THE JEFF’S 35 COUNTDOWN

February 19, 2006   -   Congratulations, Ted, winner of the Countdown Contest!!!

#1 – "Piano Man" by Billy Joel:  So what were you expecting, “We Belong Together” by Mariah Carey?? Of course not, we all know this is a Mimi-free countdown.  Number one for the 11^th time in the 15 year history of this countdown is Billy Joel’s “Piano Man.”  This song is being pushed by several other newer songs in the Top Ten of this countdown, but in the end, I have to go with the classic in the top spot.  I dedicate this song to all my family and friends who have not yet received a dedication this year:  My “Lost” discussion group:  Stacey, Billie, and Chris.  The other members of my volleyball team: JP, Jim, John, Dean, Brian, Dave, and Katie, along with all those who we compete against in the Gore Volleyball League.  The guys I play basketball with on Monday and Wednesday nights, too numerous to mention here.  All the team owners in the ESFFL.  The members of my “New World Uno Order” Uno Alliance:  Jim, Bob, Gianna, Jen, and Jen.  Of course my buddy Jeff – sorry there were no Love Seed Mama Jump songs this year.   And, Roger, who in addition to Ted and I made up “Home Team.”  And then of course John Harrison, one of the co-creators of the original Jeff’s 21 Countdown, and all our fellow co-op students from the Spring and Summer of 1992:  John Ristey, Chris and Chris, Linda, Antoinette, Mike Kuntz, RainBlyeker, the girl with the big nose whose name I can’t remember, and Rita.  Thank you everyone for another great Countdown year.  See you in 329 days when the Jeff’s 36 Countdown begins on January 15, 2007.

#2 – "How You Remind Me" by Nickelback:  As I mentioned earlier in the countdown, Nickelback is rapidly becoming my favorite band.  This is their third entry in this countdown.  It is in its 5^th overall year in the countdown, second straight at the number #2 position.  I dedicate this one to my late father, Claude Rogers.  I just want to let you know I still love you and think about you a lot.  And as I get older, you remind me of me more and more all the time, especially in the hair loss category, but in many other important aspects of life as well.  This is how you remind me of what I really am.

#3 – "Original Prankster" by The Offspring:  After spending the last 2 consecutive years at the #4 position, “Original Prankster” has finally ascended into the Top 3.  Quite an accomplishment for an otherwise unheralded song.  I dedicate this one to Josh Graham.  Although most of his pranks are not original (most involve urinal biscuits, and most are aimed at only one person, John Zufelt), he is the original Meat Stick Nappy.  Congratulations on your dedication Josh, and good luck in your new commitment.

#4 – "Harder To Breathe" by Maroon 5:  Here is another song which is making a rapid ascent up the countdown.  It debuted in Jeff’s 33 at #16, and then moved up to #9 last year, before finally breaking into the Top 4 this year.  I have all but worn out my “Songs About Jane” CD over the last couple of years.  Each song on that CD is stellar, and of course “Harder To Breathe” is obviously my favorite.  I dedicate it to Harry Whittington.  This is the poor 78 year-old man that Vice-President Dick Cheney shot a couple of days ago, and who then shortly thereafter had a heart attack.  This guy is certainly finding it harder and harder to breathe.

#5 – "Blurry" by Puddle Of Mudd:  The Top 5 kicks off with this song, a song which is quickly becoming a veteran of the countdown.  This is its 4^th year in the countdown.  It has been in the Top 10 each of those years; and this is its second year in the Top 5.  I dedicate this one to Joe and Erika Wachs.  I visited their home for first time last fall.  When I pulled into their driveway, I failed to make a mental note of how curvy their driveway was.  Upon leaving, the torrential downpour caused me to experience “blurry” vision.  I backed out of the driveway as straight as I could.  But backing out of a curvy driveway in straight fashion in the middle of a downpour wasn’t the best idea, and needless to say, I tore up a large chunk of Joe and Erika’s front lawn in the process.  I apologize for my blurry vision, and as I continue thank you for your understanding, I dedicate this song to you two, Joe and Erika. 

