please join me in welcoming kurt neumann. [applause] it's hard to know what to say after the owner and proprietor of this iconic institution here in washington, d.c. introduces you when you think about politics and prose, i feel like i need it. it's a special moment for me to see all of you but if i want to say a special moment they've been longtime friends of mine. i know this isn't supposed to be about children's national, it's about my book. it is when your three kids were playing soccer [inaudible] they were all terrific athletes and i know because i coached one of them so it is an honor to be here and i want to thank you. the staff has been terrific at hosting the official launch. this is an institution that hasn't been around as long as almost 150 years and it's just wonderful to be in this room and see the faces that make children's what it is and therefore make this the possib possible. i could use my entire time thinking people around the room and there are so many i could thank. there's lots of great stories but i'm