That was quite a performance by President Bush last Monday, delivering what he called the "ultimate exit interview." The president was alternately charming, somber, playful and defiant — just as he has been throughout his eight years as commander in chief. With less than a week to go as president, Bush deserved the stage, the attention and a chance to offer a final report on his achievements and failures.

The only problem was, President Bush offered more wishful thinking than thoughtful reflection, more spin than truth.

History will be the judge of whether he got things right, Bush said. This is true. A starting point for those historians will be to understand that Bush's imprint on some policies has been so profound that the mere mention of certain words conjures up powerful, deeply disturbing emotions.

For example:

Katrina. Abu Ghraib. Guantanamo. Weapons of mass destruction. Waterboarding. Domestic spying. Rendition.

Historians aren't likely to sugar-coat what these words have come to symbolize. Just as the words "Watergate" and "Monica Lewinsky" have come to stand for the wrongs of former presidents Richard Nixon and Bill Clinton, respectively, so, too, will Bush carry his own rich lexicon into history.

Despite President Nixon's other achievements and the passage of time, history is no kinder to him today than it was 35 years ago. He is remembered for the criminal enterprise he ran out of the White House.

President Bush admitted that putting the "Mission Accomplished" banner on a Navy carrier was a mistake. He spoke of great pride in his decision-making, and said he hasn't second-guessed any decision he made.

That's a pity. Some of those decisions, such as invading Iraq based on bogus information, have cost thousands of Americans and many thousands more Iraqis their lives.

Of Bush's many self-delusions, his assertion of having kept the nation safe for 7½½ years of his tenure is the most offensive. The 9/11 attacks occurred nine months into Bush's presidency, and intelligence reports show that the White House was warned that al-Qaida was determined to strike in this country.

There is no do-over for keeping the nation safe. No president gets a trial run where the first attack doesn't count. Bush's steadfast earnestness is admirable. But history isn't so starry-eyed.

— The Miami Herald

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Apple founder Steve Jobs is one of the few business executives with a rock star-like following. For Apple, that is both a blessing and a curse.

That's why news last week that Jobs was taking a leave of absence for health reasons drove down the company's stock.

Apple fans, employees, investors and competitors have been keeping a close watch on Jobs' health and noticeable weight loss for some time.

Recently, Jobs tried to calm fears in a letter explaining that he had a "hormone imbalance." But the murkiness of the letter only fueled concern surrounding Jobs' illness.

All of the concern and speculation underscores how much of an impact Jobs has had on Apple in particular and on technology in general.

Like it or not, given Jobs' stature, he should be more forthcoming about what actually ails him.

Jobs helped found the company in 1976. Apple's Mac computers had a cult-like following, and drove innovation throughout the desktop computer industry.

After a decade away from the company, Jobs returned in 1997 and almost single-handedly turned the company around.

Its iPod music players and iPhone have sold millions and are known for their ease of use and technological innovation.

Best case, Jobs will soon be back on the job. And Apple will keep churning out cool products.