What is A Neocon?

Gordon Gecko over at the Taxman Blog asks this question:

But can somebody explain to me what the distinction is between a neo conservative and a plain ordinary vanilla conservative.

Coincidentally, the other day I was listening to a podcast on just such a topic.

Scott Horton interviews Jim Lobe

If anyone is interested in hearing about the intellectual origins and evolution of the neo-conservative movement, from the Trotskyite Left all the way into the heights of the Bush administration, give it a listen. Its about 55 minutes in length, but well worth the time.