Rumours are swirling that U.S. president Barack Obama may make an unofficial stop at the Nino Ricci web site in the coming weeks after a bookstore mix-up landed Ricci’s novel The Origin of Species on the President’s desk.
“I guess he was planning a visit to Texas and wanted to read up on his Darwin,” said a source close to sources in the Washington rumour mill. “By accident the bookstore sent him the Ricci book instead.”
When the book failed to appear in White House recycling bins, speculation grew that the President’s curiosity had been piqued. “Who is this guy?” he allegedly commented. A Google search by White House intelligence services quickly tracked down the Ricci web site, and the idea of a visit was born.
The secrecy and security surrounding such a visit is extreme, and nothing is known of its timing or itinerary. Said Ricci, “Frankly, I’m happy if he just pops into my home page for a couple of minutes. Though I’d love to show him around the gallery and the archives.”
As for the upshot of the visit, Ricci is keeping his hopes modest. “What would be great is if some right wing religious group got wind of the visit and started organizing book burnings and that kind of thing. That would really boost sales. But to be honest I’m just kind of amazed the book ever made it past White House security.”
President Obama could not be reached for comment.
What did you learn in school today? Sharing.
It would have been a whole different kettle o’ fish (kettle o’ *steak*?) if it had been the *last* US president who had visited Texas “and wanted to read up on his Darwin” …
;-D