Rep. Bud Cramer (TN) intros Rep. Zach Wamp (TN) intros Gen/Dr. Frank Akers (sort of my contractual boss at Oak Ridge lab) who intros me to keynote the morning session of TVA's big annual conference (Gen. George Casey did the lunch, which I unfortunately miss to catch a plane).

I go maybe 25-30 (supposed to go 15) and deliver a 25-slide package that's almost entirely Great Powers, so delivery was halting (my perception) and meandering a bit (I discover slides when I find myself waving my arms too much and trying to "paint" solely with words), but it seemed to go over well.

At least Zach Wamp liked it.

Then Wamp and Cramer lead a panel discussion built around me, including two university presidents (AL at Huntsville and UTenn) and the head of the Oak Ridge Associated Universities group.

Wamp, right on the clock, cuts me loose at 0955 and I beat back to the attached hotel, swap out clothes, and catch my arranged shuttle to the airport for a flight through Charlotte to RDU.

Another speech tomorrow.

Got word today that deal is set for me to deliver speech to big Blackwater event later this year. I am psyched.

Also got word from Neil Nyren that he needs some advance chapters from GP to shop around at Putnam sales meet coming up. That excites but also scares. Neil's the man, so turning over the goodies is fraught with meaning!