John Bolton vs. Josh Bolten (OK, Michael Bolton, too)

John Bolton and Josh Bolten are two names in politics that are easy to switch up.

John Bolton is the bushy-stached ambassador to the U.N.; he was nominated in March 2005. (He was a recess appointment by Bush after the Democrats' filibuster of his nomination. Remember that?)

Josh Bolten was named President Bush's second chief of staff in March 2006 after Andrew Card resigned.

Mnemonic device: The N in John is for U.N.; the S in Josh in for chief of staff.

But how to remember the EN vs ON? This is a double-stretch, but so are most of my mnemonic devices, so I'll share it anyway: John Bolton is on a world tour as ambassador. Josh Bolten is in the White House. (See? Terrible. But it works for me.)

Luckily, I don't have to spell Michael Bolton's name very often. But I can remember that he's also a character on "Office Space."

Samir: Why don't you just go by Mike instead of Michael?
Michael Bolton: No way. Why should I change? He's the one who sucks.