Rock n Roll Recap: #81-100

The Rock Countdown will continue shortly...however, here's a quick reminder of where we were...


81. Bon Jovi
82. Carlos Santana
83. ZZ Top
84. The Mamas and the Papas
85. Lynyrd Skynrd
86. Allman Brothers Band
87. Dire Straits
88. Judas Priest
89. Coldplay
90. Green Day

91. KISS
92. Smashing Pumpkins
93. Rage Against The Machine
94. Soundgarden
95. Motley Crue
96. Def Leppard
97. Weezer
98. Tool
99. Foo Fighters
100. Ringo

Happy New Year!!!

Happy 2009!

Just a quick look back...(it's what I do)...

1 year ago: Hillary Clinton was the certain Democratic nominee for President.

5 years ago: The Boston Red Sox won their first World Series since 1918.

10 years ago: Bill Clinton escaped removal from office after being impeached.

20 years ago: The Bay Area suffered a monster quake that collapsed the Bay Bridge.

25 years ago: Ronald Reagan won a massive re-election victory.

50 years ago: Buddy Holly, Richie Valens, and The Big Bopper are killed in a plane crash.

100 years ago: William Howard Taft becomes president. Theodore Roosevelt goes big game hunting to avoid sharing the spotlight.

150 years ago: John Brown raided Harper's Ferry, Virginia trying to start a slave revolt. It helped lead to the Civil War.

250 years ago: The Seven Years War ends on the battlefield (diplomatically, it would be a few more years)

The Worst Ever

The Lions wonderfully historic season got me to thinking...who are the worst teams of all time...

Well, about 10 minutes of internet surfing and I have a list.

Worst Ever Teams:
Baseball: 1899 Cleveland Spiders: 20-134
Basketball: 1972-73 Philadelphia 76ers: 9-73
Football: 2008 Detroit Lions: 0-16 (1-23 from mid-season 2007)
Hockey: 1980-81 Winnipeg Jets 9-57-14


Detroit's Worst ever:
Baseball: 2003 Tigers 43-119 (1996 53-109)
Basketball: 1993-94 Detroit Pistons 20-62
Hockey: 1985-86 Red Wings 17-57-6

Bush: 2007

Domestically, 2007 was a near failure. The Congress passed the Energy Independence and Security Act, but the Immigration Bill Failed. Conservatives attacked the “amnesty bill” and alienated the Hispanic Vote. This helped sow the seeds of defeat in 2008.

Bush fired several US attorneys. Democrats complained. A phony Washington scandal was born.

Overseas, the Surge in Iraq began. The Democrats declared defeat. However, the surge turned the war around and it is basically won. It is Obama’s to wind down or screw up.

Lastly, there was an Agreement with North Korea over nuclear program. We’ll see about where this one leads….

Caroline Kennedy

A lot of people are questioning Caroline Kennedy's qualifications to be a US Senator. However, if Barack Obama can be president, the Caroline Kennedy can be senator.

Christmas vs. Mithras

Why is Christmas celebrated on December 25 when we do not know the exact date of Jesus' birth? Public Relations!

The early Christians did not celebrate Christmas. However, some religions and cults did have winter festivals and holidays around the winter solstice. As a result, the early church was worried about losing followers to the cults.

One of the competitors was the Cult of Mithra. The Mithradic Cult was a growing Persian religion that celebrated at the winter solstice. They'd have a party and sacrifice a bull to their god.

Early Church officials then decided to have their own celebration around the solstice and decided Christ's birthday would be the focus.

Merry Christmas! ho-ho-ho

Bush: 2006

2006 was another poor year for Bush. Although Zarqawi was killed and Saddam executed, Bush continued to suffer setbacks in Iraq. The insurrection continued to grow.

Meanwhile, illegal immigrants and their allies had their own insurrection. In several cities, there were protests and walkouts for illegal aliens’ rights. This angered many and pushed Bush to support immigration reform in 2007.

The courts began to push back as well. The Terrorist Surveillance Program was ruled unconstitutional. This ruling basically gave constitutional rights to terrorists worldwide. The program monitored terrorists’ communications worldwide. Idiots that opposed the program believed that it opened the door to spying on Americans. Of course, we know that did not happen. It was an attempt to bloody Bush some more. Bush did not appeal for whatever reason.

The high court also ruled that military tribunals were a no-no. This reversed a World War II decision allowing such tribunals. The tribunals were controversial as some believed the terrorists would not receive fair trials. This has proven false. However, it the controversy demonstrates the difficulties surrounding the incarceration of multi-national enemy combatants as opposed to soldiers in a national army.

Also pushing back were the Iranians. The fascist government of Iran wants to build a nuclear bomb. Their program is buried deep underground. As a result, it is probably safe from a strike. This problem goes back at least a decade and will continue into the Obama Administration. Obama has promised to drop nukes on Iran should they attack Israel.

Bush had two achievements of note in 2006. First, the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands were named a national monument creating largest marine preserve in US History. Second, Samuel Alito was nominated to the Supreme Court.

In November, the Democrats took over both houses of Congress for the first time since 1994. Bush was a drag. More importantly, the Republicans had been involved in several scandals and stuck their noses into the Shiavo case in 2005. The biggest bomb came at the 11th hour of the election when Rahm Emmanuel released information on the Mark Foley scandal. This turned a Democratic tide into a landslide.

Bush: 2005

2005 was a political disaster for Bush and a natural disaster for New Orleans. Hurricane Katrina decimated New Orleans. The City was basically destroyed. The Bush Administration got blamed. They were very slow to respond to the crisis. However, the city and state governments were ultimately responsible for the dead. They failed to evacuate those that could not escape. They did not even try. If there was a villain in Katrina, it was Mayor Ray Nagin.

Before Katrina, Bush had blown almost all his political capital on social security reform. His plan went down like Clintoncare in 1994. Democrats attacked it and scared seniors. Seniors refuse to allow any changes to the program. Bush should have sent out trial balloons and then abandoned his reform efforts instead of trying to explain it to people unwilling to listen.

Another blunder was the attempt at putting Harriet Myers on the Supreme Court. She was not qualified and conservatives stood up to Bush. As a result, he placed John Roberts on the court as Chief Justice.

Unlike social security reform, bankruptcy reform passed. The Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Reform Act made it more difficult to declare bankruptcy. Many people were intentionally running up their credit cards and then declaring bankruptcy knowing they’d just get credit again. Then, they’d do it again. This act was designed to stop the abuse.

In the foreign arena, Kyoto went into effect. Wisely, the Bush Administration refused to participate. It did not make much sense to participate. The biggest polluters were exempted from the protocols. Unless something could be done to address China and India, then Kyoto and Kyoto-like agreements make no sense.

In the former Soviet Union, a would be assassin tossed a live grenade at Bush. It did not go off.

While that grenade did not go off, the CIA leak case exploded. This was a Washington scandal. However, Bush was wounded. He had been attacked for over a year for “lying” about WMD, was slow to react to Katrina, and had blown all his political capital on Harriet Myers and Social Security Reform. The press jumped on it as hard as they have ignored the ties between Obama and the Illinois Governor.

Lastly, the Republicans in Congress decided to place themselves into the Terry Shiavo case. House Leader Tom Delay decided that Shiavo’s husband had tried to murder her and wanted to block efforts to end her life. She was in a coma. The government had no business in this affair. However, Delay was a social con. Social cons are simply liberals who are simply arch conservatives on social issues. Delay attempted to use the government to intervene. This hurt the GOP more so than anything Bush did during his first five years in office. Between Katrina, Bush’s blunders, Iraq, and Shiavo, the GOP was on the road to defeat in 2006.

2008 Year End Awards

Here are the 2008 Year End Awards...

Person of the Year: Barack Obama (Easiest pick of all time)

Story of the Year: Black Man Wins White House

Record of the Year: Black Ice - AC/DC (their best since Back in Black)

Song of the Year: Girls in their Summer Clothes - Bruce Springsteen (A middle aged twist on an old theme)

Worst Record of the Year: Chinese Democracy - Axl Rose (14 years for this??)

Worst Song of the Year: Bleeding Love - Leona Lewis (Get a damned tampon)

Best Movie - Dark Knight (No other film comes close)

Worst Movie - X-Files: I Want To Believe (This movie never really started)

Best TV Show - Life on Mars (Very clever show contrasts 2008 with 1973)

Worst TV Show - Any MTV show...(for the brain dead)

Team of the Year: Detroit Red Wings (I am biased)

Worst Team of the Year: Detroit Lions (No Contest)

Athlete of the Year: Michael Phelps (Another easy call)

Moron of the Year: Casey Anthony

Runner ups: Plaxico Burress, OJ Simpson, the Media, Chicago Politicians, and Keith Olberfuehrer.

Bush: Year 4 (2004)

The Bush Administration’s good political luck began to change in 2004. Left wing anger and paranoia over all things Bush found focus. They had been angered over Al Gore’s 2000 election defeat, Bush’s popularity, and the Iraq War. They were going over the edge. Michael Moore channeled left wing anger in his fictionalized account of the Iraq War, “Fahrenheit 911.” Bush’s popularity began to take hits as he failed to respond to criticism.

The Administration had it’s only real scandal in 2004. Prisoners in Abu Ghraib had been humiliated, intimidated and tortured. Images of a hooded Iraqi prisoner hooked up to what appeared to be wires made the front pages of magazines and newspapers around the world. This further fueled the expanding Iraqi insurgency.

In Spain, terrorists bombed a train. The attack and deaths frightened the left wing Spanish government into leaving Iraq. The Spanish reaction made the world more dangerous as terrorists now had a victory and a blueprint for further attacks. Spain’s reaction was irresponsible.

The one bright spot was Libya. As a result of diplomatic pressure, and pictures of Saddam Hussein’s arrest, the Libyan government gave up it’s nuclear program. This was Bush’s one major policy victory in 2004.

In November, Bush was re-elected over Senator John Kerry of Massachusetts. The election came down to Ohio. Bush carried it. He carried the nation with 51% of the vote. Bush was the first candidate in 16 years to crack the 50% mark. The final electoral count was 286-252. The Democrats mounted an amazing voter turnout, but it could not top the Social Conservative turnout. The GOP found voters no one knew existed. These voters did not show up for McCain in 2008.

2003 (Addendum)

I forgot about the now infamous (and forgotten) blackout of 2003. On August 14, the lights went out. 50 million people in Ontario and eight U.S. states lost power. Most had power restored the following day. An antiquated power grid caused the blackout. No one has fixed it.

