Club. Saturday, I started in Men's 3 and completed 15' off at 30 MPH. I was upgraded to Men's 2 and completed 15' off at 32 MPH. I was then upgraded to Men's 1 and completed 3 @ 15' off at 34 MPH achieving a best personal best. I was awarded first place in Men's 1 (sharing the title with another skier who tied me). Woo Hoo! ;-)
Sunday, I competed within Men's 1 and completed a full pass at 15' off at 30 MPH. Then I completed 4 @ 15' off at 32 MPH after struggling with my form. I was awarded second place. :-) There was only one Men's kneeboarder and he (Scott) convinced me to compete against him. I rode his kneeboard behind a brand a new Super Air Nautique and needless to say I finished second. The Super Air Nautique has a huge wake!
Recently I travelled to New Orleans for work. Meredith took some photos of the French Quarter. I stayed at the Royal Sonesta at a very reasonable $89 / night, which included a balcony on the corner of Bourbon and Conti. I can only imagine what this room would have cost pre-Katrina. I figured that spending money in New Orleans was the only way to help the local economy. Once you get outside the French Quarter area things are still devastated and I didn't have the courage to attempt to check out the 9th ward.
I finished listening to Snow Crash on audio book and was enthralled by the exciting high tech story. Currently I am listening to Adventure Capitalist which is an interesting combination of travel and investing. Mandy also gives it a thumbs up.