Top American Bands II - Honorable Mentions

Ever since I posted the Top Ten American Bands Countdown, all I can think about are the bands that could have made the list... There are a lot of great bands out there, and I would be remiss if I didn't do an honorable mention list, and even with adding an extra ten bands, there are still some that were highly considered but didn't make it. Some of my personal favorite American bands (Cake, Weezer, Maroon 5, Counting Crows) still didn't make it onto either list!! Anyway - this is essentially MY list of the top American bands that I'd categorize as being ranked 11-20 on a countdown...

20) The Glen Miller Orchestra
Ok - so it's a Big Band - that still counts, right? Big Band music pervaded American culture for years, and the sound was perhaps best captured by the Glen Miller Orchestra. Most of the classic big band tunes that people know were made popular by this "band," who's sound dominated the airways from the 1930s-50s.

19) Live
They made some great alternative music back in the day - some great rockin' songs, but also some really insightful and soulful hits. Their ability to completely mix it up, earns them a spot on the honorable mentions list.

18) Linkin Park
I don't really like LP, but I'll give them credit for evolving over the years. They went from every song sounding virtually the same, to their last album effort, which was very solid and complex. The fact that their still around weeds them out from a lot of the other crap bands that surfaced around the same time they did.

17) Guns 'N' Roses
At first, this seems like a band more suited for the Top Ten Hair Bands, and while they would make that list too, I think they deserve a spot here as well. While so many of their contemporaries are laughable now, we're still enjoying great songs like November Rain and Sweet Child of Mine. Axel Rose may have been a pain, but the songs still rock.

16) Pearl Jam
One of the first grunge bands, and I personally think, the best. They made several hit albums, and are still together at touring nearly 20 years later.

15) The Doors
I don't get it - I don't particularly like their music, but everyone else does - everyone seems to talk about how ground breaking they were. I think Morrison's antics did more to break ground than their music did, but I'll defer to everyone and at least put them on this second tier list.

14) The Ramones
Their influence on the Punk scene goes without saying.

13) Greenday
They brought punk music into the homes of kids and adults who had never considered listening to punk music before, by adding a solid rock component as well. They opened the door for bands like Blink 182.

12) Nine Inch Nails
So, NIN is really more one guy, than it is a band, but not entirely - so Trent Reznor makes the list for being incredibly innovative, and for making songs that are really good to listen to, but which often have so many layers of sounds that they almost become freaky!

11) Tool
I'm not sure there is a band out there that could consistently top the level of sophistication Tool manages in their songs. Their talent seems to know no bounds. Maynard is such a great singer - sings with passion without screaming, and really has a beautiful voice. The lyrics are always phenomenal, and the best thing, is that so many of their songs completely change right in the middle, without a loss of continuity. The only reason they didn't make the top ten is simply because they are a relatively little known band to mainstream America.

Top Ten American Bands

So I thought I'd put together a list of what I perceive to be the top ten AMERICAN bands of all time. A lot of things played into the list - these aren't my favorite bands - not by a long shot - but they are the bands I think are the most influential and/ or have been the most successful over the years. Again, these are bands, not individual artists.

Here it is - MY countdown of the Top Ten American Bands...

10) Red Hot Chili Peppers

• The Chili Peppers have been around for quite a while now, and still make hits. They edged out several very worthy bands to make the list, primarily because they get sooooo much air play. Can you really go more than a couple of days without hearing one of their songs on a rock station? Go ahead, take the challenge!

9) The Eagles

• Besides Hotel California, I don't even like any songs by The Eagles, BUT the Eagles have sold more albums than any other American Band, and that's why they make my list. I'm not sure why or how that happened, but it is still a fact.

8) Dave Matthews Band

• The DMB came out during the peak of the Alternative Music craze, and managed to become popular with their own unique sound. Their popularity still sells out venues.

7) Aerosmith

• Longevity and countless hits! From the 70's through the 90s, Aerosmith has been a force. And of course, they introduced white America to rap music with "Walk This Way," which was an important development in American Music.

6) R.E.M.

• Though not quite as relevant as they once were, R.E.M. is still together, still touring and still making albums. They were making alternative rock music, before that was even a recognized genre. Groundbreaking and consistent hits throughout the 80s and 90s earn them a spot in my countdown.

5) Van Halen

• Three decades of music, and two lead singers, both of which were very successful for the band. I am personally a Van Haggar fan, but I know those who love Diamond Dave are very loyal. But regardless of your top choice, there are few people who can't appreciate what Van Halen has been able to accomplish over the years.

4) The Beach Boys

• Though the Beach Boys don't seem to fit with the rest of the bands on this list, I do find them to be very influential and let's face it, no one has ever been able to duplicate their sound. When you hear a Beach Boys song on the radio, you know who it is without having to strain your brain to figure it out. Their hits - and there are many of them - are classics.

3) The Grateful Dead

• The Dead Heads are who put the Dead so high on the list.... Legions of fans who would follow the band anywhere, even after the death of the lead singer, put the Dead into the top three.