The blackout was the first in a series of infrastructure failures during the Bush years. The failures themselves were not his doing. However, the president has done nothing to improve infrastructure. In fairness, neither has anyone in congress.

Bush and Iraq

In 1991, Saddam promised to leave Iraq open to inspectors. Failure to comply opened the door to further military action on the part of the coalition. Saddam kicked out the inspectors. This led a post-911 paranoia in the American Administration. Saddam must have something to hide. All the major intelligence agencies believed he had WMD. The US pushed for an invasion. There had been nearly 20 UN resolutions, a Clinton-era statement that regime change in Iraq was the goal of the US government, a force authorization from Congress, and the 1991 cease fire agreement. Despite protestations of the left, the war was legal.

Many have accused Bush of lying about WMD to justify the war. The big lie was not about WMD, but that Bush lied. Everyone believed Saddam had WMD. Saddam himself said he was planning on restarting his nuclear program and nuclear materials were taken out of Iraq in 2008. There was no lie on Bush's part. However, the administration did juice up the information. Also, they gave a half dozen reasons to go to war. One of which was WMD.

Whatever the reason for war, the initial invasion resulted in a quick defeat for the Iraqi army. The US blitzkrieg known as "Shock and Awe" ended the conventional war in record time. Bush would declare victory on an aircraft carrier under a banner titled "Mission Accomplished." It was only the end of the first round in Iraq and Bush later admitted the banner and victory declaration was a mistake.

The success of the invasion led to the fall of the Hussein government and celebrations throughout Iraq. Uday and Qusay Hussein died in a shootout with American troops. Saddam was captured in his "spider hole." The crimes of the Hussein regime were brought to light. Iraq had been liberated. The US did not know what to do next. Then, an insurgency began.

In 2004, a pesky insurgency expanded. The Bush Administration did not have a plan to deal with this contingency. They went to war with too few troops for occupation duties. They sent the Iraqi Army home. The dismissed Iraqi army could have been used to maintain the peace. Instead, their weapons went to the insurgents.

By 2006, the insurgency had grown into a major problem for Bush. The insurgent leader, Al-Zarqawi, was killed, but the insurgency breathed still. Despite his death and Saddam's execution at the end of '06, the Bush Administration showed no vision for victory in Iraq. In November, the Democrats retook congress due to GOP scandals. Bush had to act.

In 2007, Bush ordered a surge. Democrats declared it a failure immediately. However, it succeeded. As of today, Iraq is safer than before the surge. The future of the conflict will soon be in Obama's hands. Bush has helped setup a Democratic Iraq. If that becomes a stable democracy, then his legacy improves dramatically.

The fact Bush attempted to "nation build" and "spread democracy" to the Middle East is another paradox. During the 2000 campaign, he attacked Clinton-era nation building. These types of policies usually come from the left. Bush resembles Woodrow Wilson. Many Bush speeches during this period sound like they were written by Wilson during World War I. Wilson wanted ethnic determination and to spread democracy to end the chances of another global conflict. Bush has proposed similar policies. If you like Wilson, you should love Bush!

What is the Bush legacy in Iraq? That is to be determined. One lesson reiterated by this war is the country can not wage war with too few troops. Despite the initial success, boots were needed to maintain order. Iraq is now a fledgling Democracy and that is a positive step. However, the future is unwritten and Iraq's future is still clouded.

Bush: Year 3

Continuing our look back at the Bush Years, 2003 was dominated by the Iraq War. That will be covered in a separate entry. Non-Iraq news was dominated by health issues.

The Bush Administration passed the Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit. This program is the biggest government program since the Great Society. The program is popular amongst seniors, but will prove expensive in the long term. It comes as a surprise to many that a Republican president would push this especially during a war. However, the social conservative wing of the GOP is liberal on government intervention and social programs. In this way, the Social Conservatives are no different than liberals.

The other major health issue tackled by the Bush Administration is African AIDS Relief. Bush is the first president to really address AIDS in Africa and Third World poverty relief. It is one of the issues that the left give him credit on.

Lastly, the Columbia disintegrated upon reentry in February.

The rest of the year was all Iraq all the time.

How to Grade a President

Most people are not trained to think critically. Most just react emotionally. Also, most people have short term memories. They can't remember what happened an hour ago, let alone 5 years ago. So, with that in mind, here are some criteria for grading a presidency...

Not necessarily in any order.

1. How many bills are passed that the president supports or opposes.
2. What gets passed.
3. Long term impact of policies and decisions.
4. Ability to deal with crisis.
5. Ability to predict a crisis.
6. What the president vetoes.
7. Are the vetoes overridden?
8. Do the president's policies hold up to court challenges?
9. Ability to inspire.

Bush in Review: Afghanistan

One major event in 2001 was the invasion of Afghanistan and Fall of the Taliban. The Taliban are a modern day Islamic Nazi political/religious group. They committed many atrocities across Afghanistan. The U.S. overthrew them. They literally ran to the hills. Unfortunately, many Taliban and El Queda members escaped. Osama Bin Laden himself escaped heavy bombardment at the Battle of Tora Bora. On the plus side, the US and NATO overthrew a barbaric regime. On the other hand, many of them escaped.

In 2003, a counterinsurgency began. A stalemate has developed. However, there are some positives to report. Afghanistan has held free elections and will probably continue to do so. Also, some Taliban groups have opened negotiations to end hostilities.

The War in Iraq has pushed Afghanistan to the sidelines. However, with Iraq apparently winding down, Afghanistan should start moving back to the front burner.

As a side note, 911 was the first time the NATO charter had ever been invoked to defend a member nation.

Bush: Year 2 (2002)

Year two was dominated by the War on Terror. In January, Bush made the now infamous "Axis of Evil" speech. He tied Iran, Iraq, and North Korea together in the same fashion as Italy, Germany, and Japan during World War II. He was trying to be bold and Reaganesque. It was Bush's attempt at an "Evil Empire" speech. The problem was Iran and Iraq hated each other. There may be some connection between Iran and North Korea though.

The Bush Administration opened the Gitmo Detention Facility. Human Rights groups and liberals complained. However, where were these people to go? When the facility closes, where will the bad guys go? Originally, they were going to go through military tribunals. There is precedent for this. Nazis captured in the US had military tribunals. The courts have since ruled that they have constitutional rights. So, Bush has kept the nation safe. However, the courts overruled some of his methods.

Bush also opened the Department of Homeland Security. This was a pet project of Senator Joe Lieberman. Conservatives have talked about closing departments and downsizing government. Yet, Bush created a new cabinet department. On the downside, it creates a new bureaucracy and expands government. On the plus side, it should lessen interdepartmental squabbles and ease information sharing.

In other foreign policy matters, Bush withdrew from the ABM Treaty. The treaty goes back to 1972. The main sticking point was missile defense. This was a bit silly. The missile defense system could end up the American Maginot Line. Massive missile strikes or suitcase nukes render the system null.

Lastly, Worldcom went bankrupt. Again, mismanagement and Clinton era corruption at Worldcom and in the government led to this.

Year 2 was mixed. Withdrawing from the missile treaty was wrong. The Department of Homeland Security was not needed. Although, there was a need to end interdepartmental squabbles and increase information sharing. Gitmo kept bad guys out of the field, but made the US look bad. The Axis of Evil Speech was a bit silly.

Bush: Year 1

Since his administration is coming to an end, it is a good time to review the last eight years. Instead of doing everything at once, it might be more interesting to review it year by year. His early years were very successful while the second term has had issues. Also, it is sometimes hard to gauge the full impact of a presidency until they have left the scene and been gone awhile. Reagan is now considered great. Nixon is much more sympathetic. Clinton's reputation has gone down the toilet as a result of taking on Obama. Bush's reputation may depend greatly on Obama. If Obama comes off incompetently, then Bush is probably elevated. If Obama comes off as the next FDR, then Bush suffers. Either way, it will probably take a generation (and a lot of declassification) to get a full picture.

2001:

Bush began his term with a nice inaugural address. Most inaugural addresses are forgettable. W's first (and second) were better than most. However, no one outside of historians will remember either of them. Despite the controversy surrounding his presidency, Bush decided to act as though he won in a landslide and his address reflected both that confidence as well as the nature of his election.

Bush had two major issues to deal with right away. First, the economy was in recession. As a result, he pushed for and got his tax cut package. It really can not be underscored how this has helped. 911 really hurt the economy. The tax cuts saved a major economic downturn. It was not until the credit markets collapsed that the economy truly soured. Even then, the tax cuts were seen as positives. Obama has refused to repeal them.

The second issue was the Chinese. They decided to test Bush right away. They captured a spy plane and refused to let the crew go. Eventually, they were released.

Domestically, the first year of the W. Administration witnessed the collapse of Enron. Many blamed this on Bush, but this was something festering for awhile under the previous administration. That administration looked the other way as they received campaign donations and other Enron favors.

The administration also passed No Child Left Behind. For some reason, Bush felt it necessary to push for and support a Ted Kennedy creation. Ironically, teachers blame Republicans for this. Although many thumbed their noses and voted for it, No Child is hard left legislation. It involved federal involvement in local schools. Nothing is more antithetical to conservatives. Preliminary evidence shows No Child might actually be working. However, it is one of those things we will have to wait and see on.

Bush attempted to reach out to African Americans. He placed more people of African descent into positions of power than any administration in history. Powell, Rice, Paige and others filled out the President's brain trust.

Then came 911. Bush's response to 911 was as well as could be expected. He rallied the nation and gave a powerful speech at the site. Afterwards, the administration passed the Patriot Act. It was controversial, but has apparently worked. Despite some complaints, it did not crack down on civil liberties.

911 also brought on the Bush Doctrine. There have been several Bush Doctrines, but this one states the US has the right of Preemption. If there is a threat, the US can take it out. Bush was simply codifying something presidents had used for years. It helped lead to the Iraq Invasion.

Overall, Bush's first year was successful in terms of getting things done. The ultimate result of Bush policies such as Preemption and No Child Left Behind, have yet to be realized.

#81 Bon Jovi

Bon Jovi


It’s the 1980s and Hard Rock is king. Enter Bon Jovi. The band was more talented than most of the eras hair metal bands and was originally a loud band chicks could love. They pumped out hit after hit and had two mammoth albums. Burn out followed. Then came Nirvana. As 80s metal disappeared in the wake of grunge, Bon Jovi survived. They continued to chart in the mid-90s, and in the 00s, they peaked again. Why did they survive? They cropped the hair extensions and reworked their image. Their music did not change all that much, but they did expand. Recently, they did a country album.