#6 – "When I’m Gone" by 3 Doors Down:  This song continues its quick ascent up the countdown by moving up 5 spots from last year’s #11 position.  In just its third year in the countdown, it stands at the precipice of a Top 5 position.  I dedicate this one to Survivor Guatemala Contestant Judd Sergeant.   I drew Judd’s name in a Survivor pool.  It only took a couple of episodes to realize Judd would never win.  But he did manage to take me for a fun, exciting, and colorful ride to the final six.  He definitely saved his best for last, as he uttered these parting words:  “Thanks guys (When I’m gone) I hope you all get bit by a freaking crocodile.  Scumbags.”  Judd, Doorman, the tribe has spoken, and now its time to move on to the Top 5.

#7 – "Best Of Times" by Styx:  After I finished shaking hands with the opposing team, I walked off the court dejected.  I held my head in my hands, and thought that these were definitely the worst of times.  The date was September 9, 2004.  My Appleton South Volleyball team had just lost in the semifinals, in three straight games, to Elk Creek.  It was the third consecutive year we had reached the semifinals and lost.  It was the second straight time we had lost to Elk Creek, even though we were the 2^nd seed, and they were the 3^rd.  I didn’t think things could get much worse until just before the start of the 2005 season when I learned that our best player, Chris Michalak, perhaps the best player in the entire league, had decided not to return to our team.  Chris started a new team at Elk Mills I, and even though the Apple Bites headlines read it was the worst of times, it really wasn’t.  Chris’ departure from Appleton South wasn’t the only big name free agent move of 2005.  The biggest moves were in the breakup of the “Mike Winterling All-Star Team,” the three-time defending champions.  That leveled the playing field for everyone.  The season was long, filled with hard-fought battles throughout.  In the end, Appleton South ended the regular season just one game out of first place, again the #2 seed for the playoffs.  For the third consecutive year, we faced Elk Creek in the semifinals.  After losing the first game, I felt as if the curse would never be lifted.  But then we won games two and three, and we appeared to finally be on our way to the finals.  However, Elk Creek just wouldn’t go away.  They evened the series at 2 games apiece after winning game 4.  With one remaining chance left to break the curse of the semifinals, Appleton South took advantage.  We outlasted Elk Creek in a hard fought game 5, and advanced to the finals.  In the finals, we met Chris and the rest of his Elk Mills I team.  These two teams had evenly split a dozen regular season games, each winning 6.  But Elk Mills I had won the last 3 in a row.  And they extended that streak to 5, by taking games 1 and 2 from us in the finals.  It looked bleak for Appleton South.  But something turned for us in game 3.  Maybe it was the lack of pressure since we were all just happy to be there, and not expecting to win, but something turned.  We won games 3, 4, and 5 to win the Gore Volleyball League Championship.  The dream was accomplished, and we could now say that these were the “Best Of Times.”  And that’s all I’ve got to say about that.

#8 – "Meant To Live" by Switchfoot:  This song moves up 9 spots from its #17 debut position last year.  I dedicate it to the late Vieve Gore, who along with her husband Bill realized they were meant to live for something more.  So back in the 1950’s Bill left his safe and secure job at DuPont and they started their own company, W.L. Gore & Associates.  Not only did Bill and Vieve realize they were meant to live for something more, the realized that doing business the right way meant taking care of the associates that worked for them.  My fellow associates and I realize the benefits of living for something more every day.  So thank you Mrs. Gore, for having the courage to take a risk, and for making that risk pay off for all of us.

