Where Am I?
Where am I that a boy floated away in a balloon this week and it was a huge news story? Really – is this the big news we should be focusing on? I am actually more curious about the state of Afghanistan and the Jonhsonifcation of Obama (I believe Obama is failing into the exact footsteps of LBJ).
News never seems to fail my low expectations of it. There is always some gimmick or tricky slogan like “balloon boy” (which unfortunately he will be referred to for the rest of his life) and little or no real content. (in my opinion of course)
Obviously I am not a news professional and will not pretend to think I know what sells (ratings) – but I will say I wish the news took 10 minutes out of each hour broadcast to focus on a story of hope instead of the gimmicky drama. Perhaps we could then all pull together and become more in the know about the important things in life.
I remember a year or so ago – the actors on Guiding Light actually went around and worked with Habitat for Humanity and then showed clips of them working on the project – it was really cool – not to mention very kind.
Perhaps if we learned/saw more about some of the good things going on around us, we would be more aware of ways to help, organize, and make a difference…even by doing something small.
So where am I – I am in America no doubt, fed up with the media and hopeful our generation will make a difference!
Experience the Inauguration
Amanda Congdon does not disappoint with the latest installment of <a href="http://sometimesdaily.com/. If you want to see a really cool look into what it was like to be in DC for the inauguration – take a few minutes and Sometimes Daily”>watch the awesome video they put together. Like usual – great work guys!
US Inauguration Traditions
Yesterday for the first time I actually got the chance (or remember) to see a lot of the activities prior to the actual presidential inauguration. As someone that absolutely loves history – yesterday was so magical for so many reasons.
First of all – to see over 2 million people peacefully (no arrests) come together to share this moment was amazing. It really shows you that we are an incredible and good hearted people. There were so many stories of strangers becoming friends and enjoying the company of the person to the left or right of them.
Second of all – I got to witness a lot of the traditions that I never saw before because of school, work, etc. After seeing them – I did some research so I could provide a few interesting facts that even my sister might appreciate.
- George Washington was sworn in on April 30, 1789 in New York City. He understood the importance of it all, but decided to wear very plain clothes to show he was a man of the people.
- Thomas Jefferson was the first president to be sworn in as president in Washington, DC.
- When Adams got sworn in – many of the people there paid more attention on the Washingtons leaving – so now it is custom that the ex-president leave quietly after the ceremony so all attention is on the president-elect.
- Any book can be used to administer the oath. What would I use? One of my LBJ biographies of course.
- In 1949, Harry Truman was the first president to have his inauguration on nationwide TV
- In 2009, Jennifer Zelazny watched the ceremonies for the first time ever streamed on cbs.com
Best of all – there is such a sense of hope from so many individuals that never felt it. To see them so happy, so excited, and looking into the future with such promise…it is really inspiring. Let’s hope that Obama can turn things around!
Brr…
Thankfully I do not have to take the train to work, and walk across the Chicago river on days like today. We have been having highs in the negative degrees the last few days and it has been really challenging to even open the door. It is so cold that A has not had school for the last two days due to them not wanting the kids to have to wait for the bus in the morning. Poor Colby can barely make it out in the backyard for over five minutes.
Funny how I now look forward to this weekends’ temperatures in the 20s (which will crazily be a 30+ degree temperature increase). Time to play a little Tiger Woods Golf on the Wii (oh yeah Doug – I got it so feel free to get it so we can play together!) and think of warmer times!
Another quick note – this is finally the last weekend of W’s term in office…finally! I did not know if or how we would make to this point so some champagne is definitely in order. Best of luck to Obama – he definitely has a lot of work to do.
Not a Late Night at All!
I was ready to spend my entire evening and early morning glued to to TV on election night as there would surely be some sort of controversy with voting – but the winner was clear..all before 11pm CST. I thought both Obama and McCain gave great speeches. Seeing McCain give his speech was like seeing the old MacCain I could have voted for in 2000. I thought Obama’ speech was perfect. He is a strong, confident, intelligent force and I hope good things will come of the next four years. All in all – I was happy to see both men graciously accept their future roles in American history.