Rock n Roll Moment: At the 1989 VMA's, Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora did an acoustic version of "Wanted Dead or Alive." The performance spawned MTV Unplugged.


Essential Bon Jovi: Slippery When Wet (1986), New Jersey (1988), Keep The Faith (1992), Crush (2000), Have A Nice Day (2005)

Bon Jovi’s Top 10:
Living on a Prayer
Keep the Faith
It’s My Life
You Give Love a Bad Name
Blaze of Glory
Wanted Dead or Alive
Runaway
Always
I’ll Be There For You
Who Says You Can’t Go Home

Past Men of the Year

I forgot to list past winners of my prestigious "Man of the Year." No women winners yet, but this is just 3 years old.

2008: Barack Obama
2007: Al Gore
2006: Rahme Emmanuel

2008: Man of the Year

Here are the candidates for man (or person) of the year: They are listed alphabetically.

Chinese Companies: They are not on the list for the good they do. Rather for their incompetence. For awhile, it seemed we had a different Chinese product being recalled for being laced with some poison. In the US, when companies screw up, they get a bailout. In China, the CEO's are shot.

The Dalai Lama: His followers are under Chinese occupation. He still remains a major force.

Mitch Daniels: Barack Obama won his state, but Indiana Republican Governor Daniels was re-elected with 57% of the vote. Watch for him in the future.

Robert Downey Jr.: From addict to Oscar. He was impressive in both Iron Man and Tropic Thunder.

Heath Ledger: He should win an Oscar for The Dark Knight. Too bad he died when we discovered he was really a good actor.

John McCain: 2008 was the last hurrah for the Vietnam generation. McCain put on a spirited campaign despite long odds and bad luck.

The Media: There has never been a campaign in recent history as bad as this one. This is not a criticism of Obama or McCain. The Media's behavior was reprehensible. Pew Research reported that only Fox News was even handed this time around.

Barack Obama: Obama overcame long odds to win the Democratic nomination and then the presidency. He is the first African-American President. Electorally, he is the first Democrat to win the White House with over 50% of the vote since 1964 and he won several states that should never have gone Democratic. He is a great speaker that can inspire. The big question now is can he govern or are we stuck with another Jimmy Carter?

Sarah Palin: She became a superstar to some and a Palin in the neck to others. She drew large crowds that rivalled Obama's. Polls showed that she appealed to many middle class soccer moms. Whether she is a long term player or a flash in the pan is yet to be determined.

The Philadelphia Phillies: They won their first championship since 1980 and second title overall.

and the winner is....

Barack Obama

#82 Carlos Santana

82. Carlos Santana

Santana blends Rock with Blues, Jazz, Salsa and Latin beats to create a completely unique sound. Santana offers something for every listener. Carlos Santana and Band broke onto the scene in the late 1960s with “Black Magic Woman” and performed at Woodstock. During the 1970s, he embarked on a spiritual journey and remained popular. By the 80s, he was more radio friendly with songs such as “Winning.” In the late 90s, he reemerged with “Smooth.” Santana is a major influence on artists ranging from Prince to Metallica.

Rock n Roll Moment: Santana performed a 7 song set at Woodstock.

Essential Santana: Santana (1969), Abraxas (1970), Supernatural (1999)

Santana’s Top 10:
Black Magic Woman
Smooth (with Rob Thomas)
Evil Ways
Hold On
Jingo
Soul Sacrifice
Mirage
Europa (Earth’s Cry Heaven’s Smile)
Winning
Guajira

#83 ZZ Top

83. ZZ Top


ZZ Top has been together 40 years without a personnel change. Their sound is based on the blues with a Texas twist. If there is a “roots” rock band, it is ZZ Top. Lyrically, their songs are a fusion of humor and sex. They peaked in the mid-80s with the “Eliminator” album. The “Eliminator” videos featured hot women and an even hotter red 1933 Ford. ZZ Top is in the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame and are currently working on a new album with Johnny Cash producer Rick Rubin.

Rock n Roll Moment: The song “La Grange” is about the same whorehouse depicted in “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.”

Essential ZZ Top: Tres Hombres (1973), Eliminator (1983), Greatest Hits (1992)

ZZ Top’s top 10:
Legs
Gimme All Your Lovin’
La Grange
Pearl Necklace
Sharp Dressed Man
Sleeping Bag
Velcro Fly
Tush
Cheap Sunglasses
TV Dinners

Quotes of the Year

Here are the best quotes for 2008....not in any order...

"I'm warning you with peace and love, I have too much to do. So no more fan mail." -Ringo Starr

"I go three, maybe four times a year to get tested for sexually transmitted infections and most of the time I don't even need to." -- Kelly Osborne.

“If they knew the plane was faulty, why did they let it fly?" -- A relative of one of the 153 passengers killed in the Spanair crash at Madrid airport.

"I read the script and it's not bad. The message is I'm a dangerous lunatic, and that I'm possessed by monkeys." -- Singer Iggy Pop on a movie based on his life.

"What is the difference between God and Bono? God doesn't wander down Grafton Street thinking he's Bono." -- Louis Walsh.


"If the human race is to continue for another million years, we will have to boldly go where no on has gone before." -- Stephen Hawking


"I saw this crocodile and thought I'd tease it a bit with a small bit of bait, just to get it in quite close to me for the picture. I was playing around, pointing at it, laughing - when it suddenly jumped at me. I didn't realize crocs were so aggressive" -a tourist in Australia that pissed off a croc

"It's not allowed for a woman to sit with a strange man and talk and drink coffee together." -- Saudi Arabia


"Sorry for being topless." -- Carla Bruni of France greeting a British journalist


"Wall Street got drunk." -President Bush

#84: The Mamas and The Papas

84. The Mamas and The Papas

John Phillips and Denny Doherty formed a folk rock group with John’s runaway wife, Michelle. Mama Cass Elliot joined them a little later afterwards. The band had run out of money, but Michelle managed to gamble enough to get them to New York. In New York, they became The Mamas and The Papas. In late 1965, they hit the big time with “California Dreamin’.” The song is still very popular to this day. The band began to fade in 1967, but experienced their crowning achievement when they organized the Monterey Pop Music Festival. By the time they took the stage at Monterey, they were already passed their prime.

Rock n Roll Moment: They organized the first major rock festival. The Monterey International Pop Music Festival ran for three days in June of 1967 and helped break Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Otis Redding, and The Who. It also influenced a young Sammy Hagar to go into rock n roll.

Essential Mamas and Papas: If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears (1966)

The Mamas and the Papas Top 10:

California Dreamin’
Monday Monday
Dedicated to the One I Love
Creeque Alley
Dream a Little Dream of Me
Twelve Thirty
I Saw Her Again
Words of Love
Glad to Be Unhappy
Go Where You Wanna Go

Best Quotes from Election 2008

“We have to do something about his skinny legs. He has to do squats." -- California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger on Barack Obama's wimpiness.

"I ain't got time to die." -- Ann Nixon Cooper, 106, of Atlanta, Georgia, on living through the white supremacist south and now witnessing Obama's run.

"You can put lipstick on a pig. It's still a pig." -- Barack Obama in what sounded like an attack on Republican vice-president nominee Sarah Palin.

"What's the difference between a hockey mom and a pitbull? Lipstick." -- Sarah Palin at Republican convention.

"Barack, he's talking down to black people. I want to cut his nuts off." -- Jesse Jackson

"This may be the last day I'm ever involved in a campaign of this kind." -- Bill Clinton

-- the fundamentals of our economy are strong." --John McCain (McCain's "There is no Soviet Domination of Eastern Europe" moment)

“It’s not surprising, then, they get bitter, they cling to guns or religion or antipathy to people who aren’t like them or anti-immigrant sentiment or anti-trade sentiment as a way to explain their frustrations. - Obama on people not like him

"Stand up Chuck, let ‘em see ya!" -Joe Biden to wheelchair bound Chuck Graham

"We are the president." - Hillary sounding very much like The Borg

#85 Lynryd Skynyrd

Lynryd Skynyrd

FREE BIRD! Play some Skynyrd! These are classic cries to cover bands across the country thirty years after Skynyrd’s peak. To this day, Lynryd Skynyrd is the symbol of southern rock music. Even when they are not on the charts, they chart! On more than one occasion, Kid Rock has mentioned them or sampled them in his work. Metallica covered “Tuesday’s Gone” in the late 90s. Sweet Home Alabama became a Reese Witherspoon movie. They are also known for a fictional feud with Neil Young (Southern Man vs. Sweet Home Alabama) and a tragic plane crash that cost the lives of several members. The Free Bird still flies in the south.

Rock n Roll Moment: They are the symbol for southern rock.

Essential Skynyrd: (pronounced leh-nerd skin-nerd) (1973), Second Helping (1974), Street Survivors (1977)

Lynryd Skynyrd Top 10:
Free Bird
Sweet Home Alabama
That Smell
Saturday Night Special
Gimme Three Steps
What’s Your Name
Gimme Back My Bullets
Simple Man
Tuesday’s Gone
You Got That Right

#86: The Allman Brothers Band

86. The Allman Brothers Band

The Allman Brothers Band is one of the creators of Southern Rock. Duane and Greg Allman formed the band in 1969 and for a seven year period, they dominated. In 1971, Rolling Stone called them the best rock band around and in 2004, the same magazine placed them at #52 on their all time list (ok I only differ with them by 34 spots). The Allman Brothers Band went from a southern garage band to platinum superstars and then Duane Allman died in a motorcycle accident. The band carried on to even greater success. After a defunct period, the band reunited and still puts out material today. They have eleven gold records and 5 platinum to their credit.

Rock n Roll Moment: They are the achetype for the VH-1 Behind the Music.

Essential Allman Brothers: At Fillmore East (1971), Brothers and Sisters (1973), Seven Turns (1990)

Allman Brothers Top 10:
Whipping Post
Midnight Rider
Ramblin’ Man
Midnight Rider
Melissa
Jessica
Little Martha
Blue Sky
One Way Out
Ain’t Wastin’ No More Time

#87 Dire Straits

87. Dire Straits

Here is some trivia: Dire Straits had the first CD Single when they released “Money for Nothing.” That song, the cutting edge (for 1985) video, and the whole “Brothers in Arms” album was about as big as it gets. Dire Straits took their name from their financial state at their formation in 1977. By 1985, they were one of the biggest acts around. Dire Straits began as a classic rock act. Their stripped down sound was fresh for the late 70s and early 80s. By the mid-80s, they were a stadium rock act which is ironic since they began as the antithesis of arena rock. After “Brothers in Arms,” the group continued on into the 90s producing hits such as “Calling Elvis” (a classic) and “Heavy Fuel.” As of today, the band is no longer together, but with acts of this nature, never count out a reunion.

