It’s looking more like an Obama-nation
Now that Barack Obama has been sworn in as president of the
United States, it’s time to reflect on events of this past week.
Yes, here’s all the inaugural news you never wanted to know. And
yes, these items are all true:
– On Tuesday, the Harlem Globetrotters wore No. 44 jerseys in
the two games they played. All the players. The jerseys were donned
in honor of our 44th president, a noted basketball fan. This must
have made it an interesting challenge for the referees.
It’s looking more like an Obama-nation
Now that Barack Obama has been sworn in as president of the United States, it’s time to reflect on events of this past week. Yes, here’s all the inaugural news you never wanted to know. And yes, these items are all true:
– On Tuesday, the Harlem Globetrotters wore No. 44 jerseys in the two games they played. All the players. The jerseys were donned in honor of our 44th president, a noted basketball fan. This must have made it an interesting challenge for the referees.
– Ben & Jerry’s came out with a new flavor just in time for the big event. It’s called “Yes, Pecan!” So what happened to “Baracky Road”?
– Not only did all the major TV networks and cable news shows have coverage of the presidential inauguration, so did some that were not so obvious. Nickelodeon, the kids’ channel, sent a reporting team. Also providing coverage was QVC, the shopping channel. To which we say: Huh?
– A new Web site was set up to save guests at the inauguration balls from wearing the same dress as someone else. Dressregistry.com invited partygoers to post the designer, color and length of their outfit prior to the inauguration bashes in Washington, D.C.
Web site organizers didn’t guarantee its free service; and no word yet on how well it worked for those who participated.
– And speaking of the inaugural balls, of which there were dozens, one of the ones that sounded like fun was the Mambo For Obama, an event celebrating Latin culture and heritage. Black-tie optional, and only $75 per person … or maybe you would have preferred the Lincoln 2.0 ball, to which either black tie or Victorian attire was acceptable.
Or you could have joined the 10,000 who went to the Texas State Society inaugural ball, held in spite of the fact that there’s no Texan in the White House this time around.
– If the Obamas had a dog, no doubt it would wear the special dog sweatshirt being sold as a commemorative inauguration item. The cotton hoodie shows off the Obama campaign symbol, with the addition of dots that make it look like a paw print.
Apparently there’s also an Obama lava lamp, if you’re so inclined. As well as a whole host of other items celebrating this historic event, no doubt most of them made in China.
– Presidential inaugurations have not always been boring affairs. At Andrew Jackson’s inauguration, an unruly mob made its way into the White House and smashed dishes and furniture. Fast-thinking officials got the mob out of the building by spiking punch and placing it in troughs outside.
– Some people were bound and determined to get to Washington, D.C., for the inauguration. Just as determined to get away from the hubbub were some D.C. residents, who made plans to be out of town while the inauguration was doing on. Some were doing house swaps; others were simply traveling. Tour packages specifically aimed at those fleeing enticed them to West Virginia and Florida.
– And last but not least, one of the entries picked for the Washington parade following the inauguration was a lawnmower drill team from Arcola, Ill.
The World Famous Lawn Rangers from Amazing Arcola said about 40 members of the group – which performs elaborately choreographed routines with push lawnmowers and twirling broomsticks – were there for the big event.
“We’re quite honored to be included in this great inaugural parade,” Lawn Ranger founder Pat Monahan told UPI. “It’s a new dawn for our country and we’re excited about it.”
Pat, I couldn’t have said it any better myself.
