Washy Ad Jeffy
When I was a wee lad my father taught me the greatest mnemonic device in the history of mnemonic devices. It’s called “Washy Ad Jeffy” and it’s a little jingle/rhyme thingie that helps you remember the order of all the US presidents and how many terms (or partial terms) they served – the number of syllables in the nickname is the number of terms. My father learned it from Mrs. Govan, his 8th grade history teacher at Memorial Junior High School in Ohio. He believes she made it up, but he’s not entirely sure. At the time he learned it, and of course when he taught it to me, it only went up to Eisenhower. I have added to it over the years, so really it’s a collaboration between Mrs. Govan (maybe?) and me.
I’ve always wanted to set this to music, and with the recent intense primary season, it came back into my mind again. I added the little B section in which I tell all the little children that they can be president too someday, a possibility that has already become that much more possible for many kids, regardless of what happens in November. So yeah, this one’s for the Democrats: both of them.
Below is the video of me recording it – there’s no multi-tracking, it’s all live (I’m playing a tambourine and an empty kitty litter jug with my feet). And to save you the trouble of extracting the audio, I’ve made an mp3 as well:
Washy Ad Jeffy
You can get it for free or else pay for it, your choice.
UK Plans
(UPDATE: someone pointed out to me that Dublin is not actually in the UK, and that really I should be talking about my trip to the UK and Ireland. I assure you this is geographical stupidity and not a political statement, proof of which is my recent email blast saying that Pittsburgh was in NY. I don’t like to make political statements, as you know.)
I’ve mentioned before the possibility of me returning to the UK for another London show, this time with a longer stay that lets me hit a couple other cities. Well, it’s becoming official. The London show is booked and tickets are now on sale – October 30 at Shepherd’s Bush Empire. Yes, I know it’s very big. And I think I’m bringing Paul and Storm with me.
The rest of the trip is less certain right now, but it may look something like this (I don’t know which dates, if any, will also include Paul and Storm):
Oct 24: Dublin
Oct 25: Glasgow
Oct 29: Manchester
Oct 30: London – Shepherd’s Bush Empire
Oct 31: Nottingham – Game City
Nov 1: Oxford
That list is all very tentative, so don’t go making travel plans quite yet. I’ll give you more details when I know them…
Final Seattle Videos (Finally)
Here is the dramatic conclusion of “From Behind a Beard,” the story of my trip to the Northwest last month (oops, I mean April). Here is episode 4, my second day in Seattle:
And here is episode 5, basically episode 1 in reverse:
Cinci, Columbus, Pittsburgh
Three great shows – not the many-numbered throngs I am used to in coastal cities, but enthusiastic nonetheless. Plus, there was at least one boob signing opportunity, which really when you think about it is sort of what rock and roll is all about. Many thanks to everyone who came out to see us – if you’ve got set lists or photos, remember the wiki is always ready to gratefully receive your informations.
NYC is next on the 21st – I hear the place is sold out of actual seats, so it’s SRO from here on out. Don’t delay!
Also, it’s hot here!
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