#9 – "Rhythm Divine" by Enrique Iglesias:  Sliding down 4 spaces from last year is this Jeff’s Countdown “instant classic” which reached its peak position of #2 in the Jeff’s 33 Countdown.  In all, it’s been on the chart six years now.  I dedicate this song to Christine Biscotti.  Christine and I worked together several years ago, and at the time she was a fan of Enrique Iglesias, and a fan of the Jeff’s Countdown.  I never would have thought she would have been following the countdown this year without any additional prodding.  But I found out a few days ago, that she was following the countdown.  So I dedicate this song to her, for her religious attraction to the countdown.  At her suggestion, I have added access to a “guestbook” from the countdown homepage.  This is a mini-sight were you can now visit and leave any special comments you like about any of the Jeff’s Countdown songs.  Perhaps you think a song is rated too high, or perhaps an inaccuracy or disagreement needs to be included.  This is your chance to share the stage, so please use this new feature to pass on your comments to me and the Jeff’s Countdown followership.

#10 – "Inside Out" by Eve 6:  To crack the Top Ten, we return to another Jeff’s Countdown long timer.  “Inside Out” returns to the countdown for its 8^th consecutive year, its second straight year at #10.  I dedicate this song to the Earleville Merchantsofcool, and their owner and general manager, Larry Clifton.  In the annals of Fantasy Football, 2005 will go down as the year Larry and the Merchantsofcool turned the Fantasy Football Universe inside out and upside down.  Prior to the season, the Merchantsofcool were doormats in the Eastern States Fantasy Football League.  They entered the 2005 season with an all-time record of 15 wins and 29 losses.  Led by Larry Johnson and TJ “you say HoushmandzedAH I say” HoushmanzedEH, the Merchantsofcool turned things around and compiled an 8-5 regular season record.  In the playoffs, they breezed past the Oxford Bluehoagies, before slipping past the Philadelphia Fellas on the benefit of a fortunate tie-break scenario.  In the finals, the Merchants disposed of the 2003 Champs, the Mason-Dixon Chicks, to take home the much coveted Johnson Cup as champions of the ESFFL.  Congratulations Larry and thank you for sharing some of your wealth with us in the form of a pizza party.

#11 – "Beverly Hills" by Weezer:  With this debut entry in the countdown, Weezer cements their status as the Jeff’s Countdown comeback artist of the year.  After charting with “Undone - The Sweater Song” in Jeff’s 24 through 28, and with “Buddy Holly” in Jeff’s 24, Weezer went through a long dry spell, and I actually thought that they were done as a Jeff’s Countdown featured artist.  But they really grabbed my attention this year with this most excellent tune.  I can listen to it a hundred times a day and it still doesn’t get old.  I dedicate this song to the Jeff Rogers of a half lifetime ago.  This was the 17-year old who dreamed of a life in Beverly Hills, the kid whose automobile was a piece of crap (a white and lime green Pinto), the kid who never went to boarding school, and whose friends were just as screwy as he.  He wanted to live a Hollywood life; he wanted to be treated just like a king; he wanted his picture taken by the pool, to be the next big thing.  Of course I was realistic enough to know I’d never make it in front of the camera, but I did have serious intentions about making it as a writer, either in Hollywood writing for a sitcom or series, or as a sportswriter following the beat of a professional team.  In the end, the 17-year old compared the starting salary of a writer to that of a chemical engineer, and decided his interest in chemistry was strong enough to make that his career.  And I don’t regret that decision for a minute.  I have a great life, a great job, and most importantly a great family.  And, as you can read, I haven’t missed out on the opportunity to write…

#12 – "Don’t Tell Me" by Madonna:  Sometimes one can become so inebriated that they simply can’t remember the next day the acts of indiscretion they committed the evening before.  If the act of indiscretion is funny, and doesn’t embarrass the perpetrator, then one generally doesn’t mind being reminded of said act of indiscretion.  But in my case, after being banished from the Loser’s Lounge on Poker Night, my second big mistake was to proceed to the bathroom and relieve myself without closing the door.  Little did I know that my wife and Marybeth Miller were in the kitchen taking offense.  Even though I was able to effectively fertilize my lawn at 7:30 the next morning, I was still too hung over to remember that act of indiscretion from the evening before.  I didn’t remember it of course, until my lovely wife Cindy reminded me of it the next morning.  Don’t tell me that!  And especially don’t tell me that other people knew about it when they really didn’t.  Since I thought everyone knew, I felt as if I had to do damage control the next Monday at work and tell my side of the story (a pathetic excuse I must admit).  But I quickly came to realize, that no one other than Cindy and Marybeth knew about my latest bathroom incident.  No one knew of course, until I told the rest of them myself.  So I dedicate this song to you Cindy.  Next time, just Don’t Tell Me.

