Some people struggle to act grateful for symbolic gifts from friends or colleagues. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta is not one of those people. Today, the Pentagon issued this photo of Panetta receiving a plate from Chinese Defense Minister General Liang Guanglie as a gift during his visit to China this week. It's a precious moment, and an inspiration to everyone receiving something they never wanted nor will they ever use. Queen Elizabeth: take note.

We're just glad to see Panetta's having more fun on the job these days. The expression on his face, captured by the Associated Press, looked like he was signing up for a root canal.

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John Hudson