2) Nirvana

• I don't even like Nirvana's music. While I far prefer the music of Pearl Jam and other bands of the Seattle Sound, it is Nirvana that is widely recognized as being the leader of the Grunge movement, and thank God for it. In a time when pop music was really pitiful, grunge was a welcome change.

1) Metallica

• Most every classic rock or general rock station has a time for "Mandatory Metallica." I think that says it all... any band that has that kind of national impact like that, deserves special attention. And needless to say - the band is damned talented.

Top Ten Most Socially Impactful Sit-Coms of All Time

I was watching an episode of the Office last night on Hulu, and was laughing the whole way through. Sit-Coms are great for allowing you to escape the real world for 30 minutes in order to do nothing but enjoy yourself. But over the years, there have been Sit-Coms that have done more than just entertained. Today, it's hard to imagine a time in which sex, drugs, inter-racial relationships, homosexuality, single parents, etc. did not have a place in entertainment, but the time existed, not all that long ago. But thanks to many shows that managed to shake and/ or alter social norms with their content, television enjoys a much freer landscape now. For that reason alone these ground-breaking shows should be held in higher esteem than your Gilligan's Islands and Brady Bunches of the Sit-Com world. (All apologies to Sherwood Schwartz who created both shows - they had their place!)

So here is MY list of the Top Ten Most Socially Impactful American Sit-Coms of All Time...

10) The Cosby Show (1984-1992)

• The first show to feature an African American family, in an otherwise typical show about an upper-middle class family. Race was never really an issue - in other words, it wasn't a show about a black family trying to make it in a white world - it was just a show about a normal African-American family, and that was refreshing!

9) The Mary Tyler Moore Show (1970-1977)

• This made the list because it was one of the first, and one of the most successful, sit-coms to showcase a competent, professional woman making it on her own without a man. Though it seems unfathomable to us now, at one point, doing so was a radical concept.

8) Soap (1977-1981)

• Though there was another openly gay character portrayed years before (1972) on a little known show called "The Corner Bar," Billy Crystal's portrayal of Jodie Dallas on "Soap" seems to be the first openly gay character that made into mainstream American consciousness through a sit-com. Clearly, such a feat deserves a spot on the countdown.

7) Maude (1972-1978)

• Bea Arthur's shows made the list twice, first with Maude - a show about an opinionated woman, who had been married four times (scandalous enough on it's own). Maude makes the list for being the first show to bring the still-highly volatile issue of Abortion to the sit-com stage.

6) Roseanne (1988-1997)

• Long acknowledged as the first sit-com to show us how MOST Americans lived - Roseanne showed us the lighter, and sometimes darker, side of lower-middle class America., and the realities most people dealt with.

5) M.A.S.H. (1972-1983)

• Though MASH depicted the trials of a medical army unit during the Korean War, it began while US troops were very much still engaged in the Vietnam Conflict, so the commentary on the futility of war was clearly aimed at the current times. Though it was a sit-com, many of episodes addressed the difficulties the soldiers faced during the war, and the uncertainty they encountered at the prospect of returning home.

4) One Day at A Time (1975-1984)

• One of the first, and most successful, sit-com to focus on a divorcee raising two teenagers on her own. Be proud single moms!

3) The Golden Girls (1985-1992)

• The show that reminded us that advanced age doesn't make you stop living. The show that informed us all that no matter how old you are, you can still be active, vital, and very sexual! I think this show made us all look at our grandparents a little differently.

2) The Jeffersons (1975-1985)

• Unlike The Cosby Show, The Jeffersons WAS about an African American family coming up from nothing and becoming very successful. The Jeffersons made it to #2 on the list because it was the first mainstream sitcom to feature an inter-racial couple (the Willises).

1) All in the Family (1971-1979)

• All in the Family is at the top of the list, not for one reason, but for many. The show constantly challenged the boundaries of what was considered socially acceptable, and it was so highly rated, the social commentaries surely permeated into mainstream consciousness. Archie Bunker's ignorance knew no bounds... from religion to race - nothing was sacred on All in the Family. Interestingly, two of the other shows on this countdown (Maude and the Jeffersons) were spin-offs of the show.

Top Ten Reasons to Love The Pittsburgh Steelers

I'm just so overjoyed by the Steelers' Super Bowl XLIII victory that I had to do a countdown pertaining to my favorite sports team of all time. Why do I bleed Black 'n' Gold? You'll see with MY Top Ten Reasons to Love the Pittsburgh Steelers...

10) No Cheerleaders

• Cheerleaders? We don't need no stinkin' Cheerleaders! This is Football, baby!!

9) The Terrible Towel

• Who doesn't love to see the black and gold towels waving wherever the Steelers are playing. It's a bonding sign between fans. I, for one, have 6 of my own! They are a must for every fan, and for ever Steeler game.

8) Heinz Field

• The home of the Pittsburgh Steelers deserves a spot on the list for a couple reasons. Only a few years old, Heinz Field is home of the Heinz Red Zone - where giant ketchup bottles on either side of the jumbotron open up when the Steelers are in the red-zone and "pour ketchup" (red lights) It's fun! Plus, where else can you buy Iron City Beer during a football game? No where I know of!

