My handle is a song written by Bob Weir that was regularly performed by The Grateful Dead. They first performed it on October 19, 1971, at Northrop Auditorium, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, and it soon became a staple in their sets, often to open a show.
The origin of the name is interesting:
A mysterious figure dating from the Great Revolt of 1381, aka the Peasants' Revolt, or Wat Tyler's Rebellion. The revolt was in response to heavy and frequent taxes, and started in Essex at the end of May, 1381, though most events were concentrated in June of that year. Jack Straw is a figure of some controversy.
There is also a Jack Straw in Tennessee Williams' Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Act One:
Maggie: "...when he was just overseer here on the old Jack Straw and Peter Ochello place."
jackstraw n. 1. Plural. A game played with a pile of straws or thin sticks, with the players attempting in turn to remove a single stick without disturbing the others. Used with a singular verb. Also called "spilikins." 2. One of the straws or sticks used in this game. Also called spilikin.
I have used this handle for years on various sites that require a sign in name.
Jack Straw was appointed Leader of the House of Commons in May 2006 with responsibility for Lords Reform and Party Funding. Previously he was Secretary of State for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
Like Coventry Cat, I use Jack Straw as a sign in to play MSN hearts, and am often referred to as "Mr. Secretary".
I see a new member is, also, using this handle.