#13 – "Plush" by Stone Temple Pilots:  This marks the third consecutive year in which this song has retreated a single position in the countdown. It has moved from 10 to 11 to 12 and now to number 13 this year.  It is in its 13^th year overall in the countdown.  Seven of those years were spent in the Top 5, including 3 years at the number 2 position.  I dedicate this song to my friends and work associates who attended the November 12, 2005, poker party at my house.  After being eliminated from the No-Limit Texas Hold ‘em Tournament I ventured into the Loser’s Lounge for some Karaoke.  But rather than stick with one of my typical standbys such as this song, “Love Shack”, or even “How You Remind Me”, I made a poor decision by trying to perform “Let’s Get It Started” by the Black Eyed Peas.  That was a mistake.  I apologize to all the poker participants who had to suffer through my rendition of that song.  After getting booed out of the Loser’s Lounge, I made another big mistake, but more on that later in the countdown…

#14 – "The Safety Dance" by Men Without Hats:  This classic holds steady at number 14 this year, it’s 15th consecutive year in the countdown.  I dedicate this song to my good friend Ted Sidoriak, another classic who has held steady through the years.  Some 15 years ago I was playing this song at the Jeff’s 21 Countdown Party (it was also #14 that year) while Ted was preparing for his wedding which was just a week away.  Some 7 ½ years ago, the DJ at my wedding reception was playing this song while Ted and I chest bumped on the dance floor.  Though a decade and a half have passed, the staples in my life remain unchanged.  Good clean fun like that which is the Jeff’s Countdown, good friends like Ted and good music like that from the Men Without Hats. 

#15 – "Fall To Pieces" by Velvet Revolver:  Before I begin my dissertation of this song, I would like all of you readers to navigate to the Jeff’s 33 Countdown and re-read the comments I made for the #13 song in that countdown.  If you are too lazy to do that, here is what I said 2 years ago:  “I give her (Jessica Simpson) marriage no more than 1 ½ more years until Nick gets tired of the act and moves on to the next airhead.”  Okay, I was off by a couple of months, but I did correctly predict that the Jessica-Nick marriage would “Fall to Pieces.”  Last November, the two announced they were separating, and they are currently in the process of divorcing now.  As the great predictor of future events that I am, I must say this one was a fairly easy one to see coming.  How long can a guy live with someone who doesn’t know whether ‘Chicken of the Sea’ is chicken or tuna?  So this one is dedicated to you Nick Lachey and Jessica Simpson, may you always enjoy your tuna, which in the sea they call tuna, but here on Earth we call chicken.  As far as the song is concerned, it is in its second year in the countdown, moving up 5 spots from last years #20 debut position.  

#16 – "Bright Lights" by Matchbox Twenty:  After spending its first two years in the countdown in the Top Ten, “Bright Lights” drops for the first time, falling all the way to number 16.  Despite all their success in the Jeff’s Countdown, to date, this song is the only Matchbox Twenty song to have ever broken into the Top Ten.  This year, I dedicate it to Doug Gaus, my good friend and co-worker who has decided to leave Gore Filled Products for the “bright lights” of Gore Polymer Products.  Good Luck in your new commitment, Doug.  I will miss all the support you have given me over the past five years.  And I sure hope we keep playing poker together, because I’d certainly hate to miss out on taking your money at the poker table.

