[bb88]

You're first question should be, "How much are you willing to pay?". And if they dodge it, it's not a good sign.

Edited to add:

Sure, be polite, but don't be trapped into 8/16/24 hours of interviewing over the course of a week/month/months before only to get a below average offer

[geuis]

My first question is usually "Hey, how are you? Good to meet you."

Politeness usually leads the way.

[tharkun__]

I swear I'm not making this up.

I read Politeness as Pointless until I re-read it a third time.

[bb88]

I saw that as well.

[machomaster]

So you ask a question, but don't allow for it to be answered (because you don't actually care how the person is) and interrupt him.

This is anything but polite.

[dwaltrip]

This is a perfect response, well done good sir. Stay classy