I remember an episode where Tommy impressed the folks in the diner by reciting all the U.S. presidents in their correct sequece. This was followed by obligatory audience applause. Was this "canned applause" like they have canned laughter ? Also, does anyone know if Tommy actually recited these without help ?

I am sure he memorized those names like he did his scripts. And no, that was no canned laughter. I believe the audience was really surprised at how he rolled off those names and gave him the applause because of how well he did it.

I remember an episode where Tommy impressed the folks in the diner by reciting all the U.S. presidents in their correct sequece.

I was able to do that in 3rd grade, The Teacher asked each of us to name as many Presidents as we could in order from George Washington to Lyndon Johnson without missing or getting any out of order.

We took turns alphabetically and I was the ninth one to try and rattled them off very quickly. I'll never forget the look on my Teacher's face because I was probably the one student that she didn't expect to get them all correct. :lol:

We had to do the state capitals, but not the presidents.

My boyfriend knows all the state capitals. I try and ask him out of the blue, "What is the capital of _____?" just to test him and he says it without hesitation.

It still comes in handy on Jeopardy, and other shows, both knowing the capitals and the presidents. If I ever got on one, it would be the first thing I would study up on, that and maybe Shakespeare !

I loved the lines between Alice and Tommy after he finished reciting the presidents:

Alice: That's great Tommy but you forgot Nixon.
Tommy: Oh, everybody is trying to forget him.


LOL. That was funny!

I loved the lines between Alice and Tommy after he finished reciting the presidents:

Alice: That's great Tommy but you forgot Nixon.
Tommy: Oh, everybody is trying to forget him.


LOL. That was funny!
That moment reminds me of the scene in Good Times when Michael makes a remark abt Nixon as well...

Michael: "Ain't no blacks named Nixon." After Florida told Michael abt respecting the father of our country, George Washington and she went on to say how most black people carry the name of the presidents. :lol:

YES! I loved that!

So did I. The look on Michael's face as he said it was perfect. Now that scene was a foot-stomping moment. :clap:

I can recite the presidents.

I didn't know most black people carry the name of a president! Why is that?