Above, a note posted in the White House briefing room (Photo: Carrie Devorah)>

As we noted earlier, it's Helen Thomas' birthday. The following note has been posted to the National Press Club's blog:

Helen Thomas Recuperates; Notes from NPC Members Welcome

After a long hospitalization for a major infection, Helen Thomas is recuperating at a rehab center. She says she is "getting better all the time."

Helen is on an extended leave from her job as a columnist for Hearst Newspapers, but she is busy formulating probing questions for W as well as for our future president.

Notes are welcome through her agent: Helen Thomas c/o Nine Speakers Inc. 2501 Calvert St. NW, Suite 909, Washington DC 20008 or ninespeakers@usa.net