7) Traditional Uniforms

• While other teams have changed their uniforms completely over the years, even their logos and color schemes, the Pittsburgh Steelers have kept the same Black and Gold home and away uniforms for approximately 40 years now. Some stripes may have widened here and there, but overall, the look and feel is the same. Plus, I can't think of any other city in the country where all the professional sports teams have the same colors, but the Pirates and the Penguins both share the black 'n' gold with the Steelers. Why? Those colors make up the official flag of the City of Pittsburgh. Now that's solidarity.

6) The Coaches

• Since the onset of the Super Bowl era, the Steelers have only had FOUR, that's right just four, head coaches. Most head coaches are lucky if they keep an NFL job for 4 or 5 years, but there have only been four of them in Pittsburgh in 43 years. The first one, Bill Austin, was admittedly only around for a few years, but Chuck Noll coached for the Steelers for an amazing 23 years, and Bill Cowher for a nearly impressive 14 years and both men left of their on volition. It's an impressive testament to the faith the organization puts into its head coaches.

5) The Players

• Players come and go, this is true, but it's not so much the individuals I'm referencing here, as much as it is the type of player the Steelers draft and sign. It's rare to see a guy who likes to showboat or turn "Hollywood" play for the Steelers. The organization tends to lean towards guys who will play as a team, and allow the fans to win them over by making us all feel like they are just regular guys. Guys like Jerome Bettis, Willie Parker and Hines Ward truly embody this spirit, but the tradition of such players goes back far further than "the Bus."

4) Smathmouth Football

• This is football - it's a tough hard nosed, beat-em-up game. And no one does it better than the Steelers. They are known for their hard-pounding running game, and the tough, never say die attitude. They love to get physical, and play hard-core. None of this pretty West Coast Offense for us... just keep pounding the rock!

3) Rooney Family

• The biggest reason that the team has retained its identity for all these years, is the fact that the team has been owned by only one family for its entire 76 year history. The Rooney Family has owned the team and has been committed to excellence. In the hands of another owner, the team likely wouldn't be the Steelers we know today. And Pittsburgh loves the Rooneys - we even named our dog Rooney!

2) Steeler Nation

• Tales have been told that no matter where you go in the world there is a "Steeler Bar" where you can enjoy the game with fellow fans. I don't know exactly how true it is that there is one in EVERY city, but I know there is a lot of love for the Steelers in the world. Just before this Super Bowl, there were soldiers who flew their terrible towels over Afghanistan - and the photos then seemingly made their way to every Steeler fan in the world! The fans are great, whether they are in Pittsburgh, or anywhere else.

1) Six-Burgh

• Six Lombardi Trophies - the only team that can claim that. I think that says it all!

Top Ten Most Overexposed Celebrities

You simply can't go a day without hearing or reading something about at least one of these celebs, and quite frankly, I'm sick of it. I suppose by even creating this list I'm just overexposing them further, but nonetheless, here is MY list of the Top Ten Most Overexposed Celebrities...

10) Beyonce

• Look, don't get me wrong, the girl can sing, and she's beautiful, and she's even an entertaining actress. But here's the deal - she's been doing all of those things for about a decade now and she's still only in her mid-20s, so how much longer are we going to have to experience Beyonce incessantly?!

9) Jennifer Aniston

• Does anyone really care any more if she's upset by Brad and Angelina having their 18th kid? Get over it already! And who is she dating now? I have to tell you, I'm on the edge of my seat waiting for my next Entertainment Weekly to show up to let me know. (Please note sarcasm!) Shouldn't you actually have to do some recent movies or tv in order to stay so firmly entrenched in the limelight?

8) Paris Hilton

• Why is she even famous? Rich parents? Sex Tape? Partying? Jail? Tons of Reality Shows featuring her? Take your pick, but the fact that I am able to list so many reasons why she is famous just further proves how overexposed she is!

7) Tom Cruise

• Ok, so the Tom Cruise craze of seeing and hearing about him constantly has waned a bit recently, but any time there is a reference to be made about Scientology, there he is! He's just got a little too kooky, and a lot too overexposed for me to even remotely care anymore.

6) Katie Holmes

• The better half of TomKat edges out her hubby for a higher spot on the list for one reason... we see just as much, if not more, about her, but I have to ask - Why is she even famous?? Aside from being the mother to Tom Cruise's child, the best thing she has on her resume is Dawson's Creek, and that's not saying much. Overexposed and under-talented - that's a bad combination.

5) Jessica Simpson

• Speaking of overexposed and under-talented - or maybe in this case, I should just say untalented. Really, the best thing she has going for her is her body and her beauty, and to make matters worse, she's recently become very average looking weight-wise. I'm not saying she's fat, but she's definitely chubby for Hollywood. Her reality show with her former hubby proved she's not the brightest bulb in the box (Yes, Jess, Chicken of the Sea is chicken, and deviled eggs are actually possessed by satan!) And worse yet, she has become a part of Sunday football - I hope she and Tony Romo break up before next season! So for all these reasons, I'm just sick of seeing her face all over everything.

4) Madonna

• She is just the queen of staying in the spotlight. If more than a few months have gone by without a tabloid or confirmed rumor about Madonna, I get concerned that something has happened to her. For over 20 years now, she's been overexposed. That's a really amazing feat!

