You've all heard of "the Six Degrees of Separation"? That's the theory that everybody in the world can be connected by a chain of 6 people or less. I don't know how valid this theory is, but I do know that I can connect Julie and I to President Obama not once, not twice, but THREE times, through six people or less.

Here it goes.

Julie's mother and father are well known in their hometown of Peoria IL. Being involved in the community for most of their adult lives has afforded them the opportunity to meet many of the mover and shakers of P-town. One such person is former Congressman turned Secretary of Transportation Ray Lahood. Mr Lahood was hand-picked for his position, and works daily with President Obama...I myself have met Mr. Lahood a few times, once at his daughter's wedding (Julie's mother is best friends with the mother of Brian Smith, the young man who married Ms. Lahood) but I couldn't just call him up and chat, so I don't count him as a direct link...so we go from me, to Julie's Dad, to Mr. Lahood, to the President ...two degrees of separation.

Julie's brother-in-law is Scott R., who is also from Peoria. Scott's parents are next door neighbors of Mr Lahood. Julie and I are very well acquainted with Scott's parents. Soooo, from Julie, to the Rouzers, to Lahood, to the Prez...also two degrees of separation.

Finally; a friend of mine, David M. , has been friends of the Obamas for years; David's wife does hair and makeup for the First Lady. David has been a friend of mine for years, and would definitely call him a direct connection to the President. Me, David, the President.. One degree of separation.

Pretty cool huh?

Now one would think that with all these close ties to the White House that I'd be able to, I don't know, get some of that sweet stimulus money? An ambassadorship? Hell, I'd even take an autographed picture. But no. I get nothing!

I guess that's what I get for voting for one of them people...you know what I mean, a White Sox fan.