Rock n Roll Moment: Their name is derived from their financial state on the eve of their first album.

Essential Dire Straits: Making Movies (1980), Brothers in Arms (1985)

Dire Straits Top 10:
Sultans of Swing
Money for Nothing
Walk of Life
Brothers in Arms
So Far Away
Calling Elvis
Romeo and Juliet
Heavy Fuel
Tunnel of Love
Private Investigations

#88: Judas Priest

88. Judas Priest

Judas Priest is one of the “Big Five” metal acts (Priest, Maiden, Metallica, AC/DC, and Sabbath) and the first on the countdown. Priest displayed attitude and style that influenced a generation of metal heads. What distinguishes Priest from every other band in the world is Rob Halford. Halford’s voice is unique in all of music and would be just as suitable to opera as rock. Classic Priest is rebellious and in your face. If you don’t like it, then you got another thing coming.
Rock n Roll Moment: In 1990, they defended musicians everywhere by standing trial. In 1985, two American teens attempted suicide after listening to Priest. The prosecutor argued the band place a subliminal message ordering listeners to commit suicide. They were acquitted. Later, Rob Halford commented that placing messages in the music encouraging fans to commit suicide would not be wise. Having fans die would be career suicide.

Essential Priest: British Steel (1980), Screaming for Vengeance (1982), Painkiller (1990)

Judas Priest Top 10:

Breaking the Law
Living After Midnight
You’ve Got Another Thing Coming
Painkiller
Electric Eye
Turbo Lover
Hell Bent for Leather
Screaming for Vengeance
A Touch of Evil
Freewheel Burning

Why Obama won...or why McCain lost...

There are four main reasons Obama is now the president-elect. Of these reasons, John McCain could only control one of them.

1. Bush fatigue. People are mad at George W. Bush. They wanted change. Obama did a good job tying Bush to McCain (even though McCain was almost the Democratic vice presidential nominee in 2004). For his part, Bush did nothing to work on his image. Bill Clinton survived impeachment because he spent 6 years working on being liked. If Bush worked half as hard as Clinton at being liked, he'd be in the mid-40s and a non-factor in the election.

2. Obama ran center-right. Obama did a great job running away from his leftist record. He stood for tax cuts, gun rights, and other center-right positions. Which Obama will show up on January 20? Will it be the hard left partisan senator or the center right candidate?

3. McCain was too nice. McCain ran the cleanest, nicest campaign by any presidential contender in a generation. He should have hammered Obama with taxes and Reverend Wright every night throughout the summer. He didn't.

4. The economic meltdown. Before the meltdown, McCain was winning and beginning to pull away. Then came the meltdown. Obama went into witness protection while McCain pushed the rescue package. Ironically, Obama opposed fixing the very thing that caused the meltdown back in 2005 and benefited from the meltdown he helped cause.

If the meltdown does not happen, McCain wins even with the other deficiencies. However, the market crashed and McCain's chances crashed with them. He was like Charlie Brown running to kick the football. The market was Lucy pulling the football away at the last minute...

#89: Coldplay

Coldplay is the most popular band in the world. Their albums are extremely successful in an age where albums are not successful. They have a unique sound that harkens back to “soft” rock, but also incorporate influences such as U2, Kraftwerk, and Pink Floyd. When they hit the scene, they made such an impression they were asked to open for U2. They declined and it has not hurt. In 2008, they scored their biggest hit to date when fewer and fewer people are listening to rock n roll.

Rock n Roll Moment: They turned down an offer to open for U2 believing they were good enough to make it without the exposure a monster tour would bring.

Essential Coldplay: A Rush of Blood to the Head (2002), Viva La Vida (2008)

Coldplay’s Top 10:
Yellow
The Scientist
Speed of Sound
Clocks
Vida la Vida
Violet Hill
Talk
In My Place
Trouble
Lost

Greatest Halloween Movies

For Halloween, here are the top 10 scary movies of all time.

10. Night of the Living Dead: This is a bit campy today, but a classic nontheless.

9. Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde: Also an interesting character study of man's two sides.

8. Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein: Intermixing comedy and horror is difficult, but they pull it off with the help of Lon Chaney and Bela Legosi.

7. The Wolf-Man: Another classic from the 40s. Lon Chaney nails the tortured soul.

6. Frankenstein: When this came out in the 1930s, people passed out in the aisles. It is tame by today's standards. However, the theme of science run amok still has resonance.

5. 2001: A Space Odyssey: Why is this on here? First, the astronaughts can not be saved by the cavalry as they are out by Jupiter. Second, the computer goes bizzerk. It is more relevant today than in 1969 as we have become more dependent on machines.

4. Aliens: The second Alien installment was the best (3 and 4 were horrid). It upped the ante from the first and like the first movie (and 2001), in space, no one can hear you scream.

3. Dracula: Bela Legosi gives us all the lore surrounding the vampire in this film. He was the prototype by which all vampires are created. Either they follow his lead or they attempt to move away from it. Either way, it is Legosi that set the standard.

2. The Omen: First, it is about the Anti-Christ (no not Nancy Pelosi). Second, the kid playing Damien was as creepy as they come. Third, the hero is Gregory Peck and not even he can defeat the Anti-Christ. Between these three variables, and the creepy storyline and deaths, this movie ranks #2.

1. Silence of the Lambs: I ate his liver with some fava beans and a nice Chianti.

The Greatest Halloween Songs

Here is my list of the Top 10 Halloween Songs

10. Nightmare on My Street (Will Smith)- The Fresh Prince Meets Freddy Kruger

9. Monster Mash (Boris Pickett)- Yeah this one has to be on the list somewhere

8. Thriller (Michael Jackson)- Vincent Price and dancing zombies. The Night of the Living Dead meets MTV.

7. Boris the Spider (The Who)- John Entwistle's friend comes to a "sticky end."

6. The Number of the Beast (Iron Maiden)- Could it be Satan?

5. Black Magic Woman (Santana)- Santana adds the dark arts to rock music.

4. Satan Gave Me a Taco (Beck)- Beck is into poison foods. Very dark lyrics.

3. Psycho Killer (The Talking Heads)- Few things say Halloween more than psycho killers.

2. Witchy Woman (The Eagles)-I have known a few of these.

1. Werewolves of London (Warren Zevon)- A little old woman got mutilated...great stuff

Recap: #91-100 Rock Artist Countdown

91. KISS
92. Smashing Pumpkins
93. Rage Against The Machine
94. Soundgarden
95. Motley Crue
96. Def Leppard
97. Weezer
98. Tool
99. Foo Fighters
100. Ringo

#90 Green Day

Green Day

Green Day emerged during the mid-90s music revolution. They were considered a punk band, but were really too poppy to be considered true punk. The term that described them best was Pop Punk. They hit the super league with their album “Dookie” before falling off later in the decade. In the mid-00s, they returned with a vengeance with a concept album. “American Idiot” was definitely inspired by “Quadraphenia” and returned Green Day to a more prominent status.

Rock n Roll Moment: The Woodstock Mud Fight of 1994

Essential Green Day: Dookie (1994), American Idiot (2004)

Green Day’s Top 10:
Longview
Welcome To Paradise
Basket Case
When I Come Around
Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)
Wake Me Up When September Ends
Minority
American Idiot
Boulevard of Broken Dreams
Holiday

Greatest World Series

The Ultimate World Series...game by game.

Game 1: Dodgers: 5 A's: 4 (1988): The Dodgers scored 2 in the first, but that was wiped out by a Jose Canseco Grand Slam in the second. The A's held a 4-3 lead in the 9th and turned to Hall of Famer Dennis Eckersley to close it out. With 2 out, Mike Davis (.196 batter for the year) drew a pinch hit walk and stole second. Kirk Gibson came to bat unable to walk. He hit a game winning walk off 2 run shot. The Dodgers beat the mighty A's in 5 games.

Game 2: White Sox: 7 Astros: 6 (2005): This was a wild game. The Sox held a 6-4 lead in the 9th. Houston tied it. In the bottom of the 9th, Scott Podsednik (0 homers) hit a walk off homer.

Game 3: Mets: 5 Orioles: 0 (1969): Tommy Agee took control of this game. He led off with a homer off Hall of Famer Jim Palmer. He also made two outstanding catches saving the five runs and the game for the Mets (and Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan).

Game 4: Yankees: 7 Dodgers: 4 (1941): The Yankees were trailing Brooklyn 4-3 in the ninth. With 2 out and no one on, Tommy Hendrich struck out, but the ball got by the catcher. Mickey Owen's error opened the floodgates. New York scored 4 runs with 2 outs to take a 3-1 series lead.

Game 5: Yankees: 2 Dodgers: 0 (1956): Don Larsen's Perfect Game.

Game 6: Red Sox: 7 Reds: 6 (12 innings) (1975): This game had everything. It was tied 3-3 after 6. The Reds led by 3 in the bottom of the 8th when Bernie Carbo hit a pinch homer to tie the game at 6. Dwight Evans doubled off a runner at first from right field. Oh yeah, Carlton Fisk hit a homer...Sox win.

Game 7: Twins: 1 Braves: 0 (1991): Lonnie Smith stumbled rounding the bases. That was Atlanta's only chance to score. John Smoltz pitched 7 scoreless innings. Jack Morris pitched 10.

Game 8: Red Sox: 3 Giants: 2 (10 innings) (1912): An eight game series?? 1912 featured the Red Sox and their 105 wins and the Giants and their 103 wins. The series went beyond the distance.
Game 2 ended in a 6-6 tie. The two teams battled to an eighth game. It was 1-1 after 9. New York scored in the 10th to take a 2-1 lead. Boston scored 2 in the bottom half to win the series. Christy Mathewson went the distance for the Giants.

2008: Historical Paradigm Shift?

Every couple of generations, there is a political earthquake which changes American politics. 2008 could be such a year. The country could shift away from conservatism and toward European leftism. If this happens, it could mean the country will stay in Euro fashion for generations. It all depends on what happens in the presidential election. If people are willing to roll the dice on Obama, then it will probably happen. If they judge him to be too risky because he is not qualified for office or out of fear of a Democratic government, then it will not happen. (Of course Reid and Pelosi have been pretty incompetent, so even with an all-Dem government, the GOP might be gearing for a takeover that could last a century with those clowns in charge).