3) Brad Pitt

• So he's good looking, so he's a decent actor, so he's "dating" one of the most beautiful women in Hollywood... that just doesn't excuse the fact that he's an adulterer. I'm also really sick of hearing about all the do-good charity stuff. Most celebrities do their fair share of charity work - why do we hear so much more about Brangelina? Which of course brings me to his better (?) half...

3) Angelina Jolie

• If she gets pregnant again or adopts another child, I think someone should investigate whether or not she actually knows all her children's names. I suppose she could just cheat by looking at one of her many tattoos... surely her kids' names are permanently on her body somewhere. Why is the country so fascinated with her? Doesn't anyone remember that she used to be married to Billy Bob Thornton, and used to wear a vile of his blood around her neck? Or that when she won her Oscar, she practically French kissed her own brother? I say it's time to stop giving her the spotlight!

1) Brittany Spears

• Little Miss Brittany makes the top of the list. She went from being an adorable teenage sensation to nothing much more than tabloid fodder, and the media has followed every millisecond of it. But the real reason she's #1 is that she truly was the most EXPOSED celebrity on the list. One word, Brit... Panties!

Top Ten Made-For-Cable Reality Series

While watching the Super Bowl pregame coverage (all day long!), I saw a spot where a few of the Top Chef all-stars created some gourmet Super Bowl food. Of course, this was just a reminder of how much I love that show, and a testament to how popular a little cable show on Bravo has become. So I started thinking - what other made-for-cable reality shows make my list of Favs?

MY list of the Top Ten Made-for-Cable Reality Series...

10) A Baby Story - TLC

• This show makes the list for two reasons... First of all, its interesting to see a life brought into the world. But more importantly, it takes some real guts for any woman to agree to be broadcast over national TV while giving birth!
  

9) Cribs - MTV

• I love to see how the stars live - the total excesses are amusing. But every now and again, you'll see a place that is really unimpressive, and I find those episodes even more interesting.
  

8) Whose Wedding is It Anyway? - Style Channel

• I love shows about weddings - I always like to see the dresses and decorations people choose. But what earns this show a spot on my list, is watching the wedding planners conflict with the brides and their families. Watch the sparks fly! It's also interesting to see what different people view as "classy." The episode where the groom wanted slot machines at the wedding was really a head-scratcher to me.
  

7) My Super Sweet 16 - MTV

• I'm not sure if I find this show more disgusting or fascinating. The kids on that show that expect and demand lavishly extravagant parties from their parents disgust me. The parents that pay for it fascinate me. I can't help but think they are doing a great disservice to those kids - can you say "spoiled rotten?" Nevertheless, I've watched the show more times than I care to admit - it's like a train wreck - I can't look away.
  

6) Ace of Cakes - Food Network

• I love this show, because I'm constantly amazed at what can be made out of yellow cake and fondant icing! Guitars, people, cars, buildings - you name it, and the guys on this show can make it in edible form. Thoroughly entertaining to watch the pieces come together.
  

5) Animal Precinct - Animal Planet

• I'm a huge animal lover, and it is hard for me to fathom anyone who would neglect or abuse the helpless little fur-babies. Unfortunately, these people exist, so I love watching the ASPCA cops on Animal Precinct give them what they deserve!
  

4) Celebrity Fit Club - VH1

• Look - we all love to see celebrities get fat... this show is treasure trove of fat B-list celebs. Plus, I believe it was Jeff Conaway's first introduction into reality TV, and that dude is reality gold.
  

3) Top Chef - Bravo

• As I've said before, this is one of my favorites... I love to see the gourmet meals that these chefs can put together in a matter of minutes. Plus, the formula for the show just works... 12-15 contestants, weeded out by judges in the field each week, until the eventual winner is declared. It's just fun to watch.
  

2) Project Runway - Bravo

• Same channel, same formula, but with fashion designers instead of chefs. Two reasons this show edges out Top Chef for the number two spot. First - these designers can literally make beautiful fashion out of groceries - seriously, they've used that as a challenge - it's amazing to see such artistic vision and talent. Secondly - Tim Gunn - he is what "makes it work!"
  

1) The Real World - MTV

• I didn't give much love to reality shows from the past on this list, but I simply couldn't ignore The Real World... this is one of the very first reality shows, and it superseded the reality TV boom by a decade or so. For the sheer reason that it was one of a kind when it came on the scene, and because it really invented a genre of entertainment that we just can't seem to get enough of, The Real World is #1 on my list.
  

Top Ten Great Things About Pittsburgh, PA

In light of the Pittsburgh Steelers going to Superbowl XLIII, and the fact that Pittsburgh is my hometown, I thought I'd give my list of the best things about the city I love. If you have never visited this large city with a small town feel, you are missing out - most people are surprised to discover just how beautiful it is - after all, it is has been named "America's Most Livable City" by "Places Rated Almanac"

Without further adieu, MY Top Ten Great Things About Pittsburgh, PA...

10) The Cost of Living

• I've lived in other locations along the East Coast, and let me say - money will buy you a lot more in Pittsburgh than it will in other cities its size. Rent, Homes, Parking, even groceries, are less expensive. Small town prices - big city museums, universities, nightlife, etc.