#17 – "Don’t Turn Off The Lights" by Enrique Iglesias:  This is year #4 in the countdown for this Enrique Iglesias favorite.  After debuting at number 27 in the Jeff’s 32 Countdown, it has slowly climbed up the ranks into its current countdown position.  I dedicate this song to the late Roone Arledge.  As the former head of ABC sports, Arledge is the man responsible for pioneering NFL football on Monday nights more than 35 years ago.  That’s right, Monday Night Football is even older than I am.  Monday Night Football ended its long run on ABC this past season.  So, as former Dallas Cowboys quarterback and former ABC Monday Night Football commentator Don Meredith used to say, “Turn off the lights, the party’s over.”  ESPN will televise games on Monday Nights next season, so for those of us with cable or satellite service, we’ll still be able to view the games.  But for those who live in the dark ages of antennae and rabbit ears, you can turn off the lights, because the party is over for you.

#18 – "When It’s Over" by Sugar Ray:  This song’s countdown run obviously isn’t over.  This is its 5^th year in the countdown, and it has steadily risen through the ranks after debuting at #31 in Jeff’s 31.  As always, I dedicate this one to Blair Rogers.  There will always be a spot in my heart for you, Blair.

#19 – "Drift & Die" by Puddle Of Mudd:  Like a once mighty sockeye salmon who has given up on his quest to fight upstream against the mammoth rapids of an unrelenting tributary, this song, in its fourth year in the countdown, has begun to ‘drift’ in the downward direction in the proverbial competitive countdown waters.  It loses 6 spots from its peak position of #13 last year.  I dedicate this song to the National Aeronautics & Space Administration in memory of the tragic Columbia incident which occurred exactly 3 years ago today, and the Challenger incident which occurred 20 years ago this past weekend.  NASA, may your future space explorations drift safely in the right direction.

#20 – "Collide" by Howie Day:  I never thought an artist named “Howie” would make the countdown, until I heard this song.  Making his Jeff’s Countdown debut is Howie Day with “Collide.”  This is a great song.  It’s a bit sappy and fluffy, but then I’m a big, sappy, and fluffy type of guy.  I dedicate this song to Jackie Welch.  Despite the many collisions Jackie suffered through during this past volleyball season, she played every point of every game, regular season and playoffs, 99 straight games in all.  Along the way she helped lead the Appleton South volleyball team to the Gore ‘A’ League Championship (still more on that subject later in the countdown…).  Jackie was the team Iron woman and MVP.  I owe a lot to Jackie for her contributions to the Appleton South Volleyball Team, but I also owe her a lot for her contributions to my own personal home team.  She convinced my lovely wife Cindy that a third child in the family isn’t all that bad.  I guess we’ll find out in July…  With Jackie’s husband Dave moving plants during the off-season, Jackie’s APS streak may be over (& the number of collisions may be reduced), but I have a feeling she’ll be an important member on whatever team she plays on next season.

#21 – "Peace Frog" by The Doors:  This cult classic makes its 6^th straight countdown appearance and its 8^th overall.  It moves up 4 spaces from last year into its highest ever countdown position.  As always, I dedicate this song to the late Jim Earlis.  Jim’s life ended in a violent and tragic car accident several years ago.  The lyrics of this song also describe several violent and tragic incidents so this dedication is quite fitting.  Additionally it was one of Jim’s and my favorites, hence its continued run in the Jeff’s Countdown.

#22 – "Waiting For You" by Seal:  Once again Seal makes his mark on the Jeff’s Countdown.  This time he checks in with song #22, “Waiting For You,” a song which makes its third consecutive countdown appearance and which moves up one spot from last year.  I dedicate this song to the Chicago White Sox and all of their legions of fans, of which I am one.  Many White Sox fans had to wait for 87 years for the team to win the World Series.  Personally, since I didn’t become a fan until 1995, I only had to wait for 10 years.  But now waiting for you to win the World Series is finally over.  The South Side of Chicago has never been prouder, and since I couldn’t make the parade, I celebrated by naming my two new dogs after White Sox players, Konnie, of course for Paul KONerko, and Ellie, for CarL Everett.

