Obama comes from a working class background and is basically a self-made man. He is the ultimate proof that upward social mobility is still possible in America. What advice would he have for other Americans also seeking to move upward?

I realize that you are probably not going to get to ask such a question, but it would be awesome if you did, so I have to give it a shot.

You never know. He DOES like to answer questions like that, but this will not be like the time I had with him two years ago, where I had a whole hour. He'll be making the rounds, and last year there were over 100 people, and he only hung around for half an hour or so. If I get more than a moment, I'll try to put the question to him.

It makes me feel honored that you would attempt to ask it for me.

I wish that were the hardest task anyone had asked of me this week!

It's printed out and in my laptop case.

Right now we are trying to shake off a icky cold snap!

Here in Central Europe, we are having the warmest November since temperatures have been recorded, and yet back home in Dallas, I hear it snowed last week! I called my brother to confirm, and he told me it was 17°, which I thought was very mild, indeed, until I remembered he was talking Fahrenheit. BRRRRR!

That said we're supposed to be back in the 70's on Monday -- go figure.

Last winter it was so cold I thought I was back in NY State.

I was in DC for the WH thing and then again in NYC for the first week in January. A Russian colleague of mine was there (in NY, that is), too. He was complaining about how cold it was, and he is originally from Siberia! I reminded him that being from Siberia, he had no right to bitch to me about the cold in New York City. He reminded me to shut up because he was freezing his ass off all the same.

Have a great visit!

I assume there will be pictures, eventually?

Last year, their written thing specifically said no cameras. So who, like a good obedient citizen didn't bring a camera. Me. And ONLY me!!! Everyone else ignored the request, and the WH security apparently didn't have a problem with it. I was the only one who DIDN'T get great pics last year.

Will you be on TV?

I can't promise anything about the weather, but just so you know... that is 2 days after my birthday and we almost always get snow in PA on Dec. 8. Good luck, I'll see if I can keep all the snow north of the Mason-Dixon line for you!

And nor will this event. It never is. I'm rarely on TV, I'm afraid. I am not news LOL!!

However--I WILL be on WBAI, NYC's progressive station the evening of January 7th from 6 to 7 PM, if that helps....

Have a wonderful time. Hope you get to take a picture this time!