9) The Strip District

• A unique shopping and restaurant area. A good portion of the shops are fresh markets where you can find culinary delicacies, or restaurant wholesalers - it's a fun marketplace that turns into a booming nightspot late at night. When the shops close down, the club hopping begins.

8) Station Square

• An old train depot turned into specialty shops, restaurants, and nightclubs, that is built right on the river, and enjoys a nice view of the city. The dancing water show is also a treat to enjoy.

7) The Rivers

• The City of Pittsburgh is built right at the confluence of three major rivers - the Ohio, the Monongahela, and the Allegheny. The city enjoys it's rivers to the fullest - the Gateway Clipper Fleet offers riverboat cruises multiple times a day, the Three Rivers Regatta occurs every summer, and "The Point" - the actual point of land at which all three rivers meet, is the sight of multiple events throughout the year, including the annual Three Rivers Arts Fest.

6) Mt. Washington

• There is a large cliff that overlooks the city, and this mountainous terrain is Mt. Washington. High end restaurants with absolutely breathtaking views are the highlights.

5) The Duquesne Incline

• Well, there has to be a way to get from the bottom of Mt. Washington to the top, right? The Duquesne Incline is a great throwback from the past. Once upon a time, the Incline that climbs slowly and steeply up the mountain was a legitimate way to move people and materials from the bottom to top and vice-versa. Today, it's a tourist attraction, and definitely worth riding if you are in town.

4) Kennywood Park

• Pittsburgh's amusement park. Kennywood has been around for well over a century now, but it has managed to evolve with the times. Long known as a roller coaster mecca, Kennywood continues to add new state of the art attractions yearly to keep things fresh, but it also maintains the feel of an old-time amusement park. Nostalgia abounds.

3) PNC Park

• Widely regarded as one of the best ballparks in the country, PNC Park opened in 2001 as the home of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Though the Pirates have been consistently woeful since the early 1990's, the games are worth going to just to enjoy the atmosphere. Built right across the river from the heart of downtown Pittsburgh, the view from the stadium is gorgeous, particularly if you're lucky enough to catch a game on a Fireworks night. The way the lights glint off the skyline is stunning. It's a new ball park with the charm and intimacy of parks from a by-gone era when Baseball truly was America's past time. Plus - there is a "running pierogie race" at every game - that's right, people actually dress in pierogie costumes and run around - it's the best!

2) The Steelers

• What can I say - 5, hopefully soon to be 6, Super Bowl championships. Smashmouth, tough, defensive football from a team that is truly the heart and soul of a city. The Steelers unite the city every year, and are the reason the residents say they "bleed black 'n' gold."

1) The People

• I've been to 22 countries, and well over 100 cities, and I have yet to find a location where the people are friendlier than in Pittsburgh. Since moving back, after being away for almost a decade, I've had a hard time getting used to random people just smiling and saying "hi" to me on the street, but it happens. People will start conversations with you in the grocery store lines, as if you've known them all your lives. Pittsburghers are some of the most cordial and down-to-earth people I've ever met. You'll feel quite welcome if you ever decide to visit!

Top Ten Game Shows

Been a few days since I've counted something down, but during my blogging hiatus, I was able to catch a few minutes of "The Price is Right," which, in my opinion, has recently gone down hill faster than the Mountain Climber himself when the contestant overshoots the price. Nevertheless, seeing the show made me wonder - What are the best game shows of all time? Of course, taking into consideration that I've only ever seen a small portion of the multitudes of game shows ever created, this isn't exactly the most comprehensive list, but nonetheless, here is MY list of the
Top Ten American Game Shows...

10) Wheel of Fortune

• WoF made the list by the skin of Pat Sajak's teeth, because I personally don't like the show. BUT, it's continued popularity coupled with the fact that the same host and, ah,- letter turner, for close to three decades couldn't be ignored.

9) The Match Game

• The Match Game from the 70's and 80's was great... Gene Rayurn's double entandre questions, and the provocative answers by the star studded panel earns this oldie but goodie got on the list. "How provocative were they?!?"

8) Love Connection

• The best part of the show wasn't when a love connection was made, but when the couples had the worst time ever. Didn't we all love listening to the people dish on each other?? Besides, Chuck Woolery had to make the list with something - God knows he tried his hand at enough game shows.

7) Who Wants to Be a Millionaire

• When this show first came out, was there an American that didn't tune in? It was great fun to play along, and of course, to make fun of the contestants that couldn't make it passed the $1000 mark. This game show makes the list at #8 - Final Answer.

6) The Dating Game

• It was always fun to tune in and watch the desperately-seeking single make an absolutely horrible choice! God knows she wouldn't have chosen bachelor #2 in his blue leisure suit if that wall hadn't been there, right?

5) Press Your Luck

• One Word - WHAMMY!

4) Jeopardy

• Alex Trebek's smugness doesn't hurt this show at all... we all wish we were smart enough to answer a third of the questions, while also being the first person to buzz in. It's an all-time classic.

