Top 5: Favorite Presidents

It's President's Day! Not one of the most exciting holidays, actually, but since it is a holiday and happens to fall on a Top 5 Monday, I figured I might as well tip my hat to the past leaders of our country for today's list. I'm not usually one for politics or history, so why I'm creating a list that combines the two I am not entirely sure, but it should be interesting. Do most people have a favorite president? These are my top 5 past leaders of the nation.

5. Warren G. Harding/Woodrow Wilson

I know I am distantly related to one of these presidents, but can't remember which one. So they're both on the list! Interesting side note: Harding's middle initial stands for Gamaliel. I'm sure it's Biblical, but it sure sounds like something straight out of Middle Earth.

4. John F. Kennedy

Let's be honest, the only reason JFK made my list is because of Jackie. That woman had the best style of any first lady in recent history. Michelle Obama is giving her a run for her money, with all of her classy dresses and cardigan sweaters, but I don't know that anyone can beat Jackie O's 60s outfits, pillbox hats and over-sized sunglasses.

3. Franklin Delano Roosevelt

FDR and Fala, the Scottish Terrier

FDR was a fascinating president. He was elected during the Great Depression with the perky campaign slogan "Happy Days Are Here Again." He served three terms in office - the only president ever to do so - during which he dealt with the Depression and World War II. FDR was the one who declared December 7, 1941 (the bombing of Pearl Harbor) the "date which will live in infamy." He created the FDIC and Social Security, and helped found the March of Dimes. And the entire time he was in office he was in a wheelchair after being paralyzed by polio. This guy was busy. He also had a really cute dog named Fala that would follow ("fala," get it?) him around the White House. Who doesn't love First Pets?

2.  William Henry Harrison

This little-known leader, the 9th president of the United States, makes my list for being the man who held this office for the shortest amount of time. He served as President for exactly 32 days before dying of pneumonia. He fought as a General in the War of 1812 but couldn't survive politics.

1. Theodore Roosevelt

Teddy was like the Ron Swanson of the presidency. He wore pince-nez glasses, rode horses, and was famously quoted with saying "Speak softly and carry a big stick." He also completed the Panama Canal (not by himself, obviously), was a rancher/cowboy in North Dakota, rode with the Rough Riders, was an NYC police commissioner, and hunted big-game on African safaris. He was a life member of the NRA and died after contracting malaria. We all know that teddy bears were named after him, but do you know why? Because he found a wounded black bear and ordered it killed to be put out of its misery. I think Ron Swanson would approve.

They even kind of look the same!

Why Ohio is Cooler Than You Think

Ohio is the only state in the union with an official rock and roll song. The song happens to be "Hang On Sloopy" by The McCoys, which was released back in 1965. The official resolution passed by the state includes the following clauses:

WHEREAS, "Hang On Sloopy" is of particular relevance to members of the Baby Boom Generation, who were once dismissed as a bunch of long-haired, crazy kids, but who now are old enough and vote in sufficient numbers to be taken quite seriously.

and

"WHEREAS, Adoption of this resolution will not take too long, cost the state anything, or affect the quality of life in this state to any appreciable degree, and if we in the legislature just go ahead and pass the darn thing, we can get on with more important stuff."

This piece of legislation is enough to make me love the state of Ohio.

 from "Songs from Ohio" by Robert of the Radish for the Y! Music Playlist Blog

Christian by Choice

‎"...understanding that Jesus Christ dying for my sins spoke to the humility we all have to have as human beings, that we're sinful and we're flawed and we make mistakes, and that we achieve salvation through the grace of God. But what we can do, as flawed as we are, is still see God in other people and do our best to help them find their own grace." 

- President Barack Obama, 9/28/2010