#23 – "Semi Charmed Life" by Third Eye Blind:  Here is another song which is making its 9^th consecutive Jeff’s Countdown appearance.  After reaching as high as #5 in Jeff’s 31, it falls this year into its lowest ever countdown position.  I dedicate this song to the newest Jeff’s Countdown fanatic Steve Oliver.  His obsession with the countdown indicates that his life must be “semi-charmed” at best.  He appears to be a lost soul in search of answers to questions no one really cares about.  The answer you’ll find, Steve, is blowin’ in the wind.  The answer is blowin’ in the wind.

#24 – "Push" by Matchbox Twenty:  The streak continues for Matchbox Twenty, as this song makes its 9^th consecutive Jeff’s Countdown appearance.  It holds steady at #24 for the second year in a row.  This year, I dedicate this song to Michelle Rodriguez.  As one of the many new stars of the hit television show “Lost”, Michelle plays Anna Lucia Cortez, who isn’t afraid to push around anyone.  Just ask Nathan, Goodman, or even Sawyer if you don’t believe me.  Michelle is my new favorite actress on the show, and I am definitely leaning her way on the Jack / Kate / Sawyer / Anna Lucia Love Rhombus.  Push those others aside Anna, and make some room for Jack, it’s only a matter of time until you start hittin’ him.

#25 – "Feelin’ Way Too Damn Good" by Nickelback:  This song makes the countdown for the second consecutive year, jumping up 8 spaces from last year, when it debuted at #33.  I dedicate this one to Jake Plummer, and all the fans of the Denver Broncos, including my brother-in-law Majeed.  All season, everyone waited for the Great Jake Plummer Implosion.  You were all probably feeling that something had to go wrong, because you all were feeling way too damn good.  Well it finally went wrong at the absolute worst time.  The Great Jake Plummer Implosion came in the AFC Championship Game, against the Pittsburgh stinking loser Steelers.  Jake, you played so poorly that you even made Ben Roethlisberger look good.  And you pissed me off because I wanted to see Hines Ward cry like a sissy girl again.  All I can say now is… Let’s go Seahawks!

#26 – "Funkytown" by Lipps, Inc.:  To memorialize the victims of Hurricane Katrina, I wanted to include a special song in the Jeff’s 35 Countdown which embodied my sentiment for the many losses incurred by the wrath of this mighty storm.  I was in the parking lot at Nick & Joe’s pizzeria a month or so ago when this song came on the radio, and at that moment, I decided this would be the song.  I doubt the members of Lipps, Inc. are referring to New Orleans in the lyrics of this song (I’m guessing Funkytown is either fictional, or perhaps it’s where the members of the band go after they’ve puffed the magic dragon), but, to me, when I think of “Funkytown,” I think of New Orleans, the epicenter of the storm damage.  When the hurricane made landfall last summer, I got chills down my spine when I remembered my last trip to New Orleans.  I was there for Mardi gras in 1997, with Chris “Pretty Vegas” Mertes, his dad, and a few other friends.  It was my first and only Mardi gras experience.  Midway through our first day there, I remember sitting in Pat O’Brien’s sipping their world famous “Hurricane” drink.  The chilling part is this.  The name of the lovely barmaid waiting on our table just so happened to be “Katrina!”  Okay, okay, I’m lying about the waitress’ name being Katrina.  Hell, I was just lucky to have remembered my own name after that Mardi gras experience.  But it was the experience of a lifetime, and an experience that probably will never be quite the same after Mother Nature’s hurricane passed through.  So I raise my hurricane lamp shaped cocktail glass to you City of New Orleans.  May you one day thrive again.

#27 – "Lonely No More" by Rob Thomas:  After charting in the Jeff’s Countdown 4 times as a member of Matchbox Twenty, Rob Thomas once again strikes countdown gold, this time as a solo artist.  I dedicate this song to Norman Clough.  I think Norman has been a bit lonely lately.  His only child (that we know about) went off to college this past fall, and more recently, his office-mate and protégé, Zak, left Gore to pursue another opportunity.  If you listen closely, you may here Norman mumble, “Where’s me Zak,” under his breath.  To replace his daughter at home, he has himself a puppy named Sophie.  And, rumor has it, to replace Zak in the office; he has himself a puppy named Jim Sullivan moving in soon.  If that rumor is true, then Rob’s line in the song “I don’t wanna have to pay for this,” certainly will be just the opposite.  Norman will be paying for it more than he could ever imagine, and he certainly won’t be “lonely no more.”