Here is a list of American Political Eras:

1. 1789-1800: Federalist Era: Pro-industry and national defense. Against the excesses of the French Revolution. (Washington and Adams presidents).

2. 1800-1860: Democratic Era: Pro-southern, pro-slavery, anti-protectionism, anti-big government, pro-agrarian, expansion of white male voting rights.

3. 1860-1932: Republican Era: The first part of the era is characterized by the Civil War. It was pro-northern and pro-African American. The entire era was pro-industry and pro-tariff.

4. 1932-1968: Democratic Era: The New Deal, Great Society, and Cold War Dems dominated.

5. 1969-present: Republican Era: Dominated by Nixon and Reagan. Pro-nationalist foreign policy, low taxes, against big government (except Bush 43), for expansion of civil liberties and democracy around the world.

US Grant: The Forgotten Underachiever!

I forgot to include U.S. Grant in the Underachiever Category.

U.S. Grant (1869-1877): His administration was racked with scandal and a depression hit in his second term which he could not handle. On the positive side, he defended African American rights, destroyed the first KKK, and helped pass the 15th Amendment which guaranteed black voting rights.

The Failures

Here is the final installment on the presidents. This final list includes the seven presidential failures including the reason for their inclusion on the list. They are ordered chronologically.

1. Franklin Pierce (1853-1857): Pierce got run down and pushed around by Stephen Douglas when leadership was needed most. He supported the Kansas-Nebraska Act which led to a civil war within the state of Kansas. He could not deal with that crisis and was denied renomination. Kansas-Nebraska helped lead to the Civil War. Pierce retired to a life of alcoholism.

2. James Buchanan (1857-1861): Buchanan was the worst of them all. He was unrepentantly pro-Southern. Buchanan pushed for the Dred Scott decision, the Lecompton Constitution in Kansas, and even thought about attacking the Mormons in Utah to unite the country. When South Carolina left the Union, he did nothing.

3. Andrew Johnson (1865-1869): Johnson did everything he could to block Reconstruction. He did nothing to help the freedmen in the South. Eventually, he was impeached, but acquitted. Johnson would later become Senator from Tennessee.

4. Warren Harding (1921-1923): The first Clinton Administration. Harding's Administration was rife with scandal and devoid of achievements. The Teapot Dome scandal is still one of the greatest scandals in history. On the plus side, he did work for arms limitation and supported Blacks in the South.

5. Herbert Hoover (1929-1933): The Great Depression was not his fault. It struck in his seventh month in office. However, Hoover could not solve the country's woes. Ironically, he was the best man for the job having worked on European relief during World War I. Hoover raised taxes and tariffs which made things worse. Hoover did try an unprecedented governmental aid program, but most people do not know this because FDR's New Deal dwarfed it. (FDR did not end the Depression either). The government has never fixed an economic downturn. In 1932, a group of World War I vets marched on Washington asking for their war bonus early. The army rolled in the tanks. It was an American Tiananmen Square and an exclamation mark on the Hoover years.

6. Jimmy Carter (1977-1981): No man has ever been less qualified for office (unless Obama wins in 2008). Carter's policies made an economic slowdown worse and led to the misery index (inflation rate + unemployment rate= Misery Index). While in office, Iran took 52 Americans hostage and Carter looked weak and incompetent. On top of this, gas prices went through the roof as did unemployment and inflation. People have been saying the economy today is the worst since the Depression. This is wrong. It is the worst since Jimmy Carter. On top of this, Carter had a super majority in the Congress. He refused to work with them even when Tip O'Neill promised to help pass anything Carter wanted. Carter was defeated in a landslide by Ronald Reagan.

7. Bill Clinton (1993-2001): Clinton set the record for most scandals. He pushed Fannie and Freddie to make risky loans which collapsed the economy. When offered Osama Bin Laden by the Sudan, he refused. When he could have whacked Bin Laden with a missile strike, he refused. Clinton also gave us Monica and was impeached.

The Underachievers

Continuing the categorization of the 43 presidencies, here are the five guys that were below average. They weren't absolute failures, but they were not successful either. Each one served only one term. They are listed chronologically.

1. John Quincy Adams (1825-1829): Adams was a lame duck when he assumed office. Most people voted against him and he ascended to the White House through the mechanisation of Henry Clay. While in office, he did not do much except wait for the whoopin' Jackson would put on him in 1828. The one major piece of legislation was the Tariff of Abominations. This raised tariffs to a ridiculously high rate and caused a rift between north and south.

2. Martin Van Buren (1837-1841): The minute Van Buren took office, a depression hit. As such, he got the blame. The depression did not end until he left office. Now, that was not the reason for his inclusion here. During the Amistad Case, he supported slaveholder interests and while in office was a southern lapdog. He lost his re-election bid to William Henry Harrison.

3. Millard Fillmore (1850-1853): He took office upon the death of Zachary Taylor. He supported the Compromise of 1850 and the horrible Fugitive Slave Law. On the positive side, he peacefully opened Japan to Western Trade. The Japanese celebrate this event to this day.

4. Benjamin Harrison (1889-1893): Presidents can not fix the economy when it heads south. They can help ease the pain or give people hope. On the other hand, presidents can mess up the economy. Harrison's economic plans did just that. In 1893, a panic hit. His one major success was the Sherman Anti-Trust Act which was not really used in the manner it was meant until Theodore Roosevelt.

5. William Howard Taft (1909-1913): The Era of Bungled Diplomacy, the Payne-Aldrich Tariff fiasco, the Income Tax, Dollar Diplomacy, the Ballinger-Pinchot rift, and the Republican Party schism...Taft's Administration sells itself! However, he did bust many monopolies and the country was in decent shape despite the bungling. So, he was not a complete failure!

Greatest Baseball LCS Games Ever

Game 1: Phillies: 4 Braves: 3 (1993): Curt Schilling struck out the first five Braves he faced and 10 overall in 8 innings. The Phillies led going into the 9th, but Atlanta tied it. Kim Batiste doubled in John Kruk in the 10th for the win.

Game 2: White Sox: 2 Angels: 1 (2005): The AJ strikeout play game. AJ strikes out. Josh Paul throws the ball back to the mound. AJ runs to first and is safe. Sox score. Sox win. It gave the Sox the momentum for the rest of the series.

Game 3: Detroit: 1 Kansas City: 0 (1984): Milt Wilcox pitched the game of his career. Willie Hernandez finished it off. Darrell Evans won a footrace with Willie Wilson. Tigers win their first pennant since 1968.

Game 4: Boston: 6 New York: 4 (2004): Yanks were looking to sweep. Boston rallied to tie the game off Mo Rivera in the 9th. In the 12th, David Ortiz homered and the Sox would not lose again.

Game 5: Boston: 7 California: 6 (1986): The Sox were down to their final strike. California and Gene Mauch were onto their first ever World Series. Then, something funny happened on the way to the champagne. Dave Henderson hit a 2 strike homerun to give Boston a 6-5 lead. California would tie it in the bottom half of the 9th. Hendu would win the game on a sac fly in the 11th. The Red Sox would go to the series.

Game 6: Mets: 7 Astros: 6 (1986): Perhaps the greatest game ever. Houston led 3-0 in the 9th. If the Mets lost, they would have to face Mike Scott in Game 7. They tied the game in the 9th. In the 14th, they took the lead, but Billy Hatcher tied it with a homerun. In the 16th, the Mets scored 3 and the Astros scored 2 before Jesse Orosco struck out Kevin Bass on a 3-2 count. Prior to the strikeout, Keith Hernandez told Orosco that if he threw a fastball to Bass, Orosco would die.

Game 7: Atlanta: 3 Pittsburgh: 2 (1992)
Pittsburgh led 2-0 in the 9th. Atlanta had cut the lead to 1. With two out, Francisco (10 at bats) Cabrera hit a pinch hit single to score the tying run and then after what seemed like a year, Sid Bream to win the pennant.

The Jacobins

Two presidents decided it was their job to spread Democracy to the known universe. One was Woodrow Wilson and the other was George W. Bush. Each believed that a democratized world would lessen the chance of war. At home, each pushed liberal reform agendas, were accused of violating civil liberties, and left office unpopular. Wilson is generally considered a good president. It will take twenty plus years for the final word on George W. Bush. However, if Wilson was a good president, then quite frankly Bush was as well. If Bush was a failure, then so was Wilson. Their records are too similar for it to be any other way.

The Average Joes

Continuing my categorization of the 42 (43 if you count Cleveland twice) presidents. These are the Average Joes. They did not do a bad job, but were not great either. As a result, they are lumped together here. Once again, they are listed chronologically.

1. John Tyler (1841-1845): Tyler took over when Harrison died after one month. He had two major accomplishments. Firstly, Tyler was the first Veep to assume the presidency upon the death of his predecessor. He asserted the right of a Vice President to be President and not just serve as an interim president. This was highly controversial. Second, he annexed Texas on his way out of office. On the downside, Tyler ran as a Whig, but was really a Democrat. When the Whigs passed legislation and sent it to him, he vetoed it. His cabinet resigned and he became a man without a party. After leaving office, he supported the Confederacy during the Civil War.

2. Zachary Taylor (1849-1850): Taylor did not do much in office. He died about a year and a half into office. When California wanted to enter the Union a free state, he supported their petition which caused a firestorm. Despite owning slaves, he opposed the expansion of slavery and the Compromise of 1850. Taylor also threatened to hang anyone that threatened secession from the Union.

3. Rutherford B Hayes (1877-1881): Due to the nature of his elevation to the presidency, he did not get much done and promised to serve only one term. He ended Reconstruction as part of the deal to get the White House, busted the Railroad Strike of 1877, signed a bill to allow women to argue cases before the Supreme Court, and arbitrated the end of The War of Triple Alliance between Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay against Paraguay. His decision made him a hero in Paraguay.

4. Calvin Coolidge (1923-1929): After the corrupt administration of Warren Harding, Coolidge was a breath of fresh air. He kept spending down and cut taxes. Coolidge also signed immigration reform measures. Additionally, he gave citizenship to American Indians and oversaw the first regulations on transportation and radio. Coolidge's Secretary of State, Frank B. Kellogg, negotiated the Kellogg-Briand Pact which renounced and outlawed war. He was elected in his own right in 1924, but declined to run again in 1928.

