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Thank Hanks For The Coffee

SCOTT SIMON, HOST:

What do you give enemies of the people? When members of the White House press corps came to work this week, they found a shiny, pricey Italian espresso machine and coffee pods with a typed note. (Reading) To the White House press corps, keep up the good fight for truth, justice and the American way, especially for the truth part, Tom Hanks.

The noted actor and one-time host of Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me has been kindly keeping the White House press corps caffeinated over the past two administrations. White House reporters, including NPR's Tamara Keith, tweeted thanks. Thank you, Tom Hanks, said Tamara. The espresso is delicious and this machine is a little more idiot proof than the last - that's important for reporters.

Traditional news business ethical guidelines usually advise reporters not to accept any gifts that can't be eaten or drunk within 24 hours. So at least the cappuccino itself would seem to apply. But be suspicious if you see a lot of reporters suddenly write that "Turner & Hooch," a 1989 film that starred Tom Hanks and Beasley the dog, deserved an Oscar. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.

Scott Simon is one of America's most admired writers and broadcasters. He is the host of Weekend Edition Saturday and is one of the hosts of NPR's morning news podcast Up First. He has reported from all fifty states, five continents, and ten wars, from El Salvador to Sarajevo to Afghanistan and Iraq. His books have chronicled character and characters, in war and peace, sports and art, tragedy and comedy.