White House to host 'Big Block of Cheese Day' virtual open house on January 29

WASHINGTON, Jan. 27 (UPI) -- The White House is opening its virtual doors Wednesday as it hosts the very first web-based open house, which it has dubbed "Big Block of Cheese Day."

President Barack Obama is launching the inaugural virtual open house to emphasize his message that "the White House is truly 'The People's House,'" and wants America to know that his administration is "open and accessible."

To promote the day, White House press secretary Jay Carney enlisted two alums from the former West Wing TV show, Bradley Whitford and Josh Malina, to film a short clip about a day they argue should be called "Code Gouda" or "Operation Cheddar."

Why "Big Block of Cheese Day?" It's an historical nod to the nation's seventh president, Andrew Jackson. On February 22, 1837, President Jackson opened the doors of the White House to the general public, allowing thousands to mingle with White House cabinet members and staff -- and to munch on a big block of cheddar cheese that measured four feet by two feet and weighed in at 1,400 pounds.

On Wednesday's "Big Block of Cheese Day," dozens of White House officials will answer the public's questions in real-time during a day-long virtual open house. Questions may be submitted through Twitter, Facebook, Tumble, Instagram, and Google+ Hangout in advance and on Wednesday using the hashtag #AsktheWH.

[White House]