3) Let's Make a Deal

• The only thing wrong with this show is that it isn't on the air anymore. Where else could you see a grown man dressed in a bonnet and a giant diaper, who just won a goat and a bale of hay. Even down to the closing credits people were making fools of themselves... "I'll give $50 to the first person who can give me a hard-boiled egg!" The weird thing was, someone always had whatever obscure item Monty Hall asked for!

2) The Price is Right

• In a nationwide poll, TPIR would likely be number one in a countdown, and with games like Plinko, Punchboard, and the Dice Game it's easy to see why. It probably would have been #1 in Countdown Heaven too, except for the recent Drew Carey years. It just isn't the same without Bob Barker. Not even close.

1) Family Feud

• This show is great no matter who the host is - it's gone through several incarnations - from the original host, Richard Dawson, to Ray Combs, to Louie Anderson, and now even that guy from Home Improvement - it is always good. But then, it has to be good - the premise of the show is to select the top answers to questions - kind of a countdown of a sort, when you think about it!

Top Ten Fast Food Restaurants

After compiling the top ten sit-down restaurants, I figured I'd stay in the same genre for today's countdown, and compile MY Top Ten Fast Food Restaurant Chains...


10) Taco Bell

• Cheap, cheap, cheap, and pretty tasty.

9) Burger King

• This really makes the list because of popularity only... I'm not a fan of the food, but at least you know whereever you go, you can find the comforting familiarity of Burger King.

8) Long John Silvers

• The batter is as greasy as it gets, but grease apparently equals taste because it's soooooo good. The Hushpuppies are awesome too.

7) Roy Roger's

• There is a nice variety of items on the menu, from roast beef to chicken and biscuits, but one sandwich in particular is the best sandwich I've ever had at a fast food restauarant. Long live the Gold Rush Chicken Sandwich.

6) Dairy Queen

• Let's face it - no one is going to Dairy Queen for the hot food... I'm not even sure why they still serve items from the grill. But DQ makes the list for the absolute perfection of their dairy treats... I've never had anything that tops a cookie dough Blizzard.

5) Kentucky Fried Chicken

• No one else has managed to top the Colonel's Original Recipe... Soooooo tasty!

4) McDonald's

• Plain and simple - The fries are hands down the best anywhere, ever.

3) Quiznos

• A healthier, fresher alternative to greasy fast food restaurants, and because of the toasting process, Quiznos makes the list over Subway.

2) Arby's

• I'm a big fan of things that are out of the ordinary, so I love the whole concept of the fast food roast beef sandwich. Of the handful of places that offer this as an item, Arby's does it best. Their line of "Market Fresh" items are a healthier addition to the menu and are pretty good too.

1) Wendy's

• Wendy's has long been the fast food restaurant that offered the best selection of items on their menu. Long before other fast food joints started offering alternatives to burgers and fries, Wendy's had baked potatoes and other more unique items on their menu. Finally, the Frosty's are what put Wendy's at the top of my countdown today.

Top Ten Sit-Down Chain Restaurants

Inspired by one of my favorite TV shows, Top Chef (on Bravo), I thought I'd do a countdown of some of my favorite restaurants. Of course, since my favorite restaurants are localized to areas I've lived and visited, that countdown wouldn't be well understood by many people. So instead, I'm going to focus on MY Top Ten Sit-Down Chain Restaurants...

10) Cracker Barrel

• Decent-sized portions of traditional American foods. When you want a home-cooked style meal like your grandmother used to make, consider Cracker Barrel. The food isn't great, but this restaurant offers menu items that most other sit-down restaurants don't delve into. The best part - the price... Almost shockingly inexpensive.

9) Olive Garden

• I always enjoy going to the Olive Garden, but I do not have a bunch of great reasons as to why. I just have two, and they're really basic... Unlimited Salad and Breadsticks. Straight up - both things are delicious, and though I've had some sub-par meals at the Olive Garden, I never really remember them... instead, I always remember how much I enjoyed the salad and breadsticks, and I tell you - that's what keeps me coming back.

8) Pizza Hut

• I suppose this could actually fit into the Top Ten List of Fast Food Restaurants too, but since they do have a dining room with waitstaff, I'm listing it here. I know it seems crazy, but I still like Pizza Hut pizza better than any of the pizzas I've had from little specialty pizzarias. The fact that they have expanded their menu to include organic ingredients and a variety of crust options has only helped them stay on my list.

7) T.G.I. Friday's

• American classics all over the menu, with some more recent additions to add variety. The food is usually good, and reasonably priced. I love hat there is something to satisfy just about any craving you're having, and the cocktail menu is great as well. Now, if they would just get rid of the pieces of "flair" on the waitstaff, we'd all be better off.

6) Ruth's Chris Steakhouse

• I've only had better steak at really, really expensive restaurants... not that Ruth's Chris is inexpensive, but for what you pay, I feel you get a very, very good steak. I've had a few other items, but ultimately, I go back for the steaks, and they are the reason this restaurant makes my list.

5) The Melting Pot

• This made my list because of the uniqueness factor... I love the novelty of a fondue restaurant. The food is good, but really, you got The Melting Pot for the experience of cooking your own food and enjoying a leisurely dinner with family or friends. The soft, romantic ambiance is an excellent complement to the novelty of the restaurant.