5. Gerald R. Ford (1974-1977): Ford entered office as a result of Watergate. He started out with a very high approval rating, but decided to pardon Nixon which ended his honeymoon. His rationale was two-fold. First, he feared Nixon's health would continue to deteriorate and he'd die if the pressure was not released. Second, he felt it was better to spare the country the pain of a trial. It was a profile in courage, but cost him the 1976 election. For this, he is known as the "Great Healer." During his term, the economy faltered as a result of government welfare programs and an end of the Vietnam War. Ford's WIN program attempted to fix inflation, but it raised unemployment. Ford admitted it was "too gimmicky." The Vietnam War came to a crashing end as the Communists illegally entered Saigon and the US mounted a day and night rescue mission (you can see the ladder to the helicopter at the US embassy at the Ford Museum). Most importantly, he got the USSR to sign the Helsinki Accord which bound the Soviets to maintain human rights. This treaty sparked Solidarity and signalled the beginning of the end for the Soviets.

#91: KISS

KISS emerged during Rock’s third age. The 60s were dead and glam was the rage. During this period, image was as important as the music. KISS dressed up in Halloween costumes and were determined to give fans their money’s worth. Their music ranged from hard rock to classic rock to glam rock to disco to metal. Critics complain that KISS is too image conscious and more interested in making a buck than in the music. As a result, some have postulated that while most bands want to be The Beatles, KISS wants to be Coca Cola. Whatever the case may be, KISS is the only rock band out there with their own army.

Rock n Roll Moment: Gene’s photo album contains pics of all the girls he has been with. According to Mr. Simmons, he has been with over 1000 women.

Essential KISS: KISS (1974), Alive! (1975), Destroyer (1976)

KISS’ Top 10:
Rock n Roll All Night
Deuce
Strutter
Detroit Rock City
Beth
Hard Luck Woman
I Love It Loud
Creatures of the Night
Lick it Up
Heaven’s on Fire

#92: Smashing Pumpkins

The Pumpkins got a lot a grief for being successful in the 1990s. During that time, every band wanted to be a success, but acted indifferently when success came. When it appeared that a band was trying to be successful, they are accused of selling out. This happened to the Pumpkins. Billy Corgan came from a classic rock background as well as an alternative one. This dichotomy led to Corgan embracing more mainstream influences than others of his generation. They climaxed by the mid 90s and then the decline began. It was a classic "Behind the Music" story. Internal squabbles, personal issues, and drugs tore the band apart by 2000. Corgan and drummer Jimmy Chamberlain recently reconstituted the Pumpkins without D’arcy or James Iha hoping to recapture the glory without all the baggage.

Rock n Roll Moment: Nothing like a good feud. In 2004, Billy Corgan called D’arcy Wretzky “a mean spirited drug addict” and blamed James Iha for the band’s 2000 breakup.

Essential Pumpkins: Gish (1991), Siamese Dream (1993), Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness (1995)

Smashing Pumpkins Top 10:
Bullet with Butterfly Wings
Tonight, Tonight
Cherub Rock
Today
Disarm
Stand Inside Your Love
Tarantula
Siva
Drown
Rhinoceros

#93: Rage Against The Machine

Rage is a highly political; highly volatile band. They do not separate their extremism from their music. Their passion for radical left causes directly impacts their songs and how they do business. For example, they would not sign to a major label unless they had complete creative control. In 2000, they shut down the NYSE during a video shoot. It would be more difficult to get away with their shenanigans if they did not have talent. Rage is one of the last guitar bands and one of the pioneers of metal’s next generation.

Rock n Roll Moment: The video shoot for “Sleep Now in the Fire” caused Wall Street to close and the band to be escorted from the the NYSE.

Essential Rage: Rage Against The Machine (1992), The Battle of Los Angeles (1999)

Rage’s Top 10:
Killing In The Name
Sleep Now in the Fire
Bulls on Parade
Guerilla Radio
Renegades of Funk
Calm Like a Bomb
Testify
Tire Me
People of the Sun
Freedom

#94: Soundgarden

Soundgarden began as a metal band and evolved. By the mid-90s, they had done rock, alternative, classic rock, and psychedelic. Johnny Cash even covered Rusty Cage. Some critics compared them to Led Zeppelin. Then, it ended. When they broke up in 1997, the music industry was undergoing another change. It was moving away from grunge and toward the Spice Girls. Popular music has sucked ever since.

Rock n Roll Moment: Being compared to Led Zeppelin by critics in 1996.

Essential Soundgarden: Badmotorfinger (1991), Superunknown (1994)

Soundgarden’s Top 10:
Outshined
Rusty Cage
Jesus Christ Pose
My Wave
Fell On Black Days
Black Hole Sun
Spoonman
The Day I Tried To Live
Blow Up The Outside World
Burden in My Hand

#95: Motley Crue

Motley Crue came out of the early 80s LA glam scene. Like many bands of the time, they tended to bend the gender thing. Despite their apparent confusion, they were the best of their genre. They had several monster hits in the 1980s. In the early 90s, they jettisoned lead singer Vince Neal in order to go grunge. They failed and eventually brought Vince back and have just released a new album. At their peak, they were as self destructive as a band could be. Nikki Sixx actually died twice, Tommy Lee is known for...well we all know, Vince (allegedly) committed vehicular homicide, and there was also the now famous snort off with Ozzie (ants vs. piss). Few bands have been as destructive as Motley Crue.

Rock n Roll Moment: In 1987, Nikki Sixx was dead for 2 minutes. He OD’d on heroin, but came back from the ether when the paramedics gave him two adrenalin shots to the heart. Afterwards, he went home, snorted some more heroin, and passed out.

Essential Motley Crue: Shout at the Devil (1983), Doctor Feelgood (1989)

Motley Crue’s Top 10:
Shout at the Devil
Looks that Kill
Home Sweet Home
Girls, Girls, Girls
Dr. Feelgood
Kickstart My Heart
Wild Side
Same Ol Situation
Don’t Go Away Mad (Just Go Away)
Saints of Los Angeles

#96: Def Leppard

Def Leppard is one of a select few bands that have had two albums sell over 10 million copies. Pyromania made them stars and Hysteria catapulted them into the super league for a short time. They dominated the radio from the first Reagan Administration right into the Grunge Era. Despite curses, bad luck, deaths, and changing musical stylings, Def Lepp is one of the few 80s metal bands to survive the Grunge meteor that decimated those that came from the 80s. They still make albums today and are a very successful touring group.

Rock Star Moment: On New Year’s Eve 1984, drummer Rick Allen lost his arm in an auto accident. His arm was completely severed by his seat belt. The 21 year old Allen was determined to keep drumming. As a result, he devised a drum kit that would allow him to continue. Allen returned to drumming shortly thereafter and continued his career which lasts to this day.

Essential Def Lep: Pyromania (1983), Hysteria (1987)

Def Lep’s Top 10:
Pour Some Sugar On Me
Armeggedon It
Love Bites
Photograph
Rock of Ages
Foolin’
Hysteria
Animal
Bringin’ On The Heartbreak
White Lightning

#97: Weezer

Weezer broke into the mainstream with 1994’s “Sweater Song.” They followed that up with the iconic video “Buddy Holly.” Buddy Holly is an interesting song. It ties Weezer to Buddy Holly who was the original geek rocker. Weezer has since taken the mantle with a series of successful albums and videos. Despite being the kings of nerd rock, they also tread on areas even metal and rap bands fear to tread. No, not the Muppet Show, but their songs “Hashpipe” and “Dopenose” have a harder darker edge than most acts in the darker genres. That gives them credibility. They do music for art's sake as opposed to doing it for shock value.

Rock Star Moment: The video for “Beverly Hills” was filmed at the Playboy Mansion.

Essential Weezer: The Blue Album (1994), Pinkerton (1996), The Green Album (2001)

Weezer’s Top 10:
Undone- The Sweater Song
Buddy Holly
Hash Pipe
Island in the Sun
Pork and Beans
Beverly Hills
Say It Ain’t So
El Scorcho
We Are All On Drugs
Perfect Situation

#98: Tool

Tool:
Tool is neither metal nor alternative, but they incorporate elements of both. The end result is Art Rock or Prog Rock. The band’s music is metaphorically heavy as they attempt to wed musical and personal evolution into an art form. They have gained a cult following down through the years as they weave complex themes and music together.

Rock Star Moment: The “Prison Sex” controversy of 1994. The song and video dealt with child abuse in a metaphoric way. It was too much for some and the video got dropped from MTV and offended many people with too much time on their hands.

Essential Albums: Aenima (1996)

Tool’s Top 10:
Prison Sex
Sober
Stinkfist
Aenima
Pushit
Schism
Lateralus
The Pot
Vicarious
Jambi

#99: Foo Fighters

The #99 Greatest Rock Artist ever...
The Foo Fighters: Dave Grohl formed the Foo Fighters after the death of Kurt Cobain and played its first gig at a kegger. Dave Grohl proved to be just as talented, albeit more commercial, as Cobain. Grohl began as Nirvana’s drummer, but is now considered one of rock’s best guitarists and writers. The Foo Fighters are grounded in classic and punk rock and are also the world’s greatest cover band (listen to Baker Street, Band on the Run, Have a Cigar). The term “Foo Fighter” is WWII lingo for a UFO.

Rock Star Moment: Their debut took place at a Keg Party in 1995.