#28 – "Wonderwall" by Oasis:  When I first heard “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” by Green Day, I thought it was a pretty good song, a bit different for Green Day, but a good song nonetheless.  After incessant airplay failed to ruin my affection for the song, I deemed it countdown worthy.  But shortly thereafter, my opinion changed drastically.  One evening this past summer, I found myself thumbing through my CD collection.  Into the stereo went “What’s the Story Morning Glory?” by Oasis.  And out came the story of how Green Day stole their song.  After listening to that Oasis CD, I realized that the music behind “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” is nothing more than the music behind “Wonderwall” with a few tempo changes.  And the words that Billie Joe of Green Day wrote are not that original either.  Oasis sings “all the roads that lead you there are winding, and all the lights that light the way are blinding” while Green Day sings “I walk a lonely road,” and “my shadow’s the only one that walks beside me” implying that since there is a shadow, there must be a light lighting the way.  In light of this deception, a rip-off as bad as “Ice Ice Baby,” I banished Green Day from the ranks of the Jeff’s 35 Countdown, and replaced them with Oasis, dedicating “Wonderwall” to all the fans of Green Day who do not realize “Boulevard” is nothing more than an Oasis rip-off, and that Green Day’s anti Iraq occupation propaganda is nothing more than a scam to sell records. 

#29 – "Follow Through" by Gavin DeGraw:  After a couple of countdown classics, we return to a countdown debut.  It’s not a debut for Gavin DeGraw.  He charted last year with “I Don’t Wanna Be,” which came it at number 27 in Jeff’s 34.  But this is a debut for “Follow Through,” and this is the start of something good.  I dedicate this song to my loving wife, Cindy.  All I really want is you, you to stick around, I see it everyday, but you have to follow through. 

#30 – "Jump" by Van Halen:  As one of only three songs to have been included in all previous Jeff’s Countdowns, “Jump” becomes the first of those three to make an appearance in the Jeff’s 35 Countdown.  We will have to wait until later in the countdown to see if the other two songs, “The Safety Dance” and “Piano Man”, will make their 15^th straight appearance as well.  The way things have been going for Van Halen, the 15^th appearance for “Jump” could be its last.  After spending 3 separate years at #2, this song fell outside of the Top Ten in Jeff’s 31, and has been sliding downward ever since.  I dedicate this song to Lance Armstrong.  After watching Lance win his 6^th straight Tour de France in 2004, I re-dedicated myself to bicycling in 2005, and ended the year having logged more than 1,800 miles on the bicycle, just a few hundred miles short of a full Tour de France.  All that riding helped my “jumping” skills and stamina, which in turn helped me lead my Appleton South volleyball team to the Gore ‘A’ League Championship (more on that subject later in the countdown…).  So thank you Lance for the inspiration and good luck with your retirement.  I’ll certainly miss watching you whip up on the French. 

#31 – "Crazy" by Seal:  This song makes its 7^th consecutive appearance in the countdown, its third straight at #31.  I dedicate this one to former countdown stalwart, Alanis Morrisette.  After having a strong countdown presence in the mid 1990’s, following the release of her highly successful album, “Jagged Little Pill,” Alanis has fallen on hard times.  Her latest attempt at returning to countdown glory was a remake of this song.  But she failed on two fronts.  The song wasn’t different enough from Seal’s version to merit any stylistic affirmations, and it wasn’t any better than Seal’s version either.  So I’m sticking once again with Seal in the #31 spot, as I proclaim that we’re never gonna survive, unless, we get a little crazy…