4) International House of Pancakes

• I love a restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert any time of the day, but what sets IHOP apart from other restaurants of this genre is the effort they put into coming up with new and interesting breakfast dishes. From crepes to unique fruit compote toppings, they continue to please. Mmmm - I could go for a blintz right now, and even though it's midnight, I could get one at an IHOP.

3) Rock Bottom

• I have NEVER been disappointed in a meal from the Rock Bottom, and we go there frequently. The prices are very reasonable, and there doesn't seem to ever be much of a wait. Ultimately, though, good tasting food is why I've listed it.

2) Outback Steakhouse

• The Outback has been a favorite in my family for well over a decade now, and amazingly, we still enjoy going there on a regular basis. Perhaps this is in part because every time we go they seem to have revamped their menu. Nevertheless, they still maintain some of the classics that put them on the proverbial map in the first place. The appetizers at Outback keep us coming back - sometimes we'll even skip dinner in lieu of multiple appetizers. Reasonably priced, good portions, and good flavor - that pretty much sums it up.

1) The Cheesecake Factory

• This is hands-down my favorite chain restaurant for a variety of reasons. I've never had a bad meal there - everything I've ever ordered has been tasty, well-portioned and also very fairly priced. The specialized cocktail menu has a nice variety of unique drinks, and the dessert menu is nothing less than fabulous (as it should be for a restaurant called the Cheesecake Factory!) The ambiance rivals that of higher end restauarnts, which is always a big selling point for me. Still, the best thing about this restaurant is that there is literally something for everyone on the menu. You name it, there is some derivation of it on the menu, and yet, most items still manage to seem culinarily unique. I must not be the only one who loves this restaurant - every time I go there, I have to wait at least 45 minutes - but it's well worth the wait!

Most Historically Significant Events of the Last 30 Years

Today's countdown is prompted by the historic inauguration of the President. I started wondering, "What are the most influential historical moments during my lifetime?"

Here it is - MY opinion on the Top Five Most Historically Significant Events During the Last 30 Years (pertaining to the United States)...

5) The Challenger Shuttle Explosion

• At the time the US space program was flourishing... we were still in a race for space supremacy with the Soviets. In an historic move, NASA decided to allow a civilian to go on the mission. It was set to be an historic event - and it was, but for the wrong reasons. It slowed a thriving space program to a virtual standstill, and despite our technological swagger, we realized we weren't invincible.

4) The Impeachment of President Clinton

• This event makes my list for a variety of reasons. First, the Internet was young and growing, and the news leading up to and surrounding the impeachment spread throughout the world at record pace as a result of the web. Secondly, the details of the Lewinsky scandal made us all question what it is we want our president to be... should he be a normal man with flaws, or should he be a virtual superhero... At one point, I think the answer would have been superhero, but the Clinton/ Lewinsky scandal proved a shift in the moral compass of Americans, as the former President left office seemingly unscathed by the embarrassing events, and with a high approval rating to boot. Finally, this event made us all truly contemplate what the meaning of "is" really is.

3) The Fall of the Berlin Wall

• When I was a small child, the competition between the USSR and the United States, or more importantly Communism and Capitalism, was intense. It wasn't just about the Soviets having better Olympic teams than the US - it was far more menacing. At the time, it was thought to be a legitimate possibility that the nuclear arms race between the two nations would lead us to a nuclear holocaust. Books, movies, TV shows all addressed the issue time and time again. But then in 1989, the most amazing thing happened. We watched Germans from East Berlin dance on the greatest symbol of Communist segregation - Brick by brick, the Berlin Wall was being torn down. The fall of Communism changed the world economy, and positioned the US as the unrivaled leader of the civilized world.

2) The Inauguration of President Obama

• Some events need to withstand the test of time in order for us to appreciate their historical significance... others are immediately impactful. The election of the 44th president of the United States is the latter. I am constantly amazed and disgusted not only by the history of injustice perpetrated against African-Americans in the US, but also by the fact that the prejudice continues. It is nearly unfathomable to me that segregation was legally sanctioned during my parents' lifetimes. It just wasn't that long ago. So it was with great hope for an end to the differences between black and white that I watched today's inauguration.

1) September 11, 2001

• I don't really think any explanation is necessary for why this is number one on my countdown. It was a day that rocked our nation, and the rest of the world. A day that changed how we look at normal everyday occurrences, like flying on a plane, or going to work. A day that made us all feel a little less safe, and made us come to understand that terrorism was something we'd have to live with for the rest of our lives. It was a day that made us realize the rest of the world doesn't necessarily understand our country, but it was also a day that made us contemplate the fundamental principles behind the United States of America. It was a day that made us proud to stand up and fight for the right to be an American.

Top Ten Sporting Events

Today's Countdown is inspired by the upcoming Super Bowl. All the hype made me ponder - Just what are the best big game/ match sporting events?

All things considered - This is MY list of favorites from bottom to top.

10) Wimbledon

• Gotta represent tennis... Big points for tradition.

9) The NBA Finals

• I watch them every year, and every year, I just don't care that much.

