Poll: Grover better than most other presidents

The Siena College Research Institute has released a new poll of historians ranking the 43 presidents. The top five are F.D. Roosevelt, T. Roosevelt, Lincoln, Washington, and Jefferson. Truman came in ninth. Andrew Johnson ranked last. (Click here to see the complete list.)

As is usual in these rankings, Grover is in the middle of the pack, ranking twentieth. Here's how the historians ranked him by category (from 1st to 43rd):

1. Background (family, education, experience) 19
2. Party leadership 16
3. Communication ability (speak, write) 17
4. Relationship with Congress 15
5. Court appointments 17
6. Handling of U.S. economy 22
7. Luck 20
8. Ability to compromise 19
9. Willing to take risks 24
10. Executive appointments 18
11. Overall ability 20
12. Imagination 22
13. Domestic accomplishments 17
14. Integrity 19
15. Executive ability 17
16. Foreign policy accomplishments 21
17. Leadership ability 19
18. Intelligence 25
19. Avoid crucial mistakes 14
20. Expert's present overall view 19

Grover in Wax; Maury Povich in Person

The Madame Tussauds Wax Museum in Washington has a new exhibit featuring all 43 U.S. Presidents - including Grover, of course. (No word on whether he's featured twice to account for his non-consecutive terms.) I'll have to check it out and post some photos when I get a chance...

I'd been planning to attend a taping of the Maury Povich show this week, but came down with a wicked bad cold. Didn't want to be "that guy" with the hacking cough in the audience (or on the train up and back). Disappointing. Maybe I'll try again in the Spring...

Great (mis)use of the word "literally" on the Maury show

Happy Birthday, Frank Buckles

Frank Buckles, America's last living World War I veteran, turns 110 today. Happy birthday, Frank! And best wishes for many more. When Frank was born, McKinley was president, and Grover Cleveland and Benjamin Harrison were still alive and well.