Nearly everyone in my office is working from home today. The option wasn’t presented until I had already left for the day, and my office laptop stayed on my desk, so I’m here, working! [Seriously, it's going to be a great day to get things done. My goal? Inboxes, paper and electronic, ZERO. Just as soon as hit "publish" on this puppy.]

Why is everyone at home? The circus White House is coming! President Obama is scheduled to speak this afternoon, about 100 yards from my building. There are a few brick walls in between, and the event is by invitation only, so that’s about as close as I will get. If I am making good progress I’ll watch the webcast.

As I type this, a good four hours before the President will take the podium, helicopters are already overhead. The University Center, where he will speak, closed over an hour ago. Barriers are staged all over campus, ready to be put in place at the appropriate time. Don’t get me wrong. I’m a fan of the President. He wasn’t my first choice but he was my last one and I still feel very good about that choice. It’s just disruptive to a lot of people.

There is a little humor to be found of course. One of our faculty summed it up nicely. Good thing I know where I’ll be able to get a great hot dog on Saturday.