8) The Daytona 500

• I'm not gonna lie - I'm not a NASCAR fan, but despite that, I've still watched my fair share of Daytona 500s. I'm still not entirely convinced that race car driving is an athletic sport, but I simply can't ignore the enormous popularity of NASCAR. Plus the Daytona 500 gets extra points for being both the first race and the most prestigious race of the NASCAR season. Not too many sports can claim that.

7) The US Open (Golf)

• A lot of people find golf boring to watch, but not me. This is a game that is literally decided by a millimeter here or there... I particularly love the US Open, because the course is always so tough... Any time I can see the best golfers in the world be over par consistently, I'm gonna love it.

6) World Cup Soccer

• I'm American - we're just not that into Soccer - BUT the rest of the Western World seems to be VERY into Soccer, so the World Cup can't be ignored.

5) The Super Bowl

• Football is America's new favorite pasttime - and without question, my favorite sport. BUT, the Super Bowl has become such a spectacle that sometimes it seems to be more about the commercials and the half-time show than about determining the best team.

4) The World Series

• It's all about nostalgia and tradition, which I love. When a team gets in that hasn't been to the Series in decades, it's always tons of fun.

3) The Summer Olympics

• The whole world stops to watch two weeks of straight up raw athletic talent and kick-ass opening and closing ceremonies. Events like the 100m dash really push this one towards the top of the list. On the other hand, events like synchronized swimming and rhythmic gymnastics keep it out of the top two.

2) The Winter Olympics

• Love it for some of the same reasons as the Summer Olympics, of course. Figure Skating is a big plus for me, and I'm gonna be honest - the Luge and the Bobsled events are what really pushed the Winter Olympics ahead of the Summer games in my mind.

1) The Stanley Cup Finals

• The Stanley Cup Finals are the top of my list for two big reasons. a) Hockey is a tough, physically demanding game. The hockey season is extremely long. The playoffs themselves are extremely long. By the time the winner of the cup is decided, these guys have been completely abused. b) Lord Stanley's Cup... the tradition is so rich surrounding this cup - guys who win it, won't even let their little kids touch it, for fear that if they do, they'll jinx their chance to grow up and win it. That's tradition and superstition that can't be beat.

Everyone Loves a Countdown...

It's Saturday afternoon and it's time to relax. You grab a beer, settle into that big, comfy sofa, and pick up the remote... As usual, despite the 300 channels at your fingertips, there is nothing worth watching on TV. A rerun of some cop drama on channel 231, a cooking show on 232, another cop drama on 233, oh look - professional bowling on 234. Wait a minute, what's this? Now this is what you've been searching for... it's a countdown of the ten best middle linebackers that ever played football. Cue up the DVR- this is a keeper!

The funny thing is - I'm not being sarcastic... this is what you will stop to watch! But why? It's simple - everyone loves a countdown. It doesn't really matter what the content is, it's the format that we love. I, for one, have watched everything from a the world's most venomous creatures to the 101 trashiest celebrities of all time, and have loved all the shows the same. I must not be alone in this - if I was, there wouldn't be 15 countdown shows on TV at any given time.

So what's the allure? Is it that we actually care which kind of spider could kill a family of four with one drop of venom? No, the actual facts seem to mean very little - particularly since a lot of countdowns are extremely subjective. Then what is it that makes us pause to watch a countdown? Of course, everyone has their own reasons, but I've narrowed it down to a list of five big factors - which, interestingly, is a countdown all on it's own!

1) We love to try to guess what will make the list, and in particular what will be number one. When we are right, it's a satisfying moment (sadly enough). You might even catch yourself smirking while uttering, "Ha - I knew it!" Or, if your top choice doesn't make the list, you simply find yourself questioning the intelligence of the show's producers - which brings me to the next reason on the top-five-reasons-why-we-love-countdowns countdown...

2) We think about what items would make the countdown if we were to compile the list ourselves. We all have opinions when it comes to countdowns! In our minds, some bonehead added something to the list that had no right being there, in lieu of what absolutely should have been number one! You are confident that if YOU were just making the list, it would be soooooo much better.

3) The material is endless... seriously - endless... there is no possible way to run out of countdowns, because as time passes, new countdowns can be created... the best of 2009, 2010, and so on.

4) Countdowns provide good conversation - you can just sit around and discuss your favorite movies, songs, etc. In fact, we often do this as a way to get to know someone new, "so what are your top five favorite songs?" "who are your favorite movie stars of all time?" The answers can sometimes tell us something about the person we're talking to. Do we have common opinions, or are we completely different?

5) Finally, and perhaps most importantly, we love nostalgia. Countdowns often ask us to reflect back on the events, songs, movies, whatever, of our past, and remember what made us love or hate them. You often find yourself saying, "Oh, that's right! I forgot all about that!" or maybe, "Man, that's true - that was really great." Let's face it - countdowns often bring smiles to our faces simply because they make us "remember when."

So what's the point of this blog? I don't know - what's the point of any blog? Just my way of starting a site where I AM the one who gets to put together the countdown lists. AND I will be the one who gets to choose the subject of the countdown based on my daily personal experiences. Everyone also loves to be the boss - but that's a different subject entirely.