Foo Fighter Essential Albums: The Colour and the Shape (1997)

Foo Fighter’s Top 10:
I’ll Stick Around
Big Me
Monkey Wrench
My Hero
Everlong
Learn to Fly
Breakout
Times Like These
The Pretender
Long Road to Ruin

#100: Ringo Starr

I am moving on to my top 100 rock stars. The list is derived based on success, critical acclaim, and my opinion.
This is my list, so Ringo is on it. Ringo is a very influential drummer influencing a variety of drummers ranging from Phil Collins to Alex Van Halen to Dave Grohl. His post Beatles career has been successful and he just released an album this year.
Rock Star Moment: Ringo walks out on Regis (2008). The Regis and Kelly show invited Ringo on to promote his new album. However, the producers wanted him to cut his performance in half. Ringo refused and walked out.
Essential Albums: Ringo (1973)
Signature Song: It Don't Come Easy
Ringo’s Top 10:
You're Sixteen
No No Song
It Don't Come Easy
Photograph
Back Off Boogaloo
Only You (And You Alone)
Beaucoups Of Blues
Oh My My
Liverpool 8
Weight of the World

My All Time Favorites Baseball Team

Here is my all-time (favorites) team:
C- Ted Simmons
1b-Keith Hernandez
2b-Frank White
3b-George Brett
SS- Cal Ripken
RF-Dwight Evans
LF-Willie McGee
CF-Dale Murphy
DH- Darrell Evans
PH- John Grubb
RHP- Curt Schilling (Roger Clemens is suspended)
LHP- Tom Glavine
REL- Jamie "Smoke on the" Walker
Stopper-Dan Quisenberry

Greatest Summer Songs

It's over 90 degrees, humidity is through the roof, and tornadoes are touching down. So, it's time for the top 10 greatest summer songs.
10. Summer Nights- Van Halen (1986): Girls, fishing holes, and radios...it has it all
9. Night Moves- Bob Seger (1976): Someone looking back at the good old days of his youth. It captures the magic of discovery with the sad part of growing older.
8. Summer Nights- Olivia Newton-John & John Travolta (1978): Gives both the guy and girl version of a summertime fling.
7. Good Vibrations, I Get Around, California Girls, etc- The Beach Boys (1962-2008): The Beach Boys are the boys of summer. Their earlier work was groundbreaking and themes usually included summertime fun.
6. Heat Wave- Martha Reeves and The Vandellas (1963)- This is self explanatory
5. Girls in their Summer Clothes- Bruce Springsteen (2008)- An older version of summer. The main character watches the girls go by...hinting at a time when they did not turn their heads and walk away.
4. Summer in the City- The Lovin' Spoonful (1966)- The Lovin' Spoonful paint a vivid picture of summer with grit, jackhammers, car horns, and so on.
3. The Boys of Summer- Don Henley (1985)- An eery look back at a summer relationship that is no more. Don't look back; you can never look back!
2. Summer of '69- Bryan Adams (1985)- Another nostalgic look back at the teen years. Adams was like 8 that summer...
1. Summertime Blues-The Who (1970)- This song has it all. Teen angst, evil congressmen, a tough father... "I'd like to help you son, but you're too young to vote!" "You can't take the car because you didn't work late!" Townsend's guitar, Daltrey's vocals, Entwhistle's vocal interplay with Daltrey, and of course Keith Moon! Does not get better.
Tags: Summer Songs, The Who, Bryan Adams, Bruce Springsteen, Martha Reeves, Lovin' Spoonful, Van Halen, The Beach Boys, Classic Rock

Greatest 1990s Music Artists

Top 10 Musical Acts of the 1990s (Arranged Alphabetically):
Criteria: Success and Acclaim
Dr. Dre: From NWA to the Chronic, Dre was a pioneer of gangster rap. His 1992 album, The Chronic, is a rap classic.
Metallica: Most early 90s music was a reaction to the crap-a-rama that was hair metal. Metallica led the charge by staying true to metal. They hit it big in the late 80s with "One" and then hit the mega-league with the "Black" album featuring "Enter Sandman." Despite the haircuts, they remained popular throughout the decade experimenting with different styles including symphonic.
Nirvana: They were the meteor that destroyed the dinosaurs. In a firestorm, they reworked the entire music scene. Kurt Cobain could not handle success and Nirvana died with him. The music scene he ushered in died shortly thereafter as music execs wanted more pliable artists and younger audiences wanted bubble gum music.
Pearl Jam: This is a band that would have been successful at any time during the rock era. Despite being labeled alternative, they really are nothing more than a classic rock band.
Radiohead: The most non-commercial monster band ever. Their fans are fanatical and their music is unique. They are also one of the most fan friendly bands around as they recently allowed fans to pick their price for the download of their latest album.
R.E.M.: They created alternative music. The 90s alt revolution began with "Losing My Religion." Their follow up, "Automatic for the People" was decidedly dark and non-commercial. The next album was a guitar driven "Monster." After three huge albums and a mega recording contract, they decided to experiment and their record sales tanked.
Smashing Pumpkins: Like Pearl Jam, the Pumpkins are a band inspired by classic rock. Instead of The Who, they wanted to be like Pink Floyd. Their albums got exceedingly bigger before the decline of the record industry hit them. They broke up and have since gotten back together.
Soundgarden: They began as a metal band and morphed into a classic rock band. Chris Cornell is probably the best vocalist of the period. When they dissolved in 1997, it seemed like the end of an era. Rock was on the way out and Britney Spears was on the way in.
2Pac: The son of a Black Panther and street poet. 2Pac has a Elvis like following amongst some people. His untimely death created a symbol.. He was another casualty of the street.
U2: Like I'd have a list without U2...they redefined themselves in the 90s. They went from pretentious rock stars to pretentious rock stars embracing rock stardom. Everything got bigger for a band that was already the biggest in the world. They redefined their image and their music and then went about redefining the world.
Honorable mentions:
Alice in Chains: Very talented band that kids probably don't remember.Arrested Development: A great example of early 90s creativity.Beck: I always thought he was strange.Garbage: Shirley Manson defined what a 90s woman should be like.Green Day: Not really a punk band, but had a lot of catchy hooks. They'd hit their peak in the 00s.Guns n Roses: What could have been...Nine Inch Nails: After Cobain, Trent Reznor was proclaimed spokesman of the 90s generation.Rage Against the Machine: They amuse me.Red Hot Chili Peppers: They fell into the Aerosmith slow song ballad trap.Tool: The Prog Rock kings of the decade.

Greatest 1980s Artists

Here are the Greatest Artists of the 80s. This is based on critical claim, sales, and importance. Artists are alphabetical.
The Top 10
Phil Collins: Phil was EVERYWHERE during the 80's. From the groundbreaking use of "black music" on Face Value through his campaign for the homeless in the late 80's, Phill was the man.
Def Leppard: They had two albums that sold over 10 million copies.
Guns n Roses: While everyone else was looking like Dark Maine of the X Games and putting out really bad hair metal, GnR reinvigorated rock with Appetite for Destruction and actually put the first nail in the coffin for the 1980s.
Michael Jackson: If Jacko does not get on MTV and moonwalk,then hip hop and rap never break into the mainstream. He opened the door for black artists during that period.
Madonna: Her music was/is very thin, but she was/is a marketing genius.
The Police: Had they stayed together, they would have been the biggest band of the decade.
Prince: Clapton said everyone else should just give up because Prince was so talented.
Run DMC: They were the prototype for Public Enemy. They bridged the gap between Grandmaster Flash and Enemy. Their collaboration with Aerosmith blew open the door for rap and hip hop and was an early example of rap/rock.
Bruce Springsteen: The River, Nebraska, Born in the USA, Tunnel of Love, and Live 1975-1985
U2: U2 developed from a New Wave curiousity to a popular rock band to the biggest band in the universe over the course of 8 or 9 years. Their progress was steady and unrelenting. At decade's end, they were burnt. In early 90s Berlin, they re-emerged to once again become the biggest band in the universe.
Honorable Mention
AC/DC: They became bigger after they lost their lead singer to rock n roll excess.
Duran Duran: Great music videos, good looks, and catchy hooks
Genesis: Phil's other project (he was everywhere)
Billy Joel: We may never be free of Billy Joel.
Judas Priest: The Godfather's of metal. They created the look based on gay fashion.
Tom Petty: Steady hit producer and great songwriter.
Public Enemy: They set the stage for the Rap Revolution that was coming. While Run DMC, Vanilla Ice and Hammer opened the door to rap to mainstream audiences, Public Enemy opened the door to the next generation of rappers that included Tupac, Biggie, and the like.
R.E.M.: Created Alternative Rock and broke it into the mainstream.
Talking Heads: Same as it ever was....
Van Halen: They became more popular after dumping their popular lead singer and face of the group!

What Could Have Been...

Two presidents could have been amongst the greats. They racked up impressive legislative victories and reformed government. One helped usher in the Second Reconstruction while the other changed the Cold War paradigm. However, their own obsessive compulsive behaviors led to tragedy. LBJ got bogged down in Vietnam which cost 58,000 American lives, his programs are directly responsible for the deficits that followed in the 1970s and 1980s, and Johnson lost the South for the Democrats which guaranteed GOP ascendancy over the last 40 years. Richard Nixon was forced to resign because of Watergate and some have argued his China policy led directly to recent Chinese ascendancy (I guess the Chinese had nothing to do with it). In the end, those two mistakes (Vietnam for Johnson and Watergate for Nixon) will cling to these two men's legacies forever and overshadow their real contributions.
Lyndon Johnson (1963-1969): Won 1964 election with 61% of the vote
Civil Rights Act (1964)Medicare/Medicaid
Urban Renewal
War on Poverty
Education Reform
Voting Rights Act (1965)
Conservation
Clean air and water
Fair Housing Act (1968)

Richard Nixon (1969-1974):
Re-elected with 60% of the vote
Opened China
Ended Vietnam War
Detente
School Integration
Created the EPA and OSHA
Conservation
Clean air and water
Setup the GOP takeover of the South

Both men had impressive records. However, poor choices led to unequaled unpopularity and historical oblivion.

The Goods (part 2)

Here is the second part of the list of good presidents:
They are listed chronologically.
1. Chester Arthur (1881-1885): He took over when Garfield was assassinated. While in office, he racked up a considerable (for the time) list of reforms. Arthur proved uncontrollable, so the party bosses had to get rid of him. He lost the nomination in 1884 to James Blaine. Blaine lost the election.
2. Grover Cleveland (1885-1889, 1893-1897): Grover Cleveland is the only president to serve two non-consecutive terms. He is the only Democrat to be elected to office between 1860-1912. The most important piece of legislation passed under him was the Interstate Commerce Act which became the basis for all government regulation. He also pushed for a sound economy and anti-inflationary measures.
3. William McKinley (1897-1901): William McKinley was the GOP's James K Polk. He oversaw the Spanish-American War and the acquisition of overseas colonies. McKinley opposed going to war with Spain until The USS Maine blew up in Havana Harbor. Everyone blamed Spain and the war was on. The US acquired Guam, The Philippines, Gitmo, and Puerto Rico.
4. John F. Kennedy (1961-1963): Domestically, Kennedy did not get much done legislatively. He did help the Civil Rights Movement and aided James Meredith integrate Ole Miss. Kennedy also stopped the USSR from depositing missiles in Cuba. Had he failed, you would not be reading this and he'd be a failure. Kennedy had two major failures in foreign policy. One was the Bay of Pigs mistake and the other was his first summit with Khrushchev. Overall, his record was solid.
5. George H. W. Bush (1989-1993): A decade ago, he'd have been a rung down on this ladder, but his stock has improved amongst historians and even his enemies. He stopped Iraqi Aggression in Kuwait and did not get the country bogged down in Iraq. When Panama declared war, he finished it. Bush also passed the last real piece of civil rights legislation with the ADA. On the other hand, the country underwent a slight recession and he lost the 1992 election because of Ross Perot.
Tags: The Presidency, Politics, Chester Arthur, Presidents, Grover Cleveland, William McKinley, Spanish American War, John F. Kennedy, Cuban Missile Crisis, George HW Bush, Bush 41, Iraq

