Reading over the World Economic Forum regional meet agenda, I see they have me down for four panels in addition to the keynote, where I follow Harvey Mansfield, whom I missed taking a class from at Harvard. I'll pack my biggest pair ...

Besides old buddy Minxin Pei, I also see Thomas Schelling and Martin Wolf. I think Pei's the only one I might be on stage with. Too bad, because you rub shoulders when you can (briefing Henry Kissinger--in the front row--last year at Knoxville and hearing his feedback remains one of those treasured professional moments). I've exchanged emails with Wolf (his book on "why globalization works" remains the serious standard), but have never crossed paths with legendary Schelling.

I'll be equally fascinated with the "class" (as opposed to us "faculty"). I'm hoping for a real mix from all over Asia.

Guess I'll have to consider Sea-Tac a decent warm-up ....

Just to be clear, this isn't the "dream date" scenario from earlier. That's a Stateside deal later this fall. Another gig too "prestigious" to pay!