#32 – "Photograph" by Nickelback:  Nickelback is quickly becoming my new favorite band.  In fact, perhaps they have already achieved that status, as evidenced by the fact that with this song, they become just the 4^th artist to chart 4 different songs in the Jeff’s Countdown.  Nickelback joins Seal and Matchbox Twenty, as the only acts to chart 4 times, and those acts all trail Billy Joel who had 5 songs reach the Jeff’s Countdown in Countdown History.  Photograph is a great tune, and it tells a great story about how we all like to reminisce about what life was like in our younger years.  I dedicate this song to Susan Sidoriak.  I remember Susan had this friend (I don’t remember her name, but I’ll refer to her as Sherri, since that’s my best effort at a guess) Sherri, who would hang out with us sometimes, and inevitability, at some point in the evening she would ask Susan to get out the high school yearbook so they could reminisce.  Mind you this was probably only a year or two after they had graduated.  Finally I had found someone even cornier than me… Susan, if you’re reading this, please let me know what ever happened to “Sherri” and let me know how close I was to getting the name right…

#33 – "Hollaback Girl" by Gwen Stefani:  The Jeff’s Countdown detractors may pass this song off as Fluffy Pop, but I decided Gwen deserved a spot in this year’s countdown after I rigorously studied her body of work this past year.  (Female readers please note I did say ‘body of work’ and not ‘body’).  Song’s from Gwen’s solo debut, “Love.Angel.Music.Baby,” such as “Rich Girl”, “Cool”, and “Luxurious” all deserved countdown consideration.  But I choose “Hollaback Girl” for this countdown, and dedicate it to my daughters Allison and Courtney, because with this song, Gwen helped them learn how to spell bananas:  “B-A-N-A-N-A-S”.  By substituting other fruits and snacks, my girls also learned to spell other words such as “watermelon”, “cantaloupe”, and “yogurt.”  So thank you Gwen for helping my kids learn to spell, good luck with the baby you are expecting, and thanks again for putting together such a great body (of work).

#34 – "Pretty Vegas" by INXS:  The Aussie band INXS make their Jeff’s Countdown debut with a song that is also a debut for their new lead singer, JD Fortune.  I like this song a lot, but the thing that amazes me is that the sound of the band with this new lead singer is exactly the same as it was with their former lead singer, the late Michael Hutchense.  I dedicate this song to the man who was the best man at my wedding 7 ½ years ago, Chris Mertes.  Chris moved to Las Vegas shortly after my wedding.  Since moving to Vegas, Chris has served me well as a contributor to my Fantasy Football League, the ESFFL.  Each week during the season, Chris compiles the “Vegas Odds & Point Spreads” Section of the ESFFL website.  It’s a feature that has created some controversy over the years, but it is enjoyed by me and many of my fellow members of the ESFFL.  Thanks Chris.  This one’s for you in appreciation of your efforts.

#35 – "Peaches" by The Presidents of the United States of America:  When you turn 13 years old, you are able to enter a PG-13 rated movie without parental supervision (ironically enough, the PG-13 category was created just a few weeks after I turned 13).   At 16, (in most states) you can legally drive a car.  At age 17, you can get into an R movie without your parents or into a NC-17 movie as well.  At 18, you can vote and join the military.  At age 21, you are finally able to purchase and publicly posses alcoholic beverages legally.  At 25, you can rent a car without 10 feet of red tape and a dozen hoops to jump through.  That leaves age 35 as the final milestone age one reaches before receiving their AARP Card at age 50.  At age 35 a U.S. Citizen like me, is finally able to become President of The United States of America.  That means I’ll be one-up on Arnold Swarznegger.  To celebrate eligibility for President, there is perhaps no better band to kick things off than The Presidents of The United States of America themselves.  “Peaches” is a countdown debut, but it’s a song that’s been around for more than 10 years.  Previous countdown entries from the Presidents include “Tiki God” in Jeff’s 26, and “Naked and Famous” in Jeff’s 26 and Jeff’s 27, but the classic “Peaches” has somehow eluded countdown distinction.  No more.  “Peaches” finally receives its due place in the annals of Jeff’s Countdown history as the opening song in the Jeff’s 35 Countdown.