The Goods (part 1)

We now move to the good presidents. They were better than average (or adequate), but not great. Some died before they could rise higher or fall lower while others served only one term for one reason or another. This is the first grouping of good presidents. They are listed chronologically.
1. John Adams (1797-1801): Adams' historical reputation suffers for three reasons. One, he followed Washington and preceded Jefferson. Two, he was not re-elected in 1800 (thanks to the 3/5 clause). Three, those pesky Alien and Sedition Acts are more despised today because of Bush haters than they were in 1800. Another lesser factor is today's psychobabble has crept into the culture to such an extent, that Adams loses points for his personality. Well, Adams continued many of Washington's policies, created the navy, and kept the U.S. out of a war with France that his own party demanded. Not too bad.
2. Thomas Jefferson (1801-1809): Most historians rank Jefferson with the greats. He did have an amazingly successful first term with the Louisiana Purchase and Lewis and Clark Expedition. He was easily re-elected. Jefferson's second term was a disaster. He caused a depression by ending all trade, gutted the military so it was not prepared for the War of 1812, and was less popular in New England than George W Bush is in San Francisco today. As a result, I split the difference and place him here.
3. James Madison (1809-1817): Madison's tenure was dominated by the War of 1812. He did what he could to avoid it, but failed. When the war was over, the US was lucky to survive (The White House got torched) and actually came out the victor thanks to Andy Jackson. Madison's big mistake was eliminating the Bank of the United States which made financing the war difficult.
4. James Monroe (1817-1825): The Times were a Changin'. The economy was beginning to shift, America no longer feared Europe, and the Federalist Party died leaving only the Democrats. Monroe had three major issues to confront. In 1818-1819, he sent Andy Jackson to take out Indian guerrillas wrecking havoc in Georgia. The end result was the acquisition of Florida. In 1819, the North and South had their first spat over slavery. The Missouri Compromise set the precedent of compromise between sections on the slavery issue. Some have attacked this as the North approving slavery. However, it bought time. By the time the two sections came to blows over slavery, the North could overwhelm the South. Lastly, when those pesky Russians and crazy Frenchmen eyed the Americas for conquest, Monroe (and Britain) issued his doctrine banning European colonization of the New World. His doctrine has guided American foreign policy ever since.
5. James K. Polk (1845-1849): Polk avoided war with Britain and settled a longstanding border dispute over the Canadian Border. He solved the bank problem with his independent treasury. He led America to victory in the Mexican War and conquered the Southwest. (There is some controversy over who started it and some blame Polk for manufacturing a war for slave interests).

The Greats

Just beneath the "Saviors," there are the "Greats." These five presidents redefined the presidency, the national interest, or the nation itself. None of them were perfect, but they all stood heads and tails above the rest. What separates them from the saviors is the lack of mortal danger the nation faced. What separates them from all others is their force of will which changed the nation in some way. Again, these are in chronological order.
1. Andrew Jackson (1829-1837): Jackson embodied the "common man." Andrew Jackson took up the mantle of universal (white) manhood suffrage and made it his cause. During the 1820s, suffrage expanded dramatically and Jackson rode the wave to Washington. As president, he expanded the office's powers while decentralizing the government. He usually won his battles. He even paid off the national debt. His advocacy of the little guy has been a standard Democratic battle cry long after they abandoned the little guy. Although, his handling of the Bank War and the withdrawal of funds led to his censure and Indian Removal is a major stain on his record. Overall, Jackson's policies of small government, strong central authority, and support for the average citizen led to this period being labeled "The Age of Jackson."
2. Theodore Roosevelt (1901-1909): TR's policies and beliefs had a profound impact on the country (and his cousin Franklin). The only side he took during labor disputes was that of the consumer. He was also the first president to advocate consumer protection. While president, he balanced the extreme right and left and steered a middle course. On the international level, he was the first American President to be considered an equal with the Europeans. He even won the Nobel Peace Prize for arbitrating the end of the Russo-Japanese War. Even more than his predecessor, Roosevelt pushed America's place in the world. He sent the US fleet on a world tour to demonstrate American power and built the Panama Canal. It was Roosevelt and his Big Stick Policy that turned America into a World power following the Spanish-American War.
3. Harry S. Truman (1945-1953): While TR turned America into a player on the world stage, Truman turned the player into a leader. This transition occurred during World War II under FDR, but following the war, most people expected America to turn inward again. Instead, Truman went on a crusade against Communism. He rebuilt Europe, established NATO as a defensive alliance, and promised to stand up against Stalin and the Commies wherever they were in the world. This led to the Berlin Airlift, Marshall Plan, Truman Doctrine, and Korean War. Harry Truman initiated the Containment Policy to keep the Communists hemmed in. This policy was (more or less) followed by America until the late 1970s. Truman's policy, followed by his successors, probably helped save many in the world from communist dictatorships.
4. Dwight Eisenhower (1953-1961): Ike? Am I kidding? No. Eisenhower has been slowly inching up the presidential rankings for the last decade. His solid, no frills leadership in the 1950s was exactly what people wanted. When Russia detonated their a-bombs, people knew they would not mess with the US with Ike in the White House. When Sputnik was launched, Ike stopped a panic. When a mob went after children trying to desegregate Little Rock Central High School, Ike sent in the military to protect them. When people began to look at Vietnam, Ike said it was not worth the time. When people wanted out of Korea, Ike went to Korea. On top of all of this, Ike built the national highway system that made modern America. With the highway system, Americans created the suburbs. Indeed, Ike belongs on this list.
5. Ronald Reagan (1981-1989): When Reagan took office, the Soviet Union was waging proxy wars all over the globe, had invaded Afghanistan, there were hostages being held in Iran, and unemployment and inflation combined were at about 25%. When Reagan left office, the Soviets were on the vergeof destruction, had lost the war in Afghanistan, the hostages were returned home the minute Reagan assumed office, and unemployment and inflation were under control and continued to fall for another generation. Some credit Gorbachev with many of the changes. Although it is true he opened the USSR up politically, his economic reforms designed to reinvigorate communism failed as the pressure the US placed on them came to bear. The end result, America was the world's only super power. TR would have been proud.

The Ungradeables

Two presidents served such a short time in office, they can not be adequately evaluated.
1. William Henry Harrison served one month in 1841. After being elected in the first modern style election, he gave the longest inaugural address in history. Unfortunately, he did not adjust for the weather. Harrison caught pneumonia and died one month into his term.
2. James Garfield made it six months before being assassinated by Charles Guiteau. Guiteau believed Garfield owed him a government job. When he did not receive what he believed to be his reward, he stalked and then shot the president. Unlike Harrison, Garfield did have one accomplishment in office. He busted up the corrupt New York Customs House.

The Greats

There are three presidents that deserve to be in a category all their own. They are the saviors. Each one faced a crisis that could have destroyed the country and steered the country through. At various points in their presidencies, America could have ceased being America. They are listed chronologically.
1. George Washington. When Washington took office, no one was sure what the Constitution meant. He put the skin on the skeletal document. On top of this, his force of will kept people in line. He was not dictatorial. Instead, people worshiped and respected him. When Jeffersonian clubs threatened to tear the country apart, he told them to disband and they did. When Whiskey Rebels threatened the government's authority, he put down their revolt (and then pardoned them). Washington was no king. Instead of serving for life, he stepped down after two terms. On his way out, he warned against factionalism and foreign alliances/entanglements. Had Washington not been president, there was a real chance the U.S. would have broken up into 13 countries.
2. Abraham Lincoln. The South left the Union and Lincoln forced them to come back. Along the way, he freed the slaves, limited states' rights, modernized government, and centralized federal power. If someone else had been president during the war, the U.S. and C.S.A. would have been two countries. Many wanted to let the South go. Lincoln said no and used everything in his power to keep them from leaving.
3. Franklin Roosevelt. FDR faced two crises. The Great Depression ravaged America and the government seemed helpless. His New Deal did not end the depression, but it gave people hope, modernized government, saved capitalism, and staved off revolution. While Germany produced Hitler, America produced Roosevelt. FDR was quick to recognize the Nazi threat and mobilized as best he could for war. When it came, he put the full force of the United States into winning it. His advocacy of basic human rights and stance against fascism helped save the world.

I Voted For It Before I Voted Against It...

George W Bush had the most successful legislative term since the 1960s. After leading the country through 911, passing several high profile bills, and overthrowing a bloodthirsty dictator in Iraq, Bush was easily renominated. The Democrats had to scramble to pick a nominee.
Early on, Howard Dean led the Democratic field. He was able to direct leftbot rage about the 2000 election and the Iraq War to take the lead. However, he made an error and screamed during one of his speeches and came off like just another left wing nut. The Democrats had no idea whom to turn to. So, for no apparent reason, they chose John Kerry. Kerry came across like Thurston Howell III from Gilligan’s Island and made several gaffes.
The Republicans labeled Kerry a “Massachusetts liberal.” Kerry’s liberal voting record hurt him and made him look like weak. Once Kerry selected pretty boy Senator John Edwards for his running mate, the GOP called them “the ambiguously gay duo.” Again reinforcing Kerry as something less than safe. Additionally, he told a crowd he voted for war funding before voting against it. That finished Kerry. The Bush campaign hammered him. When Kerry went windsurfing, it became an ad about flip flopping.
Kerry’s big advantage was his service in Vietnam. This became a liability when several of his comrades attacked him. During the war, Kerry accused American troops of atrocities and hung out with Hanoi Jane Fonda. Anti-Kerry vets became known as “Swift Boat Veterans” after the vehicle they used in Vietnam. Attacking a candidate with truthful allegations has become known as “Swift boating” by the left. The term is meant to denigrate accusations made against candidates, but in reality the swift boaters simply used Kerry’s words and actions against him.
Despite what many on the left hoped and believed, Kerry had little chance. Bush won. Voters felt Kerry was too liberal and too scary to elect. Bush was a known commodity and had a solid record. Bush’s second term would be rudderless and unsuccessful until his final year in office. Kerry would return to the senate and whine about the 2004 campaign.